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Husqvarna Announces U. S. Availability of Svartpilen 701 (with video)

The more upright, dirt track-inspired Svartpilen 701, sibling to the Vitpilen 701 we tested and loved, is officially heading to U.S. dealerships next month.

The Svartpilen 701 shares the same 693cc single-cylinder engine with the Vitpilen – making a claimed 75 horsepower and 53 foot/pounds of torque. Pricing has not been announced, but we expect it to be in the neighborhood of $12,000 – similar to the Vitpilen 701 pricing. Here is the announcement from Husqvarna:

Husqvarna Motorcycles takes a further step towards fulfilling their progressive vision of street motorcycling by announcing the release of the SVARTPILEN 701. This thrilling new model, which was first introduced during the 2018 EICMA International Motorcycle show in Milan, will be available to the North American market starting April of 2019. 

A flat-track inspired street explorer, the SVARTPILEN 701 is the latest addition to the pioneering VITPILEN and SVARTPILEN motorcycle range. With the SVARTPILEN 701 offering an exciting riding experience both within the city and beyond, Husqvarna Motorcycles is poised to make this inspiring new model the highlight among the brand’s 2019 ‘Real Street’ model line-up.

The SVARTPILEN 701 – Black Arrow, in Swedish – is designed to appeal to style-conscious motorcycle enthusiasts while offering outstanding performance in all riding conditions. Featuring a sleek, flat-track inspired design, the SVARTPILEN 701 is built around a powerful single-cylinder engine that offers outstanding power and torque. With the SVARTPILEN 701 providing fully-adjustable WP suspension, exceptional stopping power is guaranteed thanks to the combination of Brembo brakes and the latest Bosch ABS technology. 

SVARTIPILEN 701 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Simple yet progressive design
  • The most advanced single cylinder engine on the market (692.7 cc)
  • High quality components & technology as standard
  • Up/down Easy Shift
  • Ride-by-wire throttle
  • Traction control
  • Cutting edge Bosch ABS & Brembo brakes
  • Fully-adjustable WP suspension
  • Slipper clutch
  • Premium LED lights

SVARTPILEN 701 riders have the opportunity to personalize their motorcycle with a dedicated additional range of original parts. Husqvarna Motorcycles also offer an extensive line-up of riding gear and accessories, designed to suit the style and needs of modern-day motorcyclists.

For further details on pricing and availability of the SVARTPILEN 701, contact your local dealership.



See more of MD’s great photography: Instagram

141 Comments

  1. George Krpan says:

    Love it, my most desired bike. It’s fast and weighs 326 lbs dry. I was shopping the Svartpilen 401 but bought a Honda CB300R instead. The Honda just looked so much better in the flesh. But, when I trade up, it will be a Svartpilen 701. I don’t find the looks odd at all, I think it’s avant-garde. I think the latest bikes of today are the best looking ever. The designers are finally shrugging off the past and moving forward.

  2. Ralph W. says:

    It is very disappointing that we can’t have rational discussions about motorcycles on websites like this without there always being at least one simple-minded idiot who disrupts things by using childish derogatory ‘put-downs’ because they are too simple minded to say anything worthwhile.

    Mr Simple Minded, you need to learn two things,-
    1)Have respect for the opinions of other people. If you don’t agree with them, say something rational and useful instead of childish and stupid.
    2)If you use childish derogatory ‘put-downs’ against other people they will use them against you, and obviously you don’t cope with that very well.

  3. Hart says:

    I had to stop by the local scrap metal depot today for a drop. When I gazed into the bin I immediately recalled seeing this bike’s pictures. Really a shame if the bike is as good as they say, a bit of love from the design department would have gone far toward justifying 12k for this thing. The next rendition, if there is one, should be better I would imagine.

  4. Doogan says:

    I can see a close similarity to the Royal Enfield Himalayan, but the Himmee actually appeals to me for some reason, not that much, mind you.

  5. Tank says:

    This bike reminds me of the B-King, a good bike that didn’t sell because it was ugly.

