It?s a shame that supermoto, in the UK, is about as loved as syphilis, but that hasn?t stopped Husqvarna releasing details of the heavily revised 2018 FS 450. This is a full-fat, thoroughbred supermoto intended for competition use (there?s no road version), brimming with gadgets and fancy components.     
It looks downright badass. The sort of bike we?d use for ram-raid getaways or general pillaging, if we were that way inclined. Husky?s engineers have focused on engine development and fresh aesthetics for 2018. There?s a new Suter slipper clutch (they ain?t cheap) for the ultimate corner entry and supermoto drifting, something that?s been lacking across the SM board recently – certainly among road-legal supermotos.
And then there?s traction control, launch control and a handlebar map switch to play with. The last big update was 2016, so the ?18 bike shares much of the previous upgrades. A WP-designed frame compliments WP suspension, and houses the 450cc DOHC single pot engine (making just shy of 65bhp) with its 5-speed ?box. A composite subframe made from 30% carbon fibre is very trick. The FS comes rolling from the factory with a cocktail of aftermarket bolt-ons as standard: ProTaper ?bars, Brembo braking paraphernalia, Twin Air filter, Bridgestone slicks and Alpina rims. Don?t ask us why there?s a 16.6-inch front wheel and 17-icnh rear.
In many ways, it?s a good job the FS 450 ain?t road legal, as you won?t have a licence for long. It?ll be available in July ...