After revolutionizing the 401 range of its naked bikes, Husqvarna is relaunching and expanding the family upwards with the return of a large-cylinder naked: the Svartpilen 801, a bike that, as in the past, partly shares its technical base with other models from KTM, GASGAS and Husqvarna (belonging to the same Group). It is, however, a bike with a distinctive and refined aesthetic personality, as is often the case when we talk about the Swedish brand’s motorcycles, which declines with a mix of design, and citing the Scrambler, and sportiness of the frame and engine already a prerogative of its “orange” sisters.
The new 801 has practically nothing of the “old” Svartpiplen 701, which was presented four years ago. This is not surprising, given that the 701 was also a very restrained bike in its cross and longitudinal sections, and even less noticeable is the reference to the even more remote Nuda 900 (who remembers it?) which belongs, for many reasons, to a completely different era.
To describe it, let’s start with the most important technical data, starting with the engine: the familiar 799 cc twin-cylinder, with double-shaft distribution and semi-dry sump, in a configuration with 105 hp (77 kW) at 9,250 rpm and 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm of torque. It weighs just 52 kg, without oil but with all the components, such as the electric starter, throttle body, clutch and cooling lines: servicing is scheduled every 15,000 km.
Among the many technical features are, in addition to the ignition sensor and forged aluminum pistons, the drive by wire that controls two 46 mm diameter throttle bodies manufactured by Dellorto. The throttle valve is electronically controlled by the engine management system (EMS), which continuously compares engine parameters with sensor data and adjusts the throttle valves accordingly for optimum throttle response and output.
The six-speed gearbox is associated with a PASC (Power Assist Slipper Clutch) and is equipped with Easy Shift (which can be deactivated), allowing the rider to instantly shift up and down without using the clutch. The Svartpilen 801 is EURO 5+ approved, with an average fuel consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 km.
On the new Svartpilen 801, there are three standard riding modes (Street, Sport, Rain) and an optional riding mode, Dynamic, which regulates the ABS, traction control and engine maps: in Street mode, there is a smoother throttle response, with TCM settings calibrated for riding on asphalt surfaces and ABS in Street mode. The TCM is calibrated to intervene immediately for minimal skidding. Street mode is smooth and accessible for inexperienced riders and those traveling with a passenger, but still dynamic enough to drive with confidence on rough mountain roads.
Sport mode offers a lively and direct response to throttle control and allows some skidding before intervening, while ABS in Supermoto mode allows the rear wheel to lock. On low-grip surfaces, a certain amount of rear wheel slip should be allowed to ensure forward momentum, and the rider should be allowed to corner with the rear wheel. Sport mode is not a cornering mode, and the TCM does not intervene when the driver uses an incline to corner. The anti-wheelie function is also disabled in Sport mode, allowing the driver to lift the front wheel.
Rain mode has an extremely smooth throttle response, reduced power and early intervention by the traction control to ensure control in difficult conditions.
Finally, the optional Dynamic driving mode allows direct control of different functions and reconfigures the information displayed on the instrument panel. This feature can be purchased and activated via software from Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers.
On the electronics side, the first highlight is the adoption of a six-axis inertia platform that enables MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) cornering traction control, which can also be switched off.
Depending on the driving mode selected, cornering MTC allows different levels of rear wheel slip to be set. In the optional Dynamic driving mode, the rider can control the level of MTC intervention on a scale of 9 values and, if desired, can allow the rear wheel to skid and the front wheel to lift when accelerating out of corners.
In addition to Driving Mode, ABS and Traction Control, the Svartpilen 801 can be optionally equipped with an Anti-Wheelie function, which can be adjusted in 5 levels, and Engine Slip Regulation (MSR), an engine brake control system that works with torques opposite to the MTC (retrograde rather than direct) to control engine braking via the ride-by-wire system that keeps the throttle open just enough to ensure controlled deceleration, particularly useful in low-grip situations. Cruise control is also optional.