Tag Archives: Husqvarna

Husqvarna announces updated 701 line-up for 2020

December 3, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

2020 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto & 701 Enduro

Husqvarna have announced updates to the 2020 701 Supermoto and 701 Enduro models, including new switchable ride modes, a Bosch cornering ABS system, “Easy Shift” function and lean sensitive motorcycle traction control, alongside the existing features which have made the model a favourite amongst owners.

Husqvarna SUPERMOTO CLOTHING — 2020 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

For the first time, each model also has their own unique new graphics.

Husqvarna ENDURO — 2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro

2020 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto & Enduro features

New switchable Ride Modes
New Bosch cornering ABS
New Easy Shift function
New lean-angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control
New graphics and slim bodywork
Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame
Aluminium swingarm
Polyamide rear subframe with integrated fuel tank

The Australian market saw the 2019 701 Supermoto launched earlier in the year, arriving for $15,995 RRP. Australian pricing and availability of the 2020 models yet to be announced.

The Husqvarna 701 models feature a 692.7cc single-cylinder engine with Ride-by-Wire and producing 72 hp at 5000rpm. A Keihin EFI system includes a 50mm throttle-body controlled by the EMS.

Husqvarna SUPERMOTO — 2020 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

A lightweight trellis frame is manufactured with chomium-molybdenum steel, with a self supporting rear subframe including an integrated 13 litre fuel tank in polyamide thermoplastic. A light-weight aluminium swingarm maximises traction and stability.

Suspension is provided by WP Performance Systems, with Brembo brakes and spoked wheels, with the Supermoto featuring 17-inch wheels, and the Enduro running a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear with 250 mm suspension travel at each end.

On the Supermoto suspension is WP USD split-function 48mm forks matched to a WP monoshock fitted with Pro-Lever linkage. A single 320mm rotor is matched to a Brembo four-piston caliper while a 250mm rear rotor is joined by a single-piston Brembo floating caliper.

2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR

Also joining the 701 line-up in 2020 is the brand new 701 Enduro LR (Long Range), which shares the same electronics as the 701 Enduro but offers additional touring capabilities for riders wanting to travel further.

Husqvarna ENDURO LR — 2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro LR (Long Range)

Remaining a lightweight and nimble machine, the additional 12-litre auxiliary fuel tank increases the total fuel capacity to 25 litres, meaning a significantly bigger fuel range for more enduro capability. 701 Enduro LR availability is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek returns to NSW in 2020

November 28, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek is set to return for 2020 when the ‘Northern Explorer’ event takes place between April 27 to May 1, in New South Wales.

An ideal opportunity for Husqvarna 701 Enduro riders to take the ultimate one-model adventure together, next year’s edition follows on from the inaugural event held in the Victorian High Country earlier in 2019.

Husqvarna Enduro Trek — 2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek announced

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek: Northern Explorer represents the pioneering brand’s Simple, Progressive mantra and riders who take part will be treated to an unforgettable four-day experience with fellow adventurers.

[embedded content]

Boasting an assortment of terrain including everything from sandy coastal tracks to lush rainforest with rocky water crossings and impressive hillclimbs, there will also be a mix of open cattle country for participants with a wide range of abilities including optional harder routes.

Starting and finishing in Coffs Harbour, the Husky Trek will explore Northern NSW from coast to country with overnights in Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Yamba – aiming to support local businesses in the region which have been affected by drought and devastating fires recently.

At $1495 per rider, the entry fee includes approximately 1200-kilometres of adventure riding over four-days with lead riders, course markers, GPS files, luggage support, technical and tyre support, back-up vehicle, sweep and medical support, as well as dinner every night.

Participants will also receive a Husqvarna Motorcycles Riders Bag (t-shirt, stickers and more), as well as enjoy the opportunity to ride with professional riders and special guests.

In addition riders can relive the Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek: Northern Explorer through an event video featuring all of the highlights and official event photography provided by a dedicated media crew.

