Living With The Vitpilen 701 | Lessons Learnt

[@unreal1066]

It's the responsiveness of the engine and chassis that make it exciting. I wish there was more emphasis on lighter weight by manufacturers.

[@Sojuuk]

6'3 with a 34 inch inseam and 220lbs here and I love owning this bike. I have been told it looks small under me but I don't care cause it is such a sweet spot for performance and general use. I have even taken it to the track a few times!

[@at9670]

Hey dude, i own a scooter right now, a new 125cc Piaggio Medley, first 2 wheeler, i would like to own a svartpilen 401 , would it be a good first bike? I'm 6'2. Just asking someone with some experience. Have a good day

[@Ebbeebbeee]

@@at9670 I honestly don't think you could choose a better bike, it's literally a perfected ktm, thats saying alot

[@derekbender]

To be far most bikes will look small when you’re that tall!

[@at9670]

@@Ebbeebbeee hey adrian! We have the same name! Btw thanks for the answer, i read it late, i was scared off from the Husqvarna because of it's speed, i bought a royal Enfield Interceptor 650 (2020). A good learner bike, on the heavy side, really well built but with cheaper parts of course. Amazing 270° parallel twin sound after i changed the air filter and cover. So I'm planning to keep it for a year, then I'm looking for my next motorcycle, I'm really frustrated because i have two choices, a more well suited XSR700 for my daily commute, or the Husqvarna Svartpilen, a more focused adrenaline machine. What do you think?

[@Ebbeebbeee]

@@at9670 honestly go for a Honda cb650 or cbr650. Or a vitpilen/svartpilen 701 ktm Duke 790 on the higher end of performance, I would also recommend if you're looking a for a daily commuter in the city or a place with not that many highways get a supermoto. I would also suggest for you to stay away from the xsr 700 as you will become rapidly bored and looking to upgrade seeing as you started on a int 650 it would be faster for a week and then you would be disappointed, so any of those would be a good bike in my opinion ask any questions you want sir

[@Surbatron]

Perfect contemporary cafe racer proportions. Fantastic design, the true inheritor of the BSA Goldstar legacy (sporty, powerful-single, cafe racer)...love it!

[@shmac96]

I just saw a young bloke on one with this amazing color scheme yesterday. Was blown away by the color! Now I want one! Great review!

[@fyorbane]

Hopefully they will make a 901 version with the KTM 890R motor.

[@RarefiedRoad]

That would be good

[@NFStheStig]

That is what you would call shooting yourself in the foot, especially for KTM. They would made a pretty duke 890r with clip-ons which would probably be the best street bike that could be trackable and probably ruin their 890r sales.

[@andybj4091]

@@NFStheStig Ya, but where are those missing sales going? Back to them. But with additional dealers.

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

Bring back the 990!!

[@helgejohan3604]

I want Vitpilen 801 or 901🔥🤙

[@nowheremannykho]

Thanks again to be one of the few YT reviewers providing the faults of the bike (not only the pros)! I can really start to make my mind whether I would like to own/ride the bike in your reviews, which make them very helpful (in opposition to most YT disguised commercials). Please keep it up! Thanks for your great job!

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thank you

[@jaferahmedjaferahmed6358]

@@RarefiedRoad pm

[@duc4715]

quick-shifter works well ,if you upshift when revs are more then 2K and downshift if revs are bellow 7K

[@AndsoIdid]

More like 3-4 but sure… considering it will begin to stall in gear below 3

[@forthleft]

Thanks for that. great format and presentation.

[@LuGer212]

lessons/recommendation from a 3 year owner of the 701: get rid of the ridiculous Mickey Mouse mirrors and install a tachometer cover. and keep the rest of the bike as it is and in good shape, because man is it a beautiful fun machine.

[@JimmySlacksack]

probably prefer the silver version but whatever its a very beautiful machine

[@kezzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

To be fair you should be dragging your rear brake at lights anyway

[@vytas5584]

Pet hate: When people say it has a small fuel tank therefore it is cheap to fill up.... Yes. That's because it contains LESS FUEL.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yes and that LESS FUEL somehow still gives you MORE MILEAGE so it is cheap to fill up. I got 200 miles out of it easily by the end.

[@dystopia8171]

3:40 😅I have 18 701 and yes the neutral is found by sheer luck sometimes I get it my first try but usually on 2nd gear a couple of tries slight annoyance but I got used to it as part of the expirienece

[@LpFr3aK]

With the husqy 401s I prefer the looks of the svartpilen but the 701s I prefer the look of the vitpilen. they're all beautiful though!

