The new Rockstar Edition bikes from Husqvarna have been officially introduced. The FC450 will be available in February 2022 (in the United States only).

Press release: Husqvarna Motorcycles introduces the 2022 FC 450 Rockstar Edition models. All-new engines and chassis keep competitive motocross riders ahead of their rivals, race after race. Class-leading, dynamic performance delivers instant power, while advanced ergonomics provide complete control.

The FC450 Rockstar Edition also have completely revised chassis for 2022. Both bikes feature a new hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame designed for improved anti-squat behavior under power. A new die-cast aluminum swingarm provides optimal rigidity with low weight. A durable, aluminum-polyamide hybrid subframe is designed for specifically calculated rigidity.

Suspension is by WP. New XACT 48mm front forks with AER technology provide more progressive damping at the end of their stroke, while the latest XACT rear shock design features tool-free adjustment.

A new, multifunctional map switch selects power delivery modes. It also activates traction and launch control features, and an Easy Shift for seamless upshifts of the revised-ratio five-speed gearboxes in both the FC250 Rockstar Edition and FC450 Rockstar Edition.

New bodywork, adorned with the latest Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics, has tailored ergonomics for ease of movement on the motorcycle. This gives riders greater control to focus on racing.

The FC250 Rockstar Edition and FC450 Rockstar Edition replicate the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing bikes competing in AMA Supercross, and offer competitive machinery to all motocross racers.

FC450 ROCKSTAR EDITION FEATURES AND BENEFITS

Engine

The FC450 Rockstar Edition’s SOHC engine is the perfect example of the advanced engineering techniques used by Husqvarna Motorcycles, offering massive peak power with an overall weight of just 59 pounds (26.8 kg), equaling a weight reduction of approximately 300 grams compared to the previous generation.

Mass centralization is key to the engine design, enabling chassis engineers to position the engine closer to the center of gravity for greatly improved handling and maneuverability. This was achieved by tilting the engine 2° backwards which meant positioning the sprocket 3 mm lower. Together with the benefits of mass centralization and reduced weight, the anti-squat behavior of the chassis was significantly improved.

Attention was paid to the serviceability of the new FC450 Rockstar Edition engine. Drain bosses for fluids and added service markers on the engine (▲) clearly show where to use washers, making maintenance and service easier than before.

Engine tilted 2° backwards with repositioned sprocket (3mm lower) → improved mass centralization and improved anti-squat behavior
Peak performance and minimal weight → added midrange and improved handling
Improved serviceability of engine internals → added service markers and drain bosses for liquids

2022 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition engine

Cylinder head

The redesigned SOHC cylinder head is incredibly compact and lightweight, with a short profile and the camshaft located as close to the center of gravity as possible. Parallel frame mounts significantly improve handling and agility.

Lightweight valves are actuated via a rocker arm and feature timing specifically designed to deliver precise levels of torque and throttle response. The diameter of the intake valves is 40 mm, while at the exhaust it is 33mm. A new valve cover reduces the number of mounting screws (only two needed) and a single oil-spray jet guarantees efficient cooling while keeping weight low.

A new fine punched cam chain, low-friction chain guides and the low-friction DLC rocker arm coating offers optimum efficiency, reliability, and durability. Attention was paid to maintenance tasks with lock positions for the cam chain to improve the serviceability of the valve train.

Redesigned SOHC cylinder head → more compact design, parallel frame mounts and camshaft closer to center of gravity
New lightweight valve cover → only two mounting screws and one oil-spray jet for cooling
New fine punched cam chain adding durability
DLC coating and low-friction chain guides → optimum efficiency, reliability, and durability
Improved serviceability of valve train → lock positions for cam chain

2022 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition engine cylinder head piston

Cylinder and piston

The lightweight aluminum cylinder is an engineering masterpiece, featuring a 95mm bore. The CP bridged-box-type piston features anodized annular grooves, adding durability and longer service intervals while weighing only 327g. The compression ratio has been increased to 13.1:1 for improved peak performance.

Lightweight aluminum cylinder → 95mm bore / 63.4mm stroke
Lightweight, high-performance CP forged bridged-box-type piston → reduced oscillating masses
Increased compression to 13.1:1 → improved peak performance
Anodized annular groove → added durability and longer service intervals

Crankshaft

The inertia produced by the crankshaft has been carefully calculated to deliver optimal traction and ride-ability from the powerful 450cc engine. The crankshaft is specifically positioned to harness the rotational mass at the ideal center of gravity resulting in a lightweight, agile-handling feel. A plain big-end bearing comprising of two force-fitted bearing shells ensure maximum reliability and durability, guaranteeing long service intervals of 100 hours.

