HUSQVARNA SMR450 (2004 - on) Review

Item: HUSQVARNA SMR450
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 5 out of 5 (5/5)

Husqvarna SM450R motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Power:	48 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (35.8 in / 910 mm)
Weight:	Low (269 lbs / 122 kg)

Prices

New £5,994

Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

2005 was the last year the UK importers officially brought in the Husqvarna SM450R. Which is a shame as it’s an unbelievably good bike, but it was felt that the 510SMR (road bike) and SM450RR (race bike) serviced all our needs between them. Slim, fast, agile and desirable the SM450R is very much the supermoto fantasy made metal.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

5 out of 5 (5/5)

With just a nine-litre tank you won’t be going far from a petrol station with the Husqvarna SM450R. Not far enough to feel the vibes and thin seat at any rate. The handling is top drawer stuff, thanks to the huge 45mm Marzocchi forks and sophisticated Sachs shock. Between them they keep the Husky composed even when the action’s red hot. The pre-’06 bikes four-piston Brembo front brake is simply staggering, while the later models’ radial items will pop your eyes out if used hard enough.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Husqvarna SM450R's liquid-cooled DOHC motor is a tiny thing of beauty. It’s deadly rapid, though to get the best from it you need to be cruel and really wring the throttle. The 41mm Keihin carb feeds the motor with perfect fuelling. Keep it away from long straights or you’ll stress it without seeing any benefits.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Husqvarna back their road products with a two-year warranty, reduced to three months if you race it. However, the SMR is fundamentally a highly-strung motor, which requires frequent oil and filter changes to keep it happy.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Prices for the Husqvarna SM450R are low, for the quality of what’s on offer. But Husabergs are better value now and KTMs are slightly better built. Additionally, Husky’s own 510 is similarly priced and offers even more mental performance. Find a Husqvarna SM450R for sale.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

With the Husqvarna SM450R what you see is what you get; pure, undiluted supermoto with top quality components, but little in the way of fripperies. Not even an ignition key.

Specs
Engine size	449cc
Engine type	4v single , 6 gears
Frame type	Tubular steel cradle
Fuel capacity	9 litres
Seat height	910mm
Bike weight	122kg
Front suspension	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake	Single 320mm disc
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	150/60 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	32 mpg
Annual road tax	£80
Annual service cost	-
New price	£5,994
Used price	-
Insurance group	10 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	48 bhp
Max torque	34 ft-lb
Top speed	105 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	13.86 secs
Tank range	70 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2003: Husqvarna SM450R introduced.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the HUSQVARNA SMR450 (2004 - on)

1 owner has reviewed their HUSQVARNA SMR450 (2004 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HUSQVARNA SMR450 (2004 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Value vs rivals:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Equipment:	2 out of 5 (2/5)

5 out of 5 real supermoto for the road not a soft jap version

30 August 2013 by barrypursey

what you get is a real supermoto with bare bones equipment,nimble chassis and with brembo brakes the engine produces exelent power for its size and shifts are flawless it can easly be also driven in traffic.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 2 out of 5