I admire motorcycle companies that are willing to take risks when it comes to design, and Husqvarna has certainly done that with the production VITPILEN 701 unveiled in Milan earlier this week. Prototypes have been displayed for quite some time, and the production machine follows earlier designs very closely. It also looks a lot like the production VITPILEN 401 introduced at EICMA last year.
While the Swedish design of the VITPILEN 701 might be polarizing, the concept is attractive. Strip the machine down to its essence, and power it with a single-cylinder engine. Simplicity with modern technology, including a claimed 75 horsepower — a massive power figure for a single.
The videos below talk about the design goals, which are principally centered on simplicity in a complex world. It is worth taking a look at those, as well as the following press release from Husky. The press release also discusses the prototype of the SVARTPILEN 701, a more upright, dirt-oriented machine powered by the same big 693cc single.
By the way, you can take a look at the full specifications for the VITPILEN 701, which reveals a claimed weight of 346 pounds (wet, without fuel). Husky says the VITPILEN 701 will be available for purchase in the United States beginning in the Summer of 2018.
Husqvarna Motorcycles is proud to unveil the production VITPILEN 701 machine, while also introducing the all-new SVARTPILEN 701 concept motorcycle at EICMA – the annual motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. With the historic brand continuing to take dynamic steps towards fulfilling their progressive vision of street motorcycling, both models will be on display for the duration of the show in Italy.
Forming new additions to Husqvarna’s exciting range of ‘Real Street’ motorcycles, these two new machines are powered by robust yet sophisticated single-cylinder motors that are housed within a minimalistic layout. Both motorcycles have been created to provide a genuine riding experience.
The all-new VITPILEN 701 machine represents a bold step into new territory for Husqvarna Motorcycles. Inspired by the same unique design approach that runs through the whole VITPILEN family, the VITPILEN 701 perfectly embodies Husqvarna’s progressive vision for innovative and accessible street motorcycles.
Simultaneously launched at this year’s EICMA show is the SVARTPILEN 701 concept machine. Inspired by the resurgence of the iconic flat track scene, the new SVARTPILEN 701 is a progressive single-cylinder motorcycle that is designed to deliver an authentic riding experience.
VITPILEN 701
The VITPILEN 701 is the highlight of Husqvarna´s re-entry into the street motorcycling segment. Impressing both the media and the public during its first launch as a prototype in 2015, it has now reached production and is expected to be available in North America in summer of 2018.
Bringing about a new era of motorcycling for the sophisticated urban traveler, the VITPILEN 701 perfectly mixes enjoyable performance for novice and expert riders with a simple yet progressive design and a unique style.
Largely inspired by the brand’s Swedish heritage, the VITPILEN 701 is a modern motorcycle that features some of the most state-of-the-art technology available.
From the trellis frame to the powerful single cylinder motor or the standard WP suspension and Brembo brakes, this machine is bristling with premium components.
VITPILEN 701 HIGHLIGHTS:
- Simple yet progressive design
- Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame
- 75 hp engine – the most advanced single cylinder available on the market
- High quality components and technology as standard
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Cutting edge switchable ABS
- Slipper clutch
- Extensive range of Husqvarna accessories
SVARTPILEN 701 CONCEPT
The SVARTPILEN 701 concept machine is a dark street explorer that is free of excess and reduced to its simplest form. This machine aims to appeal to a new generation of motorcyclists and those preferring a simpler, timeless design approach.
Featuring a technologically-advanced 4-stroke single-cylinder engine that is housed in an incredibly stripped down but progressive layout, it combines excellent performance with an authentic style. As accessible as a motorcycle can be, it’s a modern and innovative naked bike waiting to offer a raw and exhilarating experience on two wheels.
On display at this year’s EICMA will also be Husqvarna’s VITPILEN 401 and SVARTPILEN 401. Both these models will be available at authorized North American dealers from summer of 2018.
All the latest news, together with a complete collection of street clothing and accessories perfectly styled to honor the introduction of Husqvarna’s new state-of-the-art ‘Real Street’ models, will be on show on the Husqvarna Motorcycles booth, Hall 13 booth I75.
SVARTPILEN 701 Concept
See more of MD’s great photography:
As a design effort that is a big Pilen of Vit.
I laughed so hard that I svarted.
Reminds me of my brothers old Yamaha SRX 250
You may want to give up drinking…
Single cylinder, 75 HP, premium components, and 350 pounds – what’s not to like? I want one.
It’s a 690 duke with clip ons and adjustable suspension. And other tangible bits that make it look different from KTM. So revolutionary!!!
Not revolutionary. Progressive!
75 hp and perhaps 370 wet with fuel, nothing wrong with those numbers. Sounds like fun.
Kind of reminds me of a Honda MB5
Yea I’m too old fashioned to get it or dig it. As pitiful looking as the new Honda CB1000R. I have a nephew though that would think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Looks just like his SV650 he took a sawzall to.
Sir, I think that’s the point: they want this bike to appeal to your nephew. It’s a valiant attempt to draw younger riders into the fold.