Crankshaft position → ideal center of gravity, improved handling
Plain big-end bearing and force-fitted bearing shells → increased durability and service intervals

Crankcases

The crankcases are designed to arrange the shafts and engine internals in the ideal positions to offer the best-possible handling. Additionally, the position of the clutch shaft keeps the clutch above the oil level resulting in decreased drag and increased efficiency. A new steel oil pump gear and repositioned oil jets increase the overall oil pressure, resulting in increased resistance against overheating and improved durability.

High-pressure die-cast production processes keep overall weight to a minimum, resulting in thin wall thickness while retaining reliability.

Design → optimized mass centralization and increased efficiency
New steel oil pump gear and increased oil pressure → improved durability and resistance against overheating
High pressure die-cast production process → thin walls for reduced weight while maintaining strength

Gearbox

The redesigned lightweight 5-speed gearbox is produced by Pankl Racing Systems and ensures the highest level of durability and reliability. A weight-optimized shift shaft reduces the operating force required for gear changes, and the gearbox also features a revised transmission ratio (29:72). The new Easy Shift sensor is positioned on the shift drum, allowing clutchless upshifts. The function can be activated/deactivated via the new QS marked button on the map select switch, located on the left side on the handlebar.

The new gear lever features a design that prevents dirt build-up, and keeps the lever tip in its original position even in the toughest conditions. An advanced gear sensor selects a specific engine map tailored for each gear.

New 5-speed gearbox → revised transmission ratio (29:72) for smooth and precise shifting
Weight-optimized shift shaft → reduced operating force required for gear changes
Integrated Easy Shift sensor positioned on the shift drum allows clutchless upshifts → seamless shifting function can be activated/deactivated with map select switch
Integrated gear sensor → specific engine maps for each gear

DDS clutch

The FC450 Rockstar Edition features a revised DDS (Dampened Diaphragm Steel) clutch. The exclusive characteristics of this system include a single diaphragm steel pressure plate instead of traditional coil springs. It integrates a damping system for better traction and durability. The clutch basket is a single-piece CNC-machined steel component that allows the use of thin steel liners and contributes to the compact design of the engine.

The main improvements include better clutch cooling from pressure lubrication, reducing clutch fade from high-stress usage while the clutch basket has been redesigned and adapted for the new 5-speed transmission.

DDS clutch → lightweight with consistent modulation and exceptional durability
Improved clutch cooling from pressure lubrication → reduced clutch fade from high stress
Redesigned clutch basket → adapted for new 5-speed transmission ratio

Frame

The hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded frame is expertly crafted. Constructed with specifically calculated parameters of longitudinal and torsional flex, the frame provides exceptional rider feedback, energy absorption and straight-line stability. Additionally, the frame features forged brackets for mounting the newly designed polyamide skid plate fitted as standard on the Rockstar Editions.

Rotational masses in the frame and the forged steering head connection have been repositioned. Together with the new shock mounting, which is no longer connected to the main tube, the anti-squat of the chassis has been significantly improved. Also, the wall thickness of the frame has been optimized to achieve improved reliability and specific rigidity in high stress areas such as the steering head and the shock mounts. Parallel frame mounts (same position on left and right sides) improve chassis flex characteristics, while stability characteristics remain unrivalled.

Another highlight of the new frame topology is that the footrest mounting positions have been moved inwards, resulting in less susceptibility to hooking in deep ruts or when scrubbing jumps. The overall size of the all-new footrests has been increased, designed with the help of state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The new one-piece steering head seal allows easier mounting in case of replacement or service and offers improved reliability.

The frame of the Rockstar Editions is finished off in a premium black fine-structured powder coating. The standard frame protectors feature a new and improved topology, guaranteeing superior protection, durability, and advanced grip in any condition. Mounted with four screws, using the integral frame brackets, the newly designed polyamide composite skid plate offers superior protection against dirt and hard impacts on the frame and engine.

Specifically engineered longitudinal rigidity → exceptional rider feedback, energy absorption and stability
Repositioned rotational masses and new shock mounting → significantly improved anti-squat of chassis
Topology-optimized frame wall thickness for specific rigidity and improved reliability in high-stress areas (e.g., steering head, shock mount)
New parallel frame mounts (same position on left and right side) for improved flex characteristics
Footrest mounting position moved inwards for reduced risk of hooking in deep ruts or when scrubbing
New, service friendly one-piece steering head seal → easier mounting, improved reliability
Durable powder coated finish with standard frame protectors and composite skid plate

2022 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition chassis

Polyamide-reinforced aluminum subframe

Using 60% polyamide and 40% aluminum, the two-piece subframe has a total weight of just 3.9 pounds (1.8 kg). With the help of computational dynamics, specific rigidity was engineered into the light and robust subframe, delivering outstanding handling and rider comfort.

