The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is a neo-scrambler built on the KTM 790 Duke platform. It replaces the single-cylinder 701 at the top of the Svartpilen line, with steampunk-inspired styling and friendlier handling.
The engine is the 799cc DOHC parallel twin shared with the 790 Duke. A 285-degree crankshaft gives it a V-twin-like rumble, two counterbalancers keep vibration in check, and Dell’Orto throttle bodies controlled by a Bosch EMS deliver smooth fueling. A quickshifter and an assist-and-slipper clutch are standard.
Sport, Street, and Rain ride modes are standard, along with cornering-aware traction control, wheelie control, and Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS. The optional $420 Dynamic Pack adds a customizable mode with 10 levels of traction control, five levels of wheelie control, and engine-braking control. Pairing a smartphone with the five-inch TFT brings turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and music control.
Husqvarna relaxed the rake by half a degree, to 24.5 degrees, and fitted a WP steering damper to build confidence for newer riders. Flat-track-style Pirelli MT 60 RS tires on 17-inch cast wheels suit the scrambler theme and offer impressive edge grip.
The chromoly trellis frame uses the engine as a stressed member. The WP Apex 43mm inverted fork has five-position compression and rebound damping adjusters that need no tools, and the linkage-free WP Apex shock is adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload. J.Juan calipers on 300mm front discs offer soft initial bite and progressive power.
The ergonomics are natural and comfortable all day, with a narrow 3.7-gallon tank and a ribbed seat. Curb weight is 421 pounds, and the seat height is 32.2 inches. There is no wind protection.
The Svartpilen 801 suits riders drawn to its distinctive styling who want a sporting street bike that is less demanding than the 790 Duke. MSRP is $10,899, a $1400 premium over the KTM.
Hello and welcome again to the Motos and Friends Podcast. This episode is brought to you by Leod Escapes.
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Aprilia is bringing a scooter to North America, and it’s one designed to appeal to adventure motorcyclists. The SR GT 400 is a mid-size scooter built around a steel motorcycle-style frame, a 399cc single, and off-road-ready hardware. It reaches US dealers as soon as this month. Don Williams and Kelly Callan spent some time riding the Aprilia and were surprised by what they discovered. Is this a real motorcycle or just a good-looking urban scooter?
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Cat McLeod is founder and owner of Leod Escapes, the ultimate tour company for sport-minded motorcycle riders. Cat talks to us this segment about some of his amazing European experiences and tours that include of course, riding some amazing MotoGP tracks on new BMW S1000RRs. If you like what you hear, now is the time to book your trip of a lifetime, so visit LeodEscapes.com to find out more.
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Our guest this episode is Terry Vance, the multiple Motorcycle and Motorsports Hall-of-Famer. Terry is of course the former professional motorcycle drag racer, team owner, and co-founder of the high-performance parts company Vance & Hines. Teejay Adams chats with Terry about his incredible career that includes being the first rider to hit 200 mph in the standing quarter-mile.
Having won this year’s MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers championship with Hayden Gillim riding the Vance & Hines factory Indian Challenger, and with Harley-Davidson’s recent withdrawal, Terry gives us his thoughts on where the series might go from here.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
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