The Torture Test - Husaberg/PowersportGrafx Husaberg FE450

About the bike:
The 2009 Husaberg is an amazing bike in stock form. The 'Berg rewrites the book on 4-stroke handling. The majority of the parts are straight from proven KTM models so "teething" problems are not an issue. The fuel injected FE450 has one of the most powerful, tractable engines on the market. With multiple mapping programs available, you can go from mild to wild with a turn of the mapping switch dial. The closed-loop fuel injection system is flawless and saves hours of set-up time when compared to carburetors.

Our focus was to take this remarkable machine to the next level. Taking lessons learned from years of racing KTM's in the eastern US; we have built our first version of a GNCC worthy bike that should be able to do it all. Our goal was to enhance durability with more protection and improve the chassis with proven components. This was accomplished with bolt-on goodies. Even though we have little time with this bike, we do not anticipate the need to make internal engine modifications to the already proven KTM mechanicals.

Starting from the top, we replaced the bars with Renthals twinwall. This is a personal preference, but during the last few GNCC seasons, our race team used them exclusively. For most riders we removed or disabled the crossbar to aid rider comfort. Renthal does not recommend this modification, so do this at your own risk. We learned that the twinwall bar was extremely durable, even with the crossbar removed. We made press-in inserts to mount the Enduro Engineering hand guards. This is a bulletproof solution to the expandable inserts common to all hand guard kits. We also used the EE inner mounts that we have had zero failure with since we began using them. Grips were also a personal preference, but our riders preferred the Renthal Kevlar grips so we installed them and then safety wired them for extra measure.

Topping off the bars is the new Husaberg steering damper. This damper is very compact and appears to be very high quality. We normally do not use a damper but it sure does look trick.

Next up are the Husaberg radiator guards. Crushing a radiator can put an end to a great day of riding so this is a must.

The stock brakes are great, but for added performance, we use the Husaberg racing floating front rotor and wave rear rotor. We also install the Enduro Engineering rear brake hose.

To protect the chain and rear sprocket, we installed the Enduro Engineering chain guide.

Other add-ons include all the billet parts from the Husaberg racing catalog, as well as the frame protectors, carbon fiber pipe guard and aluminum skid plate.

To enhance engine performance, we added the adjustable map switch as well as the Acrophobic spark arrestor muffler.

The biggest improvement for the 450 was the addition of the race proven WP SXS closed chamber forks. We set them up to the same basic specification that we used for our race team bikes. Taking springs and weight distribution into account. We re-valved the stock rear shock. This basic set-up has proven to be optimal for GNCC and Enduro as well as offering superior comfort for the occasional trail ride.

For grip, we use Pirelli tires with Heavy-Duty tubes. In most racing situations, we use solid inserts. The Pirelli tires are a definite advantage "back east".

The final piece was to dress the bike in graphics from Powersport Grafx (ridepg.com). We used one of our standard kits with GripZ(tm) on the shrouds and air box. GripZ(tm) offers just enough grip to help you hold on, but not enough to destroy your riding pants. GripZ(tm) really helps going up and down hills with keeping the bike planted while lessening fatigue.

The bike was built in the Genuine Dirt Racer shop. This was the same shop that we ran our KTM support, GNCC team from for the last two seasons (51 class wins, 6 GNCC championships).

The result has been the basis of a "do-it all" bike for "back east" woods competition and trail riding. It will be interesting to see how it reacts to a lack of trees.

Parts and modifications:
Husaberg racing Parts and Wear
husaberg.com
Available at your local dealer
Factory Fork MX (SXS) $3278.17
Steering Damper w/mounts $809.97
Misc Billet "Bling" $186.94
Aluminum Skid Plate $179.99
Frame Protectors $30.99
Carbon Pipe Guard $148.99
Acrophobic Ti Silencer $582.97
Map Switch $50.99
Floating Front Rotor $179.99
Wave Rear Disk $126.99

Enduro Engineering
enduroeng.com 517-393-2421or your local EE dealer
Hand guards (all parts) $139.25
Rear Brake Hose $39.95

Powersport Grafx
ridepg.com 800-903-6764 or you local PG dealer
Complete Custom GripZ graphic set $232.95
Number Plate Backgrounds $59.95

Genuine Dirt Racer products
genuinedirtracer.com 336-903-0303
Suspension Revalve Front $304.20
Suspension Revalve Rear $230.00
Polished Front Fork Springs .48 $159.90
Renthal Twinwall $119.95
Renthal Kevlar grips $19.95
Pirelli MXMS front tire $92.35
Pirelli MXtra rear tire $100.75