Husqvarna Vitpilen
The Vitpilen is a strong contender for the best-dressed bike of the year title, but does the ride quality match the looks?
All modern Café Racers look great, but not many are this handsome. But how does it ride?
ItisnotoftenIhaveapairof siblings land at my front door, but that is exactly what happened recently with the delivery of a couple of Huskys. They are unusual, to say the least, which also makes them appealing, but then that begs the question: Why have I seen so few on the road? In fact, I have seen precisely none. Is that because their looks are so off the wall, that after a cursory glance, potential buyers move on?
The bikes in question are a Vitpilen 701 and a Svartpilen 701. The names translate as ‘White Arrow’ and ‘Black Arrow’ in Swedish. The building blocks of both bikes are the same, and whilst the latter is flat-tracker inspired, the Vitpilen, which I will concentrate on here, features clip-on bars, road-focused rubber and a totally different riding position. I guess you can see where this going – yep, a nod and a wink to café racers, thus the more aggressive, forward-leaning stance. Yet another throwback to the 1950s, you may say, and you would be right, but that is because the retro scene is so prevalent in today’s market, and if you haven’t got the inclination, knowledge or shed to build your own fantasy from a barn-find reject, then this could well be the marque that deserves your attention.
WHAT IS IT?
The Vitpilen 701 – big brother of the similarly styled but smaller-capacity Vitpilen 401 – had been dangling like the proverbial carrot for at least half-a-dozen years by the manufacturer, until the original concept morphed into the flagship production model we see today.
Whilst no doubt some baulked at the design, others were bowled over by its classy brazenness. If Husqvarna wanted to make a statement, they got that right. As to categorisation, that was to be another question entirely. Retro, roadster, street, classic… labels flew around, but no one was able to pin the tail on the proverbial donkey until Husqvarna Motorcycles introduced the swingtags ‘Simple’ and ‘Progressive’ to the new Husky on the block, one that it was hoped would appeal to the masses.
Suddenly, Husqvarna had strayed from a brand steeped in dirtorientation to a street-smart performer with the looks to match. From the circular instrument pod to the tasteful silencer, styling cues abound and if you can get over the Marmite moment, then step away and appreciate that this is no modest commuter bike. Ride one and you will see what I mean.
PLEASINGLY SIMPLE
At first glance the Vitpilen is a stripped-back, lean, mean machine. Simplistic might sound derogatory, but it’s not meant to be. Because it is simplistic, and that is the whole point. Café racers were, and remain, great for those short bursts over brief miles, eating up the Tarmac in a blur. Yet whilst the 701 is indeed retro, it was never Husqvarna’s intention to produce a throwback from the past, but rather capture the essence of nostalgia in all its modern form. The silhouette is there for sure, but strip anything back and it is crucial that you retain the lines and proportions, and the company has achieved that with the 701. Less is more, and all that. So, can Husqvarna be regarded as a pioneer in today’s modern world? As far as the 701 is concerned, then yes, but only by getting it out on the road and checking if that intuitive and authentic feel are as hoped, and whether the bike will provide a whole new gateway to the world of retro motorcycling, will tell the tale.
Before I go any further, let’s step back to those looks for a moment, which at once are compelling, quirky even, starting with the angular shape of the tank. Approach the 701 from the rear and we have all the hallmarks of a sportsbike, and don’t forget to take note of the light cluster under the seat frame. That is one neat job.