Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 final thoughts

[@aukanmeister]

I love the fact that Husqvarna is doing things for the love of motorcycles, rather than for the fear of failure.

[@axellness]

True

[@harrycampbell5016]

It sold me on buying the 401 svartpillen

[@HalidesAndHollowness]

@@harrycampbell5016 I gotta ask, I'm considering the 401 Svartpilen as my first motorcycle, How are you liking it?

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

KTM.

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

@@HalidesAndHollowness Get it.

[@bayls8422]

Thanks RJ I asked about the pillion previously. Good to know about Orlando Blooms experience. But the wife didn't take it very well when I said I'll only be able to take Katy Perry. On the up side though, I should be out of hospital in a few weeks.

[@Ymril]

I bought one, and I am so in love. This is such a great bike. Whenever I come back home after riding it, it takes about 10 minutes before I feel the urge to get back on it haha ! Amazing riding experience, I love it

[@n30onE]

Yesterday, I passed the motorcycle driving test. Due to the weather conditions, they cancelled my exam on the May 17th and postponed until yesterday. Now I am waiting for my driving licence. I am so happy :D

[@farndeuce509]

n30onE Ride safe! No wheelies 😂. What bike are you getting?

[@HalfdeadRider]

Congrats bud, enjoy yourself :)

[@n30onE]

@farn Deuce At the moment I have Honda Varadero XL 125, because I have no other driving license except for the motorcycle and the course lasted 20 hours (maneuvering area and urban driving) I do not want anything stronger to move around the city until I improve my driving technique. @Halfdead Rider Thank you :)

[@timmason7430]

Congratulations and welcome to the brotherhood of Bikers, Here is your first tip; Treat everyone like an idiot, try to anticipate other road users intentions and don't ride out of your comfort zone. Skill/Roadcraft comes with experience. Ride Safe.

[@n30onE]

@Tim Mason Thank you for the tips. At the exam, when we went for the city ride, I looked around at every intersection, regardless of whether I had priority / green light. Passing by the bus, which was standing in the bus bay, I let go of the throttle and watched if anyone was going to jump out from behind of this bus. And in other sensitive situations. I became accustomed to being cautious after watching recordings of road accidents. We motorcyclists have to be careful, because nothing protects us except our clothes. :)

[@simianrogue]

My biggest grumble is regards to the display unit - seriously needs improving. *EDIT* Took the Vitpilen out yesterday (1st June 2019), after test riding the Kawasaki Z650. The Kawasaki, by comparison, was disappointing. The Vitpilen pulls like a train, is crazy fast and put a smile on my face, especially when you come off the throttle and the engine produces a lovely exhaust burble. Straight through pipes would make this sound amazing. I did find a lot of heat rising from the engine when sat at lights, which in winter would be welcome, but yesterday, I found the heat on my leg a bit uncomfortable at times. The handling is great and the bike was extremely forgiving to a rusty rider like myself. Fuel gauge was hit and miss. Stock mirrors are in need of replacing, and I also found the clutch lever a bit short for my personal taste. But at £6,999, the Vitpilen is a worthy contender. If I were to conclude, I found myself post-test ride, wanting to go out on the Vitpilen again. The Kawasaki didn't even enter my head. I've only the Honda CB650R to test ride.

[@LuGer212]

to me, this is the essence of a motor bike. good equipment, easy to handle, raw but defined all in once. every since I got mine, I fell back in love with riding again. you feel the bike and the bike, in some way, feels you. you interact, you connect. I couldn't possibly put a price tag on it that is right, for me the money I spent is not a matter I think back to and say "gosh would I have better made a bargain". no. passion is not a bargain. it's an investment. so get your s**** together and go for it or don't. it's one of the things you may still treat as "black or white". thanks RJ for the great final thoughts and the ride-along, it surely educated my decision to go for this astonishing bike!

[@Entropik69]

I usually dont laugh loud when Im alone at home but that guy taking selfie with 701 made my day :D

[@Some-Guy-]

I've had people take pics of mine too :)

[@soszek81]

RJ - how many commuting videos you want to see? Me - all of them! Even if you wont make any other videos. As long as you will enjoy making them. 3 years with you, and will stay here till the end :)

[@theterribletwo7546]

The 2020 version with spoked wheels and blue and white color scheme absolutely looks outstanding to me. I wish they would chrome the rims also. I'm glad to hear so many good reviews of this bike. Design and function together is the bees knees.

