Husqvarna 801 Svartpilen Test 2024

The newest addition to the Husqvarna lineup, the Husqvarna Naked Bike, is the Svartpilen 801, designed for exploring dark roads and rugged terrains. The presentation took place in the picturesque Sainte-Baume Natural Regional Park in the south of France, known for its dense forests and sacred grottoes, providing the perfect backdrop for the Svartpilen 801's rugged aesthetics. The winding mountain roads and panoramic views of the park offer a sensory feast for riders, with tall beech and oak forests and the scent of Mediterranean flora creating a mystical atmosphere. Check out the highlight of the route on Calimoto for an unforgettable experience.

The requests we received via our Instagram channel for this initial test focused on the similarities between these two motorcycles. When you take a look at our Motorcycle comparison between Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 and KTM 790 Duke, you'll notice that on paper, they are very similar. However, upon closer inspection, there are distinct differences that set them apart.

Both the KTM 790 Duke and the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 are equipped with a parallel-twin engine featuring offset crankpins and a displacement of 799 cubic centimeters. Despite this shared characteristic, the two bikes have unique set-ups. Additionally, they both utilize the same swingarm, directly taken from the 790 model. While many components of the braking system are identical, adjustments have been made to cater to the specific differences between the KTM and Husqvarna models. This summarizes the key similarities and differences between the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 and the KTM 790 Duke.

However, the Husqvarna Naked Bike also draws inspiration from the Duke series. The suspension components are actually based on the same hardware as the 990 Duke. Some adjustments have been made, such as different springs in the fork with a varied spring rate. What truly sets the Husqvarna apart is its impressive electronics package, borrowed from the 990 Duke. Even in its standard version, the 801 model comes equipped with cornering ABS, lean angle-dependent traction control, a standard quickshifter, and three riding modes. Opting for the Dynamic package for an additional 389 euros unlocks even more features, including a 5-stage anti-wheelie control, three-stage throttle response, and a whopping 9-stage slip control that can be fully customized. This level of customization and technology at such a competitive price point is unmatched by any other motorcycle in or outside the Pierer Group - well done, Husqvarna!

The operational design of the Husqvarna Naked Bike is also practical and well thought out. The illuminated 4-way switch on the left handlebar end is a feature found in other models from the brand, making it easy for riders of all levels to navigate. The clear and easy-to-read 5-inch color TFT display enhances this experience. Almost all settings can be adjusted while riding, with the option to choose from 3 different cockpit display variations (standard, minimalist, and without favorites such as trip and average consumption). The new shortcuts located behind the arrow keys (up and down) provide additional convenience. Default settings for driving mode and ABS mode are stored here, catering to most users, but customization options are also available on the arrow keys.

Just like its smaller 401 siblings, Husqvarna incorporates the signature LED ring around the front headlight of the Svartpilen 801, along with LED technology for the rear light and indicators. The connectivity system on the 801 is cutting-edge, allowing for features such as arrow navigation and music player mirroring on the display through a dedicated smartphone app. A new addition is the ability to remotely control the app using the 4-way switch. Unfortunately, we were unable to fully test the connectivity functions during our time with the bike. Additional electronic features offered by Husqvarna for the Svartpilen 801 include cruise control and heated grips.

The LC8c platform has been a highly acclaimed success in the KTM and Husqvarna world, and in the 801 Svartpilen, as in the 790 Duke, it is sourced from the CFMOTO factory in China. The twin-cylinder engine consistently provides ample power and impresses with its smooth power delivery. However, below 2500 rpm, the engine feels a bit rough for a modern powerplant, causing noticeable vibrations in the otherwise well-designed rear-view mirrors. As you reach higher revs, around 6500 rpm, vibrations can be felt on the tank and footrests.

In terms of sound, the Husqvarna Naked Bike delivers a satisfying rumble when cruising at low RPMs. Upgrading to Akrapovic or Remus mufflers can enhance the auditory experience even further. Overall, the sound of the Husqvarna Naked Bike is described as understated. The exhaust system meets the Euro 5 plus standard, although some may find the chain placement to be too close. Nevertheless, future owners can appreciate one of the most aesthetically pleasing exhaust pipes currently available in the motorcycle market.

Let's now turn our attention to the various riding modes available for the Husqvarna Naked Bike: aside from Rain, Street, and Sport, Dynamic mode is also offered as an option. Street mode stands out for its smooth responsiveness, although its performance at higher speeds is hindered by the traction control kicking in early. Sport and Dynamic modes provide a more aggressive, almost digital feedback. A balanced compromise for spirited rides on country roads is found in the following configuration: Dynamic mode, Street throttle response, Slide Control set to level 3.

