Latest from the Austrian motorcycle obsessives Husqvarna is a naked motorcycle you’ll want to throw at the curves every Sunday morning. Styling is scrambler-inspired and there’s a 799 cc parallel-twin engine tucked away in that elegant frame, ready to power you all the way to Husqvarna HQ in Mattighofen, Upper Austria. And back, probably before lunch. Husqvarna started out making firearms and their logo still depicts a gun sight as seen from barrel end. With the Svartpilen 801 naked motorcycle, we’d say they’ve hit the target and then some.
Naked motorcycle ethos involves clothing for the rider but not for their ride. All that’s extraneous - think aerodynamic bits and pieces, fairings and anything cosmetic - is stripped away so you’re left with all that’s necessary and absolutely nothing more. So, form follows function minimalism is the order of the day for Husqvarna’s Svartpilen, literally “Black Arrow”, series with design by renowned Austrian agency Kiska. One glance at the mean chrome-free, black, aluminium and bronze looks of this latest Husqvarna naked motorcycle tells you they’ve got it right.
It’s not just good looks. Robust and forward-looking engineering is the key here. Frame is chromium-molybdenum steel, with the twin-cylinder engine as a stressed member for extra efficiency and strength. There’s 105 bhp to play with, which, given a weight of under 200 kg, means the Svartpilen 801 naked motorcycle is one powerful beast. A six-speed gearbox with electronic quick shifting helps get the power down, five-spoke alloy wheels are clad in rugged Pirelli MT 60 RS tyres, and despite the naked motorcycle minimalism, Husqvarna have fitted a suite of electronics to keep you safe and the bike sweeping through those bends.
Ride by wire throttle on the Svartpilen 801means there are fewer pesky cables to break, WP APEX shock absorbers are easily adjustable, select from Sport, Street and Rain power modes depending on conditions, while an optional Dynamic mode controls those motorcycle wheelies and also offers adjustable traction control. Watch it all on a nifty five inch electronic dashboard with tough bonded glass screen. Perhaps avoid the temptation to watch Netflix as you ride.
Passenger? If you must. Pillion seat is neatly concealed in the tail of the sleek naked motorcycle design. Husqvarna call their top of the range naked motorcycle “the dark street explorer” to which we’d add more than a touch of off-road ability too. We were sold the minute we saw this essentials-only naked motorcycle design. You too? Husqvarna are ready for your call, with prices starting at £10,499 and the open road waiting.
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