Test: Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

In April we attended the Slovenian presentation prepared by importer MotoXgeneration and this time we will share our first impressions of Husqvarna's biggest road model. Husqvarna is the brand often and most commonly associated with off-road motorcycles, but perhaps little is known is that the brand also had road bikes in its range, such as the 1955 Silverpilen Silver Arrow. With three new road models, the Svratpilen 401, Vitpilen 401 and the largest, the Vitpilen 701, Husa is actually returning to its roots. And in Swedish.

Traditions in our time

If the Svartpilen 401 is more clogged, then the Vitpilen 401 and Vitpilen 701 are more about road design and clean lines. Compared to its younger brother, it has a larger and therefore more powerful single-cylinder unit. This is Husqvarna's vision of a motorcycle that intertwines urban use with winding back roads with a distinct personality. The motorcycle is equipped with modern technologies such as electronic fuel injection, quality Brembo brakes and WP suspension, sliding clutch and ABS anti-lock braking system.

Design is a trump card

Husqvarna says the Vitpilen is not a retro bike, but a novelty that will please those (aesthetes) who want something special and different. The driving position is cafe-riding style, with the driver sitting on a rather hard seat where there is no room for any sort of comfort. Actually, this is not his intention. The single-cylinder engine is responsive, with vibrations taking some getting used to; it gets better as the revs increase. At higher speeds, a rider who wants to have more fun riding a motorcycle may encounter some problems, especially with a bobbing suspension. The A 701 is a motorcycle that sends messages to the environment, but they are not related to power and speed. Design and impression is more important. The 701 isn't meant to be tuned for motorcycles, and at the same time, it doesn't want you to drive it unconscious. The round-shaped armature is “old school”, in the middle on three square centimeters all the important data is strung with a digital thread. Despite its roundness, its design will not impress traditionalists, but will appeal to young people more. 701 for a couples walk? Forget about it, this Vitpilen is a motorcycle of ardent individualists.      

• Basic data

  Test model cost: 10.850 €

• Technical information

  engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke, 693 cm3

  Power: 55 kW (75 hp) at 8.500 volts / min

  Torque: 72 Nm at 6.750 rpm

  Energy transfer: six-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: steel pipe

  brakes: front 2x disc 320 mm, four-piston brake calipers, rear 1x disc 240 mm, single-piston brake calipers, Bosch 9M ABS

  Suspension: 43mm telescopic fork, forward facing, center shock at rear

  Tires: before 120/70 R17, rear 160/60 R17

  Growth: 830 mm

We praise and reproach

idea, design and concept

innovative design

responsive aggregate

position

driving performance at the border

(too) hard seat

shaking rearview mirrors

final grade

With this model, Husqvarna entered the road bike segment more seriously. It attracts attention and with its design appeals to everyone who wants to go beyond the established framework.