  6. RD350 says:

    Husqvarna bravely tried to cater to the custom hipster crowd here. There is an interest and a demand for this aesthetic today, especially by young people. They should be commended for the effort, even if it doesn’t meet your conservative tastes. This negative group think “piling on” seems a bit over-the-top to me. There have been endless ugly bikes out of the Japanese origami transformer factory that were much worse than this bike. Yet, none of those have received this level of vitriol. Yeah .. I like classic bikes too. I actually own and ride an SRX-6 currently. Yes, I would prefer a more classically styled dirt track seat rather than this chopped off bobtail. But other than that, I don’t get the outrage. I’d rather have this high spec, light weight single than any bloated 4 cylinder out there today no matter what it looks like. Think for yourselves sheeple.

    • Anonymous says:

      RD350…. good for you. Now, go buy your copy. Husky will need it.

    • Jay Jonas says:

      I’d have to put a paper bag over it before riding it, so I’ll be a sheeple and pass.

    • Ralph W. says:

      “There is an interest and a demand for this aesthetic today, especially by young people.”

      Interesting point, RD350. We often hear complaints that young people aren’t taking up motorcycling, on this site and elsewhere. Each generation likes to ‘carve their own path’ and create their own style – just look at the changes in music over the generations. Husqvarna could be on the right track, even if the conservatives don’t like it. I don’t expect this bike to sell in big numbers but those who buy it will have a lot of fun, and if they ride it hard they will become far better riders than those who only ride fat heavy bikes. I’m happy with this bike’s looks, and I love its capabilities because I know how much fun it is pushing the limits on a light agile bike. Don’t forget, Marquez rides a light agile bike.

      • yoda says:

        I know the wet weight of the bike is supposed to be under 400lbs, but I would still have some difficulty pushing it out of my garage simply because I would always want to drop it.

  7. Dan says:

    I saw a Vitpilen on the road last week and it didn’t look nearly as ugly in real life as it does in the pics. I suspect the same will be true for this model

  8. paul says:

    I would seriously give this bike a chance if it was the only bike in the world, but it isn’t.

    • Anonymous says:

      LOL! Superb, sir!

      Alas, I liken it to being on a deserted planet with one of the female Karbdashians. Looks like the human race is done for cuz I don’t do STOOOPID FUGLY.

  9. Anonymous says:

    that last response was to Ralph W.

    man this site is really messed up now, you can’t even reply to someone directly

    • Anonymous says:

      It seems to be fixed now. It looks like I’m replying to myself…

      This thing would be worshiped by Dung Beetles. Either that or they would be trying to roll it home like some weird meal on wheels thing.

      Can you say “FUGLY”? I knew that you could. 🙂

  10. Anonymous says:

    Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel omnipotent

  11. Anonymous says:

    I had an SRX600 for 5 years and toured Eastern Australia and the UK on it, replaced it with an SZR660 when the engine went terminal. The SZR was replaced with a Guzzi 750 after only 2 years…..

    A “SRX like” bike with this engine and modern suspension and brakes would be a winner in my book. Nice looks with 75hp sounds great!!

  12. Ralph W. says:

    The photo at the top is a PR disaster. The lighting is all wrong and makes the bike look at its worst. It looks better in the photo at the bottom and I expect, like most bikes, it will look much better when you see it. I don’t understand why looks are more important than performance to so many people here. Not real motorcyclists.

    • Anonymous says:

      Silly boy…Everyone knows that the first thing any sentient being notices about anything is how it looks. Now for the real shock to your system.

      This is why you are ALONE.

      • Ralph W. says:

        Hello, Mr Simple Minded is at it again. People like you can never understand anything with any depth because, well, you’re so simple minded. What it looks like is all that matters to you.

        • Anonymous says:

          Ralph, even Husqvarna thinks the looks are an important consideration… this was taken from their own release up above “The SVARTPILEN 701 – Black Arrow, in Swedish – is designed to appeal to style-conscious motorcycle enthusiasts”. I guess you missed that detail. Their idea of style just differs slightly from what most of us would prefer. Is that ok with you?

