2019 Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 Review | MC Commute

[@C64SX]

I've got a 2020 Svartpilen 701 and absolutely love it. Some weird complaints in this vid I think. Engine vibrations? Well, it is a thumper. And don't cruise with low throttle under 4000rpm. That's where she will complain a bit. Mods will fix some of this, but haven't tried myself so can't comment on that. They say this will also fix some of the low throttle response. After learning what the engine likes and doesn't like, I have no problems with vibrations on my bike. Well, the mirrors are quite useless at some rpms, as you've already noticed :) Single disc front brake. Well you said yourself the brakes do their job, and I agree with you. The brakes are good. So why add weight if not necessary? Unsprung weight on top of that. Requiring two discs just based on the price of the bike is a bit... weird. Besides, the spoked rims on the 2020 model look so good it would be a shame to hide the front rim behind another brake disc. Some cables showing, yea they could probably have done a better job at hiding some of them. But there's far fewer pieces of plastic to hide them behind on a naked bike, and I've definitively seen worse cases of this on other new bikes, so I don't see that as something Qvarna/KTM are worse at compared to other brands. I do agree on the ergonomics and comfort, and ease of handling. Although I have no problem with the handlebar angle. Seat is ok but not comfortable. A two hour ride will make my bum complain a bit. My own main complaint is the dash. The buttons are a bit hard to press, the angle of it spoils the design (would like to have it angled like the one on Vitpilen), and it's digital. I'd love to have classic analogue instruments on this bike. But the display itself does its job, is easy to read (to me at least) and you get the info you need. I'm quite happy it doesn't have a big square colour TFT screen. It is a pretty basic bike when it comes to available functions. And I appreciate that. No ride modes or other advanced settings. ABS and TC I do appreciate having there though. Low weight, enough HP to have some fun, ergonomics that fit me well, and a chassis that's really enjoyable on small twisty roads. That's all I need. To me, this bike is a keeper. And she looks so damn good as well, but of course that's a personal opinion :) Cheers!

[@williamrae9954]

French company, Bad Winners do exactly the clocks you require...approx €480+tax!

[@ryvoltz]

Is it just me or the MC Commute videos are getting rarer? And what about the MC Garage? I miss the videos.

[@waynemorris8793]

Probably has something to do with Motorcyclist magazine going out of print after being the oldest continuously published motorcycle magazine in the United States. They're moving everything to online, which is no doubt keeping them busy.

[@samrit123in]

@@waynemorris8793 Shouldn't that mean more video content

[@waynemorris8793]

@@samrit123in I'm sure it will mean that...eventually. Seeing as how the end of publishing Motorcyclist in print was just recently announced, they're probably still sorting out which parts of the mag are moving to an online presence and what isn't.

[@jakaberdajs730]

A few reasons but also its alredy 2019... Theres nothning new coming out as regular as a few years back. So ehat are they suppose to ride? The same bike ewery other week?

[@1996Takis1996]

Weird review. Felt a little bit biased. Haven't heard you saying that much bad stuff about another motorcycle since you've taken up this series.

[@trevorchampney3805]

$12000?!? How about comparable performance from an Yamaha MT07 for $7500. Or a Triumph Street Triple R to exceed the performance and craftsmanship for the same price.

[@sharvandhananjayan2374]

Continental gt650?

[@Dowent]

Low quality Kawasaki copycat. I'd rather buy second hand.

[@whitedevilvaz]

Absurdly expensive yeah.

[@Dowent]

@Thruxtonbill I mean sure, if you r a masochist, you can enjoy the crappy Chinese bikes... :D

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

They are listed as $9500 MSRP on the company website.

[@colinkutz5930]

"Absolutely Not" haha! Good Honest review, it's a shame how these bikes turned out considering how excited people were about them initially.

[@ryancarter5835]

I like how Adam thrashes these bikes and doesn't pull any punches in his reviews. No fluff. Keep up the great work.

