Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Review - What's it really like on the road?

Is the Vitpilen 701 really a bike that defies being pigeonholed? To some its a neo-retro bike for city cruising from coffee shop to coffee shop, for others its a balls to the wall Hooligan Bike.... But whats it actually like for the 'everyday' rider....

[@himynameistaylor]

i really appreciate the fact that he doesn't over talk.....

[@kennethcooley3445]

I ordered one of these sight unseen because of great reviews like this.

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

I very much enjoyed your "everyman" review. I'm quite smitten by the 701 and am in the process of doing a deal. many thanks

[@mancavemoto]

Excellent, enjoy the bike!

[@Statters42]

Excellent review Tony. So good to hear a proper critique of the bike for what it is rather a moan about what it isn't. Hope you get a chance to review some other bikes soon.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@hopgood007]

Great video Tony - super informative and full of interest. Not the bike for me but thoroughly enjoyed watching.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Paul, much appreciated

[@stanleyknife1967]

Great, balanced review. It is a great looking bike and a real hoot to ride. Nice that you didn’t nit pick!

[@mancavemoto]

Randemonium Cheers

[@Galen1234567]

Really good,honest review. Thank You!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulgeraghty4566]

really great review - appreciated the ergonomics explanation- am considering an upgrade from my 401 Svart but am a bit wary as there have been some re calls - leaky tanks and clutch problems - gonna see -

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I’ve not heard of any issues so thanks for the feedback

[@aeror115]

Great video! I hope to see the aero model of this machine soon even the 401 would be interesting for me ! Enjoy the bike life

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@nickturnbull4302]

Really likes this review, I bought mine about a month ago and this guy is spot on. Yep the mirrors are ugly and don’t work at high speed. The mileage to empty is a lottery and the instrument panel is a bit dull but overall I love the style, the performance the simplicity (lack of power modes etc) and the lack of weight. Sometimes less is more. Thanks 😊

[@mancavemoto]

No worries, its a great little machine

[@johnlloyd2513]

Exactly what a video should be like. No waffle or padding. Nice one. I have a Vitpilen ad I can’t say a bad word either. Mirrors changed! It did help chopping up my kids memory foam bed topper and shoving down my pants tho - helps massively on long ride outs.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, and the memory foam idea is brilliant....

[@80sruler]

Quite a nice no nonsense review

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@danielmcclure9345]

Agreed. He gets that it's a single potter and doesn't compare it to a multi.

[@ToriMoto]

Concise and helpful review, thanks heaps for posting this. I'm a fan of big singles; and I have a couple of Husky 610's and a 630; which I use as dual-sport/adventure bikes and as supermoto bikes. I have ridden a 701 Enduro and I enjoyed the engine; the styling on this Vitpilen blows me away and I'm thinking about picking one up later this week. Thumbs up :)

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Tori, enjoy the bike if you do...

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

They also come with £1000 voucher this month too...!

[@nigelgreen7657]

Great review keep it up.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Nigel

[@ryanhli]

Great review Tony! Would be interested to get some anecdotal comparisons to your Triumph ST. I realise they are different bikes with different specs but a compare video would still be interesting to watch :).

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Ryan, yes very different bikes, so different that i'm not sure I could even make a comparison video! Hopefully there will be some more bike reviews coming soon

[@MysteryMan101]

One of the best looking and practical bike in it’s class.. just waiting for it to be launched in india soon..

[@mancavemoto]

sure is

[@stephenlong59]

I test rode one from On The Wheel in Brighton, and as you said Tony, it's an absolute hoot, the quick shifter is super smooth, my only minor gripe was the gear lever was a little bit small for my size 10's.

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

The gear lever should be adjustable or you can buy one from the new power-parts catalog (with the £1000 voucher it currently comes with) which we are sure will work with your size 10's :)

[@captnagrom8178]

Well produced review. Nice one.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, much appreciated

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Just watching this again. The inaccuracy of fuel gauges is why I don't care if the bike doesn't have one. First-class review.

