Long version:
The SVARTPILEN 701 street explorer is free of excess and reduced to its simplest form. This bike aims to appeal to an entirely new generation of motorcycle users. It’s for those less interested in the hype and hyperbole of modern day motorcycling, who prefer a simpler, timeless design approach. Its technologically advanced, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 692.7 cc engine is housed in an incredibly stripped-down layout that offers excellent performance. Although its design is inspired by the resurgence of the iconic flat track scene, this is a progressive motorcycle that doesn’t need to be pigeon-holed or categorized – it just needs to be ridden. It is so simple and obvious that just by looking at it, any freethinking rider should know exactly what it is intended to do. Ultimately, it’s as approachable as a motorcycle can be, it’s honest and is there to be ridden by anyone seeking to RESTART THEIR FIRE through the raw and exhilarating experience of riding a motorcycle.
SVARTPILEN 701 MY19 TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:
- Progressive design
- Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame
- Powerful single-cylinder engine
- Premium components as standard
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Cutting edge, switchable ABS
- Slipper clutch
- Up/down quickshifter
- Extensive range of Husqvarna Accessories
FEATURES AND BENEFITS – CHASSIS
Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame
The lightweight trellis frame is constructed to ensure precise handling and deliver confidence in all conditions. By using high grade chromium molybdenum tubular steel, detailed feedback is transmitted to the rider through precisely engineered torsional rigidity and longitudinal flex. This guarantees advanced agility and stability, combined with perfect weight distribution and a tight turning circle, which is highly useful in urban environments.
The lightweight frame is produced in an ultra-modern production plant. The laser cut components are robot welded and hydro-formed ensuring flawless precision and consistent quality.
Precisely engineered torsional rigidity and longitudinal flex → detailed feedback for maximum rider confidence and comfort
- Lightweight construction → excellent agility and handling
Aluminum swingarm
The pin jointed swingarm is made from lightweight aluminum using a gravity die-cast production process. The design offers impressive torsional rigidity and strength for advanced tractability and stability.
- Lightweight and strong for advanced handling and comfort
Front Suspension
Produced by WP suspension, the USD 43 mm front forks deliver advanced performance and comfort in varying urban environments. Using a split damping function, compression and rebound can be adjusted effortlessly using the easy access clickers located on the top of the fork tube.
This allows the rider to personalize the ride characteristics for preference and varying conditions.
- WP USD 43 mm forks → advanced performance and comfort
- Easy access clicker dials → effortless damping changes
Rear Suspension
Connected via a linkage system, the WP monoshock delivers outstanding progression for an agile and comfortable ride. Fully adjustable for rebound and compression, the shock can be tailored to suite a variety of urban conditions.
- WP monoshock → completely adjustable for rebound and compression damping
Aluminum Triple Clamps & Handlebars
The forged triple clamps are a mark of the premium quality that comes as standard on the SVARTPILEN 701. Crafted using lightweight aluminum, the triple clamps are designed with a specific rigidity to ensure high levels of strength and reliability while also delivering advanced feedback and comfort to the rider.
Offroad style handlebars are mounted to the upper triple clamp using risers. The handlebars not only offer an upright riding position but are also key to the design and riding style of SVARTPILEN 701.
- Precisely engineered flex → advanced comfort and feedback
- Offroad type handlebar → Upright riding position
Bodywork/Split
The SVARTPILEN 701 uses a flat track inspired design, stripped to the essentials for a unique and authentic style. The bodywork ensures the perfect fit between rider and motorcycle and is highlighted with quality painted finishes.
Integrated into the bodywork is a key design feature, “the split”. This consists of a division running between the main frame and subframe. This unique detail, along with the flat track inspired side panel, further showcases Husqvarna´s pioneering design direction.
- Bodywork → using the bare essentials
- Split → pioneering design direction
Fuel tank
A focal point of the SVARTPILEN 701, the 3.2-gallon (12-litre) fuel tank is housed by a unique cover design distinguishing the tone of the SVARTPILEN style. Added to the design is a premium tank filler cap including machined Husqvarna insignia.
Seat
The low-profile seat fits sleekly into the overall design and is covered using a mixture of high quality materials that deliver superior comfort and durability.
