Since Husqvarna’s motorcycle division was acquired by KTM in 2013, the brand has produced a number of interesting-looking streetbikes with KTM components under the Vitpilen (“white arrow” model name). in Swedish) and Svartpilen (“black arrow”), both in color 401 and size 701. For 2024, the Naked Bike Husqvarna 801 Svartpilen upgrades the lineup with a 799cc parallel-twin engine, new frame, performance components and new rider support and technology.
Related: Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 | Road test review
The 401 and 701 models used KTM engines, and that’s still the case with the Svartpilen 801, which is powered by the 799cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin LC8c engine with DOHC also found in the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. It has an 88mm bore, 65.6mm stroke and a 12.5:1 compression ratio, and Husqvarna claims the engine weighs just 114.6 pounds without oil, contributing to a dry weight of just 399 pounds. . There’s also throttle-by-wire, PASC slipper clutch and Easy Shift, which can be disabled.
Related: Review KTM 790 Adventure 2024 | The first look
The tubular chromium-molybdenum steel frame uses the engine as a load-bearing member to reduce weight and allow for a lower seat height (32.2 inches), and the subframe is cast from aluminum with integrated air intakes lies under the chair. The wheelbase is only 54.6 inches.
The WP APEX 43mm upside-down fork has 5.5 inches of travel and can be adjusted for compression and rebound via an easy-to-access five-step dial located at the top of the fork tube. In back, WP APEX shocks provide 5.9 inches of travel and are adjustable for rebound and preload.
The braking system is provided by J.Juan. Up front are twin 300mm discs mated to radially mounted 4-piston calipers and at the rear are 240mm discs with 2-piston floating calipers. Bosch ABS is standard equipment. The car uses 17-inch cast alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli MT60 RS tires sized 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear.
All of these components are fitted into a scrambler-style package with a slim body. The main design feature of the Svartpilen is the “decoupling” that separates the frame and subframe, contributing to the unique appearance of the vehicle. Another interesting design feature is the light ring surrounding the headlights and the entire lighting system is LED. The narrow two-piece front seat provides easy access to the ground, and the 3.7-gallon fuel tank has a stylized cap.
Standard equipment on the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 includes the Easy Shift quickshift system, Bosch cornering ABS with Supermoto ABS Mode, cornering traction control and three riding modes (Street, Sport and Rain). Optional driver aids include a user-customizable Dynamic mode, anti-wheelie mode with five levels, engine slip adjustment and cruise control.
The device includes a 5-inch TFT display, which automatically adapts to changes in environmental light. The configuration of the LCD display can be rearranged according to the rider’s preferences, and all riding modes and ABS settings are displayed on the display. The screen also connects to the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app to access turn-by-turn navigation as well as phone and music functions. There is also a USB-C charging port.
The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has an MSRP of $10,899 and the bike will begin arriving at dealerships in April.
For more information, visit Husqvarna website.
See more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide.
