Author Topic: Husqvarna Svartpilen/Vitpilen 701 (Read 5059 times)

bigbikerrick · « **on:** July 24, 2019, 03:46:26 PM »

Hi Folks, there are not many new motorcycles that really grab my attention, except for these new Huskys. Being a fan of Husky desert sleds back in the 70s, including their automatic, I have always had alot of admiration for their bikes, and the way they were engineered.
For some reason these new "Pilen" bikes make my heart race. There is just something about them, possibly the simplicity, and being "different" Im not sure. What do you all think of these?
Rick.

https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en/svartpilen/

MGrego · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2019, 04:01:20 PM »

Jay Leno's Garage : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd6_MmqkiHw

Lannis · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2019, 04:02:48 PM »

Being a singles fan myself, I do like the sound, the lightness, and the pull characteristics of that engine. I can see why you're tempted, and venture that you wouldn't be disappointed if you got one.

Lannis

Kev m · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2019, 04:06:00 PM »

I think they look awesome...

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2019, 04:38:20 PM »

I like the 401, 330#

alanp · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2019, 05:02:58 PM »

The front 3/4 really does look great. I can't figure out if there is a functional difference between the Svart and the Vit, or are they just minor styling variations? They don't seem different enough to have their own name.

bad Chad · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2019, 05:35:54 PM »

I thought it was hideous when I first saw it, but it’s really grown on me. I really like that among it’s multiple attributes, it doesn’t look like anything else.

gsp0702 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2019, 05:55:00 PM »

Some differences between the two, mainly larger front wheel (18in) on the Svartpilen, some more suspension travel and different bars and consequently more upright riding position.

I had a test ride on the Vitpilen 701 and it was a cracking bike, something I would love to have in my garage if I could, the engine's a cracker and handled really well, will take the Svartpilen out if I get the chance to see how different it is and that would be my choice if I was looking to buy just on looks.

The only real criticism I have seen of both bikes has been around the dash/clock as it comes across as a bit cheap and cheerful and difficult to read in direct sunlight otherwise reviews seem pretty positive.

OldMojo · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2019, 07:47:56 PM »

I have a friend who had some serious spring fever over these bikes, and was ready to buy, but could not find a dealer willing to offer a test ride. In fact, he was told by at least two that as a company neither Husqvarna nor KTM allow test rides. Anyone ever heard of this?

bigbikerrick · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2019, 08:14:36 PM »

Tht was a cool video, with Jay Leno! I can see alot of KTMness in these bikes. Kinda like a "Duke" , but made for a more sophisticated, discriminating , possibly older clientele. I guess you can say its a duke with a bit more "panache"! LOL.

Rick.

alanp · « **Reply #10 on:** July 24, 2019, 08:27:18 PM »

Quote from: bigbikerrick on July 24, 2019, 08:14:36 PM

Tht was a cool video, with Jay Leno! I can see alot of KTMness in these bikes. Kinda like a "Duke" , but made for a more sophisticated, discriminating , possibly older clientele. I guess you can say its a duke with a bit more "panache"! LOL.
Rick.

I guess I am sophisticated, discriminating, and older...well at least older, because I do like these better than any KTM.

Lannis · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2019, 08:53:43 PM »

Quote from: OldMojo on July 24, 2019, 07:47:56 PM

I have a friend who had some serious spring fever over these bikes, and was ready to buy, but could not find a dealer willing to offer a test ride. In fact, he was told by at least two that as a company neither Husqvarna nor KTM allow test rides. Anyone ever heard of this?

I would doubt that it is true, but maybe the dealer sales model with Husky/KTM is that the distributor holds the title to the bike, the dealer doesn't pay for it, and so the distributor can set conditions like that?

If the dealer had paid for the bike and was paying interest on his "floor plan", I don't see how headquarters could tell him what to do with his bikes.

At any rate, in past threads, a majority of the posters on this subject said they wouldn't even consider buying a bike without a test ride, no matter how limited. I think the dealers would be shooting themselves in the foot, not allowing rides ....

Lannis

kingoffleece · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2019, 05:06:02 AM »

That cuts two ways. Not many will buy a motorcycle that has miles on it. A workable solution is when the OEM has a demo program in place.
I have no knowledge of how KTM N/A works for this.

Murray · « **Reply #13 on:** July 25, 2019, 06:27:27 AM »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsczZvazfzo

Not safe for work adult humor etc etc. Covers a few of the downsides.

CavScout87 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 25, 2019, 07:12:47 AM »

Quote from: Murray on July 25, 2019, 06:27:27 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsczZvazfzo

Not safe for work adult humor etc etc. Covers a few of the downsides.

Oh that was funny LOL

Darren Williams · « **Reply #15 on:** July 25, 2019, 07:13:11 AM »

Another bike that would probably be super fun to ride for a month or so, but really don't want to own one long term*.

* Long Term defined for me as a year or maybe more.

Lannis · « **Reply #16 on:** July 25, 2019, 09:53:04 AM »

Quote from: Murray on July 25, 2019, 06:27:27 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsczZvazfzo

Not safe for work adult humor etc etc. Covers a few of the downsides.

I wonder if those are really downsides, though? I mean, he implies that the engine (a design they've been making for 30 years) is known to be unreliable and likely to explode. I doubt if that's true, I'll bet it was just in for comic effect.

And the "uncomfortable" thing ... I've always assumed (and acted on) that ANY bike I buy is going to have the seat, bars, and pegs put where I want them, not where some tiny tester wanted them. So I don't assume uncomfortability on a bike.

The price, now .... he says $12,000 US, the nearest Husky dealer has them for $11,200 all in, but that's still a lot of money if you're buying it by the pound.

Sounds like fun though.