The lower subframe spars and frame mounts are made from cast aluminum profiles to guarantee robustness and reliability where needed. The upper subframe is made from injection-molded polyamide, enabling specific flex characteristics and allowing a lightweight construction.

New topology-optimized polyamide/aluminum hybrid construction
Lower subframe spars and frame mounts made from (cast) aluminum profiles → extremely robust and reliable (no weld joints)
Upper subframe made from injection-molded polyamide → specific rigidity and flex benefit handling and comfort

Swingarm

The new hollow die-cast aluminum swingarm is designed to offer optimal stiffness and reliability at the lowest possible weight. The topology has been optimized for optimal rigidity, while an improved casting process reduces weight by approximately 190 grams. In order to optimize and match the new chassis flex characteristics, a new 22mm rear axle is fitted.

Additionally, the chain guard and chain slider have been completely redesigned, resulting in improved durability and less susceptibility to hooking on external objects. This new design will help reduce dirt build up around the swingarm and chain guard, especially in extreme muddy conditions.

Chain adjustment markings are also visible from above to make for simpler adjustment.

New die-cast swingarm → topology-optimized for optimal rigidity
Improved casting process for reduced weight → 190 grams less than previous generation
New 22mm rear axle optimized to match chassis flex characteristics
Newly designed chain guard and chain slider
- Transitions aligned with swingarm surface, spring-steel mounted for improved durability
Overall, less susceptible to hooking on external objects

2022 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition front

WP XACT front fork with AER technology

The 48mm split air fork features a capsulated air spring and pressurized oil chamber for progressive and consistent damping. Oil and air bypasses reduce pressure peaks and, in combination with a midvalve damping system, the fork provides exceptional feedback and rider comfort. A new hydrostop improves bottoming resistance through more progressive damping force in the last 40mm of travel. Additionally, rebound is also reduced leading to the fork being lower on initial acceleration after a hard landing. A redesigned fork protection ring increases protection against dirt intrusion.

Settings are easily adjusted via a single air-pressure preload valve, as well as via easy access click adjusters for compression and rebound. Additionally, the air pump needed to adjust the fork’s air pressure is provided as standard.

WP XACT front fork → 48mm air type with split damping function
Midvalve damping system → exceptional damping and consistent performance
Capsulated air spring and pressurized oil chamber → progressive and consistent damping
New hydrostop in fork legs → improved bottoming resistance and reduced rebound
- More progressive damping in last 40 mm of travel (total 310 mm) → previous generation hydrostop was only effective in last 10 mm of travel
- Reduced rebound → fork stays lower on initial acceleration after hard landing
Easy access clicker dials → simple and fast clicker settings
Redesigned fork protection rings → increased protection against dirt intrusion

CNC-machined triple clamps

Made from high-grade aluminum, the CNC-machined Factory Racing triple clamps feature optimally tuned steering stem stiffness, perfect alignment of the fork tubes and precise geometry of the fork clamps to ensure highly responsive and smooth fork action. Maximum gains in handling are provided by simple offset adjustment of 20 mm or 22 mm.

Newly designed, topology-optimized handlebar mounts provide increased grip surface for less handlebar twist at the same weight as the previous generation. Additionally, they allow for both rubber-damped and fixed mounting providing customizable handlebar flex.

Rubber-damped → less vibration, less precise front-end feel (OE)
Fixed → increased vibration, more precise front-end feel

The front number plate integrates a triple clamp protector which covers the lower triple clamp and protects it from wear caused by roost.

CNC-machined aluminum with anodized surface → finest quality and reliability
Perfect clamping and alignment → smooth fork action
New, topology-optimized handlebar mounts → increased grip surface for less handlebar twist, same weight as previous generation
Rubber damping on top clamp → reduced vibration, increased comfort
Adjustable handlebar position → adjustable ergonomics