[@mancavemoto]

Indeed, as long as there is a low fuel warning thats enough, especially for a bike like this. Thanks for the kind comment

[@PlattLaneEnd]

Great review, great bike, great beard!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@pastie3131]

Thanks for another great review Tony. I think I would fit a tail tidy and lose the rear hugger altogether. Love the light weight of this bike and the radical looks. It will be interesting to compare this bike with the new Norton 650 scrambler that is being previewed at the NEC

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Pastie, I agree with you on that one. I'm looking forward to seeing that too, there are just so many great bikes coming through at the moment. I'd quite like to try the Fantic Caballero too

[@ianallison1747]

Nice review gh

[@smrtn2441]

Good review. It's definitely a bike that's on my radar.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, I can definitely recommend trying one out if you can. My opinion of the bike changed after just a short ride

[@smrtn2441]

The only thing I don't like is that annoying circular display. If I bought one, I could live with it I suppose. Also, I agree re the mirrors.

[@mancavemoto]

yeah, not a deal breaker for me....mostly you don't have time to give it more than a glance ;)

[@Arcadiality]

Nice vid. Instant sub. I came for the Yamaha or Suzuki and may well leave with a Vit 701..given I can work something out on partial finance. I must try and get a rest ride. Interested to see how lumpy it feels, poodling. The bike looks fantastic, very special. Thanks for the vid.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks! Above 2800rpm it’s fine, work having a ride.....it surprised me

[@michaelcallan4121]

Great detail and common sense review.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@mchevownr]

Excellent review! If it had the tft display and they should keep the solid spoke wheels instead of the 2021 model having classic spokes.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@FoiMal123]

My dream bike

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Just watched this again. I can't make my mind up whether I like this more than the Svartpilen or not. I suppose you could easily fit a set of risers on this bike. I like the rear end of the Vitpilen more. The clock is fine. I don't like the TFT on my Duke 390. I can't read the small detail when I'm riding.

[@turvyjj9232]

Thanks for the sensible review. I'm pondering beteween this one and the svartpilen 701. Any idea? Both have a good discount now.

[@mancavemoto]

No problem, for me it’d be the Svartpilen, its just that little bit more comfortable.

[@morimetz]

Don't know if that's still relevant, but I'd say you really have to ride both to know for sure. Nobody can tell you what to buy. I was asking myself the same question, I even found the Vitpilen a bit prettier, but I have bought a Svartpilen, bacause I'm quite tall and the Vitpilen is unbearable for me comfort wise after about half an hour. I'm super happy with the Svartpilen though and I warmed up to the different look too (all matte black with that assymmetric 701 plate on the side looks cool I think). Cheers and I hope you choose one of the two :)

[@basvanommen7338]

Gr8 review, thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

No problems, Svartpilen review will be coming in a few weeks

[@basvanommen7338]

@@mancavemoto IS it comming out soon?

[@mancavemoto]

Yep

[@mancavemoto]

@@basvanommen7338 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXjCnmSvgretjas

[@NMdesertracer]

im a sportbike and adventure bike type guy but I saw one of these at the dealer and kinda want one!

[@mancavemoto]

Take one for a spin, its a lot of fun

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I am coming round to how this bike looks, and I bet it's really fun to ride. A bit too expensive maybe. Excellent review, Tony.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, I think the price point is a stumbling block for many people, but it has a ton of decent kit on it.

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

The bike is perceived as expensive but it is built with premium parts. At the moment there is £1000 voucher with any new purchase of the bike, so that should ease the price sticking point for you.

[@drewiediggler1]

@@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848 it's unfortunate that once a big publication declares a bike expensive,the rest of the reviewers seem to pick that up and run with it.It's actually a bargain compared to the new KTM 690 smc.I owned a 701 last year and loved it.The plastic cover of the speedo is very soft and scratches easily. No need for a TFT screen but a bit of quality glass would be a good upgrade 🙂

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@drewiediggler1 I was not influenced by any big publications.