Lannis

drw916 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 25, 2019, 12:05:21 PM »

Not necessarily true on the no test rides. I got to test ride a Svart 401 when I was in Salem. Really liked it.

JJ · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2019, 12:15:43 PM »

I am sure it is quite the little sport bike...with excellent power / brakes / handling!!

Bisbonian · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2019, 01:25:18 PM »

Quote from: Lannis on July 25, 2019, 09:53:04 AM

I wonder if those are really downsides, though? I mean, he implies that the engine (a design they've been making for 30 years) is known to be unreliable and likely to explode. I doubt if that's true, I'll bet it was just in for comic effect.

My experience with a KTM LC4 is that this is not necessarily untrue. They took quite a bit of maintenance to keep running reliably, and even then I never ended up being able to plan a trip out of town.
I lust after a 690 Duke, but when I remember my KTM experience the ardor cools.

clubman · « **Reply #20 on:** July 25, 2019, 03:23:37 PM »

A few LC4/690 observations. I bought a leftover '17 Duke a year ago for $8,500 out the door. Now have 10K miles on it. This engine is now on it's 3rd redesign and mine has been totally faultless. A "Booster Plug" smoothes out low speed throttle abruptness and lets the engine run a little cooler. The stock seat is a cruel joke, the "Powerparts" comfort gel seat is a cheap improvement but it ain't no Goldwing. There is noticeable but livable vibration, custom made heavy brass bar end weights and the Booster plug help calm things down. The 1 finger (no really) hydraulic clutch is a pleasure to arthritic hands. This bike eats rear tires like peppermint lifesavers. OEM went 1700 mi., 1st Pirelli Rosso showing cord at 2100 mi. I now run Road 5's and they are doing a lot better. There are more aftermarket exhausts than you can count. The handling and overall performance are just stellar. KTM's engineering is very impressive. Their styling department needs a good slapping around. I liked it enough that I bought a 790 Adventure which I am almost through outfitting for the fall season. It's another story altogether.

pebra · « **Reply #21 on:** July 25, 2019, 03:42:58 PM »

The advertised weight and power on these Huskie is really attractive.
If I were to sell one or both of my Guzzis I would certainly consider these bikes. I like their looks, and imagine that their seating position would suit me.

bigbikerrick · « **Reply #22 on:** July 25, 2019, 04:01:13 PM »

Quote from: Darren Williams on July 25, 2019, 07:13:11 AM

Another bike that would probably be super fun to ride for a month or so, but really don't want to own one long term*.

* Long Term defined for me as a year or maybe more.

I agree, Darren, if that were one's only motorcycle, I think it would be something you would get tired of, after the newness wore off. As a back road blaster for some that have other bikes to fill touring needs, etc. I think it would be alot of fun!
Rick.

Darren Williams · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2019, 06:39:37 PM »

Quote from: bigbikerrick on July 25, 2019, 04:01:13 PM

I agree, Darren, if that were one's only motorcycle, I think it would be something you would get tired of, after the newness wore off. As a back road blaster for some that have other bikes to fill touring needs, etc. I think it would be alot of fun!
Rick.

I could see loading one in the back of my truck and hauling it over to the Ozarks for a play day or two.

Diploman · « **Reply #24 on:** July 25, 2019, 09:50:57 PM »

I love my 390 Duke: Light, agile, quick for 39 HP, massively upgradable on the aftermarket and from KTM. A very entertaining bike for backroads and urban traffic. Not the best for interstate highways or long distance. Mine has been totally reliable to date, but there have been issues on the 15-17 bikes with OE cooling fans and head gaskets.

The main downside to the Duke/Pilen series, IMO, is accessibility. Just a simple operation like changing a spark plug requires hours of disassembly. Anything involving the engine (other than oil or coolant changes) is a major PITA. Especially if you are a Guzzi owner accustomed to having valves/heads/alternator/gearbox, etc right at hand, working on the Duke is quite challenging. But fortunately, my 390 has needed little work other than setting the valve shims and fitting aftermarket parts. The 2015 Duke 390 won Cycle World's "Compact Bike of the Year" and continues to impress. The newer models have much upgraded instruments and lighting. For $5000 new, the made-in-India Duke is a lot of bike for the money and a boatload of fun.

AJ Huff · « **Reply #25 on:** July 25, 2019, 10:06:44 PM »

Thanks for putting that on my radar. Looks really cool!

-AJ

Turin · « **Reply #26 on:** July 27, 2019, 12:28:49 AM »

I had a 2001 LC4 SMand it soured me on KTM's for life. Cylinder head cracked at 4,500 miles and KTM said go pound sand. Replacement part was upgraded to have extra material where the old part cracked so this was a known problem.

Found out later I wasn't alone.

smdl · « **Reply #27 on:** July 27, 2019, 02:09:53 AM »

https://youtu.be/9Vf7uyYa0LU

Lannis · « **Reply #28 on:** July 27, 2019, 07:22:19 AM »

Quote from: Turin on July 27, 2019, 12:28:49 AM

I had a 2001 LC4 SMand it soured me on KTM's for life. Cylinder head cracked at 4,500 miles and KTM said go pound sand. Replacement part was upgraded to have extra material where the old part cracked so this was a known problem.

Found out later I wasn't alone.

Now that you mention it, one of our Virginia Guzzi stalwarts was on his way to the June Virginia Rally on his KTM, and it didn't make it across the state due to a blown fork seal.

Shoulda taken the SP ...

I got to talk to John Penton this past winter in York. Maybe we should put him on the case, get KTM sorted out. This wouldn't have happened when they were Pentons, I'll bet ...

Lannis

News:

Author Topic: Husqvarna Svartpilen/Vitpilen 701 (Read 5059 times)