Exhaust
Concealed within the framework, the exhaust system features a pre-silencer and final silencer layout. The exhaust system ensures the SVARTPILEN 701 meets strict emission regulations.
Wheels and tires
The lightweight 18” front and 17” rear cast alloy wheels ensure high levels of strength and durability with minimal unsprung weight. The Husqvarna logo is discreetly embedded into the wheel, highlighting the attention to details on the SVARTPILEN 701.
Fitted to the wheels are Pirelli MT60 RS tires – 110/80-18 front and 160/60-17 rear. The tires offer advanced grip and durability in a wide range of conditions while also giving the SVARTPILEN 701 a rugged urban look.
- Lightweight but strong and reliable construction → minimum unsprung weight
- Pirelli MT60 RS → Advanced grip and durability
Brakes
The highest standard of braking performance is delivered by the standard Brembo braking system. This features a four-piston calliper, Ø 320 mm floating disc at the front, and a single piston calliper, Ø 240 mm at the rear.
Additionally, the standard Bosch ABS system prevents wheel lock up under hard braking and can be fully de-activated for more advanced riders.
- Brembo braking system → Highest standard braking performance
- Bosch ABS → prevents wheel lock up under hard braking
Lights and number plate holder
Nestled into the front headlight mask, the premium LED headlight conveys an unmistakable look. Added to the component is a running light, which circles the circumference of the headlight making the SVARTPILEN 701 clearly visible in all conditions.
The LED tail light is integrated within the bodywork. This, together with the swingarm mounted license plate and turn signals, give the rear end a clean, uninterrupted look.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS – ENGINE
Engine
The 692.7cc, single overhead cam, liquid cooled, single-cylinder engine features the latest technology in terms of design and electronics. Its power output (peaking at 8,500 RPM) and torque (peaking at 6,750 RPM) leave riders in no doubt of the performance potential of this single-cylinder masterpiece. The extremely lightweight engine weighs only 95.7 lbs (43.4 kg) without oil but including all components such as electric start, throttle body, clutch and coolant lines. Reliability, durability and efficiency are guaranteed by technical solutions such as active crankcase evacuation and forced lubrication. This reduces oil friction and pump losses and contributes to the long 6,214-mile (10,000 km) service intervals and extremely low fuel consumption – lowering the cost of ownership of this class-leading single-cylinder power plant.
- Performance → class-leading power and torque
- Long service intervals and low fuel consumption → low cost of ownership
- Cutting edge ride-by-wire electronics → class-leading single cylinder technology and performance
Cylinder head
A smooth power delivery is guaranteed thanks to the state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder head and twin spark ignition. The single overhead camshaft acts directly on the 42 mm intake valves via finger followers while the 34 mm exhaust valves are actuated by a rocker arm that delivers exact valve timing at higher engine speeds. Additionally, a counter balancer shaft is integrated to reduce vibration for a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Single overhead cam → compact cylinder head design, low friction, lightweight and cost efficient
- Double spark plugs → smooth engine behaviour, better emissions and fuel consumption
- Counter balancer shaft → reduced vibration
Crankshaft, conrod and piston
The crankshaft features an 80 mm stroke and runs on a roller bearing main bearing to ensure long service intervals and reliability. To increase comfort and reduce vibrations a second counter balancer shaft is added, reducing inertia forces for a smoother ride.
The plain bearing type connecting rod is connected to the large bore 105 mm piston through a DLC (diamond like carbon) coated piston pin. This, along with the aluminum and silicon alloy piston material, makes for a high strength and wear-resistant combination reliable even at the 9000 RPM limit.
- Large bore and short stroke → 105 mm/80 mm
- Forged aluminum and silicone alloy piston → high performance and light weight
- Minimal oscillating mass → lower vibrations
Ride-by-wire throttle
The Keihin electronic fuel injection features a 50 mm throttle body that has no mechanical linkage to the throttle grip. As the rider twists the throttle open or closed, the throttle valve is electronically controlled by the engine management system (EMS) that continuously compares engine parameters with data from sensors and adjusts the throttle valve accordingly, resulting in perfect power delivery and throttle response. Additionally, an intake resonator also improves the intake charge movement and as a result improves throttle response and ride-ability specifically at small throttle valve positions.