[@mancavemoto]

Neither was I Andrew. There’s a difference between price and value. Something can be expensive but still be good value.

[@leewatkeys9065]

Another enjoyable video and different from the ones I usually watch where you are fettling the ST. You rode it very well with nice lines and smoothly. Had considered one but dealership limitations concerned me. I only ride for pleasure and touring isn’t a consideration. My DS seat becomes painful after a couple of hours but looks more padded so they’ve done a good job with that slim seat. Maybe the canted forward position helps as mine is more upright. How long have you got it for? Keep up the good work 😀

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Lee, Yes there are 26 Husky dealers that I could find in the UK, quite widely spread, but if there isnt one close to home its a bummer. I'm wondering if the KTM dealer network would look after servicing etc. I had it for a couple of weeks and its gone back now :(

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

Hello Lee, where about's are you based? Unfortunately the KTM dealer network will not be able to service any Husqvarna Motorcycles.We can let you know if there are any other dealers which will be with you shortly.

[@leewatkeys9065]

Husqvarna Motorcycles UK . I live in North Birmingham area moving to atherstone soon

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

Hello Lee, your nearest dealer will be CPS Motorcycles when you move to Atherstone :) hope that helps?

[@Langersport]

Nice, balanced review Tony. Cheers. I had a chance to look over a preproduction mock up of the 401 recently, which follows similar styling to the 701. Have to say I like the styling of both; suspect the 401 might sound even more like a 125! Not related to the bike... what gloves were you wearing?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks! Yes the 401 has spikes wheels doesn’t it? The Gloves are the Lee Parks Design summer deerskin

[@Langersport]

Views from the Man Cave yup wheels on 401 are spoked. The preprod one had all the goodies thrown at it so had an akrapovic exhaust 👍 I think I’m right in saying Triumph have bought Husqvarna; which is great news IMO.

[@mancavemoto]

I've not seen any news about an acquisition, it would be odd for KTM to let that brand go. I certainly think there is a market for smaller capacity lightweight Triumph. Especially given their asian market sales. A reborn Tiger Cub would be fantastic

[@matttabeek3480]

Really enjoyed your to-the-point and honest review. This bike seems to hold its own quite well on city and rural backroads, but what if you had to take a few miles on the freeway? Does it have enough passing power and maintain speeds of 65-75 mph? Thanks in advance.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yep no problem on the freeway (motorway) and will cruise along at those speeds all day

[@SlackBallSack]

its foooking gorgeous

[@mancavemoto]

That it is

[@filippomariaberio317]

Awesome bike, great video, just a question...what’s the name of the gloves you a are riding?

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, they are Lee Parks Design gloves

[@drewiediggler1]

I owned one this summer.Lots of fun.The speedo cover scratches easily and it's all one piece according to the dealer.The plastic seems quite soft (same on headlight).TFT would maybe have been nicer? The quickshift works ok but it's nowhere near as slick as the one on the Ducatis I've tried.The belly pan is bolted to the cat so unfortunately you need to lose that if you're going for a De-cat pipe.Still loved riding it though.Brings out the inner hooligan :-)

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for pointing that out Andrew, something I would never have known after only a couple of weeks. I’ve not used a quick shifter much before, and I ended up using it mainly on upshifts when I was in a ‘hurry’. It did miss a couple of times (or maybe I did). Deffo brings out the inner hooligan 😉 hoping to get a go on the Svartpilen, that looks like fun

[@drewiediggler1]

I got the 701 supermoto after the Vitpilen and it's a complete weapon.You would expect to go quicker on the sporty Vitpilen but on our knackered,bumpy roads the supermoto just trounces it.Hopefully the Svartpilen will be similar :-)

[@mancavemoto]

Andrew Stewart 👍

[@TsvetanVR]

I'd love to see a follow-up video on this to hear your thoughts further into ownership, after the "romantic phase" of the first few weeks/miles.