Riders will be required to have a road-registered Husqvarna 701 Enduro motorcycle fitted with knobby tyres, as well as third-party property damage insurance or comprehensive motorcycle insurance (recommended) and a full open unrestricted motorcycle licence.

Space is limited in the 2020 Husqvarna 701 Enduro Trek: Northern Explorer, so be certain to secure your entry when registrations open Wednesday December 11th at 9.00am AEST at:

https://ridehusqvarna.com.au/2019/11/27/2020-husqvarna-motorcycles-701-enduro-trek-northern-explorer/

Source: MCNews.com.au

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Husqvarna to Moto3 with MAX Racing | Fenati & Lopez riding

November 25, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Husqvarna to Moto3 with MAX Racing & Max Biaggi

Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez to run new Husqvarna FR 250 GP

Husqvarna Motorcycles have announced their return to international road racing and the FIM World Championship Grand Prix Moto3 class where they will officially support the Max Racing Team.

Husqvarna FR GP — Husqvarna return to Moto3 with the FR 250 GP and Max Biaggi’s Max Racing Team in 2020

Owned by four-time 250cc World Champion Max Biaggi who secured no fewer than 42 GP victories during an illustrious career and under the management of experienced German former-racer Peter Öttl, the team will field Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez in the 2020 season on the new Husqvarna FR 250 GP.

Max Biaggi – Max Racing Team Principal

“I am very happy that Husqvarna Motorcycles have chosen to support our team for their return to international road racing. Husqvarna’s re-entry into Moto3 is a very special and unique moment, one that personally I am very proud to be associated with. Everyone in the team is looking forward to 2020. We believe that with the support of Husqvarna Motorcycles we can achieve great things. Our two riders are both very motivated. With Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez, we have one experienced and one young rider, but both can deliver strong results. We will give our riders all we can to allow them to show their true potential.”

The Moto3 class replaced the 125cc category in 2012 and is restricted to single-cylinder 250cc four-stroke machines. In 2014 Husqvarna Motorcycles secured Moto3 class podium finishes, stepping away from the series at the end of 2015.

With a rich heritage in road racing, Husqvarna Motorcycles’ return to the hotly contested Moto3 category mirrors the brand’s wider expansion into the global street motorcycle market.

Peter Öttl – Max Racing Team Manager

“I am really proud to work with Husqvarna Motorcycles in the Moto3 World Championship. After my active racing career, I worked for Husqvarna in their Offroad Racing Department, so to be opening another chapter with the brand in 2020 is personally very special to me. We have a close relationship with the company for almost 10 years now and this project is another display of trust but also a huge responsibility for our team. With the signing of Romano Fenati and Alonso Lopez, we will have two promising riders on the Husqvarna FR 250 GP. Fenati is one of the most successful Moto3 riders in recent years and he proved it already with 11 GP victories. We are convinced that he has the potential to fight for the podium right away. With Alonso Lopez, we rely on a young rider – he´s just 17 years old but already with two years’ experience in the FIM World Championship. During the last races he has produced some great performances in the category and we are confident he will evolve and improve in our team. I am more than satisfied with our rider line-up – with an experienced rider and a young talent both at a high level in the Moto3 FIM World Championship we’re looking forward to a very positive 2020 season.”

The experienced Romano Fenati finished the 2017 Moto3 World Championship as runner-up, showing himself to be a rider capable of delivering strong, season-long performances. During his time as a Moto3 campaigner Fenati has earned 11 GP victories, 24 podiums and four pole positions.

MotoGP Assen Fenati GP AN — Romano Fenati – Image by AJRN

Alonso Lopez, at just 17 years old, is also keen to make his mark on the Moto3 series. 2020 will be the young Spaniard’s third year in the class having made his debut in 2018, claiming a recent third-place result at the Thai Grand Prix he has shown he is more than capable of fighting for top results.

MotoGP Catalunya Fri Moto Alonso Lopez — Alonso Lopez – Catalunya MotoGP 2019

Moto3 World Championship kicks off in Qatar on March 8th.

