2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Launched as the Company's Largest Displacement Naked Bike

The Black Arrows, as the Svartpilen translates to English, comprised until this week three motorcycles, named after the displacement of the engines that animate them: the 125, 250, and 401. Keeping in line with this tradition, the 801 will join the range directly at the top of the offering, kind of like a CEO who takes over a business without having previously been part of its ranks.

Promising to set “a new standard of excellence for middleweight street models,” the new two-wheeler comes with a minimalist look that appears not to speak enough to its true capabilities. That's owed to the limited bodywork imagined for the ride, painted in dark tones and giving the entire machine a scrambler-style look.

While there may not be all that much to talk about when it comes to the bike's appearance, there are plenty of things to discuss when it comes to its mechanical bits. After all, those are always the juicy parts of any new vehicle.

The Svartpilen 801 is built around a chromium-molybdenum tubular steel frame, with the engine (we'll get to that in a bit) acting as a stressed member. With all the standard gear on, the motorcycle tips the scales at just 181 kg (399 pounds), making it incredibly nimble and giving it a fairly solid power-to-weight ratio.

How's that? Well, consider the engine that forms the heart of this beast. The parallel-twin DOHC powerplant displaces 799cc and it alone weighs 52 kg of the total (115 pounds). It also develops a respectable 105 horsepower and 87 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for a two-wheeler of this caliber.

The engine's power is controlled with help from a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC) system that was installed in a bit to give the 801 maximum traction under hard acceleration and perfect control when braking hard. On top of that, an Easy Shift system makes sure gear changes happen unnoticed.

This entire setup is supported on the ground by 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires and backed by adjustable WP APEX suspension. The fork at the front comes with 140 mm of travel, while the rear shock allows 150 mm.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is also equipped with adjustable Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) and ABS. This latter system, supplied by Bosch, is corner sensitive and features a Supermoto ABS mode for experienced riders.

There are four selectable ride modes, three of them standard (Street, Sport, and Rain), with the fourth offered as an option: the Dynamic. Braking power for the motorcycle is supplied by hardware made by a company called J. Juan.

Husqvarna also throws into the fight an optional Dynamic Pack Pack that gives riders access to Motor Slip Regulation (MSR). This system is there to provide controlled deceleration and to offer an Anti-Wheelie mode with five different levels.

The 801 can technically accommodate two people on its back thanks to its two-piece seat. The one in control holds on to aluminum handlebars, and can have their ride highlighted by the turn-by-turn nav system of the Ride app right on the five-inch TFT screen. A connectivity unit also allows control over phone calls and music selection.

Safety-wise, the Austrians have gifted the motorcycle with a hazard warning system integrated into the handlebar controls and an anti-theft protection system backed by an immobilizer.

The Austrians say the 2024 Svartpilen 801 will become available to order on global markets starting in April. There is no mention made about the price of the naked machine in most markets, and the company advises those interested in learning more about that to contact their local dealers.

There is chatter, however, on how much the motorcycle will be priced in the U.S., and for all intents and purposes, the price tag makes this thing a serious contender in the eyes of people in the market for a new naked.

The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, nicknamed by its maker the dark street explorer, will retail in the U.S. for under $11,000. Husqvarna will continue to offer the existing Svartpilen 125, 250, and 401 for unchanged pricing.

For those wishing to have a naked of a different variety, the Vitpilen (White Arrow) will continue to be offered in just two versions, the 125 and 401. There is no talk at the time of writing on whether Husqvarna is considering offering a larger displacement motorcycle for this family as well.

Before you can get to experience the bike firsthand on the dealers' lots, you can enjoy it visually in the short video attached below.