Husaberg prototype

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Husaberg prototype

Husaberg prototype

Completely crazy

Early April Fool’s Day? Photo montage? Design engineers crazy? None of this, this is the latest Husaberg prototype with a completely twisted engine. And it is really built that way, going into series production in 2009.

She should take on the role of a luxury smithy. And bring technical revolutions to market. KTM always played the role of her daughter, for example Husaberg after the Austrians took over the troubled Swedish company in 1995. But at first it looked more like just sucking the new acquisition. The extremely successful EXC series introduced by KTM in 1999 was based in essential points on the Husaberg know-how. Some parts, including the cylinder head, have been adopted by KTM practically one to one. A wave of success started in orange, while the technical revolutions that had been announced failed to materialize in the blue-yellow.

Not just tipped, but completely redesigned: 450 FE engine.

Now, however, the small team succeeded in a surprising bang: at the Milan trade fair, they presented an extremely unusual-looking prototype. In the center of the action is a single cylinder, which, although relatively conventionally constructed, is built into the perimeter steel frame completely twisted. The crankshaft is not positioned in front of, but above the gearbox, and the cylinder is installed almost horizontally with its head facing forward. You haven’t seen it like that before.

The first question, of course, has to be: What is the point of the engine design that takes getting used to? The technicians proclaim two main advantages: On the one hand, the crankshaft is around 16 centimeters further back compared to any conventional engine? a little higher (ten centimeters) than before, but pretty much in the center of mass of the entire vehicle. BMW also pursued a similar goal with the new G 450 X, by moving the gearbox backwards and pulling the crankshaft with it. The position of the crankshaft is so important because it is one of the heaviest components in the engine and it also rotates quickly, which in turn results in high inertia forces and moments. The position of the crankshaft therefore has a great influence on the handling and stability of a motorcycle. Low lever arms of the masses to the center of gravity are the goal.

The advantages of the overall motor concept

The tank, which extends well under the seat, also forms the airbox.

The cylinder, which is inclined by 70 degrees, should also bring advantages for the overall concept of the motorcycle. Likewise, the tank, which is pulled under the seat, moves closer towards the center of gravity. The intake paths could be straightened, which should bring more power in connection with steeper, larger valves. With regard to mixture preparation, the Husaberg should of course also be up to date when it comes onto the market at the end of 2008. Instead of a carburetor, it already has a modern Keihin downdraft injection with a 42-millimeter throttle valve diameter.

In practice, the high-mounted crankshaft offers other tangible advantages. Off-road, the manifold nestling close to the cylinder is better protected, and overall ground clearance is better. In addition, the unit became considerably narrower at the bottom, mainly on the left side. The shift lever therefore no longer protrudes that far. Husaberg is also breaking new ground with the rear frame, which dispenses with the usual aluminum frame and is now designed as a molded plastic part. In addition to the weight savings, almost any shape can be realized so that, for example, receptacles for electrical components can be integrated straight away.

The wheel suspension, on the other hand, appears quite conventional. The well-known WP spring elements work at the front and rear. The new 450 model without petrol should weigh 112 kilograms. If so, it is just below the competition. In addition to the 450 unit, a 565 cm³ variant for the E3 class is also being launched on the market. The motorcycle is currently in pre-series development. Insiders who have already been able to drive the prototype confirm the handling advantages. If you take a closer look, the construction does not appear quite so crazy after all.

Data Husaberg 450 FE

Engine: single cylinder four-stroke engine, one overhead camshaft;
Displacement: 448.6 cm3;
Bore / stroke: 95 / 63.4 mm;
Compression: 11.9;
Control: four valves, titanium intake valves;
Starter: electric starter;
Transmission: six-speed;
Mixture preparation: Keihin EMS injection, Ø 42 mm;
Clutch: Magura multi-disc clutch in an oil bath, hydraulically operated;
Frame: perimeter frame made of steel;
Subframe: polyethylene;
Front suspension: WP upside-down fork, Ø 48 mm;
Rear suspension: WP PDS;
Suspension travel front / rear: 300/335 mm;
Brake front / rear: Brembo, Ø 260/220 mm;
Rim front / rear: 1.60 x 21; 2.15 x 18;
Front / rear tires: 90 / 90-21; 140 / 80-18;
Steering head angle: 63.5 degrees;
Wheelbase: 1470 ± 10 mm;
Ground clearance: 390 mm;
Seat height: 930 mm;
Tank capacity: 8.5 l; Weight: 112 kg

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