2022 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition shock

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

New bodywork with specifically tailored ergonomics for easier movement on the motorcycle
New hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame significantly improving anti-squat behavior
New topology-optimized die-cast aluminum swingarm providing optimal rigidity and low weight
New 250cc DOHC engine providing class-leading torque and peak power
New 450cc SOHC engine providing class-leading performance and low weight
New Easy Shift sensor providing seamless up-shifting
High-performance Brembo hydraulic clutch system
New aluminum-polyamide hybrid subframe construction providing specifically calculated rigidity and advanced durability
New WP XACT 48mm front forks with AER technology offer more progressive end-of-stroke damping
New WP XACT rear shock design with CFD-optimized main piston and tool-free adjusters
New multifunctional map switch, which also activates the Easy Shift, Traction- and Launch Control
New Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics
Factory Racing CNC-machined triple clamps with adjustable offset [20mm – 22mm]
Factory wheel set with D.I.D DirtStar rims and black anodized CNC-machined hubs
New polyamide composite skid plate for advanced protection and durability
New polyamide composite front brake disc guard for added protection
Mechanical Factory holeshot device as standard
Soft, grey ODI lock-on grips
GUTS Factory high-grip seat cover
Premium-quality ProTaper handlebar and bar pad
Electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type: Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-Stroke
Displacement: 449.9cc
Bore / Stroke: 95 / 63.4mm
Compression Ratio: 13.1:1
Starter/Battery: Electric Starter / Lithium Ion 12.8V, 2 Ah
Transmission: 5 Gears
Fuel System: Keihin EFI, 44mm Throttle Body
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Primary Ratio: 29:72
Final Drive: 13:51
Cooling: Liquid Cooling
Clutch: Wet Multi-Disc DDS-Clutch, Brembo Hydraulics
Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central Double-Cradle Type 25CrMo4 Steel
Sub Frame: Aluminum / Polyamide Glass Fiber
Handlebar: ProTaper, Aluminum Ø 28mm/22 mm
Front Suspension: WP XACT USD Fork, Ø 48mm
Rear Suspension: WP XACT Monoshock with Linkage
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 310mm / 300mm
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 260mm / 220mm
Front/Rear Rims: 1.60x 21” / 2.15 x 19” DID
Front/Rear Tires: 80/100-21” / 120/80-19” Dunlop MX33
Chain: 5/8 x 1/4 in
Silencer: Aluminum
Steering Head Angle: 26.1º
Triple Clamp Offset: 22mm
Wheelbase: 58.8 ± 0.4 in / 1,494 ± 10mm
Ground Clearance: 343mm / 13.5 in
Seat Height: 954mm / 37.5 in
Tank Capacity, Approx: 7.2 L / 1.9 gal
Weight (without fuel), Approx: 228.1 lbs

FIRST LOOK! 2022 HUSQVARNA FC250 ROCKSTAR EDITION

Press Release: Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc. is pleased to announce the new 2022 FC250 Rockstar Edition. All-new engine and chassis give dedicated and competitive motocross riders the perfect machinery to stay ahead of the competition. Class-leading, dynamic performance delivers instantly accessible power, while advanced ergonomics provide hard-charging riders with complete control in every situation.

The FC250 Rockstar Edition features a punchy DOHC engine, delivering unrivalled power and torque on-demand. With a level of performance that takes it straight to the top of its class. The FC250 engine is lightweight and positioned in its frame for optimal mass-centralization, giving the FC250 Rockstar Edition riders mastery of their machines, even in the toughest events.

A new, multifunctional map switch allows selection between two updated power delivery modes. It also activates traction and launch control, as well as engaging the new Easy Shift feature for clutchless upshifts of the revised-ratio five-speed gearboxes.

For 2022, the FC250 Rockstar Edition comes with a completely revised chassis, featuring a new hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame designed for improved energy distribution and anti-squat behavior under power. The new die-cast aluminum swingarm provides optimal rigidity with low weight. A durable, aluminum-polyamide hybrid subframe is designed for specifically calculated rigidity.

2022 Husqvarna FC250 Rockstar Edition shock

Top-level suspension is supplied by WP. At the front, new XACT 48mm forks with AER technology provide more progressive damping at the end of the stroke, while the latest XACT rear shock design features tool-free adjustment. Along with the new frame and swingarm, the WP suspension provides race-winning handling.

New bodywork, proudly adorned with the latest Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics, has specifically tailored ergonomics for ease of movement on the motorcycle. This gives riders total confidence to concentrate on racing. Further enhancing their competition-focused build, each Rockstar Edition is equipped with adjustable offset (20mm or 22mm), split-clamp Factory triple clamps, Factory DID DirtStar wheels with black anodized, machined hubs, a Factory starting device, floating front rotor with polyamide composite front brake disc guard, and polyamide composite skid plate.

The FC250 Rockstar Edition replicates the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machines competing in the AMA Supercross Championship by RJ Hampshire, Jalek Swoll and Stilez Robertson in the 250cc division, and place the most competitive machinery in the hands of all motocross racers.