          • Ralph W. says:

            You missed the point. You often make childish derogatory responses to comments, which proves you are simple minded.

          • Anonymous says:

            Ralph is soooo brave. Those that first consider looks because again, like it or not (and Ralph HATES it), looks matter.

            According to the Ralph, depth is too deep for such as we, i.e., the simple minded.

            Deep, Ralph. Real deep. The bike is fugly and you’re a weirdo with an affinity for fugly motorcycles. BFD. Do you prefer fugly people too or when it comes to flesh and blood superficial you are as deep as the shallow end of the gene pool from which you crawled out of?

            It’s a fugly motorcycle. You’ll be unique. No…not a eunuch. Unique.

            IOL.

            “Simple minded”. *SNICKER*

          • Ralph W. says:

            You’re an idiot, Mr Simple Minded, and you keep proving it. But you are so simple minded that you don’t understand how and why. My comment really upset you which shows that you are one of the people I was talking about – just a poser, not a real motorcyclist. Go away and do something else to satisfy your craving for attention. Leave motorcycles to the real motorcyclists.

          • Anonymous says:

            *SNICKER*

  13. Anonymous says:

    Talk about the motorcycling equivalent of the ENC.

    The Emperor’s New Clothes.

  14. Mr.Mike says:

    This reminds me of when manufacturers disguise unreleased models with bad paint jobs or extra plastic to make them difficult to recognize, only they forgot to remove the extra bits.

    That said I’m sure its fun to ride and with a few styling tweaks it could be a decent looking bike.

  15. Anonymous says:

    The Vitpilen 701 is a lot better looking.

  16. Dave Sumner says:

    I vote hideous. You like what you like.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Proof that although beauty may be skin deep, ugly goes clean to the bone.

  18. Ronald says:

    Fugly

  19. Grover says:

    I’m an old svart but I like the concept. What’s not to like in a powerful, lightweight thumper? I agree with 98% of the posters here (mostly old svarts like me) that’s it’s ugly, expensive, hard to find a dealer close by and will probably break before its first service. Still, the concept should be explored by other companies that can build an attractive, more affordable thumper with better reliability. Then we would have something we would be proud to ride.

  20. gpokluda says:

    You’re right. It can’t be compared to an SRX6. It is closer to a Buell Blast. Thanks for pointing that out.

  21. Don says:

    I really liked the look of the Vitpilen 701, but the weird squared off rear with that extra material hanging off the back of the seat really kills the flow and visual appeal of this one. I still like it from the seat forward, and I can still appreciate the styling of the Vitpilen 701. Much better than the boring styling of the CB1100. I do also think the CB1000R looks amazing.

  22. paul says:

    I know looks are subjective and I have really looked hard at this offering but I just can’t help but be turned off by it. Couldn’t buy this at any price, sorry.

  23. Reginald Van Blunt says:

    red, Jay Leno did a show about this and its smaller cousins and he was biting his tongue the whole time. His take was it is light, narrow and smooth. The side area under the tank is fully exposed with all the wiring, connectors, relays, etc. showing. Remember when a thumper was a cylinder, carb, and air cleaner under the seat/tank junction and side covers hid secret stuff ?

  24. Mike says:

    The more I look at it the stupider it looks. What’s with the box under the seat? If they sell one I’d be surprised.
    Please take the pictures down.

  25. red says:

    Going with the consensus on this one. Too weird looking and too expensive. Why not 690 Duke and keep the change. Or Enduro R. with less change.

    Maybe Jay Leno will buy one since it probably will be a rare collectible in the near future.