[@go0se_sec]

Dont know what it is, but watching u commute is relaxing.

[@atem8101]

Watching a sick RJ video about a sick bike with an insane 4k resolution at night..just perfect!

[@MRH29292]

I don’t get how you could slate this bike. Visually it’s gorgeous and everything on it is trick

[@MGL83]

Depends how you look at it. I think it a matter of taste, not tech. I really don't like how the front end looks. That old fashioned round light makes it look unfinished. It's a shame because rest looks great, especially that tank. Then there is the engine. I think it would be much better if it got a twin like the one from KTM 790 for example. Even if this is the smoothest single cyl ever made, the sound is very disappointing. For me a bike must be exciting, and if I'm not convinced by how it looks and sounds, it's dead in the water. I'll spend my money on 790 or MT07, even if Vitpilen is technically a better bike.

[@marcelltoth1302]

People have different tastes. I personally adore the front lamp, as it makes the bike classic and modern at the same time. Also, its sound is one of the things that really grabbed my attention. I’d choose vit over mt07.

[@hundiwa]

We can never have enough of RJ commuting

[@peedee4541]

I tested the Vitpilen 701 yesterday and I'm totally impressed! I did not think you could have so much fun with 75 HP.

[@Nancy-bh2vp]

There is a special bike for everyone out there.

[@rupesh_patel1960]

Iliana Nancy completely agreed 😋👍

[@somedude1590]

Iliana Nancy what do you ride ili?

[@Nancy-bh2vp]

Some dude I don't for the moment. Still raising money :(

[@somedude1590]

Iliana Nancy bummer. Youll get there if you really want it. It's definitely worth it. I love my bike

[@Nancy-bh2vp]

Some dude I know. I've been driving my dads. Seems like I can't live without riding. Ride safe :)

[@MrLol400]

I rode the 701 Vitpilen a week ago. And this bike is awesome! Normally i ride a KTM Super Duke 2017 and the Vitpilen is the perfect bike for a nice ride at the weekend without any race. I love it!

[@TrigunV4S]

MrLol400 how’s the comfort on it vs the Superduke? I own a 2015 Superduke I’m almost tempted to get one of these bikes!

[@MrLol400]

I felt more leaned over than on the Super Duke but not in a sporty way. It is more like a cafe racer. (At my height: 1,77m). The handlebar is wide enough and the footpegs are in a perfect position that your knees arent bend too much. But the Super Duke is smoother than the Vitpilen because of the V2 engine but this fact is only based on my own preference.

[@TrigunV4S]

MrLol400 cool thanks for your insight!

[@MrLol400]

TrigunVS i‘ve never turned around so much for a parked bike. It looks fantastic in real life.

[@aserta]

Managed to get two days (yesterday being second) with a stock one just bought by a good friend, stunning. Husqvarna smashed this one out of the park. EVEN the cage cluster, in person is good. I'm actually considering buying a new bike in years :))

[@Some-Guy-]

I have ZERO regrets about my purchase! Go for it!

[@davidwiggins8886]

After 2 years on a Svartpilen 401, I have upgraded to Vitpilen 701, wow what a machine, agree with all your comments RJ.

[@MrTaliz]

I rode the Vitpilen 701(and 401) a few weeks ago. Great bike, but I want a bit more power. Really hope they make a Vitpilen 801(with the KTM 790 engine)!

[@redlinethin]

Thanks so much for sharing your 701 experience RJ. All I have to do is sort my Mod 2 in 2 weeks time and test ride 701 and 690 Duke! Once again, your videos helped me immensely, I do own and absolutely love Grom atm, thanks to you.

[@hishamhussain9325]

Except for the exhaust, dude I am mouth-gapingly in love with it !

[@MrVincey85]

I bought the bike based only on the videos I watched. Big risk but I am a very happy man for doing so. It is everything and more and as you say RJ it really surprised me at how comfortable it was and how easy it was going through town I live in Paris and this bike is perfect for the city. If you get it with the Akra take out the db killer and enjoy the sound track. It's not too obnoxious at all.

