2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2016 Husqvarna FC450

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki KX450F 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
249.1 pounds
2016 Husqvarna FC450 2016 Husqvarna FC450

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
225.8 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursLime GreenBlue/yellow/white
Warranty6 months2 Years
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm370 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches14.6 inches
Seat Height955 mm / 37.6 in.960 mm / 37.8 in.
Wheelbase1,481 mm / 58.3 in.1,485 mm / 58.5 in.
Height1,275 mm / 50.2 in.-
Length2,179 mm / 85.8 in.-
Width820 mm / 32.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight275 kg / 606.3 lbs102.4 kg / 225.8 lbs
Fuel Capacity6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons
Wet Weight113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque59.40 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 43.8 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.1809 HP/kg0.6152 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.42 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.30 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm95.0 x 63.4 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.7 x 2.5 inches
Engine Detail90 degree V-twin-
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle body-
Compression Ratio12.5:1-
IgnitionDigital DC-CDIKeihin EMS
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticWet, multi-disc clutch, Magura hydraulics
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary DriveSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft520 X-Ring chain
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminum perimeter25CrMo4 steel central-tube
Suspension - Front48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.WP USD ? 48 mm 4CS closed cartridge
Suspension - RearUni-Trak linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.WP shock absorber with linkage
Rake26.9°26.5°
Wheel Travel - Front171 mm / 6.7 in.300 mm / 11.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.300 mm / 11.8 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationSpeedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter and 2WD/4WD icon, plus indicators for neutral, reverse, belt, and oil pressure.-
Lighting system35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches10.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm260 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches7.9 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm200 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle disc. Four-pot brake caliper
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. One-pot brake caliper, floating disc
Tyres - Front25/8-1290/90-21
Tyres - Rear25/10-12140/90-18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Husqvarna FC450

The 2016 Husqvarna FC450 edges out the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F thanks to its greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki KX450F - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2016 Husqvarna FC450 - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 370 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 300 mm vs 200 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 171 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2016 Husqvarna FC450 - FAQs

Which should I buy, the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2016 Husqvarna FC450?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has the edge in fuel injection, while the 2016 Husqvarna FC450 stands out for greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.