Svartpilen twin inbound
Prototype Husqvarna 801 flat tracker twin arrives ahead of full 2024 model reveal
Following two social media teasers and countless spy shot photographs, Husqvarna have finally confirmed that a larger, parallel-twin Svartpilen 801 is on the way for 2024.
There is not long to wait with the production model due to be shown to the world on Tuesday, March 19, and the firm previously hinting at its existence in two videos, which showed a prototype twin tackling both a flattrack oval and a frozen lake, complete with studded tyres.
The new model was officially confirmed by the brand yesterday (Tuesday), alongside a handful of details on the machine as well as these dynamic photographs. In addition, MCN grabbed an advanced sneak peek at the bike during the recent Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 press launch in Malaga, with more details on those bikes coming in next week’s issue.
“The all-new middleweight model has been engineered to deliver a powerful combination of performance, agility and contemporary style to take riding to even greater heights,” says a statement from the company.
“The versatility of the Svartpilen 801 is enhanced further by state-ofthe-art electronic rider aids, including Easy Shift [an up/down quickshifter] for seamless gear changes, as standard.”
According to Husqvarna, the 801 will weigh a reasonable 181kg, however it’s unclear whether this figure includes fluids such as fuel. What’s more the bike is reported to produce around 103.6bhp, which is just a fraction more than the KTM 790 Duke’s claimed 103.3bhp.
The reason for this comparison is that the 801 is likely based on the Duke, with both operations belonging to the larger Pierer Mobility Group. The duo are no strangers to swapping hardware between bikes, with the smaller Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 machines using the frame and engine from the KTM 390 Duke.
Following Husqvarna’s previous naming convention it stands to reason that it’s the 790’s twin cylinder lump lurking beneath – housed in the same overall steel frame using the engine as stressed member. The same lattice style blacked-out swingarm also looks to be in place, however the subframe appears slightly different, to help achieve that flattrack stance.
Away from the chassis, Husky state that there will be an advanced electronics package, alongside adjustable WP Apex suspension – a given with WP also belonging to the wider Pierer collective.
It’s likely this electronics package will include a ‘supermoto mode’, which allows the rider to disconnect the rear intervention in order to perform skids. The bike is shown in the teaser films doing just that, with the technology also installed on the existing 790 Duke.
Elsewhere, there appears to be a TFT dash and USB charging port, as well as Husqvarna’s trademark rounded LED headlight.
Likely to be an affordable engaging middleweight, the bike will be started using a standard key rather than keyless ignition, and features a tiny flyscreen shrouding the rear of the clocks.
To watch the teasers for yourself, head to the Husqvarna Motorcycles social media pages now.
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