  26. RD350 says:

    While the styling of this Husky is a bit too hipster for my traditional tastes, I would still buy one based solely on what it is. A light weight modern thumper with top suspension and brakes. Plus the 690 KTM engine is the most advanced single ever offered in a street bike. For tight New England back country roads and urban work this bike would be hard to beat. Lastly, I like the styling way better than the latest KTM 690 Duke or even the new 790 Duke. Its really only the rear of this SVARTPILEN that I find troubling. I’d have a classic flat track seat rather than this bob-tailed version.

  27. Tank says:

    Motorcycles are getting harder to sell. Why put out an ugly bike? If you think it’s good looking, look at your wife and ask yourself why nobody invited her to the prom.

  28. fred says:

    It seems that the “Reply” function isn’t working.

    Okay, so this is a KTM 690 Duke that fell down the ugly tree and hit most of the branches on the way down. And it only costs $3k more.

    Of course, IMHO the 690 Duke is no beauty either, but if you are buy the bike for the specs and not the looks, it would be an option. Husky is positioning these as bikes for the avant-garde, and is counting on the brilliant few to pay extra for styling that the hoi polloi could never hope to understand.

  29. fred says:

    I don’t think that it is a question of visual acuity, but merely a matter of taste. I’m glad you like it, and hope you enjoy yours. I find it quite unattractive, at least in pictures. Fortunately, for people like you and me, there are plenty of options.

    My suggestion would be to get one fairly soon, as it would surprise me if the styling caught on enough to sell in large numbers.

  30. kjazz says:

    I don’t find it attractive, but others probably will. But I don’t get why they didn’t connect to some traditional Husky styling cues. This is really a weird looking motorcycle with nothing that says “Husqvarna” that I can see. Oh well, thumpers are fun and this will probably be a good one. And after all, if you’re sitting on it…. you don’t have to look at it !!!!

  31. SVGeezer says:

    For this kind of bike, is being “ugly as f**k” a bug or a feature?

    I’m interested in the very effective counterbalancing that makes a single smooth like a twin at high engine speeds. Would like to see that taken up by the Japenese brands if true.

    • Jeremy says:

      “I’m interested in the very effective counterbalancing that makes a single smooth like a twin at high engine speeds.”

      The vast majority of twins require lots of counterbalancing to be smooth. And some still don’t really get there. I have a Husqvarna TR650 Terra that used a derivative of the old Rotax 650 single architecture used in the BMW G650. That bike is smoother than most twins I’ve ridden in recent memory.

  32. takehikes says:

    Looks like it would be fun, thumpers are a blast. But its ugly as f**k.

  33. andy1300 says:

    It should be a blast, a lot lot my 660 Rapter.

  34. Ken says:

    Agreed. Just a bunch of conservative old farts on this site, don’t listen to them. Whilst they’re arguing about tank seams and mudguards the world just keeps moving on without them, which is probably a good thing I reckon. I’ll bet that thing is a complete blast to ride.

  35. Lynchenstein says:

    I’m glad you like it, really. I think it’s hideous from most angles, but if it is fun to ride, you won’t hear everyone else laughing at you because you’ll be having too much fun!

  36. ilikefood says:

    Whaaa….? There are people who think this bike looks bad? You guys all need to get your eyes checked. Or at least consider expanding your horizons to more than cookie-cutter, same-old, just barely incrementally different designs. It’s all a matter of taste I suppose, but to my eyes the Svartpilen looks innovative and awesome. This is the best looking production bike since the original MV Agusta F4.

  37. downgoesfraser says:

    This bike is in no way comparable to a SRX600 with at least twice the horsepower and better suspenders. I rode a SRX 50,000 miles, it was fun for about an hour at a time, seized it twice, both times on 40 degree days, must have been a bit on the lean side. Later a pipe and rejet with K&N in attempt for power and after that, cam and springs, which it ate, twice. Luckily had a 550 GPZ at the same time for longer rides and periods of down time. They both were replaced by an’08 250 Ninja that went 50,000 miles without changing a valve shim, but did have to replace worn out brake disc at 30K and cam chain just before I traded it for paint work on an old Duc.

  38. Twindog says:

    Ha ha – transformer pellet.
    …and thats a slam on the transformer. Ha ha.