Despite the longer wheelbase compared to the 701, the Husqvarna Naked Bike 801's ability to perform wheelies is still very noticeable. The finely tuned wheelie control system allows even the most hesitant riders to lift the front wheel without the risk of flipping over. For more daring riders, the wheelie control can be completely deactivated in dynamic mode. I also want to commend the precise gear shifting of the Husqvarna Naked Bike. The six gears shift smoothly and accurately, whether using the Easy Shift system or not. The gear changes offer a great tactile feel and provide sufficient feedback without feeling rigid.

The suspension setup of the Husqvarna Naked Bike is truly impressive. We had the opportunity to thoroughly test the damping system on the varied terrain in the outskirts of Marseille. The front fork handled small potholes and uneven surfaces with a slightly delayed response, while larger bumps were effectively absorbed, providing a smooth ride for the rider. In contrast, the rear shock absorber performed exceptionally well under the same conditions. Both suspension components effectively absorbed impacts, ensuring a comfortable ride even over longer distances. The elevated handlebars may slightly compromise front wheel feedback, but overall, the seating position is relaxed and ergonomic, as we will discuss further in the review.

Husqvarna has chosen the familiar Pirelli MT60 RS as the original equipment tires for its Naked Bike. This tire has been on the market for over a decade and continues to impress with its solid performance and wide range of capabilities. The Svartpilen 801, with its distinctive appearance, benefits from the scrambler attributes of the Pirelli MT60 RS, helping it maintain its unique identity as a Naked Bike. The greatest potential for enhancing the performance of the Svartpilen 801 lies in the tire selection. By opting for a modern sports tire, riders can push the limits of cornering on this Husqvarna model.

The braking system of the Husqvarna Naked Bike is perfectly matched to the chassis and tires. It's not a one-finger sports brake, but with just two fingers on the adjustable brake lever, you can reliably bring the bike to a stop at any time. The standard Supermoto ABS mode is a real treat in all Pierer Mobility models, and the Husqvarna Naked Bike is no different. Enthusiasts of stoppies will often engage this mode, as the ABS prevents the rear wheel from lifting, no matter the riding mode selected. Conversely, the Supermoto ABS mode can be used in conjunction with any riding mode.

The seat height of the Husqvarna Naked Bike has been lowered to just 820 mm, making it suitable for smaller riders as well. With high handlebars and lower footrests, even taller riders can sit comfortably on the bike, which offers a surprisingly comfortable ride despite its minimalist appearance. The knee angle is not overly acute, and the riding position is upright. Husqvarna's engineers have successfully maintained the lean angle of the 801 Svartpilen at the same level as the 701 model through clever engineering techniques.

The Husqvarna Naked Bike, known as the Svartpilen 801, features a sleek design with limited space for a potential passenger at the rear. Designers opted for a minimalist approach to the required passenger seat, with a discreet metal strap hidden beneath it, only visible once the seat is removed. This solution seems more focused on emergency situations rather than on passenger comfort. Surprisingly, the Svartpilen 801 boasts an impressive payload capacity of 244 kg. Despite its registration weight of 191 kg, the total permissible weight reaches up to 435 kg.

Husqvarna Naked Bike, the Svartpilen 801, boasts a fuel consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 km according to the official specifications, resulting in CO2 emissions of 106 g/km. During our dynamic 240 km test ride, the average consumption displayed was 5.1 liters. With a full tank, the Svartpilen can easily reach a range of at least 250 kilometers, and with a more fuel-efficient riding style, even up to 300 kilometers. The stationary noise level of the Husqvarna measures a neighbor-friendly 91 dBA.

Plenty of light and a touch of darkness, that's how one could characterize this section of the Husqvarna Naked Bike. Visual and tactile delights are evident from the front to the back of the motorcycle. A single-piece subframe at the rear, which elegantly incorporates the airbox intake and stretches across the bike as a visual divider between the rider and passenger, along with the numerous lettering and logos, bestow the Svartpilen with a flawless aesthetic. Positioned in front of the ice cream parlor, the motorcycle easily earns a rating half a class above and certainly doesn't need to shy away from much pricier bikes.

This fact makes it even more disappointing that the tough plastic covering of the 14-liter tank feels low-cost upon closer examination. The space between the tank and the fairing is also wide enough to gather falling leaves or other debris. Cleaning without taking off the covering seems impossible. However, the overall construction quality of the Husqvarna 801 Svartpilen can be described as top-notch.

The saying "the best comes last" truly applies to the Husqvarna Naked Bike. With its impressive performance, the price tag of 10,890 euros in Germany, 12,299 euros in Austria, and a mere 9,990 CHF in Switzerland is more than justified. For those interested in financing, Husqvarna will soon launch a 0% (0.99% in Switzerland) financing campaign. Contact your nearest Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer for more details.

The Husqvarna Naked Bike will hit dealerships starting in mid-May 2024. Customers will appreciate the extended service intervals of 15,000 kilometers after the initial 1,000 km service, which reflects Husqvarna's confidence in the durability of the 801 engine.