2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Preview
Since Husqvarna’s motorcycle division was acquired by KTM in 2013, the brand has produced some interesting-looking streetbikes with KTM components under the model names of Vitpilen (“white arrow” in Swedish) and Svartpilen (“black arrow”), both in 401 and 701 sizes. For 2024, the Husqvarna 801 Svartpilen naked bike upgrades the lineup with a 799cc parallel-Twin, a new frame, performance components, and new rider aids and technology.
Related: Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 | Road Test Review
The 401 and 701 models have used KTM engines, and that remains the case with the Svartpilen 801, which is powered by the liquid-cooled 799cc parallel-Twin LC8c with DOHC also found in the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. It has a bore of 88mm, a stroke of 65.6mm, and a compression ratio of 12.5:1, and Husqvarna claims the engine weighs only 114.6 lb without oil, contributing to the bike’s dry weight of just 399 lb. Also included are throttle-by-wire, a PASC slipper clutch, and an Easy Shift quickshifter, which can be deactivated.
Related: 2024 KTM 790 Adventure Review | First Look
The tubular chromium-molybdenum steel frame uses the engine as a stressed member to reduce weight and allow a lower seat height (32.2 in.), and the subframe is cast from aluminum with integrated air intakes located under the seat. Wheelbase is just 54.6 inches.
The WP APEX 43mm inverted fork offers 5.5 inches of travel and is adjustable for compression and rebound via easy-access five-step click dials located on top of the fork tube. In the rear, a WP APEX shock absorber provides 5.9 inches of travel and is adjustable for rebound and preload.
Braking is provided by J.Juan. Up front are dual 300mm discs paired with 4-piston, radially-mounted calipers, and in the rear is a 240mm disc with a 2-piston floating caliper. Bosch ABS comes as standard. The bike rides on 17-inch cast alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli MT60 RS tires in 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear sizes.
All these components are fitted into a scrambler-styled package with slim bodywork. A key design feature of the Svartpilen is the “split” that separates the frame and subframe, contributing to the bike’s unique appearance. Another interesting design feature is a light ring around the headlight, and all lighting is LED. The two-piece seat is narrow in the front to provide easy ground access, and the 3.7-gallon fuel tank has a stylized cover.
Standard equipment on the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 includes the Easy Shift quickshifter, Bosch cornering ABS with Supermoto ABS Mode, cornering traction control, and three ride modes (Street, Sport, and Rain). Optional rider aids include a user-customizable Dynamic mode, an anti-wheelie mode with five levels, motor slip regulation, and cruise control.
Instrumentation includes a 5-inch TFT display, which automatically adapts to changes in environmental light. The TFT’s configuration can be rearranged for rider preference, and all ride modes and ABS settings are visible on the screen. The display also connects to the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app to access turn-by-turn navigation and phone and music functions. A USB-C charging port is also included.
The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 has an MSRP of $10,899, and bikes will begin to arrive at dealers in April.
For more information, visit the Husqvarna website.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide.
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