[@TheHeck69]

I prefer the husquvarna nuda. I prob didnt spell it right but its the best husq there is

[@wileym]

Best there was. That was a BMW based Husky.

[@TimBWig]

Who are they aiming this bike at with this feature set and price point?

[@rantANDrave1987]

TimBWig suckers and chumps

[@beanburnham01]

Hipster douches

[@briananderson2219]

People with excellent taste and a liking for Husqvarna heritage

[@andrewhowe1969]

12k? I'll take a new zx6r for 10k

[@kurce2145]

its like why spend 50k on a bmw when you can get a honda for 25k.

[@patricksandeberg8184]

This bike is 9000 dollars in Sweden. 12000 dollars in the US? Trumps to thank for that?

[@orde_plongo.3.0]

It's called walker TAXES ranger (ft. Trump)

[@rantANDrave1987]

Patrick Sandeberg not necessarily. You could buy A ktm duke 690 for 8700 in the US. Now they’re in the low 7000s for 2018 leftovers and they have full color TFT dashes. This is virtually the same bike with a budget dash. Very puzzling on how husky came to the price they did

[@wileym]

@@patricksandeberg8184 I think it must have something to do with it. The same bike is $14,000 CDN in Canada which is only $10,650 US. Almost nothing is cheaper in Canada than the US so it must be.

[@mooseroom]

loved the looks of this bike since I first saw it. however, an aftermarket pipe is absolutely mandatory. the sound doesnt do the gorgeous bike any justice at all whatsoever edit: spelling

[@ericw1261]

Surely you mean aftermarket "exhaust"?

[@VetSGT]

No the aftermarket bike is so he has something to ride

[@mooseroom]

@@ericw1261 I meant aftermarket pipe HAHAHA

[@mooseroom]

@@ericw1261 but yes, thanks for bringing it to my attention ^-^

[@michaelmaxwell568]

A different exhaust won’t change the sound, just make it louder. No point.

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@io_metre]

You CAN TURN OFF both ABS and traction control on this bike!

[@himynameistaylor]

maybe the Svartpilen rides differently from the Vitpilen. ( I prefer the looks of the Vitpilen). Also this is the first review that I've heard so many complaints. (interesting). I want to get one.

[@gniffub]

Again, aim your cam a bit higher please

[@xcfan]

Is this engine as smooth and vibe-free as the 690 Duke?

[@amiresfandiari2470]

i hate that you hide out your speed and say its the sun light , dude its so bad that your not honest to your viewers , don’t lie

[@tinmisuun]

It would be nice to see what your look like on the motorcycle to see how your fit on it.

[@RideWithRen]

I appreciate the honesty here. This bike is a fashion item.

[@GIGABACHI]

Put that handlebar on the Vitpilen 701 and done.

[@TheJumpn]

I just don't like your riding style. It makes me nervous how quickly you come up to stop signs.

[@midlifebiker7424]

Filtering and last minute braking is what makes it fun...

[@lalankhan7910]

I giggle everytime he say Husqvarna

[@vhockada]

What's the "back it in" test guys?

[@soulcatcher668]

Lock the back break to initiate the turn. Skid steer.

[@rideoutlondon]

Funny every other review I’ve seen on this bike don’t really have anything bad to say about it.

[@neilchakr]

its not hooska-vaarana its pronounced hooskvarna

[@Acideg4spoon]

Why does it sound so terrible? Almost like a really bad engine knock or something, especially at low revs.

[@DukeNukem500]

Det heter ju Husqvarna för hellvete

[@samehsouissi6986]

Lilipop is back? 🤔

[@gniffub]

Hooska? Varna? hahaha

[@MrKitty-zv3dl]

Put me down for a "no" .... this bike doesn't do it for me. Sounds and looks terrible just like the price.

[@sidharthkrishnan8541]

The way he tells hasqvqrna is wrong.

[@ivosdv]

So it's 'Huska Varna', not Husk Varna?!?! Keep saying it over and over again. I might start calling it Huska Varna myself?! Nah...