Pit Beirer – Motorsports Director at KTM / Husqvarna Motorcycles

“We’re really excited to be able to bring the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand back into road racing and the Moto3 World Championship. The Moto3 category is an excellent platform to nurture new Grand Prix talent and represents the first rung in MotoGP World Championship competition when it comes to developing rider potential. With the knowledgeable and experienced pairing of Max Biaggi and Peter Öttl heading the team, and riders Fenati and Lopez both more than capable of challenging for race wins, we are really looking forward to seeing what the Max Racing Team can do in the 2020 season with the Husqvarna FR 250 GP.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Husqvarna 901 Norden Concept | Want! Now!

November 5, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Overnight at EICMA Husqvarna unveiled a concept adventure-touring machine dubbed the 901 Norden.

Hidden behind its rally style flanks is the 899.5 cc LC8c parallel twin, a larger version of the grunty new engine first debuted in KTM’s 790 Duke.

While short on detail, Husqvarna claim that their concept machine is lighter than any of its rivals and features high-end equipment throughout.

Rolling on a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear the Norden promises serious adventure.

One can only hope that it looks this damn good when no doubt the Norden becomes a production reality in due time. But I want this bike R-F-N, dammit!

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

KTM defies downward sales spiral

September 11, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Whatever KTM is doing, it seems to be working because the company, together with its acquisition Husqvarna, is defying the worldwide downward motorcycle sales spiral.

The Austrian manufacturing group has just posted record revenue, sales and earnings results for the ninth time in a row.

KTM group sold 135,711 motorcycles in the first half of 2019 consisting of 115,318 KTM motorcycles and 20,393 Husqvarnas. That’s up 7% on last year.

Sales spiral

In Australia, KTM sales are slightly down 4.9% in the first half of the year compared with the 11.4% marketwide downward spiral.

However, KTM is the only company in Australia with increased road bike sales, up 9.1%.

Meanwhile, Husqvarna is down 13.6% and 23.8% in road bikes.

Australian market third-quarter results are expected to be announced in the first week of October.

It will be interesting to see how KTM performs after the factory bought the distribution rights to KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles in Australia and New Zealand in June

Australia is the third largest market in the world for KTM.

Right mix

So what is KTM doing right?

For a long time KTM has been successful on the track and showroom floor with dirt bikes.

Several years ago they realised they could not realistically grow their market share anymore in this sector, so they started to concentrate on road bikes.

KTM has always been successful in converting Sunday track wins to sales, so maybe it has something to do with its MotoGP involvement, although they will pull out of supplying the Moto2 chassis from next year.

Perhaps it is the right mix of motorcycles that is KTM’s strength.

Despite its MotoGP involvement, the company has spurned the sagging super bike market.

Instead, their line-up is comprised of high-performing, modern-styled supermotos, naked, sports tourers and adventure bikes.

Whatever they are doing, it might be time for other manufacturers to look at the KTM sales model.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MotoGP, Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Husqvarna to join Moto3 | New model in development

August 11, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Husqvarna to compete Moto3 from 2020

KTM commit to MotoGP until 2026

Husqvarna have been announced as making their return to MotoGP racing, alongside the announcement that KTM has made a five-year commitment to their racing efforts in MotoGP until 2026, in the Moto3 and premier MotoGP class.

MotoGP Rnd Austria QP Pol Espargaro — KTM have reconfirmed their commitment to MotoGP until 2026, with a focus on Moto3 and MotoGP

Husqvarna’s comeback will be marked with a dedicated Moto3 race team and a new model, which will be developed specifically for Moto3, with more details yet to be released.

KTM AG CEO Stefan Pierer and Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta inked the fresh contract for KTM to remain as part of the MotoGP grid for another five years at the Red Bull Ring for the myWorld Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich this weekend. The existing agreement will now extend to a total of seven years from the current campaign: KTM’s third as part of the high profile MotoGP series.

With the pledge to the pinnacle of Grand Prix racing confirmed, KTM realigned their output in the support categories by placing principle emphasis on MotoGP and Moto3. Europe’s leading manufacturer will maintain their carefully constructed ‘road to MotoGP’ ladder from the new Northern Talent Cup (for 2020) and through the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the subsequent divisions up until MotoGP but will reshape their perspective in the following two areas.

