01. Faster and wiser
Powerful engine
The FC 450 engine benefits from advanced engineering techniques to deliver maximum performance. For 2023 the engine is lighter, weighing just 26.8 kilograms, and is tilted two degrees backwards to further centralise mass for enhanced handling and significantly improved anti-squat behaviour from the chassis. Servicing of the FC 450 engine is made easier compared to previous models thanks to the addition of service markers on the engine cases.
Cylinder head
The redesigned SOHC cylinder head is incredibly compact with the camshaft positioned as close to the centre of gravity as possible for significantly improved handling and agility. A new, more durable fine punched cam chain runs on low-friction chain guides for optimal efficiency and improved reliability with a single oil spray jet guaranteeing effective cooling. The lightweight valves are actuated via a rocker arm and feature timing specifically designed to deliver precise levels of torque and throttle response.
Cylinder and piston
The lightweight aluminium cylinder is undoubtedly an engineering masterpiece and features a 95 mm bore with a 63.4 mm stroke. Inside, the CP bridged-box-type piston features anodised annular grooves, adding durability and longer service intervals at a weight of just 327 g. For improved performance, the compression ratio has been increased to 13.1:1 to create an incredible peak power to ensure the FC 450 remains firmly at the front of the pack.
Crankshaft
The crankshaft is specifically positioned to harness the rotating mass in the ideal centre of gravity resulting in a lightweight and agile handling feel. As such, the inertia produced by the crankshaft is carefully calculated to deliver optimal traction and rideability from the powerful 450cc plant. A plain big end bearing comprising of two force-fitted bearing shells ensure maximum reliability and durability, guaranteeing long service intervals of 90 hours.
Crankcases
Designed for optimised mass centralisation, the FC 450 crankcases arrange the shafts and engine internals in the perfect position to achieve the best possible handling. Manufactured using a high-pressure die-cast production process, the result is a thin, exceptionally strong wall thickness at the lowest possible weight.
DDS clutch
The FC 450 features a Dampened Diaphragm Steel clutch, which includes a single-diaphragm steel pressure plate instead of traditional coil springs. It integrates a damping system for better traction and durability. The clutch basket is a single-piece CNC-machined steel component, which has been revised to accommodate the new gearbox in 2023, and continues to allow the use of thin steel liners that contribute to the compact design of the engine.
Gearbox
Produced by Pankl Racing Systems, the 5-speed gearbox is designed to be extremely light and durable while featuring optimised and proven motocross-specific gear ratios (29:72). A redesign of the shift shaft reduces the operating forces required for gear changes. Integrated into the shift drum, a new Quickshift sensor can be activated by pressing the QS marked button on the map select switch to further aid seamless upshifting.