New Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 2024 – arrives the naked bicilindrica!

After revolutionizing the 401 range of its naked bikes, Husqvarna relaunches and expands the family upwards with the return of a high-displacement naked: the Svartpilen 801, a motorcycle that, as in the past, partially shares its technical base with other models from KTM, GASGAS, and Husqvarna (belonging to the same Group). However, it is a motorcycle with a distinct and refined aesthetic personality, as is often the case when we talk about Swedish brand motorcycles, which decline with a mix of design, and citing the Scrambler, and sportiness of the frame and engine already a prerogative of its “orange” sisters.

The new 801 has practically nothing of the “old” Svartpiplen 701, which was introduced four years ago. Which is not surprising, given that the 701 was also a motorcycle quite contained in its cross-sectional and longitudinal sections, and even less noticeable is the reference to the even more remote Nuda 900 (who remembers it?) which belongs, for many reasons, to a completely different era.

To describe it, let’s start with the most salient technical data, starting with the engine: the well-known 799 cc twin-cylinder, with dual overhead camshaft and semi-dry sump, in a configuration with 105 hp (77 kW) at 9,250 rpm and 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm of torque. It weighs only 52 kg, without oil but with all components, such as the electric starter, throttle body, clutch, and cooling lines: maintenance is scheduled every 15,000 km.

Among the many technical peculiarities are, in addition to the ignition sensor and forged aluminum pistons, the drive by wire that controls two 46 mm diameter throttle bodies manufactured by Dellorto. The throttle valve is electronically controlled by the engine management system (EMS), which continuously compares engine parameters with sensor data and adjusts the throttle valves accordingly for an ideal throttle response and flow.

The six-speed gearbox is associated with a PASC (Power Assist Slipper Clutch) and is equipped with Easy Shift (which can be deactivated), allowing the rider to shift instantly up and down without using the clutch. The Svartpilen 801 is EURO 5+ approved, with an average consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 km. In the new Svartpilen 801, there are three standard riding modes (Street, Sport, Rain) and an optional Dynamic mode that adjusts the ABS, traction control, and engine maps: in Street mode, there is a smoother throttle response, with MTC settings calibrated for riding on asphalt surfaces and ABS in Street mode. The MTC is calibrated to intervene even with minimal sliding. Street mode is smooth and accessible for inexperienced riders and those traveling with a passenger, yet dynamic enough to confidently drive on rugged mountain roads. Sport mode offers a lively and direct throttle response and allows some sliding before intervening, while ABS in Supermoto mode allows for locking the rear wheel. On low-grip surfaces, a certain amount of rear wheel sliding should be allowed to ensure forward momentum, and the rider should be allowed to corner with the rear wheel. Sport mode is not a cornering mode, and the MTC does not intervene when the rider leans into turns. The anti-wheelie function is also disabled in Sport mode, allowing the rider to lift the front wheel. Rain mode has an extremely smooth throttle response, reduced power, and early traction control intervention to ensure control in difficult conditions.

Finally, the optional Dynamic driving mode allows direct control of different functions and reconfigures the information displayed on the instrument panel. This functionality can be acquired and activated through software at Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers.

On the electronics side, the first highlight is the adoption of a six-axis inertia platform that allows for cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) traction control, which can also be turned off.

Depending on the selected driving mode, cornering MTC allows for setting different levels of rear wheel slip. In the optional Dynamic driving mode, the driver can control the level of MTC intervention on a scale of 9 values and, if desired, can allow the rear wheel to skid and the front wheel to lift when accelerating out of corners.

In addition to the Driving Mode, ABS, and Traction Control, the Svartpilen 801 can optionally be equipped with an Anti-Wheelie function, which can be adjusted in 5 levels, and with Engine Slip Regulation (MSR), a system of engine brake control that works with torques opposite to MTC (retrograde instead of direct) to control engine braking through the ride-by-wire system that keeps the throttle open just enough to ensure controlled deceleration, particularly useful in low grip situations. Cruise control is also optional.

For more information, you can visit the official Husqvarna website.