2019 HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 701
FIRST REVIEW
P98
To find out how these updates improved the
riding experience, Husqvarna brought Cycle
News to Lisbon for an 85-mile evaluation route
that included city streets, forest backroads,
crowded highways and even a stop at the
westernmost point in Europe.
While the Vitpilen and Svartpilen are similar,
the latter gets a powder-coated black frame
and cosmetic updates that include a new
headlight fairing, fork shrouds, seat,and tail.
The changes aren't just cosmetic: the Vitpilen's
(Above) The number-
plate-inspired tail
features one of
many 701 logos
on the Svartpilen.
(Below) By sharing
platforms with KTM,
Husqvarna has been
able to create new
models in accelerated
timeframes.
clip-ons have been replaced by a
tall handlebar, and there's a slight
increase in suspension travel from
5.3 inches to 5.9 inches on both
ends. The front wheel is now 18
inches (versus 17 inches on the Vit),
and both wheels are wrapped with
Pirelli's MT60RS tires.
Most of the other components
stay the same, and that's just dandy
because it's all excellent equipment.
