Husqvarna’s 2024 Svartpilen 801 Is Finally Here

[Hugh Janus]

Husqvarna reveals its new 2024 Svartpilen 801 at last. A new engine, chassis revisions, additional electronics, and fresh styling make the feature hit list. (Husqvarna/)

Standard? Scrambler? Naked? Whatever you want to call Husky’s shape-shifting middleweight, it could never be referred to as a twin. Well, no more; the single-cylinder-equipped bike formerly known as the Svartpilen 701 that disappeared for a couple of years is now back in a bigger, more powerful iteration, propelled by a parallel-twin engine and weighing in at 399 pounds, as we confirmed earlier this month.

It’s still the brand’s largest-displacement street model, and Husqvarna is calling the 2024 Svartpilen 801 “brand new,” but in fact, the spec sheet reveals striking similarities to the KTM 790 Duke, featuring the same LC8c engine stuffed into a steel frame and cast alloy swingarm suspended by WP Apex components; it’s just wrapped in the futuristic flat-trackery style seen on the other ‘Pilen models in the range. If that formula sounds familiar, it’s because Husky’s original Svartpilen 701 was based on another similarly displaced KTM: the 690 Duke. The scenario isn’t all that unusual when you consider the two companies both live under the same umbrella.

Related: Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Sneak Peek

The new 801 gets a 799cc parallel-twin engine borrowed from KTM’s 790 Duke, good for 105 hp and otherwise mechanically identical. (Husqvarna/)

As for this 799cc version of the KTM LC8c parallel twin, according to Husky it makes 105 hp at 9,250 rpm, with a claimed torque peak of 64 lb.-ft. (though the latter is tagged to the 790 Duke and the prototype rather than this production model). The company says the lightweight engine weighs only 114.6 pounds without oil and has been designed to extend service intervals to 15,000 kilometers (9,321 miles).

In other words, there’s not much new under the hood, but a quick glance suggests that the Svartpilen’s skeleton—-if not its entire outward appearance—has been tweaked.

Gone, for instance, is the distinctive trellis of the Gen 1 bike, replaced by a simpler steel frame with a more dynamic angle at the rear but still with that distinct division between the frame and subframe. Husky touts the simplicity of that one-piece cast aluminum subframe, saying the absence of plastic covers reduces weight, with the airbox sitting entirely inside the subframe. The trellis may be gone, but the triangular shapes in the new subframe were inspired by those previous models, and allow for the side air intakes to offer wider openings to take in more cool air.

Trellis no more; the Svartpilen 801’s tube steel frame is now connected to a new cast aluminum subframe that holds the airbox. Wheelbase is now 54.6 inches. (Husqvarna/)

The list of visual tweaks also includes a cleaner-looking and higher-set muffler, a lower, reshaped two-piece seat, and a bigger tank with a different profile. The slimmer bodywork has sharper edges and a tighter, refined flow, culminating at the revised front LED headlight arrangement with a light ring around the circumference. Reversible handlebar mounts provide two handlebar mounting positions with an adjustment range of 7mm (front to rear) and now there’s even an updated 5-inch color TFT display set above. Gone too are the fusty spoked wheels, with the Svartpilen now wearing more modern (and lighter) cast hoops shod with streetable Pirelli MT 60 RS rubber. From what we can discern, the distance between the tires is shorter too; 54.6 inches as opposed to 56.5 on the 2020 model. Taken together, all those updates combine to give the ‘24 Svartpilen 801 a fresher, more contemporary feel.

Related: 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 First Ride

Sleeker and tighter bodywork freshens the look, with the new seat, tank, and two-piece stainless steel exhaust arrangement shedding visual weight (though the bike is heavier than Gen 1 thanks to larger engine and greater fuel capacity). (Husqvarna/)

Suspending the newish frame are the familiar WP Apex 43mm upside-down cartridge fork with 5.5 inches of travel and a split damping function; compression and rebound can be adjusted using the easy-access five-step clickers located on top of the fork tube. Out back is a WP Apex monoshock that’s directly linked to the aluminum swingarm, and featuring adjustable spring preload and rebound damping (with included tools).

The braking arrangement is a straight swap from the Duke too, with J.Juan components and dual floating 300mm discs clamped by four-piston calipers at the front, and a 240mm brake disc actuated by a two-piston floating caliper at the rear, both enhanced by a corner-sensitive Bosch ABS system (that can be deactivated at the rear). Advanced riders can toggle on a Supermoto ABS mode for a heightened level of braking feel and a closer connection with the road.

The 5-inch TFT display lets you access the electronic goodies like three ride modes, ABS, and traction control. Anti-wheelie control and cruise control are optional. Handlebars are adjustable. (Husqvarna/)

This newest ‘Pilen is also outfitted by a robust set of rider aids, like Husky’s motorsport-derived Easy Shift function, which allows for clutchless shifts of the six-speed transmission, as well as the Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC) system, which maximizes rear wheel grip under hard deceleration. You also get adjustable Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and cornering ABS, along with Street, Rain, and Sport ride modes included as standard; the optional Dynamic Pack adds Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) for controlled deceleration with the Anti-Wheelie mode limiting the maximum wheelie angle.

New reshaped tank is now 3.7 gallons, making room for a straighter and lower saddle. (Husqvarna/)

Naturally, there’s an app for even more functionality if you want to tether your phone. The Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app enables phone and music functions, as well as turn-by-turn navigation and route planning, most available to be displayed on the TFT dashboard.

New ride modes might encourage your inner hooligan, with Sport mode not being lean-angle sensitive, and not having anti-wheelie intervention. Lift off! (Husqvarna/)

At its debut in 2019, the first-gen Svartpilen was understandably pilloried for a high markup (compared with the 690 Duke) and perhaps Husky took notes this time around; MSRP for the US version of the 2024 Svartpilen 801 is $10,899, a bit more on par with KTM’s 790 Duke, which carries a 2024 MSRP of $9,499. The company says the bike will be available in several colors, but it didn’t spell them out; as far as we can tell it’ll be silver/black and blue/black, but don’t quote us on that. Since it is a global release, Husqvarna says the 2024 Svartpilen 801 will start to be available in April of 2024, though it won’t hit US dealers until June 2024.

Now it seems like all we have to do is wait for the corresponding Vitpilen 801.

Some tweaks to the front LED headlight and surrounding environs sleeken the look without dumbing down the signature ’Pilen styling. (Husqvarna/)

2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Technical Specs

MSRP:	$10,899
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 4 valves/cyl
Displacement:	799cc
Bore x Stroke:	88.0 x 65.7mm
Compression Ratio:	12.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	105.0 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:	74.0 lb.-ft. @ 6,500 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 46mm Dell’Orto throttle bodies, ride-by-wire
Clutch:	PASC slipper clutch; cable actuated
Engine Management/Ignition:	Bosch EMS
Frame:	Chromoly steel w/ cast aluminum subframe
Front Suspension:	WP Apex 43mm inverted fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 5.5 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Apex monoshock, rebound damping and preload adjustable; 5.9 in. travel
Front Brake:	Radial-mount 4-piston calipers, dual 300mm discs w/ Bosch ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 240mm disc w/ Bosch ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Pirelli MT 60 RS; 120/70-17 / 180/55-17
Rake/Trail:	24.5°/3.8 in.
Wheelbase:	54.6 in.
Ground Clearance:	6.9 in.
Seat Height:	32.3 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.7 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:	399 lb.
Contact:	husqvarna-motorcycles.com

Source