I understand that and agree.
I thought I would be the lone MB 5 suggestion maker. At first glance than was my exact thought.
Kind of reminds me of a Honda MB5
Yea I’m too old fashioned to get it ot dig it. As pitiful looking as the new Honda CB1000R. I have a nephew though that would think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Looks just like his SV650 he took a sawzall to.
You thought it was so nice, you had to say it twice.
no sometimes you post something on this site and it’s disappears in outer space, so you post it again and wala BOTH show up. I hit the click here to cancel reply button on one, it said my reply was cancelled, but obviously it wasn’t. Notice they are time stamped 4 minutes apart.
or you post something, it shows up, then disappears and says it’s “in moderation”, only to show up hours or a day even later
A high styled bike that will appeal to younger, stylish urbanites in the market for a distinctive looking ride. But I like it too, so there you go.
This old slob in the boonies feels like it’s aimed at me!
I really like this bike, might consider selling the GB500 for it. I’d just have to do something about the strange tail section and rear fender. I’d like to be able to mount side cases large enough to carry my laptop.
I can’t judge this bike but their old Nuda 900’s are cult bikes here in the UK.
Here’s why:
https://youtu.be/4uSlAFiQfCM
Not even this will be perfect enough for MD posters.
Even a beak and a sub five grand price wouldn’t do it.
I like it.
Did you actually read the comments? Seems to me that at least 75% of the “MD posters” like this bike.
Doesn’t quite do anything for me…but I’ll try anything.
I’m not a fan of the overall styling, but that motor looks great.
Interesting if not unique looking bikes. The more road going Vitpilon might look a bit more balanced with a slightly lower more cushioned seat, a proper old school styled rear fender and slightly higher handlebars – just my opinion
Summer 2018 seems so far away…
What does “stripped down but progressive layout” mean? Or their “progressive vision of street motorcycling” and “progressive vision for innovative and accessible street motorcycles” mean? Also, “progressive single-cylinder motorcycle”. It also has “simple yet progressive design”. And finally, “stripped down but progressive layout”. I get it. They’re trying to attract “progressive” millennials who believe socialism is better than capitalism. Maybe they should sell this ugly yet progressive caricature in Venezuela.
@BMBKTMRACER
I know the company itself is not a socialist/commie friendly mgmt. But the marketing people must be as they way overemphasized that message for sure.
You simply cannot be drinking that Kool-Aid given the commitment KTM/Husky has to 2 stokes and high performance . Thank god for that.
You’re trolling right?
Do you avoid riding in the left lane?
I think you might be onto something. That’s a commie bike if I’ve ever seen one.
+++
Love it. Wow, so many cool, new bikes coming out!
Dig it.
“PROPER RIDING POSITION” will be a problem. It will probably be a less than one hour bike (before you are begging to get off) with very high price tag and a limited audience. It would look good in my living room however. The clean modern styling is a big improvement over the 690 Duke.
Svartpilen for me please. Not even a front fender. Just plain ready to roll. Everything you need and nothing you don’t. I like singles.
This is the kind of bike that gets you into a lot of trouble. It seems that light bikes with gobs of power = loss of license, jail time, huge fines…
As pure design – art, really – I think the production bike is stunning. Not sure it appeals to me as a motorcycle design, especially for a street thumper … it seems TOO refined. On the other hand, the only real motorcycle dealership in my town, in fact my entire county, is a KTM/Husky store so I don’t have that excuse.
Hate the design of the tail, like the tank and exahust, the rest is give or take. But I can’t imagine this thing being anything less than an absolute ridiculous blast to ride!
Like all current Husqvarnas, it is based upon a KTM, in this case a Duke 690. Yes, there are styling and detail differences, but the big/expensive parts are the same.
I like the way it looks and I like that it’s a single. But it appears to have nut crushing seat height and the rider appears to be in the PPP. I couldn’t guess where the nearest Husky dealer is. So, sadly, this is not for me.(sigh)
This really pushes my buttons. Lovely design, relatively simple mechanicals, light weight + more than adequate power, what looks to be high quality suspension, and A PROPER RIDING POSITION.
Street Huskies. Cool. I like the spartan utilitarian functionality and the lack of insectoid anime-ism.
If I see another Nippo-Skeksis-Garthim bike I’m gonna spew chunks.
“75 hp engine – the most advanced single cylinder available on the market”
Is that by design or by power output? I assume at the crankshaft? Still, a bunch of ponies for a big single. It must have to rev a bit higher than the norm to develop that horsepower.
This bike sings to me, but I’m very much the exception, having had a long line of four stroke singles, including a Yamaha SRX6 and an MuZ Skorpion. I’m part of a really small market. BTW this design is beautiful, look at the line from the seat and tank through the sidecover, the rear suspension, the muffler tab and the swingarm brace!!!
SZR660, SRX600 here!! A 75hp street single would be just my cup of tea as a second bike. Though I would definately prefer more classic styling, or even a mild update of the SZR styling or SRX600 styling…..