new rides header 750

bike main copyWords: Bill Hunter.

Ok, let me just get this off my chest before we begin to get involved with the new, or updated to more precise, F 800 GS. The last time I rode this derivative, being the F 750 GS, I became so uninterested in riding it again that I took up knitting instead. Maybe a little harsh, especially if you bought one, but it just left me as cold as a shaved penguin.

801 00Words: Bill Hunter.

When Husqvarna first unveiled the Svartpilen 701,in 2018, the concept and idea was to offer something a little different to the rider. The slightly eccentric styling was the attraction using KTM’s reputable single-cylinder, 693cc, LC4 motor. Nothing wrong with that seeing as it’s possibly one of the best ‘singles’ ever made. However by 2020 the Scandinavian Svarpilen (Black Arrow in English) seemed to have fallen out of the quiver and so had the demand, sadly it got shelved. Still, it did generate a bit of an iconic following during its flight.

 0 openerBy Bill Hunter.

Kawasaki is one of the paramount manufacturers regarding retro-styled motorcycles. Its recent addition of the z650RS added spice to the superb z900RS which, in my mind, is still the best retro-styled bike on the market, not only to look at but also to ride. Oh, not forgetting its ‘proper’ retro classic, another I’d like sitting in my garage, the timeless ‘60s replica W800 parallel-twin with the overhead gear driven cam cylinder head – a lovely machine on all counts! 

bike main 01By: Sir Bill Hunter.

Six years ago we saw the advent of two road based models from Husqvarna, the Svartpilen and Vitpilen to be more precise. They were two funky-styled street bikes that enjoyed quite a cult following in the years to come. Basically they were something, in the motorcycle world, a little different, to attract riders who were looking for something dissimilar to the usual offerings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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