[@papercut1987]

yes, vit701 gives you the perfect sport riding position and proportion. 401 looks cramped, the bike is too small

[@chicagoui9299]

This is the Saab of motorbikes.

[@bberakable]

Stunning bike.. Great comprehensive review man.

[@an_kan]

The style is very similar to the ducati scrambler cafe racer.. I love both of them

[@unenthusiast]

A friend has the previous version and it's great. Looks even better with the spoked wheels and I like what they've done with the exhaust hanger. Have they given up with pillion provision altogether? I think I prefer the Svartpilen anyway...

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yeah this one has zero pillion room. I'd be the same as you though, I think the Vitpilen looks better but I'd buy the Svartpilen.

[@unenthusiast]

@@RarefiedRoad How do they both compare to the Guzzi V7? Which do you prefer?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I prefer the V7 personally but that's just my taste.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review. I like this bike but couldn't have it as my only bike. Any chance you might try out the 401 version too? It's got great spec for the class with adjustable suspension & a quick shifter. It looks like a really fun little bike. I'm very tempted.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I hope I do get to try the 401 this year, the Svartpilen is definitely on my radar so we shall see.

[@timparkhouse9925]

I’ve got the Svart 401 (18) and has the great looks, poise, characterful engine and just wants to play. I’ve not ridden the 701 but the obvious advantage of the 401 is lower running costs and being able to really exploit the performance in more locations. In the words of my mate: ‘it makes you want to ride like a dick the whole time’... up to you to judge whether that’s a good thing or not. In my experience it’s a brilliant bike if you ride mainly for fun but not suited to long distance or commuting.

[@vsnutz]

@@timparkhouse9925 I understand where he his coming from. I love my Svartpilen 401. People say it's like a toy. Yes, that's why I love it. I take it around town and down dirt farm roads. Everybody loves it and stop me to ask questions (Michigan, USA)

[@guzziguy2011]

Have 7k miles on my 401 Svart and I’m not parting with because it’s the most fun I’ve had on asphalt for $5K! That said, I’d love to give the 701 a dance (looks rad in blue), but I’m not keen on the tail section, mirrors, instrumentation, or bars. Easy fix for all but that rear; looks like a fish w it’s tail bitten off. P.S. Instrument cluster is lousy design, but for the cash needed to road blast, we’ll worth it.

[@markbarrowcliffe6485]

It's a great bike but the clutch slave goes on them. Mine went after about 150 miles. Fuel gauge sensor had to be replaced but it's still pretty much fiction.

[@1990-t1j]

Stunning colour. I think I prefer the looks to the Svarpilen now, and I'd rather have cast wheels. I'd prefer an old KTM Duke 690. Excellent review.

[@jdjddbjdjx7589]

My Biggest Problem with that bike or the 690 is: the header burns of your right leg and the cooler your left leg. Especially if you ride in city traffic in the summer

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

7:08, his legs weren't close to anything

[@DCSportRyder]

Never had any problems last season and nearly 4,000 miles mate. Mixed city, town, backroads. Give it shot!

[@chicagoui9299]

That bike is beautiful. Honestly.

[@gonzo221]

That bike would have been in my garage if the dash wasn't utter garbage. I know it's a superficial complaint but it's something that you're constantly staring at. I hope they fix that with the next iteration then I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[@sometimesitstays]

bad winners is offering a dash replacement on this coming september :)

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

I think the same, it's the only disturbing thing

[@prathaps848]

Buy one in a heartbeat...without lookin at speedo

[@HeyAddieImTojo]

Keep your eyes on the road ;)

[@jimmyb4982]

No bike is perfect.

[@foolspeedahead]

I wonder if the shifter on the tester wasn’t working properly. My wife’s Svartpilen 701 isn’t the greatest, but works well enough without false neutrals.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Possibly. I've heard that from people who work with them a lot. They say that it's a bit of a lottery sometimes with the gearbox.

[@joshkruger6068]

I have noticed that after the software update (mine is a 2020) the quick shifter improved dramatically, as well as less chuggyness at low RPMs. It’s smoother, has a loud pop where I guess it cuts timing in 2-3, and seems more reliable at low speeds. Present surprise. I had a friend test it out too and he reported it felt much better 🤷‍♂️

[@DCSportRyder]

Quick shifter on my 2019 Vit ... Lars ... is like as smooth as silk. Just get over the idea of a solid punch and it pops up or down like butta. But yea, finding neutral can be a pain. Me though , the need to pop it into neutral is pretty rare. BTW, love the overhead drone shot at the bend in the road! Woof!

[@joerocket3rider603]

Good review... actually thinking about putting an MG V7 III Stone in the shed... any thoughts on that bike? Seems a similar type bike, apart from the engine...

