Husqvarna is offering three four-stroke motocrossers for 2021—the FC 450, FC 350, and FC 250. The three models share the same chassis, with the FC 450 having a SOHC motor that is distinct from the DOHC powerplant used on the FC 350 and FC 250. Most of the changes for ’21 are chassis related, so let’s go over what’s new.
The WP Xact fork gets a makeover for 2021. The outer tubes and fork damping cartridges are 10mm shorter, which adds rigidity. There is also a new mid-valve damping system on the air-spring Xact fork, with the goal of softer performance on landing from big air due to reducing pressure peaks in the internals.
2021 Husqvarna FC 450
New low-friction linkage seals allow the WP Xact shock to have a smoother feel. As with the fork, the WP shock gets new settings to reflect the other changes to the suspension.
2021 Husqvarna FC 350
The seat cover is grippier this year.
There are new airbox side panels. They are designed to increase airflow into the airbox, allowing the four-stroke motors to have a more aggressive throttle response. The airbox lid is still swappable, so you can tailor the throttle response to taste.
2021 Husqvarna FC 250
The latest electric yellow and dark blue graphics for the 2021 Husqvarna 4-stroke motocross lineup celebrate the company’s Swedish heritage.
2021 Husqvarna FC 450 (FC 350 and FC 250) SpecsENGINE
Type: Single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement: 450cc (FC 350: 350cc; FC 250: 250cc)
Bore x stroke: 95 x 63.4mm (FC 350: 88 x 57.5mm; FC 250: 78 x 52.3mm)
Compression ratio: 12.75:1 (FC 350: 14.0:1; FC 250: 14.4:1)
Valvetrain: SOHC, 4 valves (FC 350 and FC 250: DOHC, 4 valves)
Starting: Electric w/ Lithium-ion 12.8-volt 2 Ah battery
KTM RC 390 and Gordon McCall of Quail Motorcycle Gathering
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly Podcast—Motos and Friends.
This week’s Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha motorcycles. Discover how the YZF-R7 provides the perfect balance of rider comfort and true supersport performance by checking it out at YamahaMotorsports.com, or see it for yourself at your local dealer.
This week features Senior Editor Nic de Sena’s impressions of the new KTM RC 390. The entry-level KTM has always been an impressive motorcycle that has sold extremely well, however the factory has now taken the bike to another level, with top-spec features that are typically found on flagship machines. Clearly KTM has realized that even smaller engined machines should have high spec suspension, brakes and electronics packages. Nic tells us how well the new RC 390 is equipped, and what he thought of riding the smaller displacement rocket.
In the second segment I chat with automotive and motorcycle industry icon, Gordon McCall. Gordon is the Director of Motorsports at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel Valley, California.
This weekend of Saturday May 14th sees the annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering re-start after its Covid-forced hiatus, and having attended every one of the previous Motorcycle Gatherings, personally I’m very happy that the event is back on the schedule. Gordon chats about the event and a little of what’s happening this year. It’s a great event and if you feel like a trip to the gorgeous Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, you’ll get to meet Gordon, Roland Sands, and of course a large number of stunning motorcycles too.
From all of us at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!