Project 2017 FE450: Observations

7 years ago | Words: Andy Wigan | Photos: M. Campelli, S.Romero

Here are a bunch of small things we’ve observed about our 2017 Husqvarna FE450 project bike, and which genuinely rate a mention:

ENGINE…

  • The throttle cable’s freeplay adjusters have been relocated from under the fuel tank (where they were awkward to get at) up to the throttle housing on the bars. And the four-strokes also come with interchangeable throttle cams so you can instantly alter throttle progression.

  • Replacing the conventional linkage pulley system in the throttle body with a simpler, lighter and more compact design (where the throttle cables are connected directly to the butterfly pulley) has made the throttle action lighter and more precise.
  • There are now separate knobs for cold start and idle adjustment. Push the throttle back when the engine’s purring and the cold start mode disengages. Clever!
  • All four-stroke engines are fitted with a gear sensor that syncs the power curve to the gear you’re in.
  • You can retrofit a kick-starter to all four-stroke models.

  • Aside from saving more than 1kg, the new high-capacity Lithium Iron battery has been faultless. This same 3.6AH battery has proven itself to be very reliable on KTM’s two-stroke Freeride model (which does not have a kick-starter) over the past three years.

COCKPIT…

  • The new seat is held in place by two underside locating tabs. A single bolt (positioned behind the LHS sideplate) stops it from sliding backwards. This set-up is way better than last year’s, where the two seat bolts sat inside the grab-handles and were fiddly to access.

  • The lock-on ODI grips are practical as they’re easy to fit and remove (they don’t require wire or glue), and can be replaced in no time flat if damaged.

BODYWORK…

  • Like Husky’s 2016 and 2017 MX models, the enduro range now uses the ingenious reinforced radiator louvers, which genuinely offer added crash protection for your expensive radiators.

  • The (upper) radiator shrouds and sideplates are now one-piece units. To access the air filter, you simply snap the sideplate’s three lugs out of their rubber grommets, and slide the whole plastic panel forward (and off the two locating tabs on the tank).
  • Because the fuel line now points inwards where it exits the fuel tank, it’s less vulnerable to getting caught by a stick or damaged in a crash.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • For better modulation, the rear brake uses a 10mm longer pedal and smaller-caliper piston, and it works.

  • The braided front brakeline now neatly integrates the speedo cable.

  • The redesigned airbox and tool-free air filter fastening system make it even quicker and easier to replace because there’s virtually no way you can get the filter positioning and seal wrong.
  • The move to extended frameguards will minimise the scuffing of that sexy white frame paint.
  • There are now two threaded inserts in the lower cradle tubes to allow for quick and easy fastening of the plastic skidplate. No fiddly bracketry is a great thing.

  • The ‘No Dirt’ footpegs design (already used on the 2016 MX models) is no gimmick. They genuinely prevent the pegs collecting dirt and getting jammed up. For added ground clearance, the pegs on the FE/TE models are 6mm higher than the units used on FC/TC models, but you can swap them at will. This ingenious ‘No Dirt´ design is also used for the folding tip of the gear lever.
  • The re-designed wiring harness now allows you to remove the subframe without having to remove any wiring.

  • The swingarm has now been machined to make the chain adjuster markings easier to see and line up.

Want to know more about Husqvarna’s 2017 enduro range click here to read our ride impression of the new machines.

Stay tuned for more on the 2017 Husqvarna FE450 project bike.

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