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• 166 kg light curve search engine
• Amazingly stable and precise
• "One of the most beautiful tank shapes"
• Data Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

Husqvarna

28 photos

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Colleague Thomas Schmieder at the driving presentation of the new Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 – in and around Barcelona.

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The seating position is unusual – high seat, very low clip-ons.

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With such a sporty conception of ergonomics, it is a good thing that the footrests do not seek contact with the ground.

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In terms of design, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is based on classic shapes, but interprets them in a very modern way.

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Technically, it is based on the KTM 690 Duke.

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Together with the Duke sister, the currently most powerful single cylinder thuds in it: 75 hp at 8,500 rpm.

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The single-cylinder chops unwillingly below 3,000 rpm, and in 6th gear it even prefers at least 4,000 revolutions.

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The tester is impressed: "In the middle, the bassy-dull sounding single gets really fiery, turns and pushes, punches mightily. Hey, that’s kicking!"

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In his opinion, the only thing that could hamper the success of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is the price: 10,195 euros. The competition is fierce in this price range.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 at EICMA 2017.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 at EICMA 2017.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 at EICMA 2017.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 at EICMA 2017.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 701.

Driving report Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

166 kg light curve search engine

The new Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 asks for the first test run – in and around the metropolis of Barcelona. Our test editor reports on his first driving impressions.

E.First impression of the trip with the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701: But it is easy to push! No wonder, Husqvarna promises a delicate 166 kilograms with a full tank for the stylish single cylinder. Second impression: 830 millimeters seat height is not that low at all. On the other hand, these are the handlebar stubs that are clamped deeply under the upper triple clamp. “Bend up, for a great experience”, seems to be the motto. So what now? Cafe racer or sporty city runabout? Both. And much more. The gears click through wonderfully easily, thanks to the “Easy Shift” system even without having to use the hydraulic clutch. Well done, this shift assistant.

Amazingly stable and precise

And then the houses disappear in the rear-view mirrors and the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is finally allowed to reveal its true qualities. As a chic, but also quite dynamic driving machine. After all, the most powerful single of all time thunders under you – thanks to the modular system from the parent company KTM. The mighty 105 piston cranks a full 75 hp at 8,500 rpm on the crankshaft with the large flywheel. The direction is clear: Power comes from the speed. The stew unwillingly chops under 3,000 rpm, and in sixth gear it may even prefer 4,000 rpm as the minimum speed. You can feel this even without looking at the bar display on the LCD rev counter. Two balancer shafts minimize rough vibrations.

In the middle, the bassy-dull sounding single gets really fiery, turns and pushes, punches mightily. Hey, that’s kicking! Especially when, like here, the streets are getting narrower and the curve radii are getting tighter. Then the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is completely in its element. Quickly turning from one side to the other is child’s play. This curve finder scurries through the serpentines that it is the real joy. The flyweight pulls its course in a surprisingly stable and precise manner. And there is another surprise: As snappy as the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 circles around two-legged and four-wheeled obstacles in the city, it does not remain so super-handy at higher speeds: For the first turn into a fast bend, it definitely needs an energetic impulse. Apparently the clip-on only builds up a small lever arm.

"One of the most beautiful tank shapes"

The rather narrow 160 mm rear tire, on the other hand, promotes handling. Bridgestone BT 21 are very adhesive and roll off nicely to the edge of the tire. Put on? Is a foreign word for the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701. Nothing rasps there. And if you approach the next bend too quickly, the Brembo brakes, supported by a Bosch ABS, safely catch the lightweight again. The single, radially mounted four-piston stopper at the front is really sufficient. The spring elements from WP with 135 millimeters of spring travel reproduce the asphalt relief in the popometer with real feeling, without letting you suffer. Compliment. On the upside-down fork, which is rather comfortably soft by default, the rebound and compression damping can be adjusted in no time and without tools. You can also steam creamy.

Husqvarna

"One of the most beautiful tank shapes of the modern motorcycle era", thinks our test editor Thomas Schmieder. This statement is met with great approval from the editorial staff, but there are also colleagues who cannot get used to the Vitpilen look at all.

The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 cuts a fine figure with every coffee break: curious glances and questioning passers-by are not long in coming. It is well received, this classically inspired and yet absolutely modern design, with the striking LED headlights and one of the most beautiful tank shapes of the modern motorcycle era. The quasi free-floating stern fits in perfectly. It’s not a cover, not a single-seater, but a cleverly concealed pillion seat behind. One passenger is accommodated quite well over short distances. To be light is a virtue; that becomes clear when driving the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701. This message is conveyed by the sporty and brisk street single, filling a motorcycle category that was believed to be almost forgotten with new life without direct competition.

Well, the price of 10,195 euros seems to be the biggest obstacle to possible success. Sure, less can be more. But for ten grand there are also pretty crisp twins and triples elsewhere – not least the new, angular KTM 790 Duke. So let’s wish the unmistakable new on-road huskie that it makes its way and finds buyers.

Data Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

Price of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701: 10,195 euros (plus additional costs). Available from the end of March or the beginning of April 2018 at the latest.

Technically, the new Husky is based on the KTM 690 Duke: Single-cylinder four-valve engine, 693 cm³, 55 kW (75 PS) at 8,500 / min, 72 Nm at 6,750 / min, steel space frame, USD fork, single-disc brake front / rear, Ø 320 / 240 mm, seat height 830 mm, tank 12.5 liters, weight without petrol 157 kilograms.

Otherwise, Husqvarna has given the Vitpilen 701 a pretty chrome-molybdenum-steel tubular space frame, a fork produced by WP and a shock absorber also produced by WP, high-quality Brembo brakes and a modern ABS from Bosch that can be switched off.

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