[@wesleypyron4187]

Jesus, you brake incredibly fast each time.

[@MR7016]

Sounds like a KTM

[@rdoc]

Never heard this pronunciation of Husqvarna. I am pretty sure it is not pronounced, Hooskavarna.

[@DanielGoepp]

Disliked and stopped watching after the 4th time saying the name wrong. I don’t care whatever else you have to say about this bike.

[@DunePanda]

He says "Husqvarna" funny. It was annoying.

[@JayBee-se8ou]

I can't buy Chinese bikes. For this kind of money it'd better be built in Europe.

[@watashiwa_aditya]

Owned by indian brand bajaj

[@SlackTastic]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/KTM

[@michaelmaxwell568]

You meant to say owned by Austrian brand KTM, didn’t you?

[@watashiwa_aditya]

It's irrelevant who cares bikes for life bro

[@alistairharris7891]

You didn’t do you’re homework on the ABS. To disable ABS press and hold both the mode button and the unmarked button.

[@ricecakeFTW]

Just like the KTM Duke 690

[@rantANDrave1987]

I own a 690 and it’s utterly smooth unless you’re lugging in low RPM. Have you ever rode a Harley or other air cooled vtwin?..... There’s your benchmark of vibration

[@paintup46]

They’re now $10k. Totally worth it. Edit: 7 months later and I’m seeing them for $7500!

[@ThatENGuy]

Where man cause i would honestly like to get one for 7.5k

[@mooseroom]

whose kavarna?

[@LizardMane]

U got me hahahaha I was like wtf

[@trombolio]

Fart Pilen

[@1990-t1j]

Who's

[@mooseroom]

@@1990-t1j okay mr smarty:D

[@Ritalie]

Let me tell you how to say things. It's "Bomba-deer" snowmobiles. And it's "Stihl" chainsaws. ((NOT STEEL)). And it's "HUSKA-varna." Anyone who gets these names wrong, isn't a real backyard mechanic, or a real American. haha.

[@davidravo6247]

2 front discs, really? Did you seriously demand that. You don’t know what you’re riding nor the history of the brand. One giant disc is appropriate for a light, derby style bike. 2 discs would be overkill and added weight. I rode it, it brakes perfectly. These thoughts are shared consistently amongst the global community of motorcycle journalists. I don’t think you’re in touch with reality, you let your bias shine right through. Lastly, why didn’t you adjust the suspension before you criticized the near top spec suspenders?

[@TK-gd9td]

David Ravo he literally said it’s not necessary for the braking power especially due to weight but he said because of the price point he said it’d be nice to have that in. It’s a review not a math equation don’t be surprised by opinions. He’s not wrong about the price gouge. You’re paying a premium for esthetic design not actual motorcycle function. Maybe chill with your bias before you call out others bias.

[@FPSKelly]

​@@TK-gd9td "You’re paying a premium for esthetic design not actual motorcycle function" -- Oof, that's not an opinion shared by many others. The general consensus is that this is a premium bike across the board. Function and form. To say it "should have dual discs up front" without any reason other than "I paid a lot of money so I want them" is absurd. They could've quite easily put two lesser quality discs up front, not Brembo, no braided lines, not radially mounted etc etc and the price would've been the same or lower, but the breaking power less and weight up. That single disc on the Svart is high quality. It does more than it needs considering the weight, and it's highly regarded as a top performing brake.

[@p-dub7422]

I had the same questions and comments.

[@camdenbrisco4677]

I don’t understand the way moto journalists rationalize their opinions. Why would you complain that a bike doesn’t have dual disk brakes after you just explained why it doesn’t need it? And really? The labels on the frame take away from the quality of the bike? Literally every bike has those for legal reasons. Just pull em off.

