Ride Report: Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

The Bike Shed's Bossman, Dutch, skived-off work last week to test ride Husqvarna's Svartpilen 701, the black one, with handlebars, that everyone has been waiting for. ... So apart from enjoying a few sunny days in Lisbon, how much did he enjoy the bike - and when can the rest of us have a go?

Read the feature article over at on our website:

[patw]

Don't sell yourself short in comparison of other moto journalists. You're killing it!

[huwwilliams]

Great review. really thorough and nice to hear from a guy who doesn't rate himself as a pro (that's not a criticism of pros - it's just nice to hear what a more normally skilled bloke thinks). Love the bike shed channel.

[ibrarhussain]

Mate, I liked this review, simple straight up, I am viewing one today

[boxofmoles]

Based on this review, I'm going to test ride one immediately!!! Thanks, Dutch!!

[twinshock]

Realistic review, loved the footage and aerial drone views, plus ridden somewhere in its element.

[jimmyb]

It's a stunning bike. I could get used to seeing one in my garage.

[angusmotorsports]

My 701 Vitpilen continues to be my absolute favorite bike in the garage. Comfortable enough to do all day rides as it is but those higher Svart bars are going to make it that much better for eating up those miles. MT-60s will be nice for exploring those dirt roads you come across. Once you bin the plate bracket (heavy cast aluminum piece) and stock exhaust it takes the bikes back to the purity of the design intent. It's just such an damn great bike. Can't wait to grab one of those ducktail pillion seats from the Husky parts bin.

[louislopez]

I didn't like the look of this bike when it first came out but I sat on it a few days ago and now I love it! My only concerns are if it has excessive vibration on the highway, and if it will be reliable.

[cfvgd]

Finally its out. Saw it in prototype 2 years ago.

[midlifebiker]

Rode one today, and seriously considering buying one at $10.5k AUD ride away. Smooth but at times the front wanted to lift. Having both quickshifter plus auto blip too. Seat is hard at first, legs a little spread for tank, needs tail tidy, pipe is fine, prefer road tyres like Angel GT having a 18" front. Brakes and suspension are great. I liked the looks more after the ride so I suppose the soul was exposed...

[greenambles]

Only just got to this, excellent comprehensive review Dutch, many thanks. With the current discount of over £1k on the RRP and finance it should be tempting many. For me it would be a second to my Triumph twin so may need to check the back of the sofa...Lisbon local riding looks a joy...

[paintup]

I thought this bike was so ugly at first...but damn have I changed my mind. This bike is just beautiful. I’m bored of always considering price, reliability when getting a bike, I have a Toyota for that. From now on I wanna make sure I’m getting a bike that I “feel”....ya feel me?

[refard]

I prefer the look of the 401, that bit of yellow just looks awesome

[larenvanderwesthuizen]

Great review. Fun bike to ride and plenty of style.

[GiancarloFloyd]

I love the looks of the bike, I just looks too small when someone is on it.

[danielcruz]

That one sided number board is an eyesore! Overall it's a beautiful bike and great review!

[bikersquest]

The stock exhaust looks like the Akra one for the R1, pretty good

[modernmanventures]

I’ll admit. I’m biased because I love this bike, but this was an excellent review!

[nikitis]

Not exactly the same KTM 690 Geometry. Husky has shortened the wheelbase and change and steepened the rake. Subtle changes appear to have weaved some "black magic" (pun intended) on the coolest looking bike on the road IMHO. The fact that every expert is raving on about its blend of performance, balance and fun is just extra icing on an already perfect cake. Took one for a test spin, I LOVE it and want!

[onlyfoolriding]

12k? This makes Ducatis look affordable. You can get a Monster 821 for the same price. More HP, more torque.