Bike Files: Husqvarna Svartpilen/Vitpilen 801

‘Swedish’ hipster machines offer trendy alternative to KTM in the naked middleweight sector, but what even are they?

First up, who the heck are Husqvarna?

Husqvarna can trace its roots back to Sweden in the late 1600s, when they made guns. It’s no exaggeration to say it is one of the oldest companies known to exist. They would go on to make tractors and equipment like lawnmowers and chainsaws, before making their first motorbike in 1903. Husqvarna was a successful racing company in the 1950s and ‘60s, especially in motocross where they won numerous world titles.

The bike division was sold off in 1986, when it was bought by Cagiva and relocated to Italy. A short spell under the ownership of BMW (albeit still located in Italy) came between 2007 and 2013 before Pierer Mobility Group, the company behind KTM, purchased the brand.

Today’s range shares its technology with KTM’s models, with Husqvarna’s range of machines from 125 to 800cc effectively being badge engineered versions of their parent brand’s line-up. Despite sharing the same name and logo, they’ve nothing to do with the company that makes chainsaws or lawnmowers!

So tell us about these Svartpilen and Vitpilens?

Translated from Swedish, the names mean Black Arrow (Svartpilen) and White Arrow (Vitpilen). Both share the same underpinnings, basically being modified versions of KTM’s feisty 790 Duke, but take slightly different design directions.

The Svartpilen has a bit of a retro thing going down, with scrambler touches like higher handlebars and Pirelli tyres with a mild off-road pattern. The Vitpilen has a more clean cut look, more in the café racer style and, dare we say it, a bit more elegant than the typical naked middleweight.

The steel trellis frame is a modified version of the Duke’s, as is the engine, so it is a known quantity. They are quite a bit more expensive than the bike upon which they are based though, which might make them a tough sell. That said, we think they look great… and they go well too.

What are the Husqvarnas like to ride?

It’s no surprise that they’re a lot like KTM’s 790 Duke, and that’s no bad thing. The Husky runs a more powerful version of the 799cc LC8c engine, delivering 103bhp, and it certainly has a lot of spunk about it.

Despite the slightly retro looks, the Husqvarnas certainly know how to boogie.

he engine is playful and the ride sporty. With its sportier ergonomics, the Vitpilen has a slight edge in terms of its fast road riding credentials but, in spite of its pseudo off-road patterned Pirelli MT60 RS rubber (which are actually amazing road tyres), the Svartpilen isn’t far behind.

Multiple riding modes and tech like cornering ABS, traction control, cool TFT dashboards and quickshifters mean Husky’s arrows are at the top of the class when it comes to tech and, overall, they’re a spicy pair of Swedes.

The WP Apex suspension is adjustable and a look in the Vitpilen’s owner’s handbook even lists some recommended track settings for the chassis. That tells you a lot about the potential of the motorcycle, even if the Husqvarna branded brakes and Michelin Road 6 tyres are better suited for street riding than lapping up a track day.

But a pricy pair of Swedes?

It’s going to be tough for Husqvarna to make a big impression in the sector. Not only is their dealer network less established than the bigger brands, it’s also not a particularly well known brand in the eyes of most motorcyclists.

Add in the prices, which are typically over £2000 more than those of comparable middleweight roadsters, and you can understand why the Svartpilen and Vitpilen are rare sights on UK roads.

What are the alternatives to the Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 801?

Say what you like about the Husqvarnas but they do occupy their own place in the market so, while we say that they are more expensive than comparable roadsters, rivals are not necessarily too clear to identify.

In many ways they are up against the likes of the 790 Duke, Triumph Street Triple and Yamaha MT-09, albeit with some more avantgarde styling and a higher price tag. That probably lines them up alongside the higher spec versions of the Triumph and Yamaha, as well as more stylised gear like Yamaha’s XSR900, Ducati Monster and, arguably, the more expensive BMW R 1250 R.

Why should I buy a Husqvarna Svartpilen or Vitpilen?

You want a modern middleweight roadster but want something that stands out from the crowd.

Photos: Rudi Schedl/Husqvarna