  39. TimC says:

    Something is wrong with threaded comments/replies. So this is for Ralph W:

    That’s like, your opinion, poopy pants.

  40. gpokluda says:

    And your point is?

  41. Ralph W. says:

    Most of the negativity here is just an emotional response to this bike’s looks – a good example of human foolishness. Can you imagine what the comments would be if they had made this bike with exactly the same components, performance, handling and weight, but made it look like a British bike from the ‘60s. They would say – “brilliant, amazing, worth every cent, exactly what I’ve been looking for, take my money now.”

    Husqvarna has produced a brilliant motorcycle but most people are too ignorant to realize it. Are you real motorcyclists or just posers? Grow up you guys.

  42. Reginald Van Blunt says:

    I wonder if manufactures ever read these website blogs, before deciding what peeps want ?

  43. Neal says:

    A lot of moaning about the value proposition here. This is a luxury good for yuppies with tech money on the coasts who are willing and able to pay extra for exclusivity and distinct design.

  44. Anonymous says:

    People that feel this bike’s appearance is just fine are the same folks that feel Yoko Ono is beautiful and can sing. Must be wearing Lennon’s old glasses.

  45. Hot Dog says:

    This thing has a little bit of MT-01 design in it. I can only imagine what a blast it must be to ride. Looks are relative to personal tastes, guess that’s why I don’t have a poseur/cruiser in my garage. As far as the cost goes, 12 big ones would be easy to spend if all of the parts were bought separately. I like it, but then I don’t get my panties in a bunch if something comes along and I don’t completely understand it.

  46. TimC says:

    I didn’t know you could pilen svart that high.

  47. Mikey says:

    But how do you know when it’s upside down???

  48. DR007 says:

    I see this bike hit a nerve. Personally, bikes are overpriced and ruining the market. We need younger riders to keep the future of motorcycling alive. I like retro and I like those who step out of the box on design. For $12K, I can search dealer lots for new left overs and come away with more bike or less bike, have fun without emptying my wallet. I like Husky, but this bike is ugly as hell!

  49. Sensible Guy says:

    God this is UGLY!!!!!!!
    Whatever happened to the back of it – where did it go ?
    Sorry, I have to go and be sick now…

  50. Mick says:

    Here it is. The closest thing to a decent street bike that the industry has made in a very long time. And if the MD guys think it’s ugly and costs too much, then it must not have retro styling and must not have a high enough cylinder, and weight, count.

    It still doesn’t hit my personal target for the street bike industry of 350 wet pounds for an electric start 80hp bike. But it is getting a whole lot closer than the huge garbage barge load of 500 pound 100hp bikes that the industry has been puking out.

  51. sburns2421 says:

    The Husky street bikes make me re-question the old theory that moto-journalist reviews are bought and paid for by powerful manufacturers that use their influence to gain favorable reviews. Advertising for print, perhaps test bike availability or launch invites for online.

    They are so incredibly ugly (even worse in person than in pictures), overpriced with limited usability, I question who exactly the intended buyer is for the range. And yet read reviews and an inexperienced rider with more credit worthiness than taste would think this is the perfect bike for him.

    Look for these to populate craigslist in a few years for a fraction of that they cost new. A CX500 Deluze for the new generation

  52. Reginald Van Blunt says:

    As blogged several hours ago and not yet published, this bike looks like a scrap bin of metal bits and pipes. Even this collection could be more attractive with some shiny color, a proper rear fender, and a little silvery metal ( aluminum, chrome, nickel plate something bright ). The performance numbers are nice, 350 pounds, even a flat seat, but black everything is the absence of light, not macho machinery.
    It will always depend on vibration with a big single and we need to know about that. Price – – too expensive for a lack of any style, even confused.

  53. MacSpoone says:

    $12k for the ugliest bike I’ve seen in decades?
    Um..no. I don’t care HOW much it was loved during it’s testing. A bike has to have some panache’, some looks..it’s gotta be attractive. And this? This looks like the south-bound end of a north-bound camel..