[@jvlivtriple]

I rode one of those today. I really liked it. I especially liked the light weight. I didn't mind the handlebar bend. I wonder if the bar on the bike I rode was rotated a bit forward compared to this bike. The seat is hard, but I don't mind that. I like the seat to peg distance, it doesn't bend my old knees up like a pretzel. Strange difference, the bike I rode was very smooth, no vibration. I wonder if something wasn't amiss with the bike Adam rode. The exhaust note is bland. I had no issues with the throttle. Surprisingly to me, the motor likes to be revved. It was not really happy below about 3,000 rpm. 70ish HP on a 350ish pound bike, this thing is quick. I didn't really have the opportunity to really test the brakes but the lever feel was good for the riding I did. The instrument panel crams too much information into too little space. Maybe with more time it would be easier for me to use. I expected the "styled" tires to be a bit squirmy, but I found them to be quite acceptable. I didn't find the suspension too hard, but I bet I weigh 50 pounds more than Adam, so maybe playing with the adjustments would make the setup better for him. As far as the looks go, I think it looks much better in person than it looks in videos or pictures. I like that it doesn't follow the crowd. Would I buy this for $12,000? I must qualify my answer by saying I never pay list price for a motorcycle. You would be amazed what kind of deals you can make in the middle of February when the dealer hasn't sold a bike for six weeks. My 2015 Superduke was discounted $3,000 in February of 2016, and I got them to throw in heated grips and a baseball cap. I would certainly pay $10,000 for this bike. I think that the market for this bike is the person who is looking for something a little different, and the price is less of an impediment. Maybe Husqvarna will do something with the 790 motor...

[@scottwalker145]

2020... When you could actually get a bike at or below sticker

[@alexem6009]

I sold my Ducati Monster S2R and bought the Svartpilen 701, never looked back.

[@JOEBOWERY]

I’m Thinking about trading Gen1 Hypermotard for Savtpilen 701

Just call it Huski

[@mr.nobody5028]

HOOOOOOOsqvarna

[@claytonlister25]

Who ski?

[@chubbybrown4real]

Price dropped in UK. 2000 quid off as they just aint selling. You are right,its supposed to be premium and premium price which it isn't. Those clocks are naff,it needs a tft

[@rantANDrave1987]

chubbybrown4real they never had a chance selling this for the full msrp. Not when the duke 690 has already been on the market for a decade. I haven’t seen many in the US but I’d imagine they’ll have to do the same

[@erichlawrence4142]

I saw a brand new 2019 model with 5 miles on it for $8500 and 2020 for $9999. Definitely a more realistic price.

[@blipco5]

This is what I believe the first honest review of this bike. There's too many warts on this 12 grand thumper. Plus it looks like it was designed by IKEA.

[@diavolorosso69]

Review doesn't make any sense- every negative point he made about suspension, fit finish, etc. was 180 dgrees to EVERY OTHER REVIEW IN THE WORLD. Also, who the fuck cares if it doesn't have dual discs if the single disc does the job? And, OMG it vibrates- go buy a Gold Wing or some stupid SUV, then, This is a motorcycle, pure and simple- review it like one

[@chubbybrown4real]

Hoosk Varna Like that..

[@craigcarey3644]

My friend bought the vitpilen 701, broke down 4 times in the first year, months waiting for parts each time. After arguing with husqvarna for months and threatening to take them to court, he’s finally getting them to take the bike back and give him his money back. He loved the bike it just broke all the time, and wanted bike he could actually ride

[@amirulazreen6198]

No surprise there. Its just another KTM machine with a different name.

[@alistairharris7891]

BMW based husqvarna bikes were better. My tr650 has been rock solid.

[@joecro1453]

Bullshit

[@PoweredbyRobots]

The worst review of a motorcycle I've ever had the misfortune to see. So many little things that you could have done to make the ride better for yourself before passing any judgement against it. Very poor journalism.

[@Joric78]

I think the 701 Supermoto is the most interesting bike in their lineup for me. Helps that it's about $1K cheaper than the KTM 690 SMC R as well.

