Words: 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.
So, we’re now into 2024 and Husqvarna, once again, has chosen to reignite the passion for this ‘quirky’ motorcycle and after hours of deliberation, I’d imagine, decided to call it the 801. Doesn’t sound a too exciting numerical update but the changes are dramatic to say the least with the implementation of the twin-cylinder 799cc, LC8 engine, also found inside the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. The end result in one of the best motorcycles I’ve had the pleasure of slinging a leg over this year.
It’s not just about the LC8 engine either, oh no, it has a new chassis and components from one end of the arrow to the other. Actually the chrome-moly steel tubular frame is directly from the 790 Duke, that was also re-released, a couple of years ago. Husqvarna engineers changed the rake though; kicking it out by half-a- degree to make the front end a little more stable, where the 790 Duke demands more sporty credentials. The lengthy and exposed swing-arm is the same one used on the Duke, keeping in line with KTM’s expertise.
This expertise percolates into the engine, which we all know is built in calibration with CFMoto. They make the parts but it is designed, developed and assembled in Austria. This very compact and versatile unit, only weighing 52kg, has twin balancer shafts and state-of-the-art finger-follower camshaft activation. With substantial 46mm Dellorto throttle bodies it churns out 105hp@9,250rpm and 87Nm@8,000rpm, again the same quoted figures as found in the 790Duke, but with a somewhat softer tune to go with the more relaxed chassis dimensions.
One, or many, noticeable advancements regarding the new Svartpilen 801, compared to the previous 701, is a significant new electronics suite. Three power modes now appear, Sport, Street and Rain, with adjustable throttle response, which combine with a few levels of traction control. Bosch take care of cornering ABS, as well as Supermoto mode where you can turn off the rear for childish skidding antics, which is fun, right? However for 6k more Husqvarna will unlock the new Dynamic mode (which I highly recommend you do). Now you can have 10-levels of traction control, five-levels of wheelie control, launch control, cruise control, and skid-sensitive engine compression braking (no direct connection to your underwear, maybe), and MSR (Motor Slip Regulator), that controls how far the rear wheel is allowed to step out, or bravery mode.
All of these settings are relayed on the 5-inch TFT screen using Husqvarna’s signature black/yellow colours as a backdrop, which is exceptionally clear to read, and logical to use using the new and excellent concave left side switchgear. Oh I forgot, in Dynamic mode, if you hold the bottom button down for a few seconds it turns off ALL the rider aids, displaying a big zero for traction levels and the like. Then the 801 will pull massive wheelies and light up the rear tyre in ‘inconsiderate hooligan and knob head’ mode – I did that every time I got on the bike, go figure? 
Coming from the Husqvarna book of racing there’s no surprise the Svartpilen 801 is stuffed full of high-end WP Apex suspension, again set more towards the softer side, which I found to be ideal for road use. Compression in one of the fork legs works in conjunction with rebound in the other, and they only have five clicks each for simplicity of adjustment, and both have pre-load facilitation. The chunky rear shock has pre-load for the spring and rebound damping only, and personally I wouldn’t change any of the original settings anyway. The 801 is an effortless thrill to throw around and the steering damper controls any unwanted headshakes.
So what do you think about the styling? It’s certainly different, if not a little bland in places, but more Husqvarna badges would have been handy, because very few are found on the bike and many people asked what it was. The powerful LED headlight has one and so does the filler cap, with the Svartpilen and 801 labels on the side pods only, a Husky badge would have been polite there. Anyway, that’s just a tiny complaint as the rest of the bike looks extraordinary, especially the two-piece suede like seat, high ‘bars, and of course those eye-catching Pirelli MT 60RS semi-trail type 17-inch tyres. That size also opens up the rider to choose from hundreds of tyre options when the time arrives to replace the rotating rubber parts.
To give those tyres a hard time braking is taken care of by J Juan (Husqvarna’s own brand) radial calipers chewing onto twin 300mm discs. They are more than powerful enough to bring the lightweight 190kg Svartpilen 801 to a controlled halt, not forgetting the Bosch controlled ABS options mentioned earlier.
I’d just like to mention the more road biased Vitpilen version can be ordered if you desire, but personally I’d opt for this ‘better’ version, so ignore that comment. The riding ergonomics are close to perfect for a naked bike on the Svartpilen. It just feels so comfortable for all day long tearing about town and immense fun in the process, sounds good too, barking out of the high-set silencer. 105hp is more than enough for exciting times, especially when you deactivate the whole electronics package. Whenever I shot away from the lights and enjoyed the smooth and forceful power delivery, I always seemed to look down and see 175kmh on the TFT screen, delightful acceleration then. And with the front wheel hovering in first and second whilst reveling in the Easy Shift (quickshifter) it always seemed to leave a ‘joker like’ wide grin on your face, tremendous fun on all counts.
It’s been quite a while since I enjoyed riding a bike so much on a daily basis and I most certainly have to recommend owning one, and then some. The Price? R206,999 (plus 6k for the Dynamic Pack that you must have) seems to me to be a bargain in our current ‘expensive bike’ market, don’t ya think? Husqvarna has brought their big Svartpilen back to life in a praiseworthy manner and for that I’d like to leave you with a famous Swedish song that also makes me as cheerful as my days spent with the new 801 – enjoy…
Images: Sudoku and BB.
Go to www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com for more technical information and dealer locations within South Africa.
Also, if you live in the Cape, go to www.radpaarl.co.za and ask them for a test ride.
