Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 motorcycle review | A first ride for o75 (2019)*

[@rickt.223]

I have a 2020 Svartpilen 701. It’s not perfect. But it’s damn near flawless. It’s the only non-vtwin/non-Italian in my stable of bikes. It’s also the lightest with the most unique styling (tracker/cafe) while being the least expensive machine in my garage. There’s a current fuel tank recall/fix for it but I own Ducatis so I’m accustomed to that. Otherwise, the Svartpilen 701 is a delightfully enjoyable ride as a city bike or backroad carver. Its power and suspension is adequate enough to keep pace with other more sport-focused, powerful machines. With the price for these bike dropping in 2020 to $9,499 MSRP, I decided to try my first big thumper and so far... so great. Edit: For a bike at this price point, Husqvarna gave it traction control, ABS, slipper clutch and an up/down quick shifter from the factory. Lots of tech for under 10 grand. It’s definitely a value leader in my book...

[@p-dub7422]

Thanks for the review! I recently purchased a 701 Svartpilen 2020 and it is not perfect but close. The more I ride it the better it feels and I think after the 600 mile service it will be better. Overall, there is nothing on the market like it that even comes close. This bike is an all arounder bike you can do city and highway. And the looks is amazing! The suspension is good I went in to the dealer and had them help me adjust it to my weight and I saw immediate improvement riding it. The bike is actually genius if you think about how the bike is a synthesis of tracker, scrambler, naked, sport and dirt in one regarding the history and what influenced it's design. This bike works for me because I not attracted most of the bikes on the market that look the same to me. Thanks

[@o75uk]

Thanks for your comment, Paul. Wouldn't life be boring if we all rode the same motorcycles? Nice to hear you had the suspension suited to you. Not many do that and it can make a huge difference - something I couldn't do with the test ride. 😉 Enjoy your ride and ride safe my friend.

[@boxofmoles4057]

Well, nothing's perfect. Mirrors are an easy modification. It looks dreamy. Murdered out (all black)! Contemporary lines. I love the idea of a 700cc bike under 350 lbs. That's a 150-200 lbs less than many in that displacement class! Thanks for a great and honest review. I'm presently shopping and will test ride based on this review.

[@o75uk]

Hey Greg, thank you for taking the time to comment. I must remain impartial however it all comes down to personal taste. It is a cracking bike. Intriguing too. While this is my opinion, I am pleased to hear you will take one for a test ride. Please comment again; I’ll be interested to know how you got on with the black arrow. 👍🏼

[@porleg]

I just picked up a vit, just the most fun thing ever

[@o75uk]

Great, isn’t it? Albeit I found it had two personalities; something never experienced with a bike before. Intriguing. 😉😁 Enjoy it and ride safe buddy! 🏍💨👍🏼

[@porleg]

@@o75uk cheers man, will do.

[@nikitis13]

I'm of the same opinion of the Svartpilen 701. I just don't know if I like it. My test ride felt similar. One moment I liked it, the next I wasn't so sure. The suspension according to other reviews runs along the same lines. Some testers praise it others don't get on with it. The engine is similarly a conundrum. At time it feels beautifully smooth, powerful and torquey the next its a vibrating, bumbling big single that demands you're full attention to deliver smoothness. Because of this antagonistic love/hate relationship one might feel. It's probably a bike you'd like in the garage to take out on some occasions whilst having another bike or car that's used for daily duty. Interesting design, excellent power to weight and all the modern hardware you'd want in 2019. Then again, there are a number of fine bikes that are vying for your money for a similar experience...

[@o75uk]

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Really appreciate it. I couldn’t agree with you more but if intrigue is a factor when buying a bike then this would tick that box.

[@nikitis13]

@@o75uk I definitely considered one especially here in Australia when the prices were reduced by Husqvarna, $10,500 ride away! It's exceptional value considering all the great hardware and and up to date electronics... Its just missing a cylinder. If in future they use KTM's 790 twin as the donor bike. They might smash it out of the park.

[@o75uk]

Katsas13 Now the KTM 790 Duke, which I also did a first-impression review, is a bike I would definitely buy if I had the money! I think the compact parallel in the Svartpilen would make it one enjoyable beast to ride.

[@jdwojda]

Bro, you predicted the future

[@jonathangibson871]

Horses for courses. Fixed by15:42 gearing +/- fuelling dongle .I havent touched the suspension.Of course it vibrates, its a 700 cc single! BUT its WAY better than any of the previous 4 690's Ive had.