[@GurrasGarage]

I loved the bike so much for awhile I was thinking trading my Triumph Speed Triple for one but I would miss the speed :) The bike I tested had an Akrapovic slip-on, sure sounded good but I don't see the point if it dont improve the performance, besides I like the Husqvarna logo on the stock muffler. I wouldn't worry to much of trash talkers, I think many of them don't even have a license.

[@buckegit]

You should go have a go on the new 2020 701...new paint scheme and beautiful wire rims.. 🤩🤩

[@robertandersson2523]

Well spoken! I have done 1500 km on my Vitpilen at this moment. Every bike has it's purpose. There is only ONE sporty single bike (non super moto) on the market now so if you want one it's the Vitpilen.

[@AnythingEvil78]

Thanx RJ, Still have my Nuda, and thinking about adding a Svartpilen to my garage as one has come up for sale in my area at a price I can't ignore. You and I think alike in regards to bikes & mods so I'll go test ride it but I think I already know what will happen!

[@AnythingEvil78]

Svartpilen bought . . . may even buy a Vit if one comes up for sale at a decent price, I'm in Australia and they flogged them cheap b4 being discontinued

[@Freddespelarspel]

*Vitpilen* is Swedish and means White Arrow in english. Greetings from Sweden.

[@yoyo15]

Hi. i'm one of the men got my heart by svartpilen701 since 2017(it was a concept model at that time but Husqvarna finally announced selling it 2019 at eicma.) The design is really sophisticated and purely excits me for ride not yet riding though. I'll wait a little longer in a shiver. Greating from Japan.

[@knotingspecific]

But this one is Austrian made

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

@@knotingspecific Husqvarna once was Swedish 1903 when it started.

[@MrRGM10]

Swedish just like volvo

[@droneartists6137]

@@KZbin_Globetrotter actually they started back in the 17th century making guns

[@pedrorodrigues4633]

I agree with RJ, everyone who says it's an expensive KTM is just wrong. It's clearly an expensive vespa

[@jeremydahm2124]

ha ha ha.......

[@trinoalfaro]

Agreed !! 😂

[@johnbrown4568]

And, a Vespa can be very cool!

[@bobmichaels8663]

Pedro Rodrigues don’t you go dissing on vespa’s now! They are less expensive and far more practical! :-)

[@sportsmusiclover]

Lol

[@MrRGM10]

This thing is so light its addictive.! You just want to ride it all day. And its beautiful and simple it Generate almost very little heat some nice vibration too at idle. T.y husky for creating such masterpiece. Coz sometimes people forget how fun a small bike is and they brought it on vitpilen!

[@leafman6013]

RJ, you are The Man. You give very good impressions of your motorcycles and you inform people about the passion and feel of each of them. Good job. I hope you live ling enough to do many more videos but the way you cut in and out of that London (?) traffic, I'm afraid you're gonna get creamed one day! lol

[@tjeremiah9747]

I test driven it. And I really wish I could buy it right now. It is especially amazing for city driving. Light and fast.

[@izhlayukio5863]

One of the most beautiful looking bike ever in my opinion!

[@sharpbends]

Beautiful bike, reminiscent of the Ducati 450, MV Augusta 350 or 150, AJS 7R etc of yesteryear. I think there is still a small market for a such a bike with emphasis on excellent handling, good/adequate performance and especially light weight, they nailed it.

[@kswitch5870]

1M subscribers?? Grats, RJ! fully deserved it

[@Glattuh]

This Vitpilen701 videos are making me iniciate in the motorbike world, this is becoming my dream moto! Thanks for that RJ from Spain!!! I wish you could do a video with the Vitpilen701 but with enhanced acoustics hehe ;D Bests, NOOH

[@corsa.21-93]

I absolutely love this bike and it is so sad Husqvarna was not available in my country at that time and now on arrival of Husqvarna here this is discontinued.

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

I would want to use it for city work, if not regular commuting. So I'm looking forward to the more upright Svartpilen and hoping it doesn't lose those dynamic qualities.