[@mancavemoto]

Sadly this was only a loan bike for the review, so I can't give any objective thoughts on long term ownership. I'm hoping to get my hands on the new Svartpilen 701 for a little while at some point

[@TsvetanVR]

@@mancavemoto ah, too bad...looking forward to the Svartpilen review. I didn't buy a Vitpilen mainly because there wasn't one for test ride here (market for these is nonexistent here basically) and was skeptical about the single cylinder on a highway having owned a smaller cc 1cyl engine that vibrated too much at highway speeds. Decided to go for a much more powerful 4 cylinder bike just in case as I like touring and high speed as much as looks.

[@grayjd2]

Thank you

[@mancavemoto]

no problem

[@ArmageddonAfterparty]

Don't like the style of the bike, but I like the style of your presenting.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks George, much appreciated

[@colindeans5972]

Looks great side on but the view from the cockpit is less so. That top yoke looks like something I hammered together in high school.

[@ianallison1747]

Thx

[@waltertaljaard1488]

Ideal beginners bike. Not too heavy, easy to ride and to steer and not a horsepower/accelaration monster. That slip clutch for downshifting is a real lifesaver for an unexperienced rider.

[@szalczingeristvan3622]

Good Afternoon Folks! What do You think about having this one as first bike? With a restrictor obviously, would it be a good one to learn riding properly and then to remove the restriction, or shall I just simply stick with the smaller Vitpilen 401? Then I would need to sell it after two years and get this one, so does not make much sense for me. What do You Guys think?

[@mancavemoto]

This would be fine, they offer both this and the Svartpilen in an A2 licence compatible form. It makes more sense to me to stick with the one bike, less money lost

[@simianrogue]

As of May 2019 the Vitpilen is for sale at £6,999.

[@richardclayton1892]

Nice review. Any thoughts with limited number of uk dealers and how this could affect ownership?

[@mancavemoto]

Good question Richard, I've counted 26 dealerships around the UK which isn't too bad. I'm wondering if ongoing servicing etc can be done within the KTM dealership network? I'll ask the question. Its certainly a consideration though, I had a similar issue with my Moto Guzzi, I had no dealer within 50 miles

[@richardclayton1892]

Really like the Moto Guzzi too. Seriously looking at the Vitpilen but a few friends have raised eyebrows at location of dealerships and subsequent hassle if issues. Now if KTM can look after then it becomes very tempting indeed!.....

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

We are currently working hard on building the Street dealer network for Husqvarna within the UK. KTM will not be able to offer servicing etc on these models. Where are you based within the UK?

[@chubbybrown4real]

@@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848 Inverness

[@WStar4Life]

I wanted this or the Duke but ended up getting the Dorsoduro 900 bc it has about 85-90hp to the wheel and around 60 ft-lb of torque. Plus it was on sale $6500 USD out the door

[@mancavemoto]

Thats a bargain, love the dorsoduro, great bike!

[@WStar4Life]

Views from the Man Cave yup... MadHorse I actually had the Dorso 750 with a mivv exhaust that was totaled in 2016 when some kid cut me off. Fractured my right femur and kneecap and finally saved up enough to buy one for cash during the dealers end of season sale.

[@foolspeedahead]

I get about 55 miles to a tank. I have to fill up 35 miles from home to feel comfortable making it back. That’s with very curvy, mountain roads though.

[@mancavemoto]

Did you mean '155' miles?

[@foolspeedahead]

Views from the Man Cave nope. Mostly open throttle with tons of corners. If I ride it normally, I could probably eek out about 150. Around my area, that wouldn’t be any fun.

[@jncolligan1]

what's your favourite bike for the roads we are seeing here :) i like those roads!

[@mancavemoto]

Too many to choose from! I tend to choose the roads depending on the bike. Plush suspension is good....

[@andrewr6425]

Great review and love the whole look of the bike very alternative. Not for me though as the big single wouldn’t suit my urban ride .

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Norm

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

The 401's would suit your urban ride though...

