In the following release, Husaberg explains the benefits derived from its new, 2009 engine redesign that lays the cylinder down at a 70 ° angle. Notable among those is the raising, and moving rearward, of the crank rotation to place the principal gyroscopic effect closest to the center of gravity (CG). This should make the bike feel lighter and change direction more easily.
Here is Husaberg’s announcement.
The new Husaberg generation for 2009 means the launch of a new era for the enduro world. Revolutionary technology and a totally new look are going to turn the offroad scene upside-down and put this traditional brand back on the path to success.
With its uncompromising design, the first prototype caused an uproar back in 1988. Radical weight reduction, a totally unconventional frame construction, plus loads of inventive details and an extremely compact engine added up to a groundbreaking new four-stroke enduro feeling and extra-easy handling.
Twenty years later, Husaberg is once again making history.
Husaberg is adopting an entirely new approach to the enduro concept for its newest generation and has come up with an almost revolutionary engine design with a flat, 70° cylinder angle and electronic fuel injection.
In conjunction with an ultra-modern chassis design, it has created an enduro bike that sets a brand-new benchmark for innovative technology and offroad handling.
- Ultra-modern, 70°, high-performance, OHC 4-stroke engine
- State-of-the-art engine management with electronic injection
- Super-stable chassis with a chrome-moly frame and plastic subframe
- Super-sporty, slim bodywork
- Minimal weight
- Exceptionally easy handling
ENGINE
The heart of the new Husaberg generation is the new SOHC one-cylinder engine with a displacement of 448.6 or 565 cc. In addition to top performance, the developers’ goal was a modern, compact design and a high degree of durability, as well as to position the crankshaft near the overall centre of gravity, thus facilitating the handling by means of the engine design.
70° CYLINDER ANGLE
A shallow cylinder angle of 70° enables the crankshaft to be repositioned more than 100 mm higher and approx. 160 mm further back, which moves the crankshaft’s rotating masses closer to the motorcycle’s centre of gravity.
In this position, the gyroscopic forces generated by the rotating crankshaft have the lowest possible leverage effect on the bike, which results in exceptionally easy handling for a four-stroke, single-cylinder.
The favourable side-effects of the lifted engine are a reduced overall width and notably improved ground clearance – an enormous advantage in narrow, rocky terrain.
CYLINDER HEAD
An overhead camshaft operates the four valves (titanium intake valves) by means of weight-optimized rocker arms and also serves as a centrifuge for the engine ventilation. In comparison to the previous model, minimized oscillating masses, larger valve cross-sections and a shallower valve angle lead to noticeably increased performance and improved rideability in the lower load range. A magnesium cylinder head cover that is set at an angle facilitates maintenance considerably.
ENGINE MANAGEMENT
State-of-the-art Keihin engine management ensures exceptionally smooth responsiveness and handling in addition to increased performance. The cylinder’s air supply comes through a 42-mm throttle body in a direct downdraught from the airbox positioned within the fuel tank, which means optimum flow and therefore maximum performance.
Automatic choke, temperature and height compensation are also state of the art.
LUBRICATION SYSTEM
A positive displacement pump reliably supplies oil for all the essential components, such as the crankshaft, pistons and valve train, while a suction pump draws excess oil out of the cylinder head and sends it back to the transmission. And now that there’s only one oil filter, maintenance is easier.
ELECTRIC STARTER
Why have a kick-starter, when the bike can be reliably started at the touch of a button? Thanks to the precisely functioning, ultra-modern engine management system, the engine starts straight away in every situation. That’s why a kick-starter could be eliminated, to keep the weight to a minimum.
CLUTCH
The clutch was designed for extreme loads too, with an integrated cush drive and increased oil supply. The system also receives top marks for precise application, thanks to the new Magura hydraulic clutch operation.
CHASSIS
The new engine concept also breaks the mould when it comes to the chassis. The highest priorities for the Husaberg engineers were: a weight distribution that facilitates handling, the incorporation of high-quality components, the lowest possible weight and super-sporty bodywork with enduro-ready ergonomics.
