Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 2025 — Specifications

Husqvarna had unveiled a pair of motorcycles that were both appealing and enigmatic with the 701 Svartpilen and Vitpilen. A roadster and a pseudo café-racer powered by a large 75 hp single-cylinder engine – it was rare, quirky, and offbeat. The 701 ‘Pilen models, however, have decided to move towards something more mainstream without wanting to lose their originality. The Svartpilen doubled its number of cylinders in 2024; its sister now follows suit, becoming the 801 Vitpilen.

The 701 models were very similar in design, the Vitpilen focusing mainly on a more typical riding position. In its 801 format, it seeks to further differentiate itself. And it succeeds with a very elaborate front optic. It’s a real treat to contemplate this luminous ring suspended, beveled, and orbiting around a cyclops headlight. That alone makes a striking impact.

Next, the Vitpilen distinguishes itself only in terms of details: the radiator shrouds, the engine guard, the front fender, the black finish of the exhaust. The entire silhouette marks a total visual and technical break with the 701; yet, it still exudes a scent and a sensation of Nordic runes that fascinate as much as they disturb. A Husqvarna, that’s noticeable wherever you look at it.

The “white arrow” naturally tends towards a more sporty desire than the “black” one. Its tire mount (Michelin Road 6 tires) is more road-oriented than the mixed tires of the Svartpilen, and its lower handlebar brings the rider towards a more incisive posture. But this support is much less marked than on the 701 Vitpilen, which opted for more aggressive handlebar-bracelets. A change of habits? Or a desire for accessibility? For those who want to adjust this position somewhat, the handlebar risers are adjustable.

Hidden beneath the Scandinavian skin is the technology of the 790 Duke. Who would have thought it!?! The Husky roadster is built on a minimalist chrome-molybdenum frame where the engine sits as a structural element. The 799 cm3 twin delivers 105 horsepower (10 more than the Austrian) at 9,250 rpm and no less than 8.9 mkg at 8,000 rpm. Enough to have fun on any road, especially since this engine is not stingy with energy when you call upon it forcefully.

It is accompanied by 3 Riding Modes (Street – Rain – Sport); four with Dynamic (customizable) if you go for a tour at the options dealer. The latter also unlocks the Supermoto braking mode to play with the machine’s rear wheel, cutting the ABS. The quickshifter is also an option (decidedly…). However, the 801 Vitpilen provides standard ABS and angle-sensitive traction control, a 5-inch color TFT screen with a connectivity unit to benefit from Smartphone interaction (turn-by-turn navigation, call management, music), WP APEX suspension, and J.Juan braking.

Small precision: Dynamic Mode allows you to adjust the throttle response on 3 levels (Street / Sport / Dynamic), traction control on 10 levels, wheelie control on 5, and adds engine slip regulation during deceleration. For experienced enthusiasts, traction and wheelie controls are deactivatable.

The Vitpilen intends to have fun in the twisties with its 43 mm adjustable inverted fork in rebound and compression. The shock absorber prefers to adjust rebound and preload. The bike travels 140 mm at the front and 150 mm at the rear. As for the brakes, the Spanish supplier provides 4-piston radial calipers to bite two 300 mm discs. Two pistons are at the end of the swingarm to flirt with the 240 mm disc.

Choosing a Vitpilen means being assured of riding a different roadster. By its aesthetics, certainly, but also a noticeably different character from the KTM family.

M.B - Photos constructeur