[@XPsychowaffleX]

If i was to pick a BRAND NEW bike to buy right this second, it would be a tie between the 701, the 790, and the new Speedmaster. And they are all completely different styles. I already own a Street triple, so a naked sport bike i already own. I'd love a cruiser. But i also love the style of the 790 and 701. So do i want a more boulevard weapon or a track weapon? The choice isn't so clear for me. But what i do know is KISKA did a kick ass job designing both the KTM and the Husky, and i'd be honored to own any of the 3.

[@Mickey_Bauer]

That's a beautiful bike. I can't wait to hear it with a nice exhaust, hopefully not obnoxiously loud.

[@jaseamondo]

The research and development that KTM/Husqvarna put into there bikes is second to none in my opinion and a massive part of the reason they are slowly but surely increasing there market share year after year. This can only be a good thing for all bikers as other manufacturers have to up there games to compete.

[@villea1841]

I have riden both KTM Duke 690R and the Vitpilen 701. Both fun bikes and same price. The 690 R has fully adjustable ssupension as well and even better brakes (Brembo M50). I just like the more upright and more forward sitting position of the Duke so bought that. But the Vitpilen 701 is loads of fun as well.

[@aluvimotoblog]

does vitpilen 701 melt your heart?

[@thomasgubbins1711]

i own this bike. felt in love with the looks first, and i have to say it rides even better. dont get me wrong its not a power bike, but for my needs it fits perfectly (city/country road). either you love the vitpilen or you hate it, there isnt much between. one thing is clear, like he mentioned: completely different bike to the ktm. people should ride both before they say something like that. the price is a bit expensive, but its worth every penny.

[@MeeJunksEavy]

Thomas G-Punkt completely different to which KTM? It shares the exact same engine as the Duke 690 btw.

[@thomasgubbins1711]

its the same engine and?

[@MeeJunksEavy]

Thomas G-Punkt perhaps I’ve misunderstood your use of the word “completely”. As you were.

[@sravan1842]

Melts my wallet tho

[@razvi01]

I just found your channel a few days ago. I love it. Greetings from Transylvania

[@JMPERager]

11:21 WOW, that SAAB 93 was in good condition! Beautiful! So was the bike, btw

[@midibudu]

there is never enough videos of RJ commuting

[@TheMaxiviper117]

I have ridden both the Vitpilen 701 and KTM 790 Duke back to back on a race track test day, even though these bikes are in the same price range, the difference is night and day. Both brilliant in their own unique way.

[@titoarifianto2037]

TheMaxiViper117 which one the best for you? Why?

[@arjun230190]

790 twin cylinder engine would have been great in that frame.

[@leewatkeys9065]

Great video and passionate comments were good to hear.

[@bvssl]

usually I like cruiser bikes .. boulevard and other stuff ..but you made me like this bike

[@ayzenshiro1090]

I'v seen that video, i felt in love, had a ride, got one and love it even more. It's super light little beast. Specially if you can put some extra cash in aftermarket parts to drop weight even more. Cons: Paint on tank feel cheap, and you can get it only in silver [2020 its in ugly blue/white but with better quality paint and heavier wheels]. Digital dash is super small and ugly. And you can't get 'Aero' version [concept bike was Amazing]. Pros: Quickshifter works like a charm, plenty of torque, light!, beautiful, feels like glued to the ground all the time.

[@LordBirch]

Lovely looking bike, I didn't quiet like the seating position but that was end of last year at motorcycle live, may be different riding.

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Great to hear you so excited about a bike - because I know that, coming from you, it is genuine and informed excitement. On that subject - I do share your inability to suffer fools comments but, as they say, you can't fix stupid, and I'm pretty sure they'll continue with those comments even if they do hear your logical reasoning - you just have to laugh in the end, as you did :)

[@doobdab8316]

Love every video you put out RJ. Thank you for them keep them coming

[@soupdragon1]

I test rode the 701 along with the 790 duke ended up buying the 790 as only bike that i have rode since my RD350lc that has put such a big smile on my face. I did like the 701 but the 790 was just the right bike for me such good value for £8500 and the launch control 😁😁 so much fun.

