Yahoo Autos Husqvarna revives high-output Svartpilen with new 801
Aside from dirtbikes and power equipment, Swedish brand Husqvarna became known for its Svartpilen ("black arrow") and Vitpilen ("white arrow") naked motorcycles. The Svartpilen was the more upright, scrambler-style version, with a nominal dirt capability, and the Vitpilen was the tightly-tucked and low sports version. For a number of years, they were offered in the U.S. in entry-level 401 and higher-performance 701 variants, both with single-cylinder engines with displacement close to their model numbers. But the 701 disappeared after 2020, with just the 401s to continue on. That changes with the new Svartpilen 801, which offers even more performance, and even an extra cylinder.
The 801 arrives with the latest interpretation of Husqvarna's distinct styling. It's very much Swedish modern with crisp, simple edges and just enough curves to keep things interesting. Great care has been taken to get various lines to intersect and connect, particularly the angle-cut exhaust that lines up perfectly with the tail of the bike. It also has the signature shoulders on each side of the plastic tank covers. And being the Svartpilen, it has relatively high handle bars and relatively mid-mounted foot controls.
