Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Overview – Is It Worth the Hype?
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Overview – Is It Worth the Hype?
Blog Article
In the world of motorcycles, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 stands out as a bold experiment—a minimalist, futuristic café racer with aggressive styling and a performance pedigree rooted in Husqvarna’s long history of off-road and enduro excellence. But beyond the stunning design and the brand recognition, one has to ask: is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 truly worth the hype?
This overview dives into the heart of the machine, analyzing its design, performance, features, pros and cons, and ultimately delivering a verdict on whether it lives up to expectations.
A Bold Aesthetic Statement
Futuristic Meets Retro
At first glance, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 doesn’t look like your typical street bike. Its clean lines, monochrome color scheme, and sharply sculpted bodywork give it a futuristic presence. Yet, there’s a distinct nod to the past in its café racer stance—low handlebars, minimalist frame, and sculpted tank.
Minimalism Redefined
The motorcycle's name, Vitpilen, means “White Arrow” in Swedish—a reflection of its Scandinavian roots and minimalist philosophy. The body is stripped down to its essentials. With its sleek tail section, LED lighting, and bar-end mirrors, this is a design that appeals to riders who want something different—something artistic and mechanical at once.
Performance and Engine
Powerhouse Single-Cylinder
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is powered by a 692.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces approximately 75 horsepower and 72 Nm of torque. While that may not sound overwhelming compared to larger twins or inline-fours, this engine is an absolute torque monster in the midrange, making city and spirited riding exhilarating.
Agile and Lightweight
Weighing around 158 kg (dry), the bike is light and responsive. Its steel trellis frame and top-tier WP suspension offer sharp handling and solid feedback, allowing the rider to push hard into corners with confidence.
Whether navigating tight urban streets or winding country roads, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 feels nimble and precise, with a balance that seasoned riders will appreciate.
Technology and Features
Electronics Suite
Though minimalist in looks, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is no slouch when it comes to modern features. It comes equipped with:
Ride-by-wire throttle
Switchable ABS (by Bosch)
Slipper clutch
Quickshifter (up only)
It lacks multiple ride modes or traction control, which may seem like a downside to tech-focused riders. However, its stripped-down approach stays true to its purist riding philosophy.
Instrument Cluster
The circular digital instrument panel is visually in sync with the bike’s aesthetic, though it may be considered too basic for some. It delivers all the necessary information but does lack the flashiness or customization found on TFT displays.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Riding Position
The ergonomics of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 are aggressive yet manageable. The clip-on handlebars put the rider in a slightly forward-leaning position, more sport-focused than relaxed. It’s ideal for dynamic riding but may lead to fatigue on longer rides.
The seat, while stylish, is firm and narrow. It suits short commutes and spirited sessions but isn’t built for touring comfort.
Everyday Usability
Thanks to its light weight and upright geometry, the bike is surprisingly usable for daily commuting. However, the lack of wind protection and firm seat make it less ideal for extended highway rides.
Build Quality and Components
Husqvarna, now under KTM’s ownership, benefits from KTM’s engineering and parts sharing. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 features premium components including:
WP Apex suspension (fully adjustable)
Brembo brakes
Lightweight alloy wheels
High-quality switchgear
Fit and finish are impressive, with no cheap plastics or rattling parts. The bike feels solid and meticulously put together.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Unique, head-turning design
Light and agile handling
Strong midrange performance
Quality components and suspension
Pure riding experience
Cons
Limited comfort for long distances
High price for a single-cylinder bike
Basic instrument panel
No traction control or ride modes
Who Should Buy the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701?
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is not for everyone. It’s a niche bike, built for those who value style and purity over comfort and utility. If you’re an experienced rider looking for a bike with character, something unlike anything else on the street, the Vitpilen delivers in spades.
It’s ideal for city riders, café racer enthusiasts, and those who prioritize a visceral riding connection. However, if you’re looking for a long-distance tourer or beginner-friendly ride, there are better options.
Competition
The Vitpilen 701 sits in a competitive field with alternatives like:
Ducati Scrambler 800
Triumph Street Twin (now Speed Twin 900)
Yamaha XSR700
KTM 690 Duke (shares similar engine)
Each of these offers a different take on the modern retro or minimalist bike, but none match the visual statement of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.
Price and Value
The price of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is often a sticking point. Typically retailing at a premium compared to similarly specced bikes, it asks buyers to pay for its design and exclusivity rather than sheer power or features.
That said, for riders who "get" the bike and its ethos, the price can be justified. It’s less a machine and more a rolling sculpture with performance to match.
Conclusion
So, is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 worth the hype?
If you're drawn to motorcycles that break conventions, offer razor-sharp dynamics, and possess a unique identity, then absolutely—this bike lives up to the buzz. Its performance, styling, and minimalist philosophy combine to create a standout machine that’s as much about art as it is about speed.
However, for those seeking practicality, comfort, or value per horsepower, the Vitpilen might not check all the boxes. It’s a rider’s machine—built to thrill and to be admired.
In a market full of clones and predictable designs, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is refreshingly original. For the right rider, it’s not just worth the hype—it exceeds it.
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