[@Vvvrrrmmm]

Soupdragon was the Vitpilen more respondive, quick off the mark initially? did it feel lighter and more nimble? rode 790 the other day, was not as impressed as when i rode the Husqvarna Supermoto 701. i was looking for weekend mountain road and city street fun. thought the 790 would be best good for both and excellent for touring but 701 felt nimble and more resposive o me. keen to hear your thoughts based on your experience. thanks

[@soupdragon1]

The supermoto will always feel the more responsive and agile compared to the 790 i should imagine.But no to me the 790 feels more responsive than the vitpilen no harm in trying it out though as you may prefer it. They both felt quite agile and nimble but if you ever plan in any touring i would forget the supermoto. I just thought the 790 was just brilliant value for the kit. Slight downsides no adjustable suspension but it feels set up right for my weight 78kg shit mirrors and not keen on tyres but that aside i thought it was brilliant but we all like different bikes you may love the vitpilen it does look great.

[@jason5838]

It looks very artistic, appealing to the eye..

[@sanatnaik7943]

Now I will not be found here in comments for at least a year because of my exams... :'( But I will definitely watch RJ's Royal Videos ;)

[@edvanandel]

Good luck!

[@WickedTRX]

Stunning bike! I have own and ridden several Japanese big single cylinder bikes from the 90's and early 2000's and what I still remember from them is the harshness and lumpiness around town, always having to shift so it didn't jerk and picking up speed 2000rpm in 3rd you could almost count the explosions. hos is this new single engine?

[@Some-Guy-]

It's a bit bumpy under ~3500, but it's smooth from there up to the redline. They updated the counterweight at the top of the crankcase.

[@royaljordanian]

Fuelling is perfect, you need to keep them in their comfort rev range, like most singles

[@MrSkiller55]

I like Husqvarna, but I have a weak spot for Triumph. But I would still love to try a Husqvarna.

[@Shane101A]

701 a little expensive for me. That 401 now, looking real nice. Having such a hard time choosing a bike. So many great choices.

[@DBolt-xb7sg]

I come from owning Yamaha supersport and a vrod. This bike is so much fun its just a shame that the OEM tyres are so bad. I'm currently looking at buying one of these and the bike really blew my mind. The top end power is so surprising. Once I found the top end my opinion of the bike completely changed.

[@mac46rr]

Agree with you RJ re: comments on you tube. Re: this bike. More I look the more I like. But I just ordered a 790 Duke😄👍

[@retro-butionautomotiveprod9614]

Thank you it will be on my wish list.....

[@shyamr9637]

Hey RJ. Pretty nicely balanced review! Gorgeous rearview mirrors - where are they from? :)

[@royaljordanian]

Rizoma

[@rickmatz1935]

I am glad they come with a good suspension. My 2016 t100 cost me 1500 bucks in suspension to make usuable. The bitubo kit makes it ride like a Cadillac. Compared to a bucking bronco.

[@prowler13prowler]

This or the sm 701? Now that the 2020 sm has the qs+ aswell and the new engine with 74bhp, it really is a tough choice even though I usually love motards...this looks really good in the flesh.

[@angelobatista7005]

guys, please dont make rj angry again. tank you

[@johnDukemaster]

I would die in that kind of traffic! Nice touch with the art bit. :-) It is a beautiful bike. :-)

[@mooiboyace]

I love this bike ! It looks really good and it seems to focus on having fun in the corners, it really is a modern cafe racer. The only dislike i can think of is the dash.. looks like my old Duke 125 but smaller and way harder to read. The plastic cap on top of it looks bad, i would probably delete the gauge or replace it with a gauge from the Ducati Scrambler or something like that, maybe even the new 690 TFT display if it isn’t too expensive. PS: I still give it a 9/10 though, can’t wait to ride one !

[@two_wheel_zen]

Love this bike. Getting mine this week :D :D :D

[@19kristian93]

In Sweden the KTM Duke 790 and this amazing looking bike cost almost the same. So how would you compare them RJ?

[@royaljordanian]

Two totally different bikes, one is a thumper, extremely light and nimble, and one is a twin with decent power and good handling.

[@saxenachetan1989]

It's one of those bikes which people would want in their collection say 15 years from now. Put on a synthwave song and ride in the city late at night among the neon lights.