[@DearMajesty]

interesting, wonder why its cheaper? what does the SMC R have that the 701 doesn't?

[@Joric78]

@@DearMajesty I think it's the instruments and quickshifter.

[@6Twisted]

Too bad it sounds like a rattly lawnmower and the dash looks like it was borrowed from a kids toy. Husqvarna need to bring the Nuda 900 back. That bike sounds and looks amazing.

[@1990-t1j]

The Nuda was built by BMW / Husqvarna, though.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

It is a good review. And always the best format - 20 mins on a ride rather than just giving out facts and opinion. But if you want a single smoother than this, then you don't really want a big single in the first place. That's why however expert, one review's never enough. A fault is someone else's character. Whether it's a big thumper, or a "sewing-machine" I4.

[@FrankFurther]

Regardless of price and quality, that rattling exhaust noise completely kills the bike for me. I doubt a new system would improve it much but I'd like to hear one.

[@pumpkinr11s]

Great, honest review. You got some big shoes to fill, and I appreciate how you made it your own, Adam. I would love to see a Triumph Street Triple 765RS commute :-)

[@tomselwyndavis]

Who's kervarna fartpillen?

[@trombolio]

and Katy M

[@tatmandu1722]

Lol!

[@jamestaylor9258]

Those labels are there because riders sued... 🤷‍♂️ Don't like them, take them off-it isn't difficult.

[@justcoffee3617]

First review of this bike that was 90% Karen that I have seen yet.

[@Lightnd]

You should answer would you buy it for 9k -- because that's how much it costs.

[@tubeboy14]

Don’t like this guy

[@nigelfisher6896]

This is the worst review you have done on any bike. You hated this.

[@rzu7120]

Nigel Fisher It’s a great review; very honest.

[@blkstarvideo]

Your comment on the bike were a little bit wingy it wingy trying to compare it to a multi cylinder bike but it's not it's a Thumper get over it

[@michaeljkasnter]

How come my 2018-Husquverna 701-SM has 0 vibration

[@yurig2530]

My 2017 Duke 690 also has minimal vibration. Much less than my R1200 BMW.

[@wileym]

That one seems to have a problem or Adam is extremely sensitive. The double counter-balancers should take care of it. They sure do in the 401.

[@GurrasGarage]

Strange, the bike I rode was very smooth, no vibration to talk about.

[@hampusjakobsson5838]

When you are Swedish you hear how badly Americans pronounce Husqvarna

[@jonnycando]

Hampus Jakobsson German and Spanish are much easier to learn for us😎

[@themajortom69]

When you are American you understand how badly swedes build motorcycles, that's all that counts

[@mrr9789]

Jeremy....... TOTAL CLASS, my friend!🤣

[@hampusjakobsson5838]

@@jonnycando yeah probably. It seems like most Americans have a really Hard time getting the swedish pronounciation right.

[@hooty6699]

When you're American and you see a Swede insulting your pronunciation, but they don't offer the correct pronunciation

[@tubingforever]

It’s interesting how all other reviews are praising this bike while you’re shitting all over it

[@rockafella1690]

My man not pulling any punches. 😂😂😂

[@fattymcgee123]

what do i think about the sound? sounds like a tractor. as for the pronunciation of husqvarna, idgaf. here for bike review.

[@preacherz01]

this dude says Husqvarna weirdly. "HOOS" Qvarna? it's "HUS" Q - Varna.

[@sxsxww]

What are you the speech police?? how do u pronounce D-UH? or DU-H?

[@flyingone5711]

Finally an honest test of the bike. Well done Adam! You’re the first who gives a proper evaluation! Too costly and poor quality! Kudos on the balls mate! Cheers

[@rzu7120]

They could knock a few thousand off the price, and put it in the MT-09 price range, and it still wouldn’t be a good deal.