- Electronically controlled throttle → perfect power delivery and throttle response
- Intake resonator → improved throttle response from low RPM
Slipper clutch
The APTC (Adler Power Torque Control) slipper clutch by Adler allows for greater stability entering and exiting corners by maximising rear wheel grip under hard acceleration. In addition, it prevents rear wheel hopping when braking hard into a turn, for maximum control and smooth down-shifting. The Magura hydraulic system guarantees perfect clutch action.
- Slipper clutch → maximum control under hard acceleration, braking and down-shifting
- Magura hydraulic system → perfect clutch action
Gearbox
A 6-speed gearbox ensures smooth and precise shifting, giving riders perfect control and confidence in all conditions.
For added convenience in urban environments, the gearbox is linked to an easy shift sensor, which allows the rider to make seamless up and down shifts without the use of the clutch. The sensor works by relaying the moment the rider actuates the gear lever to the ECU, which in turn matches engine parameters to allow a simple gear change at any RPM or engine load.
Are you F-ing kidding me? Better go find those guys you fired who designed the Nuda.
I don’t get how the Svartpilen 401 is so much better looking than the Svartpilen 701. And half the price to boot!
OMG, is this a joke? Ugliest bike EVERRRRRRRRR!
This article is like those stories you see all the time trying to convince us that Sweden is The Best Country To Live In in the world. Uhm, nope…
It’s like looking at a locomotive, not a pretty one either. Sorry to all of you locomotive fans out there.
Look at the Benelli above this one. ‘Nuf said…
It looks like the love child of an SRX400 and a V-max. But not in a good way.
i sell them..they are all young buyers….its the cutting edge style…comments from older guys is typical..they are not the buyers
I worry for the future. This old guy thinks the design committee should have at least talked about what they wanted to design, before they shipped the plans off to the factory to build this Frankenbike.
Styling by East Germany
Wow, who are the people who hire the bike designers at Husqvarna? It’s time to completely clean house, starting with the people who hired them in the first place.
I’m just a motorcycle fan. I like the fact that you’re not going to go anywhere on these things and not have a crowd around you and who doesn’t want to steal a ride on one? The point IS to be different, to be that mechanical kind of “ugliness” that is what the others are not. The KTM Duke 790 is not exactly a looker. Why not just make it look like the old 1970’s Husqvarna dirt bikes then? That raw elemental design is the point.
From looks alone it leaves me thinking it was designed from puzzle pieces put together from various bikes of all kinds. There is a purposefulness to its design but it’s not fluid, not beautiful. It’s new, it’s old, it’s… what is it?
It’s funny how manufacturers write pages of ad copy when all the rider wants to know is: price, weight and horsepower (usually the three items they leave out.)
my thinking as well, usually. LOL.
Remember when Gold Wings were naked, then Vetter made fairings and saddle bags and turned them into touring motorcycles? Honda saw what people were doing and the Aspencade was born. A Gold Wing Touring bike with factory fairing and luggage.
Husqvarna sees what Hipsters are doing to motorcycles and have following what Honda did by providing those with limited mechanical abilities a factory Hipster look. An ugly bike from the factory.
I am a new owner of a 2018 Husqvarna 701SM and it’s a gorgeous machine with the same engine. Although with a narrow seat at at 36″ in height, not for everyone.
How many different sequestered design teams were involved in this? The tail section is right out of the 70s.
When I look at this bike I think back to that ugly chick I took to the prom.
The Yoko Ono of the motorcycling world. How did Yoko get her last name?
When John Lennon saw her naked for the first time. This thing is Yoko Ono hideous.
Phyllis Diller of motorcycles, I try to find a way to like any motorcycle, this is among a few that simply are an unwanted orphan from a hideous one night stand.
… and as usual a stupid video not highlighting the motorcycle, only flashes of the bike and describing the thrill of riding. Like all other intro videos.
Definitely ugly. Back to a single front disk? Nice. To bad KTM killed off Husaberg and kept Husky.
Well, you could peel off the Husqvarna stickers and replace them Husaberg stickers you find online or whatever. I’m sure that’s the only practical difference there would be.
They’d still be building what KTM tells them to build, using parts supplied by KTM or some third party. And they’d still probably name the bike something that at first glance makes you think “shart” except with more old-world sophistication because it’s like the Swedish version of “shart” or something.