[@easytomove]

Impressive thought at the beginning 🙌

[@edvanandel]

Honest personal opinion. I didn’t like the sound, but who cares. You sure are privileged getting so much different bikes to test/ride. Thanks for your time.

[@KANALINSTÄLLNINGAR-123]

In RJ we trust!

[@AKAMustang]

Looks beautiful, kind of reminds me of Yamaha's XSR.

[@erwinstans]

It remains a fantastic combination of the reliability of the first Germans and now the Austrians and the styling of the Italian beautifully!!!!!!!!

[@scandimc]

The bike of the year!

[@HalfdeadRider]

I think it would be a nice bike to try and I do like the look of it. I just don't think I would own one, if I could. Maybe if I could have a collection of bikes, my mind might change.

[@stimpsonjcat26]

A stock exhaust that actually looks good!

[@jimenagulla9081]

Good looking bike, cool tank, have to pick up used, good video, thanks!

[@martinglesnes2097]

I have been riding my vitpilen 701 for a week now and I LOVE IT! but I dont like the looks of the mirrors.. where can I get those mirrors RJ ? It looked way better than the sidebar mirrors .

[@royaljordanian]

Rizoma Circuit 744

[@martinglesnes2097]

Sweet. Are they bolt On , ore do I need an adapter as well?

[@realMysta]

Thanks for helping ease my thoughts! They don't have any near me to try

[@500monkeyboom9]

Wow, lots of divided opinions, I love the look and agree with RJ its a premium bike, test ride next.

[@MrJbass182]

I can't wait for the svartpilen 701

[@MrGrazzhoppa]

MrJbass182 now I need to add the svartpilen 401 and 701 to the collection.

[@bryanleiporsado6845]

Full system will change the atmosphere of that bike 😍

[@mystikflight]

Looks like a great thumper. I'd give her a go 😎

[@buckegit]

Please have a go on a svartpilen 401. I would love to know what you think of the smaller brother. The Svart has upright bars more upright seating position. 👌 The 2020 version has even got a quick shifter +.. With down gear rev blipping

[@theskyrack6433]

Beautiful machine would love to ride for a lil bit. Also would love to see it on the RJ lineup :P

[@fisherdoug]

beautiful bike. I wish the fz 07 looked like that

[@Southsiderider]

This Design with the new 799cc twin... a dream

[@chabbey1870]

Are you going to upload a 790 Duke final thoughts?

[@royaljordanian]

I did say what I needed to say about the 790

[@karlodijanic3795]

12:04 first I thought that was RJ laugh

[@emreayran8919]

Hello, great review! Thank you for the honest and detailed info... Love your mirrors where can i find them? And the 'Akra system' what exactly do you mean by that, which parts?

[@michivanhalen7086]

I think he is talking about a akrapovic exhaust

[@moupy6940]

good looking bike. It is different, does not look like any other bike. I like it !

[@alphadan3420]

It should be called the 701RJ Beautiful bike !

[@cheaterninja]

People are quick to discredit things they have no actual idea or background information on, a lot of assumptions or hearsay. Brilliant bike

[@ktmexc4337]

Thanks for the excellent reviews. As a retired USA amateur expert level desert racer, I have come to appreciate your opinion. The statement " riders bike" says it all, I know the difference and what you mean. I am looking to replace my KTM 950 sm , this is on the list now. As is the 790 Duke. Any thoughts?

[@Murphy252000]

It is gorgeous, I would love one but does the engine require regular servicing over say a 4 stroke?

[@royaljordanian]

it is a 4 stroke

[@Murphy252000]

RoyalJordanian thanks Royal you.can see I should stick to my race bikes... When I finish my psyche nursing next year I deffo want one they look the nuts... Keep we lit bigman, tada gan iarracht.....

[@iandouglas6925]

a lovely looking bike, so few modern motorbikes capture the imagination. i do like a fairing myself and a centre stand but i understand why there isn't one. don't really like the star wheel design, spokes would be nice.does sound good, big single - lovely noise. very manoeurvable by the look.

[@davidtucker36]

I had a test ride and loved it. I have F3 800 Mv which I love but it does not like bumpy roads. I used to have KTM 640 Duke and found the WP suspension brilliant. Do not wish to sell Mv but tempted by something like this or Triumph Street Cup. Have you compared the two?