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.

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.

2022 HUSQVARNA FC250 ROCKSTAR EDITION: ENGINE DETAILS

Engine

The newly designed FC250 Rockstar Edition engine is tilted 2-degrees  backwards and therefore comes with a repositioned sprocket which is 3mm lower compared to the previous generation. The total engine height has been reduced by 8mm to improve mass centralization and reduce weight (approx. 60 grams).

Added service markers on the engine (▲) clearly show where to use washers, making maintenance and service easier than in the past.

All major components and shaft arrangements are carefully designed and placed to best suit the performance and handling characteristics of the overall package, and an added benefit of this new design is improved anti-squat behavior from the whole chassis.

The 250cc engine is not only light at 57.5 pounds (26.11 kg) but also remarkably powerful with reworked midrange.

• New engine design → light and compact for optimized mass centralization
  • Engine tilted 2-degrees backwards with repositioned sprocket (3mm lower)
  • Improved anti-squat chassis behavior
• Engine height reduced by 8mm for improved mass centralization  reduced weight (approx. 60 grams)
• Low-friction design → reduces overall drag and vibration
• Outstanding high-revving performance engine → enhanced midrange
• Improved serviceability of engine internals with added service markers

Cylinder head

The fully redesigned DOHC cylinder head features finger followers with a DLC (diamond like carbon) coating resulting in minimal friction and optimal performance. These actuate large titanium valves (32.5mm intake, 27.5mm exhaust) which at the 14,000 rpm rev limit open and close multiple times every second introducing fuel/air mixture to the carefully designed combustion chamber to deliver efficient and optimal power throughout the rev-range.

The new 27.5mm exhaust valve is a result of the new bore/stroke ratio, delivering an optimized gas flow. Valve timings have been adapted to the new valve measurements, working in perfect harmony with the redesigned camshaft.

For improved serviceability and maintenance work within the engine, the redesigned adjustment bush bridge is screwed and increases stiffness. Also, the head gasket comes with a new ‘stopper design’, reducing sealing gap oscillations caused by gas force.

• Fully redesigned cylinder head → improved durability and serviceability
• Finger followers with DLC coating → reduce friction and guarantee optimal performance
• Large titanium valves (32.5mm intake, 27.5mm exhaust) with new 27.5mm exhaust valve → optimized gas flow with revised bore/stroke ratio
• Redesigned camshaft → adapted valve timing to new valve measurements
• New adjustment bush bridge increasing stiffness and improving serviceability (screwed design)
• New cylinder head gasket with stopper design → reducing sealing gap oscillations caused by gas force

Cylinder and piston

The new 81mm bore cylinder houses a forged bridged-box-type piston made by CP with an extremely light weight of only 150 grams. Both the cylinder and piston are professionally engineered from high-strength aluminum resulting in outstanding performance and reliability. The stroke has been adapted to 48.5mm and the compression ratio has been increased to 14.5:1 for added torque and peak performance.

Thanks to the CFD optimized combustion chamber, the inlet port could be smaller in section resulting in improved engine responsiveness.

• New 81mm bore by 48.5mm stroke (MY22 = 78mm/52.3mm)
• Larger 81mm bore and larger diameter exhaust valves → high-revving, quick response
• CFD optimized combustion chamber → smaller inlet port for improved engine responsiveness
• Compression ratio increased to 14.5:1 → greater torque and peak power
• Forged bridged-box-type piston → high performance and reliability

Crankshaft

The crankshaft is designed to offer the best possible performance while being perfectly positioned in the engine cases to centralize oscillating masses for optimal handling. The plain big-end bearing features two force-fitted bearing shells ensuring maximum reliability and durability, guaranteeing long service intervals of 100 hours.

• Plain big-end bearing with force-fitted bearing shells → increased durability and service intervals
• Friction bearing on the counter-balancer shaft → increased durability

Crankcases

The FC250 Rockstar Edition engine is designed with mass centralization and weight reduction as main criteria. As a result, the crankcases have been redesigned to house the internal components of the engine in the perfect positions to achieve the ideal center of gravity while adding the least possible weight. Engine mounting points are the same as on the FC 450 engine.

The casings are manufactured using a high-pressure die-cast production process, resulting in thin wall thickness while retaining exceptional reliability.

• Light and compact crankcases → optimized mass centralization
• Redesigned engine mounting points (as on FC450 Rockstar Edition)
• High-pressure die-cast production process → thin walls for reduced weight while maintaining strength

Gearbox

Produced by Pankl Racing Systems, the new 5-speed gearbox is designed to be extremely light and durable while featuring a 250cc-specific ratio (24:72). A redesign of the shift shaft reduces the operating forces required for gear changes. A 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 of the handlebar.

The shift fork has a low-friction coating for smoother shifting, while the new gear lever is designed to prevent dirt build-up and ensure perfect gear selection in all conditions. An advanced gear sensor allows for specific engine maps delivering the best possible performance in each gear.

• New 5-speed gearbox by Pankl Racing Systems → 250-optimised transmission ratio (24:72) and exceptional durability and improved shifting
• Redesigned 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

DS clutch

The FC250 features a DS (Diaphragm Steel) clutch. The exclusive characteristics of this system include a single diaphragm steel pressure plate instead of traditional coil springs.

The clutch basket has been revised and features the same design as on the FC450, adapted to the new transmission ratio. It 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.

• New clutch basket with same design as FC450 → adapted for new transmission ratio
• DS clutch → lightweight with consistent modulation and exceptional durability

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

• New bodywork with specifically tailored ergonomics for easier movement on the motorcycle adorned in Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics
• New hydro-formed chromium molybdenum frame significantly improving energy distribution and 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 Easy Shift sensor providing seamless up-shifting without the clutch
• 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 polyamide composite skid plate for advanced protection and durability
• New polyamide composite front brake disc guard for added protection

The 2022 FC250 Rockstar Edition will be available in the United States only and will arrive at authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers February 2022. To learn more in-depth details on the Rockstar Edition models, check out our first look on the Rockstar Edition FC450.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Type: Single-cylinder, liquid cooled, four-stroke
Displacement: 249.92 cc
Bore / Stroke: 81.0mm / 48.5mm
Compression Ratio: 14.5:1
Starter/Battery: Electric Starter / 12.8V, 2 Ah
Transmission: 5 Gears
Fuel System: Keihin EFI, 44mm Throttle Body
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Primary Ratio: 24:72
Final Drive: 14:51
Cooling: Liquid Cooling
Clutch: Wet Multi-Disc DS-Clutch, Brembo Hydraulics
Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central Double-Cradle-Type 25CrMo4 Steel
Sub Frame: Aluminum / Polyamide Glass Fiber
Handlebar: ProTaper, Aluminum Ø 28mm/22mm
Front Suspension: WP XACT USD Fork, Ø 48mm
Rear Suspension: WP XACT Monoshock with Linkage
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 310mm / 12.2 in; 300mm / 11.81 in
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 260mm / 10.24 in; 220mm / 8.66 in
Front/Rear Rims: 1.60x 21” / 2.15 x 19” DID
Front/Rear Tires: 80/100-21” / 110/90-19” Dunlop MX33
Chain: 5/8 x 1/4 in
Silencer: Aluminum
Steering Head Angle: 26.1º
Triple Clamp Offset: 22mm
Wheelbase: 1,493mm ± 10mm / 58.77 ± 0.4 in
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: 225 lbs