[@RarefiedRoad]

Similar in class but worlds apart for comfort or performance. If you were keeping both there's a lot of contrast between them so it would be a nice bit of variety.

[@papercut1987]

i have the 401, I can't find neutral from 1, even from 2 to neutral need some precise muscle control. while my friend's vulcan and ninja 650 were easy.

[@TheReverb1]

...only 17000 Dollars here. Also you have the perceptions the other way around; I mean; with the clip ons is very good for the blacktop not for the city. With the traffic jams etc the svartpilen position is way better. I use my motorcycles as commuters and transport since 35 years ago mainly on the black top and most are old Triumph.

[@buckymoto1784]

You should try the Svart 701

[@RarefiedRoad]

Yeah I think that one's more my taste actually

[@buckymoto1784]

@@RarefiedRoad I own one and it puts a smile on my face more than any of the 12 other bikes I've owned. They are so raw and engaging.

[@buckymoto1784]

@@RarefiedRoad I think the Svart would definitely be you kinda thing, based in other bike you like. Svartpilen doin what a svartpilen is supposed to do #gravelroads instagram.com/p/CQY2AkDHAfMGpXx53-rFeW1C8KluJGP8LNew680/?

[@CorvusHyperion]

Do only the 2020 versions have spoked wheels?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I believe so

[@DucatiDiaries]

great job

[@Wales256]

I wish they would make a twin cylinder.... ive owned single cylibder bikes and they arent fun. The same bhp, cc motorbike can feel so much more powerful as a twin cylinder vs single. I do really like the style of these bikes though

[@DS-zm5nj]

Good review as always, in particular about the Vitpilen 701 (my dreambike). I'm a big fan of the cafe racer genre, but here in Italy we can't legally customize barely anything on our road vehicles. I currently own the Kawasaki z650 model year 2019. The 2-cylinder engine maintains acceptable temperatures, but being 6 feet tall I can't feel at ease riding it. I tried the Honda CB 650 R but it was too heavy and I prefer more torque. I would prefer a lighter bike with better brakes. Basically I'm concerned about how the Vitpilen 701 performs in warm weather, we have exactly 8°C more than London's. On regular temperature or summer days, how do you rate it? I'm a daily rider too. Will it likely oveheat?

[@guitar91esp]

DS have a go at Royal Enfield Continental GT650. It might surprise you.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I'm not sure how it will cope with the heat. I had it during a bit of a heat wave and it didn't seem happy when I took the cover off (which to be fair will have raised the temperature a fair bit) as for living with it as a daily rider I don't think it would be my first pick if I rode every day but twice a week is fine, anything more than that and I think the comfort would frustrate me.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

ktm duke 790 or 890 should fit your demands

[@hernanmolina11]

Great review! Is there any chance to use a seat for a passenger? New fan of your channel. Ride safe! ✌🏼

[@Doomsday.606]

I have heard that while accelerating after certain kilometres it creaks

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Killer review as always Bro

[@RarefiedRoad]

Thanks man

[@micallef87]

Wonder why they didn’t put the indicators at the rear up with the brake light like they did on the 401?

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

i kinda want the 401

[@RarefiedRoad]

Same

[@SkatteredSkitzo]

Honestly, the seating position sucks for me. I've ridden one, not owned but I can't see myself owning one. It feels like i'm sitting upright at an angle, feeling like i'm about to go over the handlebars. It's just an awkward feeling for me.

[@jeffjaison1425]

Are those rims come with tubes or is it tubeless?

[@coolio9491]

Tubeless, says on the rim at 1:22

[@jeffjaison1425]

coolio9491 But he just says "spoke wheels" he doesnt tell if its tube or tubeless......

[@joostinkong]

These are on sale where I live in the US. $8000. Wondering how it would do for highway? Coming from a MT09.

[@RarefiedRoad]

Won't be as comfortable on the highway but it's still a good bike for the money.

[@DCSportRyder]

I did a 2500 mile ride last season from PA to TN along the spine of the Appalachians. Even worked out n attached a set of pannier luggage. Frigging awesome! Never got tired. Never wished I had had anything different. This sucker totally rocks! Gawd I love punchin it!

[@bangocat]

Do the new spoked rims also mean inner tubes?

[@RarefiedRoad]

I think they're tubeless actually

[@aricyl]

What helmet (white) were you wearing in the beginning?

