2012 Husqvarna TE449
Husqvarna TE449: Evolution of
the Species
The experience gained over the last
year has made the new TE449 an even more competitive
bike. The basic profile is unchanged, the 449 is still
the bike that inspires love at first sight, with all
the innovative technical features that put it amongst
the market leaders in the sector. It was already exclusive,
now it has become more streamlined and efficient.
Aesthetically it is more pleasing, the chassis is
now black, the rims anodised silver, new graphics
emphasise the flow of the lines that express functionality,
lightweight and style. The ergonomic side panels allow
the rider more freedom of movement, the integrated
in-mould graphics are guaranteed to last. The days
of "adhesive" graphics that come off with
the second power wash are gone.
But races are won by the stopwatch, not on the catwalk,
and the changes in handling and mechanics make the
new TE449 a more reliable bike, tough and competitive
enough to win and keep winning!
Stronger frame, lower profile
The new version uses more 25CrMo4 chrome-moly
steel to reinforce the steering head, the seat rail
and engine mounts. The rear section – now a
single piece rear fender – is stronger and more
streamlined and the entire electrical system has been
simplified and lightened. The styling and layout have
been completely redesigned; it has better balance,
with new suspension settings and the Kayaba rear shock
is shorter by 4 mm, further reducing seat height.
The top of the range rear suspension
uses Kayaba components (adjustable for rebound and
compression) and an upside down linkage, combining
the advantages of progressive linkage with a sheltered
location. The front suspension (48 mm diameter forks)
has been improved with more progressive damping. The
rear shock is better shielded for additional protection.
These modifications are the result
of the collaboration between the Husqvarna R&D
team and the official racing team, further streamlining
the frame, designed to concentrate weight on the bike's
centre-of-gravity and minimize chain-torque. The steel
tubing perimeter frame was designed for the CTS -
Coaxial Traction System – which on the TE449
reduces to a minimum the influence of the final transmission
on dynamic handling and steering. With the gearbox
output shaft coaxially aligned with the swingarm pivot,
the torque generated by the powerful 450cc engine
now has almost no influence on the handling, and above
all allows the engine to be placed as far to the rear
as possible. This optimises the wheelbase and enables
the forward slant of the cylinder head, which lowers
the centre of gravity and allows straighter inlet
tracts for the engine.
The braking system is the trusted Brembo.
The front braking disc has a diameter of no less than
260 mm, with a twin piston floating caliper, while
the 240 mm rear disc has a light and compact single
piston floating caliper.
More linear power delivery
The single cylinder, four valve, twin
cam titanium valve engine is a recent design and needed
few modifications, just some minor changes to the
power curve. To better access and exploit all the
power of the TE449, the designers concentrated on
the mapping of the Keihin injection, which controls
the action of the twin flap 46mm throttle body. Fine
tuning included the balancing of the engine thermodynamics
with the light steel Akrapovic exhaust, developed
in collaboration with the prestigious Slovenian manufacturer.
The efficiency of the cooling circuit was improved
with a change to the radiator, introducing a new WP
component.
Unchanged are the six gears and clutch
with soft and progressive hydraulic action. Weight
is saved by eliminating a kick starter, which has
proved to be superfluous, given the efficient and
reliable electric ignition with high-power battery.
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