Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 2023 — Specifications

We tend to forget it, but Husqvarna wasn’t just a major player in motocross. The brand also raced at speed, sold road models in the first half of its existence, and was renowned for its cutting-edge innovation. But that was before...

After numerous setbacks and changes in ownership, Husky truly returned to the road with its Svartpilen and Vitpilen roadsters – let’s forget about the Nuda episode. In a few years, sales have increased dramatically. It makes sense to capitalize on this trend and extend the family in the particularly popular 125 cm3 format.

So, a small Svartpilen has arrived on the roads. Apart from its off-road models, we haven’t seen a Husqvarna of this displacement… for a very long time. With its design echoing the 701 and 401, this little beauty gives a very different identity from what you can find on the market. Neither manga, nor retro, nor techno, and certainly not mainstream, the 125 Svartpilen is a chic and striking motorcycle.

Let’s get the suspense out of the way regarding the true nationality of this Swedish-named machine. It only has that nationality by name. The engine and chassis come directly from KTM (the parent company); more precisely from the 125 Duke. However, the designers had the intelligence and common sense to create such a specific bodywork that it’s almost impossible to see the little Duke underneath. This allows the Svartpilen to avoid a confrontation on the same ground. The Duke is aggressive, tense, biting, bulging; while the “black arrow” is on a more hipster, offbeat art, street experience, and unusual shapes approach. And it works! It seems strange at first, but quickly exudes a hypnotic feeling of a young, hardened warrior.

Yes, its atmosphere may be disturbing or enchanting. But you have to admire the feat of harmoniously bringing together its extended flanks like a sheet of ice, the horizon of the seat and tank, this rear trimmed with a chainsaw, the beautiful inverted fork, the spoked wheels wrapped in off-road tires, and a round headlight as bionic as can be. Special mention for the luggage rack attached above the tank. Unprecedented, intriguing, and striking.

Let’s change perspective. We’ve only seen the KTM underbelly of this Svartpilen. Let’s look at its engine. The Austrian single-cylinder receives Husqvarna-badged cases to cleverly deceive the world. Cool! Equipped with a 46 mm injection, 4 valves, a double ACT, and liquid cooling, it produces the legal maximum of 15 horsepower at 9500 rpm. 12 Nm of torque is available at 7500 rpm. The bike can therefore parade alongside its Duke cousin, but also outrun the Mondial HPS, CB 125 R, Zontes Scrambler, and Yamaha XSR.

The steel trellis frame, painted black, is as discreet as possible. The measured power of the engine won’t twist it; there’s no risk of seeing it flex under the load, so it can safely accommodate the 43 mm WP inverted fork and the same-origin shock absorber. Only the latter is adjustable, in preload. The suspension offers a little more travel than most roadsters, with 142 mm of travel. These few extra mm of travel augur a little more comfort.

Weighing in at 146 kilos on the scale, the little Svartpilen is in the upper average range for 125s in terms of weight. This won’t be a problem for the ByBre braking system, already installed on the higher range. The large 320 mm front disc is clamped by a radial 4-piston caliper. The rear is less demanding with a 230 mm disc and a single piston to calm it down.

With its “Ready to race” KTM genes, it’s tempting to provoke the Svart’, to push it into sporty riding and have fun constraining the chassis. But the tires will prevent you from fully exploiting the potential of the Husqy. Their large blocks will limit efficiency on the road. However, these Pirelli Scorpion STR will allow for a few off-road excursions.

Regarding instrumentation, we remain in the spirit of brotherhood. Only circular shapes are used to manage the display, whether for the LCD screen, the tachometer, and the entire block. The information is multiple (speed, gear engaged, engine speed, fuel gauge, engine temperature, clock, textual indications...). However, the superimposed visor risks disturbing readability due to various reflections, especially in sunlight.

Husqvarna fires its arrows with success. With their design apostrophe, the ‘Pilen are not roadsters like the others. This 125 embraces the same philosophy. But it does so dearly. The youngest of the Svartpilen is also one of the most expensive motorcycles in its category. Riding differently is a choice or a crush.

M.B - Photos constructeur