You are currently viewing Husqvarna’s Bold 801 Roars into 2024, Lightweight, torquey, and futuristic

Husqvarna’s Bold 801 Roars into 2024, Lightweight, torquey, and futuristic

Husqvarna’s Svartpilen 801 arrives as a refined, minimalist take on the middleweight naked bike segment. Replacing the single-cylinder 701, this 2024 model marks the brand’s foray into multi-cylinder territory, pairing Scandinavian design philosophy with proven engineering. The result is a machine that successfully balances aesthetic sophistication with genuine performance and accessibility.

Powered by a 799cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine inherited from the KTM 790 Duke platform, the Svartpilen 801 delivers 105 bhp and 87 Nm of torque in a package weighing just 181 kg. With its distinctive neo-retro scrambler styling, adjustable WP suspension, comprehensive electronics suite, and competitive pricing starting around £10,499 (approximately Rs 9.5 lakh), the Svartpilen 801 stands ready to redefine what a minimalist middleweight should be. Available in signature all-black livery with understated elegance, this is Husqvarna’s statement bike for discerning riders seeking substance over flash.

Complete Specifications

Specification Details
Price £10,499 (approximately Rs 9.5 lakh, India equivalent)
Engine 799cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, DOHC, 8-valve
Bore x Stroke 88 mm x 65.7 mm
Max Power 105 bhp @ 9,250 rpm (103-105 bhp depending on market)
Max Torque 87 Nm @ 8,000 rpm (64.2 lb-ft)
Transmission 6-speed manual with assist and slipper clutch
Quickshifter Bi-directional (up and down shifts) with Easy Shift technology
Fuel System Ride-by-Wire throttle management
Frame Chromium-molybdenum steel tubular chassis (engine as stressed member)
Front Suspension WP Apex 43mm USD forks, adjustable compression/rebound damping; 140mm travel
Rear Suspension WP Apex monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound; 150mm travel
Front Brakes Dual 300mm discs with four-piston J.Juan radial calipers, cornering ABS (Supermoto mode available)
Rear Brakes Single 240mm disc with two-piston J.Juan caliper, cornering ABS
Front Tyre 120/70 ZR17 Pirelli MT60 RS
Rear Tyre 180/55 ZR17 Pirelli MT60 RS
Wheels 17-inch cast aluminum (wire-spoked versions in development)
Wheelbase 1,476 mm (58.1 inches)
Rake & Trail 24.5°, 99 mm trail
Ground Clearance 139.7 mm
Seat Height 820 mm (32.3 inches)
Kerb Weight 181 kg dry / 191 kg wet (399 lbs wet)
Fuel Tank Capacity 13.7 litres (3.7 US gallons)
Fuel Efficiency (claimed) 62.8 mpg / 22.3 kmpl; range to empty ~189 miles
Instrument Cluster 5-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
Lighting All-LED (round LED headlight with DRL, LED tail lights, LED indicators)
Ride Modes Street, Rain, Sport (Dynamic mode available as optional add-on)
Rider Aids Cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, engine brake management, anti-wheelie control
Optional Features Dynamic Pack (Motor Slip Regulation, advanced anti-wheelie, drive modes), Cruise Control
Phone App Integration Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app with navigation, music, and call alerts
Service Interval 9,300 miles / 15,000 km / 12 months
Warranty 2 years unlimited mileage (4 years if serviced at official dealers)
Emission Norms Euro 5 compliant
Available Color Matte Black (Svartpilen signature)

About Husqvarna Motorcycles

Swedish Heritage & Innovation

Husqvarna Motorcycles, part of the Pierer Mobility Group, is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer with Swedish heritage dating back to 1903. Based in Mattighofen, Austria (home of KTM), Husqvarna is known for its distinctive minimalist design philosophy rooted in Scandinavian aesthetics and precision engineering.

The Svartpilen (Swedish for “Black Arrow”) and Vitpilen (“White Arrow”) names pay homage to Husqvarna’s legendary Silverpilen of 1955, a motorcycle that defined the brand’s sporting heritage. For decades, Husqvarna focused on off-road and single-cylinder machines, building a cult following among enthusiasts who appreciated clean lines, purposeful design, and no-nonsense engineering.

The 2024 Svartpilen 801 marks Husqvarna’s confident step into the middleweight multi-cylinder segment, combining the proven KTM 790 Duke platform with its own distinctive character. The result is a bike that respects its heritage while embracing modern performance and technology—a machine that speaks to riders seeking authenticity and substance in an increasingly complex motorcycle landscape.

What Experts Are Saying

Bennetts BikeSOCIAL (2024 Review) ★★★★★
“The Svartpilen 801 feels slim, sprightly and nimble—more like a lightweight than a middleweight. The handling is excellent, the electronics package is comprehensive yet intuitive, and the engine delivers engaging performance. It’s a true minimalist machine that proves you don’t need aggression and flash to make an impact. This is Husqvarna at its best.”
VisorDown (Track & Road Review) ★★★★★
“The Svartpilen reimagines the KTM 790 Duke in a classy, neo-retro form. What could have been just a reskinned Duke becomes something genuinely special through understated design and refined presence. On the road and track, it delivers accessible performance without compromise. It’s more than just a fancy suit—it’s a distinct personality worth the premium over the KTM.”
RevZilla (First Ride Review) ★★★★★
“The 801 has an upright motocross-style seating position that’s all fun, coupled with powerful yet manageable performance. The intuitive switchgear and TFT display make electronics feel approachable rather than overwhelming. With its eager-spinning engine and spicy exhaust note, the Svartpilen transforms commuting into entertainment. This is what middleweight motorcycling should feel like.”
Rider Magazine (First Ride) ★★★★☆
“The extra cylinder has transformed the larger Svartpilen into something genuinely special. With 105 bhp and the kind of character only a parallel-twin can deliver, the 801 offers a power-to-weight ratio that punches above its class. The minimalist ethos never compromises capability—this is a bike that works as a daily commuter, weekend explorer, or spirited corner carver.”

Key Highlights

  • Neo-Retro Design: Minimalist scrambler aesthetics inspired by 1955 Silverpilen heritage
  • 799cc Parallel-Twin: Proven KTM motor delivering 105 bhp with torquey midrange character
  • Lightweight Package: Just 181 kg dry—exceptional weight for middleweight performance
  • Adjustable WP Suspension: Fully tunable front and rear for diverse riding preferences
  • Premium Braking: J.Juan 4-piston radial calipers with cornering ABS and Supermoto mode
  • Tech-Smart Electronics: Intuitive TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple ride modes
  • Dual-Purpose Capability: Pirelli MT60 RS tyres bridge road and light off-road use
  • Swedish Minimalism: Clean lines, understated elegance, substance-over-style philosophy

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is a masterclass in how to reimagine a platform without compromising character. By taking the proven KTM 790 Duke engine and chassis, then wrapping it in distinctly Scandinavian design language, Husqvarna has created a middleweight that appeals to riders tired of aggressive styling and overcomplicated feature sets. This is a bike for those who appreciate clean lines, purposeful engineering, and the confidence to stand apart. Whether you’re drawn by its aesthetic minimalism, engaging performance, or simply its no-nonsense approach to motorcycling, the Svartpilen 801 delivers on all fronts—proving that sometimes the most powerful statement is made by doing less, not more.

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