Husqvarna Vitpilen 701:2018 Pirelli SA BoTY finalist

 

By Réhann Coetzee

Husqvarna’s return to road bikes has earned their edgy Vitpilen 701 a spot among the finalists of the 2018 Pirelli SA Bike of The Year.

Ever since the two Pilen models were introduced and I wrote about them in June, I’ve been wanting to swing a leg over one. It was clearly not a bike aimed at rough mountain roads, or even very long roads, but the design was modern and edgy, yet also somewhat retro-ish.

In November 2014, a year after the relaunch of the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand and subsequent move to Austria, Husqvarna further emphasised its return to the street motorcycle segment by presenting two concept bikes at the EICMA motorcycle expo: the Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401.

They opened up a new segment for Husqvarna Motorcycles.

Husqvarna says the Vitpilen 701 is a modern and innovative naked bike with a sophisticated single-cylinder four-stroke motor. Minimalistic in layout and design, it was created to provide a raw, exhilarating and authentic riding experience.

The engine is fact the thumper used in KTM’s 690 models. And this is probably the only downfall of the bike – apart from its pricing. Although it is a surprisingly tractable engine that is very happy to rev madly, a single-cylinder engine has its limitations.

“Functionality, simplicity and practicality were central to the basic idea and formed the main inspiration behind this bike,” says Husqvarna. “Its designers strongly believed that something fresh was long overdue in the motorcycling world, so they set out to create a bike that better captures the timeless thrill of the ride. The Vitpilen 701 was created to reflect the progressive attitude and styling of a more modern and free-thinking breed of rider.”

The Vitpilen 701 has a ride-by-wire throttle, switchable ABS and a slipper clutch. And riding is a lot of fun. The engine is willing and pulls well enough. And maybe I am a little harsh about the engine’s capabilities, because this is not a bike that will be ridden in anger on a racetrack or over great distances.

For the discerning rider with the money, the Vitpilen can make an interesting addition to the parking garage.

Photos supplied by Husqvarna. Action photos at Gerotek by Bjorn Moreira

 

Technically speaking: Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

Engine: 693cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves, liquid cooled

Power: 55kW @ 8 500rpm / 71Nm @ 6 750rpm

Gears: 6 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 12 litres

Seat height: 835mm

Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 160/60/17 rear

Brakes: 4-piston 320mm single disk (front); single-piston 240mm single disk (rear)

Dry weight: 157kg

Price: R147 699