    Nope.

  54. gpokluda says:

    Wow. Talk about a bike that completely missed the mark. I think a big single powered roadster would do well in the US, but this ain’t it. Sure wish Yamaha would bring back the SRX6.

    • MacSpoone says:

      You know, I always thought that the SRX had some beautiful styling, but that it might have done better with a vertical twin motor. It’s not like Yamaha didn’t know how to build a vert 650, right?

      What with all the retro-craze happenin’, maybe the tuning fork folks will get a wild hair?

      One can only hope.

      • gpokluda says:

        Agreed. I bought a garage-find SRX6 many years ago. When I finally got everything dialed in, that bike was freaking awesome. But the tank was rusty and the carb defied logic and wore down needles like no other.

        Another bike I wish would make a comeback would be the Suzuki DR Big of the 800 variety. I had a chance to ride a grey-market one and it was one big funky bike.

  55. My2cents says:

    If I shaved it’s tail pipe and taught it to ride backwards.

  56. Asphanaut says:

    Perhaps this bike is so ugly because Husky fired all their design staff before it was created… if not, they should be fired now.
    BTW I got a real hoot out of the way some of the commenters found creative ways to say this bike is ugly. Some of my favorites, in no particular order: “it looks like something a gray whale would vomit,” “I liked the video. It actually looks better when you can’t really see it,” “She looks a lot better after a 6 pack. Better make that a 12,” “This thing better be fun to ride because as soon as it stops moving it’ll be covered in flies,” “Toss the biscuits and kill the baker,” “turn 701 upside down and whaddaya get?” “looks like a Transformer pellet,” and “Been hit way to hard with the ‘Ugly Stick’” Pretty sure Husky won’t be quoting these reviews in their brochure!

  57. Reginald Van Blunt says:

    This scrap bin of metal left overs could even look fair to middling with some color and a celebration of metal called chrome. What makes or breaks powerful singles is always the vibration, yea or nea.
    PS Why do stylists and dweebs always believe that BLACK means more than the absense of light ?
    2 x PS The seat is flat.

  58. Anonymous says:

    Very few Husky dealers in the US. I don’t think there is one inside of 3 hours away from me except for chain saw and lawnmower dealers.

  59. Tommy D says:

    These Smart/Vitpilen are the Honda GB500 and Yamaha SRX of this age. Cool looking singles that were expensive and really aren’t meant for the USA super slab roads. They are more at home in tight EU confines. I actually like the Vitpilen but found the Honda CB1000R to answer the design question better than the Husky and for almost the same price. Now you can find dealers trying to unload the leftover V’s at just under $10K. While they have better suspension and QS/Blipper function they are just not worth the premium over a 690 no matter how much you like the look. I think these bikes will be showing up in shows 20 years from now and people will point and remember their brief time in the spotlight much like the GB and SRX.

    • todd says:

      Except that this bike is more than twice as powerful as those arguably much better looking bikes.

      • My2cents says:

        +1

      • Ralph W. says:

        And this has top quality suspension, brakes and chassis. The only similarity with the GB and SRX is the engine configuration. This bike is far superior to those old singles.

        I’ve noticed that a lot of riders don’t understand the capabilities of a high quality lightweight single like this because they don’t have the skills to make use of the advantages this bike has. If you are not an aggressive rider and have no desire to learn advanced skills you may as well just ride a heavier bike because you won’t be quick on anything.

  60. European says:

    You american people just have no taste at all:) Everything you produce there is Ugly or hasn’t evolved at all:D Enjoy your big block bad quality cars and ugly bikes. And if you are worried about the price, this bike was not meant for you anyways.. But comparing it with Triumph is just wrong, because triumph does not stand out in any ways at all in anything:)

    • Bud says:

      Thanks for stopping by. Make it the last time.

