After presenting the Svartpilen 701 in the concept form at the 2017 EICMA, Husqvarna is ready to showcase the production version at the 2018 edition of the motorcycle show. The motoring event is scheduled to commence in Milan, Italy from November 6, 2018. Test mules of the motorcycle have been spotted on numerous occasions in the past.
Also read: Mysterious KTM Duke motorcycle spied near Pune [Video]
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 will share its underpinning, swingarm, suspension and braking setup with the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 and the KTM 690 Duke. The Svartpilen 701 will be a scrambler style motorcycle and thus it will feature a tall-set, single-piece handlebar instead of the clip-on units that are seen on the Vitpilen 701 cafe racer.
The scrambler would offer more upright ergonomics than the cafe racer. Moreover, the high placement would also ensure easy access to the handlebar while standing up on the footpegs.
The engine has been sourced from the KTM 690 Duke. Thus, propelling tasks would be provided by a 692.7 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine that is mated to a six-speed transmission. The gearbox features assist and slipper clutch as standard. Performance numbers stand at 74 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 72 Nm at 6,750 rpm. The electronics package will include quick shifter, traction control and ABS.
The five-spoke alloy wheels are wrapped in dual-purpose tyres that should offer the motorcycle mild off-roading capabilities. However, do not expect the bike to go Dakar rallying in its stock form, as it is a road-focused product. Feature list will include full-LED lighting, digital instrument console, upturned seat and number board-inspired side panels.
WP sourced 43 mm inverted telescopic forks at the front, and adjustable linkage-type rear mono-shock at the rear are included in the suspension department. A 320 mm single disc at the front with Brembo radial callipers and a 240 mm rear disc will provide the stopping power, and switchable dual-channel Bosch ABS will come as standard.
Also read: 2019 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto And Husqvarna 701 Enduro revealed
We may not see the Svartpilen and Vitpilen 701 in the Indian market any time soon but their smaller variants, the Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401, have been spotted in the country on multiple occasions. Both the 401 models were seen in production-ready form, and we should hear more details about the launch in the coming months.
