Check this out! The *NEW* Husky street single...."The Vitpilen!!"

[Diploman]

if you read KTM's corporate website, it will be noted there that Husqvarna Motorcycles belongs to the "KTM Group", along with WP Suspension and several other entities. (The KTM Group, btw, is 48% owned by India's Bajaj Auto, which produces the small-displacement KTM Duke and RC lines.)  The Vitpilen 701 is not a rival to the KTM 690, as someone noted, but rather a close first cousin or variant.  Mechanically, the Vitpilen and 690 are nearly identical.  Where they differ is principally in the styling and presentation: The 690 is outfitted in KTM's signature space alien edgy stying by Kiska Design (another member of the KTM Group), whereas the Vitpilen has an altogether different set of clothes, clearly by a different design school.  Essentially the same bike, but with contrasting configurations, for which the Vitpilen will fetch a hefty premium.  Both bikes produce 70-75 HP with a curb weight in the mid 300's, a very impressive power-to-weight ratio with performance to match.  Like the 690, the Vitpilen presents a radical, polarizing styling exercise which leaves few observers indifferent.

[Aaron D.]

Styling has kept me away from KTM, that and the reputation for fragility. But the Vitpilen looks interesting.

[JohninVT]

Styling has kept me away from KTM, that and the reputation for fragility. But the Vitpilen looks interesting.

I'm not a fan of the Decepticon styling of KTM's and their reputation for fragility is well earned.  However, their reputation for performance is also well earned.  I test rode a Super Duke and got off it with my hands shaking.  I didn't realize it was in Track mode so it had minimal electronic nanny inputs...making it terrifying at anything over about quarter throttle.  There's a reason manufacturer's began putting traction and wheelie control on bikes as soon as they broke the 130hp barrier.   

I don't understand why the Vitipilen is $2500 more than a Duke 690.  It's the same motorcycle with a round headlight.     

[leafman60]

if you read KTM's corporate website, it will be noted there that Husqvarna Motorcycles belongs to the "KTM Group", along with WP Suspension and several other entities. (The KTM Group, btw, is 48% owned by India's Bajaj Auto, which produces the small-displacement KTM Duke and RC lines.)  The Vitpilen 701 is not a rival to the KTM 690, as someone noted, but rather a close first cousin or variant.  Mechanically, the Vitpilen and 690 are nearly identical.  Where they differ is principally in the styling and presentation: The 690 is outfitted in KTM's signature space alien edgy stying by Kiska Design (another member of the KTM Group), whereas the Vitpilen has an altogether different set of clothes, clearly by a different design school.  Essentially the same bike, but with contrasting configurations, for which the Vitpilen will fetch a hefty premium.  Both bikes produce 70-75 HP with a curb weight in the mid 300's, a very impressive power-to-weight ratio with performance to match.  Like the 690, the Vitpilen presents a radical, polarizing styling exercise which leaves few observers indifferent.

Correct,  Pierer transferred interest to KTM.  Husqvarna is a part of the KTM empire based in Mattighofen, Austria.

I hope this Big Single flourishes in today's market.

Based on the KTM machinery, maintenance is not a low-impact factor of ownership.   

I still have my BMW G650X Country single and I have made many long-distance trips on it with no problems.

[Madtownguzzi]

Jay Leno rides it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd6_MmqkiHw

[chuck peterson]

What's wrong with a Vision.I still have my 82 that I bought new,with a boat load of Yamaha discounts.Went cross country on it.My son just picked one up for $100 and it runs great.Being a Husky guy from way back I'm glad to see them coming back strong.Last week at our clubs enduro there were quite a few on the starting line.I just can't see 10K for a dirt bike,but there selling.

Sorry, dont mind me,   just trolling for 550 Vision owners...! I like em! Just looking at this body frame tank size and the 550 popped into my mind...I'm thinking of the v twin the wrong way 550... Way better than the cruiser based virago twins

[LowRyter]

Since KTM has brought back the Husky name, I am looking forward to a new Penton.   

I really would like to ride one of these.



not that I could ride like that.  It looks like parallel twins are the new deal.  This is the first "modern" styled bike that I sorta like.  I wonder if they have a flyscreen for it?

[JJ]

Husky has been making motorcycles a long time...and they have made some pretty cool street / TT bikes in the past!!

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