Husqvarna has announced a new model in its burgeoning range, with the twin-cylinder 799cc Svartpilen 801 joining the 125 and 400cc singles to offer a stylish alternative in the naked middleweight class.
Like the smaller Svartpilen and Vitpilen models, the 801 combines an interesting mash up of modern and retro design elements, with distinctive yet minimalist bodywork juxtaposed against scrambler-inspired elements like the tapered aluminium handlebars and lightly dirt patterned Pirelli MT60RS tyres.
As with the other models in the Husqvarna range, most of the 801’s underpinnings are shared with fellow Pierer Mobility brand KTM. The engine comes from KTM’s 790 Duke, with the 799cc parallel-twin pumping out 105 bhp peak power at 9,250rpm, which is complemented by 87Nm of torque. With just 181kg to haul around, it promises to provide plenty of entertainment, without being as bonkers as its orange sibling.
Costing £10,499 when it arrives in dealerships in June, the Svartpilen 801 is priced in line with the Yamaha XSR900 which, on paper at least, looks like the main competitor.
Like its rival, the Husqvarna comes with a more than decent chassis spec and electronics package. The mid-spec WP suspension is adjustable. Up front, the 43mm APEX upside-down open cartridge forks feature a split damping function, with the respective compression and rebound adjustment carried out through easy to tweak five-step clickers at the top of each leg. The rear monoshock utilises a built in rebound adjuster, while preload can be set using an adjustment tool. Standard equipment also includes a steering damper, which is something of a rarity for this category of bike. The braking system comes courtesy of J.Juan who, despite being little known by most bikers, is owned by Brembo. Their products are becoming more commonplace, with no known issues.
Electronic aids include what Husqvarna describe as ‘Easy Shift’, which allows for clutchless quickshifts up and down the gearbox, as well as corner sensitive traction control and Bosch ABS as standard. Three ride modes come as standard, while buyers can also unlock the cruise control, five-setting anti-wheelie, 10 levels of engine brake adjustment through what Husqvarna call ‘slip control’, as well as an additional ride mode, by paying extra for the optional Dynamic Pack.
The Svartpilen’s distinctive look is in line with its smaller capacity siblings, with the ultra-modern LED lights and TFT dashboard contrasting the minimalist bodywork and retro touches. The fuel tank is a key design element of the Svartpilen 801. It echoes the shape of the 125s and 400s, with the 14 litre item being shrouded by a uniquely shaped cover which the manufacturer says helps to create a relatively low 820mm seat and which aids rider manoeuvrability on the bike. The fuel cap itself features a cool design which incorporates the Husqvarna Motorcycles logo, one of many premium touches for which Husqvarnas are renowned.
The frame is a tubular chromium-molybdenum item, powder coated in black, which utilises the engine as a stressed member to reduce weight and overall size. For all it looks like a relatively simple machine, there are a number of clever pieces of engineering sprinkled throughout. For example, the subframe is cast from aluminium and houses the airbox, with integrated air intakes under the seat. The swingarm is also made from aluminium, with the compact nature of the frame allowing for a relatively long swingarm – which should help aid mechanical traction.
Overall, the Husqvarna Svartpilen (which is Swedish for ‘Black Arrow’ in case you were wondering) 801 brings a new flavour to the middleweight category. In a sector where most machines are either aggressive nakeds, like KTM’s own Dukes, or classic retro designs, it occupies a unique space which owners KTM will surely hope takes the brand into a new audience.
