First Impressions: 2022.5 Husqvarna Rockstar Edition FC250 + FMF 4.1 Exhaust

2022 Husqvarna Rockstar Edition FC250 + FMF 4.1 Exhaust Review 

New bike season must be one of the best yet and today I was on cloud nine riding the new 2022.5 Husqvarna FC250 Rockstar Edition. Husqvarna and KTM completely revamped this bike for 2023 and most notably, the chassis and motor are more refined than ever, introducing a bold new look and race like motor right off the showroom floor.

What’s new?

Motor

The all new FC250 motor is built to race, and that it is going to do well. With an increase in the exhaust valves at 27.5 mm the FC250 is getting a more efficient flow of fuel allowing it to freely rev up to its 14,000 RPM max. in recent years, Husqvarna OEM piston was supplied by Vertex, whereas now it is CP. Along with the big change, the bore is now 81mm, and compression ratio at 14.5:1.

Frame

The new lightweight frame is designed with stability in mind and to gain what the Husqvarna FC250 has been lacking in the past. The shock mounting point is no longer attached to the main tube of the frame to help the chassis move better.

The all-new subframe

 In years past it has been known that the Husqvarna composite subframe has had reliability issues due to stress issues on the mounting points. For 2023, this has been resolved, and introduced a Polyamide-reinforced aluminum subframe. Now being made from 60% polyamide and 40% aluminum, the two-part subframe is significantly stronger with durability in mind.

Swing Arm

Using a hollow die-cast aluminum swingarm made from one single piece of aluminum is creating a stiffer while lighter rear end.  The flush chain guide and slider are very unique and ultimately make for a sleek look while avoiding and catching of objects that may come in contact.

Ultimate technology

It is no surprise to see Husqvarna add in the quick shift mechanism while giving you all of the best technology in the slimmest, sleek and most precise fitment on the bars. The Electric start and kill switch are in one button, while the Map one and two options, quick shift, traction control, and launch control are in another.

2 hours on the bike review

Hopping onto the new Husqvarna FC250 Rockstar edition it is immediately apparent of all the changes made while sitting in the cockpit. During my first few laps on the track, I was pleasantly surprised as to how easy it felt to get my leg up in the corner, use my legs to control the bike underneath all while feeling in complete control. With that, I felt a little bit of instability with a straight line when entering, but once I was into the first part of the corner before the apex, I knew I was in total control and could put the bike wherever I wanted to go. From outside to in, or inside to out, the bike could pivot on a dime and react to everything I asked of it.

Immediately I felt the significant increase in power compared to years past. It felt much broader, but it loves to be revved hard. I felt like the bike would pull harder when you asked it to and seemed planted in doing so. Similar to years past I was again a “Map 2 guy”. Map one just didn’t seem to have enough grunt for my liking.

The newly updated fork and shock was once again another step in the right direction for a mix of rider comfort as well as holdup and what I’d like to see for race pace stability. The WP Exact fork is no doubt the best production air fork that we have seen, but it still does have some flaws. One of the most notable things for me is the abrasive feel in the hands with slap down feel. While I did ride a rather smooth track, the slap down did not seem to be near as noticeable as it has been in the past, while also being able to gain some more front-end trust while pushing the pace.

FMF Factory 4.1 RCT Titanium Anodized Slip On

I’ve always been one to get a new bike and change 1,000 things before I even ride it in stock trim. This can be a counterproductive act. This time we are doing things differently by adding one new part at a time, and learning exactly how each one benefits/changes the motorcycle. We can then dig deep into understanding why and how.

The FMF 4.1 Slip On is something that I usually do coupled with an ECU, gas & motor work. This time, it was Slip On only. 

Performance

 Instantly, the bike sounded alive. One will ask, are sounds deceiving? In this situation I am going to say no. Throughout the power from bottom to top I felt a strong increase, most notably in the bottom end torque. With the stock exhaust it commonly feels restricted, whereas the FMF felt like it allowed the bike to be able to open up like it should. 

Fit and Finish 

For years and years I have chosen FMF over any other product simply due to those two words. Every time I get an FMF I know it is going to bolt on perfectly, and look the best with the anodized blue titanium can. There is a reason you see them on so many factory bikes at the highest level of our sport. 

 Price point

For $799.99, is it worth it? I believe so, yes. 

Why? 

• Overall increase in power
• Weight reduction
• Added value to motorcycle
• Factory appeal
• Removable spark arrestor

Two notable updated comfort items I LOVED.

1. The upgrade of the throttle cables to the Domino vs the standard we received last year is much better. How did I notice? Well, earlier in the year I found myself down a rabbit hole trying to make my throttle on my current 2022 lighter and “snappier”. When I felt the throttle on the 22.5 and noticed the domino logo, I was stoked!

2. Are these factory pegs? Man, the OEM pegs on a 22.5 are incredible. Truthfully, it feels like you have just gone out and spent $300 on titanium oversized pegs. The same grip and feel as the aftermarket, but do come on the production 22.5 and 23’s.

Difference between 2022.5 Factory Edition and 2023?

 This is the question many ask when getting ready to go out and buy a new bike. Ultimately, is it worth it to buy the factory edition over the standard coming out a few months later?

Yes.

 I am a logical guy. For that reason, I like to get the most for my money; you do get more for the dollar when you buy the Factory Edition. But, what exactly do you get?

• WP Factory Split triple Clamp 

• DID Dirt Star Factory Wheel set

• WP Hole shot device

• Guts Racing gripper seat cover

• Skid plate

• Front rotor guard

• Pro Taper bar pad

• Black Powder coated frame

2022.5 Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition $10,699

2023 Husqvarna FC 250 $10,099

So, getting a good $1800 - $2,000 in valuable parts right off the showroom floor for the difference of $600 is a great value.

Is the bike worth it?

Absolutely. This new bike is extremely good and is one that has me excited to get out and ride while continuing to make changes and improve the overall characteristics of the bike.