The FC 450 engine benefits from advanced engineering techniques to deliver maximum performance. Low in weight and weighing just 59 lb (26.8 kg), the engine is designed to centralize mass for enhanced handling and significantly improves anti-squat behavior from the chassis. Servicing of the FC 450 engine is made easier compared to previous models thanks to the addition of service markers on the engine cases.

The SOHC cylinder head is incredibly compact with the camshaft positioned as close to the centre of gravity as possible for unrivalled handling and agility. A durable, fine-punched cam chain runs on low-friction chain guides for optimal efficiency and reliability with a single oil spray jet ensuring effective cooling. The lightweight valves are actuated via a rocker arm and feature timing specifically designed to deliver precise levels of torque and throttle response.

The lightweight aluminium cylinder is undoubtedly an engineering masterpiece and features a 95 mm bore with a 63.4 mm stroke. Inside, the CP bridged-box-type piston features anodised annular grooves, adding durability and longer service intervals at a weight of just 327 g. Delivering best-in-class performance, the compression ratio is 13.6:1 for incredible peak power and ensures the FC 450 remains firmly at the front of the pack.

The crankshaft is specifically positioned to harness the rotating mass in the ideal centre of gravity, which creates a lightweight and agile handling feel. As such, the inertia produced by the crankshaft is carefully calculated to deliver optimal traction and rideability from the powerful 450 cc engine. A plain big end bearing comprising two force-fitted bearing shells ensure maximum reliability and durability, guaranteeing long service intervals of 90 hours.

Designed for optimised mass centralisation, the FC 450 crankcases arrange the shafts and engine internals in the perfect position to achieve the best possible handling. Manufactured using a high-pressure die-cast production process, the result is a thin, exceptionally strong wall thickness at the lowest possible weight.

The FC 450 features a dampened diaphragm steel (DDS) clutch that includes a single-diaphragm steel pressure plate instead of traditional coil springs. It integrates a damping system for better traction and durability. The clutch basket is a single-piece, CNC-machined steel component using thin steel liners, which ensures a compact overall engine design.

Produced by Pankl Racing Systems, the 5-speed gearbox is designed to be extremely light and durable while featuring optimised and proven motocross-specific gear ratios (29:72). Integrated into the shift drum, a Quickshifter sensor can be activated by pressing the QS marked button on the Map Select Switch to further aid smooth upshifting.