Moto Test Jerez May Aron Canet — Aron Canet currently leads the KTM Moto3 effort, with Husqvarna to develop their own Moto3 race machine

Withdrawal as a chassis manufacturer in Moto2 but keeping the close relationship with Aki Ajo’s team as the crucial stepping-stone for Red Bull KTM in MotoGP.

A further focus on Moto3 as the building block for Grand Prix talent to showcase and develop their potential. This includes a renewed effort with the return of Husqvarna to road racing. Adopting the KTM technical platform the brand was part of Moto3 in 2014 and 2015 and scored two podium results in the first season thanks to Danny Kent. The intention for 2020 is to develop a new Husqvarna race bike specifically for Moto3.

KTM continues to make promising gains in the MotoGP class where the quest for single-digit race results in the fiercely competitive contest remains on-track. The brand is a firm believer in the educational role of Moto3. The company’s young heritage started in the best possible way with the first two titles in 2012 (Sandro Cortese) and 2013 (Maverick Viñales) and another in 2016 with Brad Binder and KTM wishes to enforce this initial rung into Grand Prix racing.

MotoGP Rnd Brno Moto Aron Canet — Aaron Canet leads the Moto3 standings following Brno 2019

Stefan Pierer, CEO KTM AG

“We made a proactive decision here at our home grand prix to renew our stay in MotoGP and commit to another five years of competition. This is part of a wider strategic view and we now have seven years to rise towards the top of the MotoGP class; the same period of time we needed to conquer the Dakar Rally. We know we are firmly on the way and have made good steps in less than three years already. As part of this outlook we want to boost Moto3: it is the foundation and the base of road racing for us. It is where we began and where we are one of the leading brands. We see a very good opportunity here by bringing back Husqvarna with force; there will be a new bike and a special direction with this project. All of this movement means we will pool our resources and energy and as a consequence we will step out of Moto2.”

Stefan Pierer MotoGP Austria — Stefan Pierer made the announcement in Austria

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director

“First of all it is fantastic for us to continue to stay in ‘sixth gear’ as a company in MotoGP and to be able to keep pushing hard to achieve our goals. With our knowledge of more than three-hundred FIM world championships in so many classes we know the ingredients to have success in racing and we are determined not to move from our objective. For this I want to thank Mr Pierer and the KTM AG board for the extra vote of confidence and for all the hard work and belief that every single person who touches this project has made so far. Secondly we have looked at the entire programme and know that our effort has to be well placed, and we believe that MotoGP and Moto3 are the main platforms for us moving forwards. Thanks to the great work and experience with Aki we can maintain a link to Moto2 and the perhaps what is the final preparation needed for the jump to MotoGP. We feel strongly that we can have this asset even though we will vastly reduce our presence as a chassis contributor. We can feel the passion for MotoGP at places like Red Bull Ring this weekend and it allows us to feed off that energy. We believe that exciting times are coming for us as a racing division and as a company.”

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 arrives at $17,595 Ride Away

June 24, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia’s Real Street Range continues to expand with the introduction of the sleek new Husqvarna Svartpilen 701, available now at Husqvarna Street Dealers for $17,595 Ride Away.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 increases Husky’s range for road riders with their unique take on the segment.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 is a single-cylinder street explorer that boasts a progressive mix of classic thinking and modern design with styling cues that take inspiration from the flat-track scene.

Svartpilen 701 rolls on lightweight 18-inch front and 17-inch rear black cast alloy wheels.

Despite its low profile, the seat of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 integrated into the tail uses high-quality materials that Husky claim are both comfortable and durable.

The rear-end is a standout component of the design, with a flat track-type side panel, as well as a swingarm-mounted license plate and turn signals.

The minimalist 12-litre fuel tank is a focal point of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 701’s style with an aluminium filler cap that displays the Husqvarna Motorcycles logo.

Riders will appreciate the off-road style of handlebars and risers, which add to the comfortable ergonomics and result in an upright riding position. Forged aluminium triple clamps have been designed to ensure high levels of strength.