[@isaacbastian8401]

I’m just shocked how many people act like this bike is so tiny. Compared to what?A bike for touring? A chopper? It’s about an average size for a motorcycle of this style (naked bikes bullet bikes cafe racers scramblers)...and I also don’t understand how it is talked about like it doesn’t have that much power. What are we comparing this thing to? The fastest bikes out there? A 3.6 second 0-60 seems pretty damn fast to me

[@GK1976A]

The only problem I can see with this bike is that it's not cheap. I know it's a nice looking bike and it's great build quality, but not everyone can afford to spend £7.5k on a bike. I certainly can't.

[@gemmalee6058]

'torquey punt'... sorry what did you just call me?

[@RarefiedRoad]

You heard 😂

[@jyexe525]

A good beginner bike ?

[@RarefiedRoad]

Actually yes I think it is

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

if you've never ridden i would recommend a 125. if you are responsible i'd recommend a 300-500 to learn to ride, you don't want to wash the rear from giving too much gas on a torque bomb like this becasue of a lack of experience

[@polla2256]

Depends where you train really as some countries riding standards are extremely poor and driving standards even worse. If you're confident with road craft then yes. If you don't know what road craft is get a 125cc for a year or two.

[@joka4625]

Are the tyres tubeless? Great job!

[@RarefiedRoad]

I believe so

[@enduria3478]

Sure thing, akront wheels support them!

[@tsioulevi5730]

I am 6'3 close to 6'4 and i would love to have this bike. Do you think i would look stupid af while riding it?

[@ZeAmine]

You will looking stupid if you don't get one 😂 I own one, best hooligan bike

[@elekkr]

This Vitpilen got the frame what was stripped from the ducati monster . They should paint that yellow 🟡💛 i guess it got the gearbox also from Ducati 😢

[@matthewlee4999]

Think it would make a great base for a scrambler setup.

[@ToastyTravis19]

Then get the Svartpilen 701

[@StevenLivingstone-xu3dn]

Cool review..but everyone has to get to cool roads..via A roads..

[@parkersgarage4216]

Is 5 grand for a 2020 a good deal? It's got low miles on it.

[@patrickwassall116]

a very good deal

[@parkersgarage4216]

@@patrickwassall116 thanks

[@gerapaz1041]

DISCULPA AMIGO, HAZ TENIDO PROBLEMAS MECANICOS O DE GARANTIA CON TU MOTOCICLETA PERDON.? ESTOY POR COMPRAR ESE MISMO MODELO Y ME ESTOY INFORMANDO SOBRE ESTE MODELO, GRACIAS POR TU AYUDA

[@James-vb5qe]

Great video I was all for getting a Vitpilen 401 but the Honda dealership I use warned me against them due to constant problems with them. Has anyone got any answers for me as I don't want tot fully take the word of the salesman at the dealership.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer as I haven't done the research but if you type in vitpilen 401 faults on Google in sure you'll find a forum chat. Only thing I'm aware of on some ktm and husqvarna models are gearbox issues or overheating on older 390's

[@fabianrudzewski9027]

The 401 is the same engine as the 390 ktm models. In the earlier models there certainly were problems with gearbox, heat and head gasket. I had an RC 390 and had the gearbox fail multiple times till I gave it back to the dealership. But that was a 2015 model. Supposedly they got much better with reliability, but I can't confirm that.

[@joshkruger6068]

I have a 701, it’s no Honda that’s for sure. I have had some weird electrical issues. Nothing that has persisted through restarts though. No issues That have effected actually riding.

[@mmwbike]

I have a 2018 401 vitpilen, haven’t had a single issue 🏍😎😀👍

[@joshkruger6068]

@@mmwbike have you went back to the dealer for the software updates?

[@ripunjayojha3601]

Is that blue colord vinyl wrap

[@RarefiedRoad]

It's not a wrap the 2020 model has some nice colour options

[@ripunjayojha3601]

@@RarefiedRoad ok i have little lighter version 250 cc and its only available in black

[@ripunjayojha3601]

Looks attractive

[@KarlRuizS]

Here in Ecuador it costs $18.000 dollars 🤯🤯🤯

[@DanieleMamelicoolestaura516]

Are they stock wheels?

[@RarefiedRoad]

They are

[@jeansebastientlebreton]

How tall are u

[@Benni333]

My Casio shares the same display... No clear TFT in 2020 is a bit annoying.

[@RarefiedRoad]

I know, it would be an easy upgrade for them.

[@voltgaming2213]

Do it feel small

[@RarefiedRoad]

It does feel pretty small

[@naps3386]

For all the sh!tting on USA, I’ve had about 60 motorcycles in my lifetime and have never had to lock it. I leave my helmet on the mirror many days. I even throw my beautiful two tone gauntlet gloves on the handlebars many times while I run into a store. I have never had anyone mess with any bike, even living around Chicago. I did walk out of the store today behind a young man with a gun clearly displayed on his back, LOVE THAT! I appreciate his valor and his diligence in carrying, which is a pain for anyone who knows. For those in London...well I’m not going to sh!t on London but good luck keeping your motorcycle. Ridiculous if you asked me...