    • motowarrior says:

      One way in which Triumph stands out is that it will have sold a few thousand good looking and reasonably priced motorcycles before the first person plunks down his money for this incredibly ugly piece of emperor’s clothing.

    • Oz says:

      European says: “But comparing it with Triumph is just wrong, because triumph does not stand out in any ways at all in anything”

      Triumph’s Street Triple 765R is bike of the year. I have one and will tell you it is outstanding. Since you obviously don’t know, go test ride one.

    • Jeremy says:

      Aside from making poor quality big block cars and ugly primitive motorcycles, I guess we apparently get out feelings hurt easily, too.

    • Reginald Van Blunt says:

      I resent being called a people, – – – we are motorcyclists. So there !

    • Motoman says:

      I guess I was the only one that took this as scarcasm? I thought the smiley faces were the give-away!

    • Mick says:

      They stopped making big block cars quite a while ago. They were interesting distractions.

      You can’t even get a big block truck anymore, unless you get a diesel.

      You are right that the US does need a style overhaul. Maybe it will fall to us to reinvent a tail section that doesn’t need a satellite fender to keep mud off of the rider. That would redeem us a little methinks.

  61. steveinsandiego says:

    turn 701 upside down and whaddaya get? lOL

  62. Mikey says:

    There are many bikes in that price range that will blow it away in looks, performance and most likely reliability.
    Their target audience most likely can’t afford it unless it’s in the $8000 price range, and even then…..

    • Ralph W. says:

      “There are many bikes in that price range that will blow it away”

      You mean in a straight line or on a race track. But in real-world road riding, no they won’t.

    • Asphanaut says:

      Let me see if I can finish your sentence:

      “Their target audience most likely can’t afford it unless it’s in the $8000 price range, and even then…..”…. their target audience won’t want it unless they’re giving it away.”

  63. Jeremy says:

    I really liked the 401’s. I really liked the 701 Vitpilen. But something here has been lost in translation.

  64. Dave says:

    So, what if I told you that there was more involved in determining the cost of a vehicle than the number of cylinders it’s engine has? FWIW, this is priced around the same as Honda’s new 450cc dual sport, which leverages a lot of content from a shared platform that presumably is made in higher volumes, at a lower cost than this, or even the KTM’s it’s based on.

    Edit: this was supposed to be a reply to a thread below but, mobile…

    • Anonymous says:

      The money spent in creating and then building it sure didn’t go into making the bike attractive.

      This thing better be fun to ride because as soon as it stops moving it’ll be covered in flies.

      • Dave says:

        Irony is, a lot of money probably did go into making it look like it does. Lots of proprietary tooled parts, from the headlight back.

        I kind of like its look, even if I’m not really moved by them. I prefer it to the orange wannabe-origami look of the ktm’s, which I find pretty off putting.

  65. Anonymous says:

    That’s a lot of money to show people you’re blind and tasteless. And MotorcycleDaily sez they “loved” the first 701? “Loved”? Really…You “loved” an inanimate object that looks like a Transformer pellet?

    Like Woody Allen axed about Rags the robotic dog in the film, “Sleeper”, “Does he leave little batteries lying around?”. This thing is a turd.

    Polish away.

  66. bmbktmracer says:

    Toss the biscuits and kill the baker.

  67. 5229 says:

    Man that thing is ugly. Wow, that’s all I can say.

  68. That even makes KTMs look good

  69. Dirty Bob says:

    Quote:I could teach a millenial how to use a dial phone in 10 seconds. After 5 years, my mother still can’t figure out how to use her iPhone. Which generation is the smart one?
    Me: Apple Programmers have never followed the main rule of software development; KISS

  70. Dirty Bob says:

    KTM Baby
    Half a bike and twice the price.

  71. Tyrone says:

    Holy crap, the Bathtub Triumph has been resurrected and It’s even uglier the second time around.

  72. John says:

    KTM destroyed Husky. SWM is the new Husky. This started off with possibilities for a kickass scrambler and ended up a useless overpriced monstrosity.

