roadracing a 450 supermoto

is there much difference between the FS and SMR?

 

The same difference between the fc450 and sx450. Things like subframe etc.the KTM subframe is better than the husky and cheaper to replace.
The supermoto parts are the same

 

I personally think the Husky looks better in photos. The stock graphics are pretty sick. I went with the KTM as I found a good deal on one and my nearest dealer is a KTM dealer. Apparently KTM dealers can’t order parts for Husky and vice versa.

 

That's the first I've heard of that on the parts. Most are direct crossover..

 

I’m the opposite. I think the KTM looks better. The KTM graphics are miles better imo. The husky is just a bit muted in comparison. Would bought either though. Just found a KTM closer.
https://imgur.com/a/rTQlLJd

 

Wasn’t there an F450 Moto class back in the day? I remember GPTech and Racetech both had bikes with 450 motors in them. https://racetech.com/page/id/61

 

Yes I had a 550 and it was a hoot until it Blew up...

 

So what is reasonable gearing for a FS450 on a big boy track? And what top speed does that equate to?

Also, what kind of maintenance is needed for an FS450? Is it top ends every 20 minutes or are they a bit more robust?

Finally, are there any significant differences between model years of the FS450? Specifically wondering about a 2018 vs a 2020, both fairly low mileage.

 

Get the 20 it's closer to the newest. Small frame differences and things like that performance wise they would be similar.
Gearing depends on the track I run 16-40 at CMP on the big track.
Maintenance wise they are very very reliable people regularly get 100+ hours out of a bottom end.
Top ends last a long time too

 

I believe there was a change in the forks between 2018 and 2020. Not positive on that.

G2G is the resident expert, but I know he's caned his 450s for years and hasn't had issues. Another guy I know also runs exclusively 450s at a smaller track and they've been really really reliable.

 

I think the fork change was in ‘21 but I’m not 100% sure.
I haven’t put enough hours on mine to test it but it seems they hit a good balance of performance and reliability. The oil capacity is on the low side so I change it every 1-2 track days for piece of mind. With it only holding around 2 liters per change it’s not too pricey.

 

Agree with Senna on G2G being the resident expert. He's provided quite a bit of info as I've set my SMR up for big tracks. I've ridden/raced it on the two tracks in Arizona. AMP has a 1549' straightaway with fairly fast entry and exit and I found 15/42 worked perfect. At Podium Club the straightaway is 2800' with fast entry and slow exit and 15/40 did the trick there.

 

What speed are you topping out at with those gearings?

 

Let me look at my data tomorrow and I can give you top speed of 15/38 gear

 

With 15/42 at AMP I was at 92mph. Don't have data from 15/40 at Podium Club.

 

Gotcha; was mainly curious if that gearing gets it up to ~110ish, where I'd feel moderately safe. A top speed of 90 just isn't gonna do it for a (big) trackday bike with a 70mph speed delta to the LEADER bikes.

 

I’m pretty sure I’m around 110mph with 15/40 gears. I was hitting 104 on my rc390 and my SMR feels a lot faster. A friend with a converted 16’ sxf 450 had gps clocking him at 113mph and were even on the straights.
Personally I’ve never worried about delta speed. I’ve ran my little 390 and now the SMR in the “expert” group at my track. If you’re in a more experienced group you’ll be fine. The lower groups have a bit more difficulty judging closing speeds.

 

Hey Guys, my go to on roadrace tracks like Barber would be 15/40 or 16/40. Just depends on the conditions of the track and if there is a head wind. Daytona I raced and ran 16/38. Never run a motard on that track. Only reason I did is I was chasing a Championship. CMP, Blackhawk, Gingerman, NJMP, Laguna I run 1540 or 15/42. This is for and FS450 as I have owned a 2017 and now a 2020. Both bikes had headwork and a lot of tuning on race gas. On the same dyno they were 68 and 69 HP so that also factors into the gearing. The 16 front with the 38 rear might be useless for a stock FS/SMR as it might pull as quick and hard.

Just remember wind plays a HUUUGE factor on gearing. Attached a picture racing at Daytona. It can be done. Changing the oil after every race weekend is key.

 

How shitty are the stock 450 handguards? I know they don't have metal reinforcements. Are they going to do anything to protect controls in a crash? Debating if I need to swap them out before getting on track.

 

I'd recommend replacing them with acerbis ones. I crashed twice on the stockers (low sides, kart track) and they were fine. Then last week I was cleaning my bike in my garage and the bike fell off the stand and snapped the stocker.