FRAME
A new chrome molybdenum frame with a perimeter design ensures the greatest torsional rigidity and reliable tracking stability at a minimum weight. Due to the upright design of the engine, the tubes that pass beneath it were given an extremely slender construction and drawn further toward the back. That allows the bike to have the narrowest overall width and more ground clearance – a huge advantage in difficult terrain.
SUBFRAME
Why must it always be metal, when high-strength plastics suffice? Guided by this motto, Husaberg’s developers have constructed the subframe out of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). In addition to reduced weight and increased rigidity, this material offers a free choice of shape. This means that numerous electric components can be safely installed in the back of the bike, and an opening in the side beneath the seat acts as a handle, so the rider can come to grips with the bike in rough terrain.
SWINGARM
Shaped to follow the bending moment, the die-cast swingarm is connected to the directly linked PDS shock and was constructed so that both arms exhibit the same flex properties. That provides the greatest tracking stability and plenty of traction and comfort.
UPSIDE-DOWN FORKS
The fully adjustable, 48-mm upside-down forks from WP Suspension guarantee sensitive responsiveness and high damping reserves. Thanks to their broad set-up range, the forks can be ideally adjusted for the riding surface and rider.
The CNC-machined triple clamps guarantee the greatest precision and stability.
PDS SHOCK
The fully adjustable PDS shock from WP with a lightweight, aluminium reservoir tube features adjustable rebound damping plus adjustable high and low-speed compression damping, so it can be perfectly regulated for the most diverse conditions.
BRAKES
High-grade components can also be found in the brakes. A newly developed front wheel brake by Brembo, featuring a new, lighter, floating caliper and smaller pistons, provides maximum yet properly applied braking power with a minimum of effort. At the rear, a single-piston brake caliper gets a grip on the ultra-light brake disc with wave design.
EXHAUST
The exhaust manifold was integrated into the bike so that it’s well protected from rock damage and so that the rider doesn’t come into contact with it either. The beautifully shaped and lightweight aluminium silencer definitely complies with the mandatory noise limits.
TANK
An 8.5-litre fuel tank of transparent polyethylene that extends far beneath the seat helps keep the bike’s centre of gravity as low as possible. The compact fuel pump is situated toward the bottom, while the airbox is situated right behind the tank cap – an advantageous position for the intake of cool and clean air, as well as for maximum fording depth. The slender tank design offers optimum freedom of movement and sporty ergonomics.
BODYWORK
New plastic parts and modern in-mold technology for the spoilers underscore the trendsetting appearance of the entire motorcycle.
Technical Specifications – Husaberg 450 FE
Engine | 1-cylinder 4-stroke SOHC |
Displacement | 448.6 cc |
Bore/Stroke | 95/63.4 mm |
Compression Ratio | 11.9:1 |
Control | 4 valves |
Starter/Battery | Electric starter only, 6 Ah |
Transmission | 6-speed Enduro |
Carburation | Keihin EMS with EFI |
Engine Lubrication | Pressure lubrication with 2 pumps |
Clutch | Wet clutch, Magura hydr. activation |
Frame | Perimeter chrome-moly |
Subframe | Cross-linked polyethylene |
Handlebars | Tapered aluminium |
Front Suspension | WP USD 48, open cartridge |
Rear Suspension | WP PDS 5018 DCC |
Suspension Travel | Front 300 mm, rear 335 mm |
Brakes Front/Rear | Brembo |
Rims Front/Rear | 1.60 x 21″; 2.15 x 18″ Excel |
Tires Front/Rear | 90/90-21″; 140/80-18″ |
Main Silencer | Aluminium |
Rake | 63.5° |
Wheelbase | 1.470±10 mm |
Ground Clearance | 390 mm |
Seat Height | 930 mm |
Fuel Capacity | 8.5 l |
Weight | 112 kg |