  73. pats says:

    Very ugly bike with a high selling price. Might be good though. But just because of the look alone, I’m not even interested.

  74. Jabe says:

    She looks a lot better after a 6 pack. Better make that a 12.

  75. DucDynasty says:

    I rode a Husky 250WR in 1972, when I was 21 years old. Watching this video and getting glimpses of old 2-stroke dirt bikes, does nothing to light my fire for this bike.
    BTW – what would this one do that my Suzuki SV-650 doesn’t?

    • Ralph W. says:

      “what would this one do that my Suzuki SV-650 doesn’t?”

      More power, much less weight and much, much better handling, that’s what. The SV650 is a very basic and capable all-rounder but nothing to get really excited about. For an aggressive rider the Svartpilen 701 is sheer beauty, not because of its looks, but because of its handling and exceptional capabilities. I back-it-in on my V-Strom 650 but I would have never learnt to do it on that bike. This Husky is so much better if you like to ride on the ‘wild side’ than almost everything else on the market. If you want to become a highly skilled rider a bike like this will teach you. I love it. Shame about the price, but the best doesn’t come cheap.

  76. Dave says:

    I love this bike. The styling isn’t great and the price is way too high so I won’t be buying one but I still love the concept.

  77. mickey says:

    I liked the video. It actually looks better when you can’t really see it.

  78. RonH says:

    The reality is that it’s only a thumper and… $12k for a thumper? It should be $7k, $8k maybe.

    • Dave says:

      Why is a one-cylinder bike worth less than a two or three cylinder bike (not that I would pay $12k for this, either)?

      • RonH says:

        Hello? are you a millennial? small engine case, one piston, one set of rings, one con rod, small crank, one cylinder, one set of valves, one pipe, one injector, less labor to machine and assemble…

      • RonH says:

        Hello?

        • Anonymous says:

          He can’t hear you, Grampa. You probably hit your mute button again.

          • RonH says:

            Wish I was a Grampa! My kids need to get crackin’!

            … and did you need me to explain how a hammer works?

    • HalfBaked says:

      Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to impart your wisdom upon us. We know a lot of your days is spent standing on the porch shouting at the neighborhood kids to get off the lawn.

  79. Michael says:

    That’s a $9000 motorcycle, look what you can buy at Triumph for the same money, or plenty other manufacturers for that matter. 2018 Duke 690’s can be bought new right now for less than 8k.

  80. Tank says:

    Another great bike that probably won’t sell because of looks and price.

  81. Daytona James says:

    Been hit way to hard with the ‘Ugly Stick’. Perhaps if they used the other end of the stick…

  82. Weik says:

    Too bad it doesn’t look like the Svartpilen 401 with the spoke wheels, rack on the tank and aggressive tires.

  83. Chris says:

    Try as I might …

  84. Gary says:

    Might be a brilliantly engineered bike but it looks like something a gray whale would vomit.

  85. RonH says:

    What a worthless video. When will MC manufacturers realize people would rather see a technical review of the new bike? I guess it works for millennials who can’t figure out how a hammer works.

    • Dave says:

      I think you’re right, they’re trying to reach younger/millennial riders (who are far smarter than you’re giving them credit for), which is smart. Isn’t it ironic that they’re using a heritage that none of them are old enough to remember? I think they’re still going to be hamstrung by marketing channels and dealer network.

      • RonH says:

        Well yes, millennials are phone smart. That is unless they’re confronted with a dial phone.

        • Anonymous says:

          I could teach a millenial how to use a dial phone in 10 seconds. After 5 years, my mother still can’t figure out how to use her iPhone. Which generation is the smart one?

          • Bart says:

            I just download the Rotary Dial app…problem solved!!

          • Anonymous says:

            Maybe yo’ momma be stupid. I mean after all…She be yo’ momma. The pellet don’t fall far from the bunny’s butt, ya know.

          • Anonymous says:

            Looks like it’s time to take comment moderation a little more seriously on MD. The tone in these some of the comments here isn’t too friendly.

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