[@kevinsdb1]

For what you get this bike should be like $9,999 tops. At $11,999 that's just plane ripping you off

[@MrRGM10]

Love this bike lumpy oldschool from idle . But once rev pass 3k becomes smooth. I just wish they use big TFT screen coz that thing hard to see Even if it looks cool. They could make double style gauge shape like the cb400 but all digital

[@SlicedAsiago]

Nothing about this motorcycle says buy me. Hooska Varna should scrap this design.

[@blipco5]

Sliced Asiago ...They will.

[@paintup46]

If it was 7 grand I’d buy it.

[@blipco5]

paintup46 ...Still there would be buyers remorse. Even for seven grand there's more to consider. Have you ever ridden a big thumper on the street? My balls used to go numb.

[@achikuda]

it has 4 piston front brake not a single piston 😁

[@anthonytaggart5598]

Love the Hoooosqvarna 701’s. Would go well with my hoooosky dog and my hoooosky voice.

[@zegrimreaper5452]

he always added an extra A to Husqvarna also hearing his spit in his mouth when he talks and swallows give me shivvers

[@G91YS]

That awful dash is a deal breaker to me. Disgusting really...

[@1990-t1j]

I like it.

[@yusufkhan1479]

This might be the most immature comment here but I kept hearing Fartpilen. Back to maturity, great review, waited a long while for a new MC commute

[@Nostrildomus]

Fartpilen . . . On the street I'd go with the Interceptor . Thanks

[@sharvandhananjayan2374]

Damn right.👍

[@jimmyb4982]

I've got the sister Continental GT. Awesome bike

[@saptarshisutradhar9379]

But I absolutely love this bike... 😍

[@JamesAllmond]

hmmm, exact same controls as a Ural...mirrors look familiar too.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

They dropped the price to $9500 for the 2020 versions. 20% decrease.

[@WhiteGravey]

as soon as i heard him say hooos kar varna i knew what the comments were gonna be

[@KingFriday274]

Would you buy it for $6500 no freight or setup? That's what I got my 2020 for.

[@donaldsoncole3095]

Thanks for keeping the review real, I appreciate your candor and unique view point!!! The Honda CB650R is calling my name!!! 😎

[@colossebdumont879]

that's a lot of 69s... I think husqvarna is onto something...

[@ricecakeFTW]

"who's carvana"

[@Omin00b]

12K for this shit why not an XSR700 or even XSR900 still cheaper!

[@CoreyBrass]

12K for a single!!!! That's crazy.

[@ofirlevy1428]

In Israel the launch price was 20,000$ ,we pay here almost twice the money on new bikes from the rest of the world.

[@CoreyBrass]

@@ofirlevy1428 you have my sympathy... that's insane.

[@kartikeyapanwar]

Global Art same here in India as well. A Street Triple costs 40k adjusting for PPP. They average Indian will take 6 years or more to make that kind of money. 😂

[@willyray5976]

It desperately needs a TFT dash hopefully that gets an update soon.

[@wileym]

Every test I've seen where they test the 701 and the 401 they always like the 401 better. I'd like to see a test of that one.

[@davyboycolon530]

Not a fan of the looks and as for the cost I'd rather keep the extra money in my bank account .. I went with the 390 duke instead , looks better from every angle and as a second bike to keep my tiger 800 company

[@midlifebiker7424]

I did a back to back with the 390 duke and this is a far better bike. In Oz price difference now is $3k. For me the Duke is too small, throttle too snatchy, suspension and brakes no where near as good, plus this has quickshifter up and down. Finally this has more power. I didnt think the vibes were that bad and suspension is adjustable. I did prefer the screen on the Duke...

[@davidravo6247]

It’s like a dirt bike company built a road bike AT ALL ASPECTS OF THE RIDING EXPERIENCE, that’s a good thing

[@ExpatonTwoWheels]

If that were $9000 like a Duke 690, I'd be stoked. There is some steep competition at that price. You could slide into a base model RnineT for that.

[@getheroutofthetruck]

quit whining!

[@waynejames1178]

Testing this bike on a straight piece of road is pointless.