[@g13kizz2]

I see that it’s bee dropped lol marks on muffler

[@euriorzabal5213]

Does anyone have an opinion on This vs the cb650r

[@ayzenshiro1090]

cb650 it's just good, good bike, perfect commuter imho, 701 will try to made a hooligan out of you... all the time.

[@paulgeraghty4566]

i heard on one of the forums that the replacement tank is even smaller ;-)

[@DCSportRyder]

True. You loose abt 40 miles US on a tank.

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

So would it be fair to say these are Duke 690s for hipsters?

[@sometimesitstays]

nah.. suspension is much better.. fully adjustable front rear wp ... quickshifter auto blipper the .. the front brake is different.. extended front.. imo more comfy than the 690.. rides better im otoo.. owned both.. and yeah it looks much nicer too (to me).. would u call a mt 07 and xsr 700 or tenere 700 the same bike too? id reckon not....

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

@@sometimesitstays the Duke R comes with fully adjustable WP suspension and M50 Brembos mate, also lean sensitive traction control. These bikes do not only share the same engine but also the same chassis. The Duke comes with wider higher up handle bars so I don't understand how the Vit would be more comfortable to ride aswell. Not sure about the MT07 and XSR but the Tenere most definitely does not share a chassis with the MT07..In short the KTM and Husky are much closer

[@sometimesitstays]

@@RealOrbit-Australia just saying.. mt07 xsr .. same thang.. anyway the headstock angle is different on the vit compared to the duke for one.. the rear seat on the duke makes the bike feel more cramped where the vit u can slide back more. the clip ons arent uncomfy (to me) and the vit is more comfy (to me). the vit has more HP .. feels quicker and easier to tip into corners.. it has dual balancing shafts and feels wicked smooth too.. also yeah it does look different and imo it looks better.. nothing even wrong with that tbh. but its not the same bike. have you ridden either of them?

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

@@sometimesitstays it doesn't have more HP man you are reaching...same bike different styling and a few electronic tech that the Vit had and the Duke doesn't because it got discontinued. I've owned a Duke R last generation for 4 months after I sold my 390. Loved it. Sold it due to moving to new state and thought I'd get the 790. That didn't happen so I'm waiting on a good deal for the 890 R. Never rode the Vit but sat on it at dealers. Feels like a KtM to me in fancy clothes. Anyway your opinions are yours and mine are mine. Fact is same engine, same chassis, same suspension....can't remember if the brakes are...

[@sometimesitstays]

ah mate sitting on a bike and riding a bike are two very different things eh.. yeah they're quite similar for sure no ones gonna argue against that.. the little things make the ride feel much different in my opinion having ridden both.. like the rake, the wheel size, the dual balancing shafts etc. we all do things to our bikes to make them feel different because ... they make them feel different :) its basic wrenching on the bike mate to know this! even you earlier saying you couldn't comprehend how the vit is more comfortable because the duke is upright etc etc.. thats different feel of bike and riding right there my good man.. 890 duke is a wicked bike mate i reckon you'll really enjoy that! hoping they make a vit 901 off that base too ;)

[@pggp273]

Anyone else shouting at the screen INDICATOR !! It not a criticism we all do it occasionally (Thankfully rarely) Its just my pet hate

[@edwardhamaty6376]

An entertaining and informative review...except for the ridiculous section on seat high...😂 what? Just say it, you have short legs for 5’10...

[@anilpun2592]

Its pretty but i would love twin engine rather than single . Twin would be better sounding and better performer.

[@olafkliemt1145]

longer legs will hit the tank.

[@RarefiedRoad]

True

[@THEGEEK2001]

No pillion !

[@Ebbeebbeee]

I just bought one about 2 weeks ago, and when you buy it, it has a box with the pillion seat in there with the owners manual and whatnot

[@Narog-s1k]

This newer 2021 rear is soooo ugly! 😂

[@erayyldrm1050]

Super sexy bike. If i were a girl, i would go with you

[@Narog-s1k]

the worst motorcycle ever! were squandered by KTM dealers NEW in 2020 for €6,400! because no one wanted her! the dealers were making endless losses!!! and no one ever wanted to sell one or trade it in again! 😂

[@nabpreetsinghphelia9805]

Singles the crazy girlfriend Twins and three's found the one and engaged Fours and inlines got settled married

[@RarefiedRoad]

That's about right.