There is a prominent digital display unit that displays necessary information, situated directly above the subtle number board style front panel.

Its premium LED headlight with a daytime running light around the circumference makes for an unmistakable identity in all conditions, as does the LED tail light.

Husqvarna Svartpilen F — 2019 Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

Visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com.au for further information

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, News

KTM factory takes over Australian distribution

June 6, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

The KTM factory has bought the distribution rights to KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles in Australia and New Zealand, the company’s third largest market in the world for KTM.

Factory ownership will give Aussie KTM and Husqvarna riders and dealers an increased level of support, says KTM Group Australia and New Zealand GM Jeff Leisk.

KTM bikes had been distributed by Automotive Holdings Group for 25 years and in recent years they also imported Husqvarna and WP Suspension.

KTM factory Australia adds WP Suspension and gear — WP Suspension

The Austrian factory bought 26% of the company in 2017 and from July will own 100% in a deal that values the business at $18 million.

KTM chief marketing officer Hubert Trunkenpolz says the transaction “reinforces our commitment to the Australian and New Zealand markets”.

“This is a very positive development for the KTM dealer network and the KTM customer in both countries,” he says.

The change will have no impact on KTM Group staff or established dealer networks for KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and WP Suspension, a company statement says.

The four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, plus BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle are the only other motorcycle manufacturers who also own the distribution rights in Australia and New Zealand.

All others are distributed by Australian-own importers.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

5 Best Scrambler Motorcycles Of 2019

May 8, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

As with café racers, scrambler-style motorcycles are in the midst of a mainstream revival, custom builders across the globe often turn to this aesthetic in their projects, and manufacturers are seeing enough mass-market appeal to dedicate resources to creating off-the-shelf versions. For fans of the look and function of a scrambler, these are good times indeed. We’ve chosen five of the best versions available today that prove the point.

Starting things off is the 2019 BMW R nineT Scrambler. Even though it looks a little too polished to take in the dirt, BMW was smart about the roadster’s conversion. This bike is much more capable off road than it appears. A few years back, Ari Henning put one to the test and found its 1,170cc boxer twin capable, it’s weight well balanced, and the 19-inch front and 17-inch wheel combination a good fit for an off-road ride. Now, as with all of the bikes in this list, if you’re looking to do serious adventure riding, get an adventure bike. But if you want a great roadbike with the ability to explore a fire road on a whim, complete with nods to the scrambler style like high exhaust, fork gaiters, and a stripped-down look, then the R nineT Scrambler is a great choice.

The 2019 Indian FTR 1200 S isn’t a scrambler in the strict sense; it’s clearly a tracker based on a competition machine. But it warrants inclusion on this list for two reasons. First, it’s an able-bodied roadbike with off-road chops. This motorcycle will blast down a dirt road as well as it leans into the corner on an oval. Plus it’s got solid, fully adjustable suspension, a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel configuration, and is pared down to the essentials. Second, it’s ripe for customization. Indian Motorcycle already offers curated kits to turn the motorcycle into a more sporty, more rugged, more touring-friendly mount. That means you can easily transform this already off-road-capable streetbike into a motorcycle more in keeping with the scrambler aesthetic. The scramblers from the ’60s generally started life as roadbikes and were altered to better handle the demands of the dirt, so customization was a necessary facet of the type. The FTR 1200 S honors that tradition.

There is hardly any rival to the new Triumph Scrambler XE. It’s the epitome of the scrambler look from a brand that made this type of bike famous in the mid-20th century. This is the more off-road-focused version, there’s also an XC that is geared toward the road a bit more, so will have no trouble at all getting on it in the dirt. It’s packing a 1,200cc parallel twin with huge amounts of torque, long-travel Öhlins suspension, a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel configuration, and electronic aids that can be switched off to really get spinning off-road. This bike impressed during our first ride review earlier this year and is really the standard-bearer of the segment currently. It’s so good off-road and on that it could hold its own against some adventure bikes.