[@andrewr6425]

Husqvarna Motorcycles UK thanks for that but I’m enjoying my Street Twin at the moment but may take a look in the future.

[@chipereeno2973]

Great review. We also get to see a lot of the bike from kerb and up close. Reviews just from the helmet camera of the handlebars only are just awful.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, I try to mix it up a bit as I agree just getting a single view from behind the bars can get a little bit boring

[@OldManTony]

Nice review! I think it’s a great bike, but I maybe lean in favour of the Svartpilen.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, and yes same here. Hopefully I can get a go on one when they are released

[@zacharyrohrer7976]

I'm wondering how tall you are? I love this bike, but I'm 6'5" and not sure how I'll fit.. The closest dealership is almost 200 miles.

[@mancavemoto]

I’m 5ft 10 with a 32 inch inside leg

[@Eratosthenes0815]

THNX 4 your review! - One of the best I've seen for the Vitpilen 701... What makes me enjoying it most, is that it seems to be a "real drivers review"... - I'll get my 701 next monday. (Some days after I may agree to your review... :D And what's the best: I don't have this f*cking ugly licence plate or mirrors.)

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, much appreciated. Yeah we have pretty big plates here in the UK

[@Eratosthenes0815]

So we have here (in Germany). But I've replaced this F*CKING UGLY plate holder. Same I've done with the original mirrors... I hope the 701 will make me having as much fun as I've had with the XBR500 (Honda) about 30 years ago... :D@@mancavemoto

[@josephmatthews8276]

Eratosthenes0815 can i ask what plate holder and mirrors you bought? I’m getting my 701 next week and want to remove both of those ugly things ASAP!

[@Eratosthenes0815]

@@josephmatthews8276 Hi Joseph, I have mounted Husky handguards and the short mirrors. Those are looking really nice. Much better than the bar end ones (anybody has these... ;-) ) Tail tidy is from R&G as far as I remember. It's much shorter than the one shown on the Husqvarna prospect photos. P.S.: The only issue: You don't see nothing expect of your arms in the mirrors but: Who cares?! ;->

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

City bike. Nothing beats a big bore single in a city.

[@maciejb2169]

Wish you could mount the speedo from the Duke...

[@mancavemoto]

Maybe you can?!

[@maciejb2169]

Views from the Man Cave Husqvarna should know...

[@Mark321Bundgaard]

Hi Wondering how tall you are? Bike looks like a decent size.

[@mancavemoto]

I’m 5ft 10

[@leegingerninja]

Good review. Nice looking bike . Sounds like a 125 ! Lol just my opinion lol

[@mancavemoto]

Hehe doesn’t go like one though!

[@leegingerninja]

@@mancavemoto na , I'm sure. Is nice . Nice futuristic . I love my ST too much 😉😜😜

[@samuelhitchcock6219]

That bike screams for an Akraprovic full system exhaust!

[@mancavemoto]

Yep sure does

[@husqvarnamotorcyclesuk5848]

There is one available for it in the power-parts catalog. The exhaust is £787 and you currently get £1000 voucher with any new purchase... :)

[@kolabrou]

Husqvarna Motorcycles UK I ve asked two dealers one in london and another one in Aylesbury, on a deal for the 701 and neither mentioned the 1k voucher you mentioned. Where can i get this from? Please email me [e-mail] regards Kostas

[@paulharrison8155]

Good review but I can't see Husqvarna selling too many of these when the mothership is punting out new 2017 KTM 690 Dukes at £2500 less than the Vitpilen 701. Even the twin cylinder 790 Duke is £300 cheaper than the 701 and that's before you start squeezing the dealer's goolies with a pair of pliers !

[@mancavemoto]

Paul Harrison Yep true, although its closer in spec the the 690r plus it looks a lot nicer. I think they are going after a different market. Lol have you tried to get a discount out of a KTM dealer!

