Engineering Vs. Marketing

Ben Oldschool

Ben Oldschool

top rider
Joined
Mar 2, 2021
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Grand Ole South
The Vitpilen & Svartpilen 701’s are bikes for riders. Engineered and refined by riders within the ranks of KTM and Husqvarna to riders with lots of miles under their seats and who can better appreciate the ability and enjoyment of how capable these bike are. This is especially true when compared to bikes carrying more displacement (& weight) within their engines.
While one can largely confirm from the posts within this forum, that marketing did in fact chose to target their sales efforts towards non-motorcyclists with these unique, single-cylinder bikes instead of to current motorcyclists.
While the 401’s more readily fit that target market, I wish this forum did more to extol the virtues of the 701s.
I would love a heads-up ride comparison between Vit 701 & a Ducati Super Mono, arguable the greatest single-cylinder ever.
 
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I own a 701 Vitpilen and a 93 Ducati 900ss. The Vitpilen is lighter, handles better, and is every bit as fast. Both have their own unique personalities, and I find I choose the Duc more often if the weather is poor or the ride will be over 100 miles.

I love the Vits easy approachability, and how honest and forthright its feedback is. It really is a riders machine, and I remain bewildered at it’s being marketed as a beginners machine.
 
This is why I'm confused on the new 901. While similar on paper . The 690 dukes vs. 701 pilens were way different to ride. Will the 901 be able to pull off the same trick. Or will it be more of a parts bin styling exercise. I don't see myself upgrading especially if they use the cf Moto engine. ( Nothing against cf moto). But ktm group can barely get stuff right in house .
 
Elfix said:
I own a 701 Vitpilen and a 93 Ducati 900ss. The Vitpilen is lighter, handles better, and is every bit as fast. Both have their own unique personalities, and I find I choose the Duc more often if the weather is poor or the ride will be over 100 miles.

I love the Vits easy approachability, and how honest and forthright its feedback is. It really is a riders machine, and I remain bewildered at it’s being marketed as a beginners machine.
Click to expand...

Total agreement with you and I appreciate the 900ss comparison.

Also bewildered as to the marketing of the previous Vitpilens I approached a company representative at the MotoGP race in Austin, TX this past weekend about it. He admitted opinion that the 701’s are and should be marketed as “Ready to Race” with the employed “Newbie” campaign being reserved for the 401 market.
 
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Krämer HKR-EVO2 R Racer Test

Krämer HKR-EVO2 R Racer Test Want to go racing but don’t want a 1000 or 600? The brilliant Krämer HKR-EVO2 R might just be the ticket.
www.cyclenews.com www.cyclenews.com

mention of the Ducati Super Mono here…helping to describe the category.

btw- I just inquired with Krämer USA about a swing arm assembly for the Vit 701. Awaiting response.
Response is no go. Kramer’s frame & swing arm is proprietary. Wishful hoping on my part.
 
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If the 180 series tire worked better, the Krämer would use it. Too heavy & power sapping for the increased traction & force required for handling. Might look cool though. 😎
 
The Kramer 690S uses a 5.0” rear wheel.

2023 Krämer EVO2-690S — Kramer Motorcycles USA • Fargo, ND

The Krämer HKR EVO2 S comes standard with everything you need to be competitive on the track. The S spec features a 75hp KTM 690 LC4, race focused chassis, tunable suspension, advance braking and cast wheels.
www.kramermotorcyclesusa.com www.kramermotorcyclesusa.com

As far as tire size, the pics don’t look like a 180 series to me… so I am assuming. Unable to verify yet.
 
That 2023 in the second link has the same Marchesini wheels as the Vitpilen, and most certainly a 160 tire.

The first one though, must be 180 Diablo Tire.
 
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