Yeah, you’re right. I guess it would have been best if KTM didn’t buy out either Husky or Husaberg.
I think IRL this thing would look pretty cool. Unfortunately, it lost a lot between prototype to production model
Wow, what an ugly bike. I usually like radical styling but these arrows miss the mark.
Nope.
This thing is ugly.
I don’t care *how* good it is.
It’s fuggin’ ugly.
People, don’t be so unkind! Can’t you see this poor bike has advanced cancer of the sidepanel?
I’m putting this comment here to cover all the new bikes motorcycle daily showed us over the last couple days. It is amazing! We are living in the greatest time! What a great selection of bikes. Something for everyone! How people can nitpick any tiny little thing no matter what it concerns is flabbergasting. I can imagine Jesus returning to Earth again and there would still be people complaining and crucifying him again.
Relish the huge selection of these marvels of engineering and manufacture.
It’s kind of humorous. If most people learned about engines, internal combustion, and the manufacturing process they would think it was voodoo.
It will be exciting to hear how these bikes ride and perform. Pity the nitpickers and whining non riders who are missing out.
Maybe negative opinions keep us from spending every last dime on motorcycles. Hah, can’t buy the GS because of the beak. Ooops, sorry KTM, the mattle black plastic doesn’t work for me. Otherwise, we’d all have motorcycles and no wife, house, or savings account.
This is really one of the only new bikes I’ve ever seen that I took one look and just skipped to the comments,it is that unappealing to me.
Makes the new neo retro Honda 1000 look attractive
Stupid fugly in the same way the AMC Pacer was stupid fugly. Were she alive today, Helen Keller could’ve done a better design. Apparently the “bare essence of what a motorcycle should be” is Dorian Gray FUGLY.
Question: What were they thinking?
Answer: They weren’t.
And here I thought Mole Rats were the fugliest things on the planet…FTN.
Looks like someone took the back end off with a chain saw… or maybe it got tagged in the back by a lifted truck and the rear subframe was crammed under the seat?
I had similar chainsaw massacre thoughts. Only thing they left out was spray painting the whole bike with RrihnoLiner.
WAY prefer my Duke 690. To me, this Husky is really unattractive.
I’ve been saying the fairing on sports bike more and more forward eventually covering the front wheel. But looking at the Aero it suddenly hit me why the backend has disappeared from most modern bikes. You see everything is moving forward on motorcycles. Soon the seat will be in front of the handle bars along with the gas tank. These Scandanavians are brilliant.
Arrrrrg my eyes!
72′ AMC Gremlin.
I usually dont just comment how I dont like how something looks, but this bike just looks terrible. its not the tank seams or a beak front fender, or “an empty space where the shocks should be”, it just has no STYLE. Neither does it look utilitarian. I wont call it ugly, too many other bikes are that, this one is just disjointed, boxy, I’m at a lost to describe it.
I know these designs are polarizing, but I think they are fantastic.
I like them as well, although the Svartpilen’s left side does look a bit better than the right without that filler piece. At first glance the ducktail sorta reminded me of the original Kawasaki H2’s, which was somewhat polarizing as well back in the day.
Those are very interesting names to pronounce. Most already shorten the brand name to “Husky” to avoid that one. The back end is totally lost. They shortened the rear yet added the big black side panels under the sub frame that break up the whole minimalist look. Incredibly boxy design. They are one-upping the Japanese street bikes’ Transformer-look which is a bad thing.And who thought the Harley rear fender was a good idea?
I wouldn’t want to have to pronounce those names when saying what I ride. Even the brand name is relegated to “Husky” most of the time. And yes, the rear end is lost. Why crop it off just to ruin the lines with the big black thing below the sub-frame. I thought Japanese street bikes were getting weird. Now it appears to be a global effort.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot????
I’m a KTM guy, have been for many years. These Huskies are just disgusting to look at. I wish them the best though.
Yuck!
If you want a great single get the 690 Duke.
I know looks aren’t everything, but come on!
Where’d the back end of the bike go?
No thanks.
Agree. Never buying a bike with no back end. Ever.
Yeah, it’s like, I paid for it so I want it. Kinda like a woman 😉
Wow that Aero would make a great spec class racer. Hmmmmm Super Singles anyone?