Segment:
Performance Off-Road / Supermoto Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking to maintain, repair, or restore their Husqvarna SM 450 R, ranging from casual riders to serious competitors.
Competitors 2003 2004:
KTM 450 EXC/SMR, Yamaha WR450F/YZ450F (converted), Honda CRF450X/CRF450R (converted), Suzuki RM-Z450 (converted), GasGas SM 450
Vehicle Focus:
Lightweight, powerful, agile supermoto focused on aggressive street riding and track performance. Known for strong off-road heritage adapted for tarmac.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, actionable information to empower owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, thereby reducing reliance on external workshops and preserving the vehicle's performance and value.
Covered Years:
2003, 2004
Geographical Coverage:
Global (specifications may vary by region)
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of Pages (precise count not specified, but described as extensive)
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Purpose:
Repair, Maintenance, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, internal components, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Gearbox internal and external components, clutch operation and servicing, shift mechanism
Chassis:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front fork, rear shock absorber), steering system, wheel and tire servicing
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis, caliper overhaul, master cylinder servicing, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery and charging system, ignition control, sensor diagnostics, starter system
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank removal and installation, handlebars, footpegs
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problem identification and resolution, fault code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, disassembly and reassembly procedures
Rebuild:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including specifications for wear limits and tolerances
Refurbishment Restoration:
Guidance on restoring the vehicle to original specifications, component refurbishment techniques
Depth:
Comprehensive and detailed, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers basic to advanced repairs and full engine rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, Single Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled
Displacement:
Approximately 450 cc (Exact bore and stroke would be detailed in the manual)
Bore X Stroke:
Detailed specifications provided in manual
Compression Ratio:
Detailed specifications provided in manual
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 Valves
Horsepower Estimate:
Estimated 45-55 HP (at crankshaft, varies with tuning and specification)
Torque Estimate:
Estimated 40-45 lb-ft (at crankshaft, varies with tuning and specification)
Carburetor Type:
Mikuni Flat Slide (e.g., VM38 or TM38 series - specific model to be confirmed in manual)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
91 RON or higher recommended
Type:
Liquid-Cooled, Radiator with Fan
Coolant Type:
Permanent Antifreeze/Coolant Mixture (e.g., 50/50 ethylene glycol and distilled water)
Oil Capacity:
Detailed specifications provided in manual (typically around 1.5-2.0 liters)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-50 (specific API service classification provided in manual)
Type:
5-Speed Constant Mesh
Type:
N/A (Single transmission option typically)
Clutch Type:
Wet Multi-Plate, Cable Actuated
Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios for each gear provided in manual
Transmission Oil Type:
Dedicated transmission oil or engine oil as specified by manufacturer (refer to manual for exact specification)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Detailed specifications provided in manual
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1470-1490 mm (Subject to exact model variation)
Seat Height:
Approx. 900-920 mm (Subject to exact model variation)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 300-320 mm (Subject to exact model variation)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 115-125 kg (Subject to exact model variation and equipment)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 7-9 Liters
Safety Certification:
Motorcycle safety standards applicable for the region of sale (e.g., DOT, ECE - not typically rated like cars)
Brakes:
Hydraulic Disc Brakes (Front & Rear)
Tires:
Supermoto-specific road tires (e.g., 120/70-17 Front, 150/60-17 Rear typical)
Frame Construction:
Chromoly Steel Trellis Frame (known for rigidity and impact absorption)
Handlebars:
Fatbar handlebars for improved control and impact resistance
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual (typically every 10-15 hours of use or annually for street use)
Air Filter Cleaning:
Refer to manual (frequently, especially in dusty conditions)
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Refer to manual (regularly, every few hundred miles or after washing/wet riding)
Valve Clearance Check:
Refer to manual (typically every 50-100 hours of use)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual (e.g., every 100-150 hours or annually)
Engine Oil Spec:
See engine_specs.lubrication_system.recommended_oil_viscosity. Manual will specify exact API/JASO rating.
Coolant Spec:
See engine_specs.cooling_system.coolant_type
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 recommended (manual will confirm specific requirements)
Fork Oil Viscosity:
Specific viscosity and quantity provided in manual (e.g., WP forks often use specific Showa or Golden Spectro fork oils)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, piston rings, valve guides/seals, fork seals, wheel bearings, chain and sprockets are common wear items on performance motorcycles of this era.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many European motorcycles of this vintage, checking and securing all electrical connections, grounds, and inspecting the stator/regulator can be preventative measures.
Carburetor Tuning:
Proper carburetor jetting and tuning are critical for optimal performance and can be a common area for adjustment based on altitude, temperature, and exhaust modifications.
Heritage Summary:
Husqvarna is one of the world's oldest motorcycle manufacturers, with a strong legacy in off-road competition and innovation. The brand has Swedish origins and a history of developing robust and performance-oriented machines.
Sm450R Context:
The SM 450 R emerged from Husqvarna's successful off-road platforms (like the WR models), adapted for supermoto racing and street use. This generation represented a refinement of their single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine and chassis technology for this specific discipline.
Manufacturing Location:
Italy (under current ownership at the time of these models)
Production Period Context:
The early 2000s saw Husqvarna under different ownership structures, but they continued to produce competitive off-road and supermoto models. This period was crucial for the brand's transition and adaptation to evolving market demands.
Model Era Awards:
While specific awards for the 2003-2004 SM 450 R model might not be widely publicized, Husqvarna models of this period were generally well-regarded in the supermoto and off-road press for their performance and handling characteristics.
Typical Editorial Ratings:
Often received high marks for engine power, chassis balance, and braking performance within the supermoto category.