In 2024, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 was introduced as an updated model from the Svartpilen 701, equipped with a larger-displacement twin-cylinder engine, a new frame, new tech, and other changes. For 2025, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 joins the ranks with many of those same updates, replacing the Vitpilen 701.
Husqvarna’s Svartpilen (“black arrow” in Swedish) and Vitpilen (“white arrow”) are visually distinct from other motorcycles with their unique styling. The Svartpilen features a street-tracker look, while the Vitpilen has a cafe-racer vibe. Also in Husqvarna’s lineup are the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401.
The new Vitpilen 801, like the Svartpilen 801, replaces the previous 693cc single-cylinder engine with the liquid-cooled 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin also found in the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. The engine has a bore and stroke of 88 x 65.7mm and a compression ratio of 12.5:1. It’s paired with a Power Assist Slipper Clutch and a 6-speed gearbox.
Related: 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Review | First Ride
Also new for both models is a tubular chromium-molybdenum steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The cast-aluminum subframe is a unique element with integrated air intakes under the seat, and it houses the airbox inside. The bikes also feature an aluminum swingarm. The Vitpilen 801 has a seat height of 32.2 inches, a fuel tank that holds 3.7 gallons, and a weight of 397 lb without fuel.
Up front is a WP Apex 43mm inverted fork with 5.5 inches of travel and adjustable compression and rebound damping through five-step click dials on top of the fork tubes. In the rear is a WP Apex shock that offers 5.9 inches of travel and is adjustable for rebound and preload.
Both bikes come with Husqvarna-branded J.Juan brake components, including a pair of radial 4-piston front calipers biting 300mm floating discs and a floating 2-piston rear caliper paired with a 240mm disc. Bosch 9.3MP cornering ABS with Supermoto mode is a standard feature. They ride on 17-inch cast alloy wheels, and the Vitpilen 801 comes with Michelin Road 6 tires in 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear sizes. (The Svartpilen’s tires are Pirelli MT60 RS.)
The Vitpilen 801’s styling features the unique sharp edges and flat parts shared among the Vitpilen and Svartpilen bikes. A key design feature is the “split” that divides the main frame and subframe. The bodywork is slim and tightly wrapped around the engine and frame. Another stand-out design feature is the round LED headlight with a floating positioning light ring around it. All lighting is LED.
Replacing the previous round LCD display is a new 5-inch TFT display. This instrumentation allows connection to a smartphone via the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycle app, through which riders can access turn-by-turn navigation, view phone calls, and listen to music.
These bikes also include many rider aids and electronics. In addition to cornering ABS, they also come with cornering traction control with two additional sensors that monitor wheel slip and tilt angle. Ride modes include Street, Sport, and Rain, and a customizable Dynamic mode is available as an option.
Other optional features include the Easy Shift up/down quickshifter (standard on Svartpilen 801), Motor Slip Regulation, and cruise control.
The 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 will be available starting in December 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced. Visit the Husqvarna Motorcycles website for more info.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
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Source: RiderMagazine.com