These spy shots of the new Husky 450 were delivered to us with some very limited information, but we’ll tell you everything we know.
This bike has been in the works long before the lackluster introduction of the BMW G450X from which the engine is a direct descendant. In the stargitic move of BMW to acquire Husky, it was apparent the Italian manufacturer had the development on the 250cc four-stroke well along the way but would be needing a boost in the 450cc department, for which BMW was leaps and bounds ahead with its’ design. So the mating process took place and the Italian team shared and furthered the BMW design.
These pictures were taken during a test at Crossodromo Malpensa (Italy) where tester Andrea Bartolini and official Husqvarna Rider, Alex Salvini under Engineer Pierluigi Zampieri (Racing Department Manager) have developed the motorcycle before the official debut that will come soon.
- The frame is all new and is not the hangar-style of the BMW but incorporates a cradle. It is very thin.
- There is an inverted shock linkage that retains the ground clearance of the linkageless design but accelerates the progressiveness of the shock as the swingarm moves. The disadvantage of this design is that they are still using a shorter amount of stroke compared to a more conventional linkage.
- The motor is fuel injected and electric start only.
- The countershaft sprocket, like on the BMW, is centered on the swingarm pivot and runs a tight chain to minimize the torque effect on the suspension.
- This bike is built as a motocross machine and will be adapted to enduro with minimal changes, similar to the way that KTM has so successfully unified their model lines.
- The gas tank is under the seat and where the air box typically is, the air filter is where the gas tank commonly resides.
- The advances to the engine include a hydraulic clutch. The clutch is on the end of the crankshaft and because of this the engine spins in the opposite direction of most engines.
- Kayaba is the suspension supplier.
This bike has already made some secret appearances at races and will be officially debuted at the May 22 GP of Bulgaria for MX while simultaneously showing up in enduro form at the GP of Italy.