[@paulharrison8155]

I have and have been successful on two occasions. Once for a 950 SMR and the second time for a 200EXC It must be my cheeky smile LOL

[@mancavemoto]

Ah that’s why it doesn’t work for me 😂

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

Head would say Duke 690 or 790 every time but my heart says 701. I don't think they are looking for huge sales and I suspect they'll sell 10 790s for every 1 710.

[@mancavemoto]

Yes, although I would pick this over the 690 everytime. The 790 makes it more difficult as its supposedly an awesome B Road machine, but I'm not a fan of the 790's styling :( I think you're right with that ratio, it may be even lower. Hoping to get my hands on a Svartpilen to try too.

[@ganeshwar17]

Can vitpilan have extra seat for one extra person?

[@mancavemoto]

That pad on the back is the pillion seat.....

[@ganeshwar17]

@@mancavemoto thank u. I'm positive about vitpilen701

[@sqd8r]

For those comparing the KTM 690 to this, it isn't in the same class, besides being a single. You'd be better off comparing the husky 701.

[@mancavemoto]

Exactly

[@bigred8438]

If you came off a KTM Adventure bike, did you consider a KTM 690 instead of this, given it is ostensibly the same bike? Or does it come down to the looks? KTM's do look like mobile advertising hoardings.

[@mancavemoto]

There is an element of the looks. I’m not a particular fan of the KTM orange, as you say they can look like mobile advertising hoardings

[@mustbescud]

What is the MPG for this bike?

[@mancavemoto]

In the real world somewhere between 55 and 60

[@6Twisted]

I love the look of this bike, the dash looks like it's been taken off of a kids toy though and the ketchup and mustard wiring on the side is just lazy build quality.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

A good bike but I don't like the 6,000 mile valve service intervals at £300 a throw. Husqvarna/KTM aren't the only guilty manufacturers in this regard. Nobody wants to kill the cash cow with the use of hydraulic adjusters. The argument that they're unsuitable is an absolute crock, unless one is referring to stratospherically high RPM engines.

[@jkre]

Personaly eaven that speedo is way, way too high teck. Analog speedo (and maby analog rev counter) is all a motorcycle needs, i hate moder stuff in bikes, especially digital speedos and rev counters. It's the only down side for me in this bike.

[@entropede]

I really like the looks except for that dash. I don't mind the actual display, but the cheap plastic cover looks awful. :(

[@mancavemoto]

yep, a bit of a slip up i think

[@iandouglas6925]

good review, you don't hang about haha.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@martind349]

Wow all that salt and pepper is seasoning up the Yammie Noob Pappaganda

[@mancavemoto]

I don’t understand your comment?

[@PissTakeProduction]

Vitpilen 701 now discontinued and no longer in production.

[@mancavemoto]

Where did you see that?

[@PissTakeProduction]

@@mancavemoto Husqvarna told me.

[@15zulex]

Some.. performance test nobody speak....

[@mancavemoto]

maybe this is would help? kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2HOn4ZsZbKjh6s

[@Abyss-Will]

the sound is a shame, Ive heard lots of 100 to 150cc 4stroke single cylinder engines that sound a lot better

[@mancavemoto]

You do have to consider that this was recorded with a gopro

[@PH-xo4ep]

I like the bike a lot, but personally the single cylinder engine ruins it for me, just sounds so flat and boring in my opinion

[@mancavemoto]

Its certainly not flat and boring to ride

[@PH-xo4ep]

Not saying it is bud just sounds really boring in my opinion

[@davidharrison7779]

Its leeverage not levverage thats an American mispronunciation

[@mancavemoto]

Really?! a 13 minute bike review and you comment on the pronunciation of one word?

[@stecornes]

I am sure I cant be the only one thinking the bike looks unfinished and is pretty ugly, not sure what the designer was thinking. Way too expensive, my much quicker and more practical Tracer 900 cost almost £1,500 less brand new. It seems to go fairly well in your test, but it still looks and sounds like a 300cc.

[@Kirkish_Delight]

Couldn't disagree with you more, but i guess the husky is a bit of a love it or hate it bike.