The 2019 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is the closest rival to the Triumph in this list in terms of off-road capability. Ducati delivered a version of its versatile Scrambler line with long-travel suspension, a stout trellis frame, good power delivery on the low end, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and all the aesthetic touches one would want on a truly on-/off-road-worthy motorcycle. It’s not as completely authentic in terms of the scrambler elements as the Triumph, a single shock out back and a somewhat low exhaust setup being the main offenders in this regard, but it’s still a really sharp machine.

Husqvarna came at the café segment with a fresh perspective with the Vitpilen bikes, and does the same with the scrambler segment with its Svartpilen 401. We chose the 401 over the 701 version because it’s the more rugged of the two, better equipped off the showroom floor for some fun off road. It’s more of an urban scrambler than a true competitor to the Ducati or Triumph, but it wins points in our book for the bold design that Husqvarna has achieved.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

News

2019 Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 First Ride Review

May 6, 2019 mcnews Leave a comment

Said streetbike lineup is dominated by the Vitpilen (White Arrow) and Svartpilen (Black Arrow), and both machines were initially released as 401 models based on the KTM 390 platform. Husqvarna also utilized the KTM 690 platform to create the Vitpilen 701, a bike we loved for the motor, handling, and style. However, an aggressive riding position meant you sacrificed a bit of comfort for the sake of style. It seems that Husqvarna has heard our notes, because the new Svartpilen retains the dynamic excellence of the White Arrow but provides ergonomics that allow you to enjoy the perks for much longer stints at a time.

The styling aesthetic is goth flat-tracker, with varying shades of black designed to absorb as much light and attention as possible. Bronze accents in the engine and exhaust help break up the potential monotony, but the styling is love-or-hate. I happen to fall in the former camp, but even if you’re in the latter, you can’t claim that it’s bland.

It’s also not bland to ride. The Svartpilen 701 makes a strong case as the best single-cylinder streetbike currently in production thanks to premium components such as Brembo brakes with Bosch 9M ABS, adjustable WP suspension, up and down quickshifter, a slipper clutch, and the KTM 690 Duke-derived motor with dual counterbalancers that produces a claimed 75 hp and 53 pound-feet of torque.

Because the whole package weighs just 369 pounds wet and the new bars are tall and wide, the Black Arrow requires minimal input and is supremely easy to maneuver. Pick a line and the Svartpilen will follow gracefully, accepting any midcorner corrections with ease. The Black Arrow gets a bigger front wheel (18 inches versus 17 inches) and more suspension travel on both ends (5.3 inches to 5.9 inches), but the handling remains precise and the extra comfort is worth it. Suspension duties are handled by WP and both the front and rear are fully adjustable. My 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame was happiest after two extra clicks of preload on both ends, but the rebound and compression were excellent from the factory. The same can be said about the Brembo brakes. One could wish for dual discs in the front, but I found the four-piston caliper clamping on a 320mm disc up front to have excellent feel and more than adequate stopping power.

One concern of mine before the ride was the tire choice of Pirelli’s MT 60 RS. The flat-track design of the tread fits the Svartpilen’s aesthetic, but the block pattern suggests reduced grip at the limit. My concern was unfounded, as the Pirellis offer more grip than I anticipated and are very predictable when being too aggressive. Keeping it all in check is a nearly flawless traction control system and ABS which you cannot shut off.

While you can turn off the TC (which allows for some of the easiest wheelies you’ll ever do), the on/off button might be the worst control I’ve encountered on a motorcycle. It’s difficult to push and frustrating to use. Unfortunately, that just about summarizes the rest of the gauge cluster, which tries to pack too much information into too small of an area. The gauge is a disappointment, and Husky should be replacing it with a TFT screen to match the other top-spec components found on the Svartpilen.

As a bike to ride, the Svartpilen is tremendous. Husqvarna considers this to be a premium single-cylinder motorcycle and that generally shows with the brakes, suspension, engine, and the build quality. There are lots of touches that make you feel special when you ride the Black Arrow.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

MotorCycle News

Tag Archives: Husqvarna

Husqvarna announces updated 701 line-up for 2020