FIRST LOOK! RADICAL NEW 2011 HUSQVARNA 450 REVEALED:


The wraps come off of the 2011 Husqvarna TC450.

Husqvarna has begun final prototype testing of next year’s TC450 (motocross) version of the all new Husqvarna 449cc motocross motorcycle. In addition to motocross models Husqvarna will also offer TXC (cross country) and TE (street legal enduro) versions based on this platform. BMW bought Husqvarna recently and has ensconced them in a brand-new Italian factory. The 200 TC450 is second of the new breed of Huskys (the first was this year’s super lightweight TC250).


Although overdosed on black, the protoype TC450 is very slim.

As reported earlier Husqvarna will be utilizing the BMW 450X engine in their new Husqvarna 450 motocross bike. Although developed by BMW, the 449cc single-cylinder DOHC four-stroke engine powering the model is manufactured by KYMCO in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, then shipped to BMW’s motorcycle production facility in Berlin. “We and our partners developed a dedicated production line for this product that will deliver all of the processes and strict quality controls that have come to be expected from BMW,” explained Peter Muller of BMW Motorrad when the engine was first introduce.

At first glance the 2011 TC450 appears to be incredibly sleek and narrow. The plastic oozes the “arrow” styling that has become the industry standard with KTM, Yamaha and Husqvarna. The gas tank is hidden under the seat (and the gas cap sticks out behind the seat).


The gas cap.


Husqvarna’s rocker arm linkage system.

Although the BMW engine with its unique crankshaft-mounted clutch and laid-down cylinder is big news, the “rocker arm” shock linkage is equally. Instead of an eccentric cam link (mounted below the swingarm), the TC450 has a rocker arm-style link mounted on top of the swingarm.


It looks as though 2011 will see the technology wars shift from Japan to Europe. The new Husky will join the linkage-equipped KTM’s as the bikes most likley to be stared at in the pits.

KEY FEATURES:
(1) BMW EFI engine w/electric start
(2) Kayaba suspension
(3) All new frame/swingarm with concentric axle traction system
(4) Linkage system on top of swingarm
(5) Fuel tank under the seat
(6) Swingram pivot in in line with the countershaft sprocket.

(7) Dramatic new styling with in mold plastic and one piece radiator/side panel/rear number plate.


As close-up look reveals that the swingarm pivot and countershaft sprocket are in line (which means that chain tension will not change as the wheel moves through its arc).

ENGINE SPECS:
Type: Water-cooled, single-cylinder, tilted forward, four valve, dual overhead cam four-stroke with dry sump lubrication
Bore x stroke: 98mm x 59mm
Capacity: 449cc
Compression ratio: 12.0 :1
Fuel injection: Keihin
Transmission: Five-speed
Clutch: Cable-operated, small-diameter, multi-disc on the crankshaft
Engine rotation: Backwards
Engine tilt: 30-degrees


BMW’s engine is tilted forward at a 30-degree angle (which lessens the chassis height). The BMW engine was uses the expensive BMW 450X offroad bike. The engine is manufactured in Taiwan…not Germany.


Kayaba provided the forks for this year’s TC250 and will provide forks and shock for the TC450.


Obviously graphics and colors are yet to be determined.

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