Retro Husky hits the steroids

Spyshots reveal twin-cylinder version of urban scrambler

By Jordan Gibbons

Husqvarna are working on a larger and more powerful version of their Svartpilen, powered by the engine from KTM’s 890 Duke. The current 701 Svartpilen (powered by the 690 Duke unit) is a fun little bike, with its set up and style half way between scrambler and flat tracker – it’s basically a stylish single for urban riders. This new model appears to have grown up a bit and should offer broader appeal.

Just like the 901 Norden adventure bike Husky have told us about before (which is hopefully still on the way), the 901 Svartpilen is powered by the 894cc parallel twin from the 890 Duke R. That machine makes a healthy 119bhp and 73lb.ft of torque, although it’s possible the motor will have a new tune for the Svartpilen. It also appears to share a similar chassis and swingarm, and likely the same electronics, although that’s where the similarities end.

Up front the Svartpilen now looks to have a 19in spoked wheel, with a corresponding 17-incher at the back. The Norden and 790 Adventure both have 21/18in arrangements, suggesting this doesn’t have the same off-road intentions. Suspension comes from WP once more and it has the same Brembo calipers. Styling takes a lift from the existing 701, with the same bulbous tank shape with flattened edges.

The headlight mask is new, sharing a look with both the classic BMW R80G/S

PD and the Norden concept we saw last year. The large tanks of the adventure bike are gone though, suggesting the machine will be best for hooning, not cruising. The box section aluminium of the subframe is all new but this is likely to be faired in to preserve the bike’s ‘neo-retro’ style. Given the early stages of this prototype, and the current global situation, it’s unlikely we’ll see this bike in its finished form before 2021.