adri
contributing rider
Hey all,
I've always been indifferent about Husqvarna, due to a lack of experience with the brand... but when my local dealership, Studio Cycle, offered to let me borrow a new Svartpilen 801 for four days, I wasn't going to say no.
Within the first few car lengths I was filtering between lanes. At 400-420 lbs wet, the Svartpilen 801 feel like it weighs nothing. I was determined to take the long way home, and that didn't change when it started pouring rain a few blocks later. When I got in, soaking wet, I didn't go in to get dried up right away. I just stood in the garage looking at the Svartpilen for a good five minutes. I was impressed.
Here's the video review for those who would rather watch than read:
Of course, like any motorcycle, the Svartpilen 801 isn't perfect, specifically to the "old souls" (like me) who just want our cheapo analogue gages, fewer rider aides interfering with our riding experience (more on that in the video), and not having to pay extra for features to be software unlocked for fuck sake! (more on that too)
But damn, this oddly shaped thing is growing on me quickly. The suspension is actually pretty nice right out of the box. Husky's done a lot of little touches and details that they didn't have to do to make this feel like a quality motorcycle. I know I said this already, but I was impressed.
I think most people would want to compare it to the KTM Duke 790, or the Husqvarna Vitpilen 801, the truth is that those motorcycles are more sport oriented, probably aimed at a younger demographic, while the Svartpilen 801 is probably positioned as the offering for the more grown up rider looking for something a bit more refined.
I thought about it more in comparison to the Yamaha XSR 900 and the Kawasaki Z900RS, two motorcycles I really like, but are only about 80% of what I really want... Up until now I always wanted the Z900RS SE's style and ergonomics, with the XSR 900's three cylinder motor... now with the Husqvarna 801, I think I found their weird lovechild... The sum of the pieces come together really nicely on the 801.
If you're thinking about buying a motorcycle in this category, I think you owe it to yourself to give the 801 a try, I came in as a blank slate with no expectation, no idea what to expect, and not having read or watched any reviews of this motorcycle, and I came out happy and with a strong amount of respect and appreciation of the bike... and I'm a very picky bastard, so that's high praise
Ride safe, but have fun!
Adrian
I've always been indifferent about Husqvarna, due to a lack of experience with the brand... but when my local dealership, Studio Cycle, offered to let me borrow a new Svartpilen 801 for four days, I wasn't going to say no.
Within the first few car lengths I was filtering between lanes. At 400-420 lbs wet, the Svartpilen 801 feel like it weighs nothing. I was determined to take the long way home, and that didn't change when it started pouring rain a few blocks later. When I got in, soaking wet, I didn't go in to get dried up right away. I just stood in the garage looking at the Svartpilen for a good five minutes. I was impressed.
Here's the video review for those who would rather watch than read:
Of course, like any motorcycle, the Svartpilen 801 isn't perfect, specifically to the "old souls" (like me) who just want our cheapo analogue gages, fewer rider aides interfering with our riding experience (more on that in the video), and not having to pay extra for features to be software unlocked for fuck sake! (more on that too)
But damn, this oddly shaped thing is growing on me quickly. The suspension is actually pretty nice right out of the box. Husky's done a lot of little touches and details that they didn't have to do to make this feel like a quality motorcycle. I know I said this already, but I was impressed.
I think most people would want to compare it to the KTM Duke 790, or the Husqvarna Vitpilen 801, the truth is that those motorcycles are more sport oriented, probably aimed at a younger demographic, while the Svartpilen 801 is probably positioned as the offering for the more grown up rider looking for something a bit more refined.
I thought about it more in comparison to the Yamaha XSR 900 and the Kawasaki Z900RS, two motorcycles I really like, but are only about 80% of what I really want... Up until now I always wanted the Z900RS SE's style and ergonomics, with the XSR 900's three cylinder motor... now with the Husqvarna 801, I think I found their weird lovechild... The sum of the pieces come together really nicely on the 801.
If you're thinking about buying a motorcycle in this category, I think you owe it to yourself to give the 801 a try, I came in as a blank slate with no expectation, no idea what to expect, and not having read or watched any reviews of this motorcycle, and I came out happy and with a strong amount of respect and appreciation of the bike... and I'm a very picky bastard, so that's high praise
Ride safe, but have fun!
Adrian
