Husky preparing new retro adventure weapon for 2019

Spy pics show new 801 is an old-school take on KTM 790 twin

With Husqvarna enjoying a resurgence under KTM ownership thanks to a sharp individual take on the retro market in the form of the Duke-powered 401 and 701 Vitpilen and Svartpilen singlecylinder roadsters, the brand’s rise looks set to continue in 2020 with this KTM 790-based adventure model. Expected to be called the ‘801’, the new member of the Husky family will use the newfor-2018 parallel-twin engine that debuted in the KTM Duke and has now found its way into the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure/R. And although this picture is obviously of a very early-stage test mule it’s still clear that it builds on the adventure theme but by applying Husky’s quirky styling cues the two brands can share core components while offering potential buyers very different propositions.

At its core is the tubular steel frame of the 790 Adventure, its 799cc parallel-twin engine which produces 94bhp, plus forks, shock and braking hardware.

The engine and front radial brake calipers sport KTM branding on the test mule, which would obviously not carry over to the production bike. The suspension, swingarm and wheels are all directly from the 790, too. But beyond these core, shared items, the Husky prototype veers off in its own direction. The KTM’s upswept, bolt-on subframe and seat unit have been replaced with a flatter and squarer unit, offering rider and pillion a more traditional and comfortable perch, while the rear light has been poached from Husky’s 701 family. The face of the newcomer is clearly redolent of the 701, too, being a large, single, round pancake LED stolen from the Svartpilen; complete with Husqvarna logo running across its centre bar. This is mounted in a very seventies-looking upright headlamp cowl, which could easily sprout a screen on any production version. While the KTM’s big, low-slung petrol tank is dropped in favour of a single large conventional tank position.

We’d expect this to be revealed in full at the end of 2019 as a 2020 model.

1 Framed up Frame is identical to KTM’s 790 but new bolt-on subframe differs, giving the 801 a distinctive silhouette. 2 Cycle parts Wheels and brakes are all unchanged from the 790, but tyres are different, running a more retro tread pattern. 3 Dashing Display appears to be a colour TFT from KTM’s 790 Adventure and coupled (for now) to existing switchgear. 4 Exhausting Pipe is a rough prototype but they have retained the high-level end can, suggesting this is preferred. 5 Tanked 790’s twin tanks have been dumped in favour of a conventional unit with familiar Husky flanks.

New ‘801’ has shades of Svartpilen