The Svartpilen range has always held a special place in the motorcycling landscape, with its bold, almost conceptual design. It also boasts raw performance, attracting both style and urban riding enthusiasts. The 2025 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 stands before us with a new look and enhanced performance.
Now built around a twin-cylinder engine, this new iteration promises to combine neo-café racer styling with dynamic handling. A true roadster with a distinctive look, characterful mechanics, and undeniable driving pleasure, discover it with us.
Concept-like design
The styling of the 2025 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is definitely not half-measures. Its exaggerated lines are immediately recognisable, with its angular tank, minimalist seat, and compact ergonomics. The use of several aluminium parts lends an industrial, raw, yet functional touch.
The aesthetic is clean and sober, but every detail exudes quality and contributes to the dark look. Which makes perfect sense, given that “Svartpilen” is Swedish for black arrow.
The round LED headlight, encircled by a distinctive light ring, evokes a cross between tradition and modernity. The fairings are reduced to their simplest expression, but each component seems carefully designed and blends in perfectly. Overall, the bike has the look of a rolling prototype. As such, it’s a divisive design… some will love it, others less so. However, its allure leaves no one indifferent, and that’s precisely the point. Hats off to Kiska Design for this masterpiece on wheels.
Characteristic motorization
Beneath its artistic motorcycle looks, the 2025 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 hides a tried-and-tested powertrain. Indeed, it features the parallel-twin engine used by Austrian firm KTM in its 790 models. Well established, this engine is renowned for its torquey character. With its 799 cm³, it develops 105 hp at 9250 rpm and 87 Nm of torque at 8000 rpm. Its weight of just 181 kg (400 lb) gives it an excellent power-to-weight ratio. What’s more, the V-Twin’s handling is smooth, while its sound is intoxicating.
The engine is both powerful and versatile, as it accepts low revs well. As a result, it can be civilized in dense urban traffic. As soon as you exceed 6,000 rpm, however, it “wakes up”. It unleashes all its ardor in a frank and sustained rev-up. All this is assisted by an easy-to-use two-way quickshifter, which accentuates sportiness without sacrificing comfort. The latter is available with the “Dynamic” package, offering a panoply of electronic add-ons and driving aids.
Electronic aids
Several driving modes (Street, Rain, Sport) are featured on the full-colour instrument panel. Multi-level adjustable traction control, such as ABS, wheelie-control and more. These are all adjustable via handlebar controls and the intuitive 5″ TFT dashboard interface.
High-caliber WP Apex suspension!
At the front, a 43 mm inverted fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping. A monoshock at the rear, also adjustable for preload and rebound. Travel is relatively long for a roadster: 140 mm front and 150 mm rear. This allows us to effectively absorb road imperfections and poor road surfaces, even if the settings are firm.
Braking and tires
Braking is entrusted to J.Juan, a Brembo subsidiary. Two 300 mm front discs are fitted with 4-piston radial calipers. At the rear, a 240 mm disc. The whole system is progressive, powerful and reassuring, even in dynamic driving.
The 17″ spoked wheels are fitted with Pirelli MT60 RS. These are scrambler-looking tires with semi-aggressive studs. However, they offer surprising grip on asphalt, even when wet. They can also be used on gravel roads, but the Svartpilen remains a tourer first and foremost.
On the road: a multi-faceted pleasure
Getting to grips with the Svartpilen 801 is a breeze. The riding position is upright, with legs moderately bent, and the wide handlebars offer excellent control. In town, it’s maneuverable and docile. The smooth-running engine allows you to ride smoothly at low revs. What’s more, its low weight (181 kg dry) makes manoeuvring easy. It’s a pleasure to drive, for weaving in and out of traffic and taking shortcuts.
On the road, it reveals a different face. The V-twin engine becomes responsive, ready to pounce on the slightest demand. The suspension handles irregularities without flinching, and the bike remains firmly planted in corners. The steering is precise, the chassis rigid, and the whole package encourages you to pick up the pace. Just beware of speeding off the mark with such dynamism.
Sport mode further refines throttle response. Combined with the quickshifter, this allows dynamic acceleration without letting go of the throttle. It’s simply exhilarating to push it through the revs and take successive bends. Cornering ABS and electronic traction control provide reassurance when driving hard, especially on secondary roads or in the rain.
How could it improve?
Despite its innumerable qualities, the 2025 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 leaves room for a few desirable improvements;
- Saddle comfort, which is true to the Husqvarna range. The saddle is thin, firm and unwelcoming for long distances. It fits in perfectly with the sleek design, but requires regular breaks.
- Wind protection is non-existent on such a bike. The absence of a windscreen makes freeway journeys relatively tiring over medium distances. A discreet windscreen would be welcome to improve comfort without compromising style. At the same time, that’s what suits the look of a stripped-down motorcycle… can you blame it?
- Finally, a retail price that’s higher than the category average. Even if it can be justified by the model’s quality of finish and exclusivity, it places the 801 in a densely competitive zone. Particularly when compared with more versatile roadsters or those with more standard equipment.
Conclusion
The 2025 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is a motorcycle with character, with its assertive design and high-performance mechanics. It’s aimed at demanding riders who love distinctive machines and want an experience that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is dynamic.
More mature than the 401, and more lively than many of the segment’s medium-displacement bikes… This bike is making a serious name for itself in the naked bike niche.
Thanks to Husqvarna Canada for the loan of the test unit. Visit their website Link to or your local dealer for more details.
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Vincent Bourque Veilleux
Columnist
Equipment worn during the test
- Coat: Oxford Montreal 4.0
- Pants: Oxford Montreal 4.0
- Helmet: LS2 Valiant II
- Boots: Falco Ranger Falco Ranger
- Photo credits: Steve Maillet
