Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 motorcycle test

Menus

• Black arrow baby
• Single cylinder 124.7 cc, 15 hp and 12 Nm, 146 kg, WP Apex suspensions, ByBre brakes, Pirelli tires…
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Highways
• On the road
• Cycle part
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Conclusion

Black arrow baby

Single cylinder 124.7 cc, 15 hp and 12 Nm, 146 kg, WP Apex suspensions, ByBre brakes, Pirelli tires…

Sister of KTM, the Husqvarna brand has for a few years turned to the road by offering a sober and minimalist alternative to the sharp style of orange Austrian motorcycles.. After tackling the medium-displacement segment with the Vitpilen and Svartpilen in 701 and 401 (declined from the Dukes 690 and 390), Husqvarna is now entering the young biker segment with the Svartpilen 125, of which we were able to test the model from pre-production ! An exclusive test that we are proud of and that we share with you

Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 review

Discovery

Let’s start with a short history lesson. When KTM owner Stefan Pierer bought Husqvarna Motorcycles from BMW Motorrad in January 2013, his desire was to clarify the ambiguity that reigned around the two Swedish-born offroad brands, Husaberg (which KTM already owned) and Husqvarna. Under BMW ownership, HVA had only sold 10,751 motorcycles in 2012, despite an increase of 15% over the previous year, supported by the arrival in 2011 of the Nuda 900 powered by an extended version of the parallel twin. of the F800. It was the first new road bike Husqvarna had produced since its takeover from MV Agusta in 2007. But just over a year later, BMW decided to leave the off-road market and part ways with Husqvarna. Pierer was the first number they called and the recovery was quick.

I am convinced that we have to work on the traditional strengths of Husqvarna, which means immediately developing the advanced Enduro and Motocross ranges and also returning to the two-stroke.

This is what Stefan Pierer confided to me shortly after the acquisition in an interview in which he presented the possibility of a range of road models as "something that we can certainly do in the future, but not Again". But a year later, the 16,337 Husqvarna sold already marked a record in the company’s 110 years of existence. These results, which exceeded expectations, accelerated the launch of the road range..

The Husqvarna Nuda 900R launched during the BMW period

This materialized with the order of two concepts from designer Gerald Kiska using the names of Husqvarna models from the classic era. The Vitpilen (white arrow, a cafe racer with bracelet handlebars) and the Svartpilen (black arrow, an urban tracker with raised handlebars) were unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan in 2014. The excellent reception they received convinced Pierer to move from concept to production. In early 2018, the 401 variant of these models hit dealerships powered by the same 373cc 4-valve single cylinder as the KTM 390 Duke..

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Very close to the concepts while retaining this special neo-retro appearance, they used the same mechanical platform as the Duke, entirely made in India by Bajaj. However, the Huskies are assembled in Austria from Duke chassis / engine kits shipped from India and then fitted with a European fairing and suspension. Why this ? Apparently, Bajaj Auto boss Rajiv Bajaj was originally not convinced of the viability of launching Husqvarna in his Indian home market and therefore refused to manufacture them at his factory in Chakin. But two years later, he changed his mind and presented a version 250 only available in India. Pierer then released the Vitpilen 701 in 2018 on the basis of the 690 Duke then the 701 Svartpilen a year later with the same single cylinder of 693 cm3 and 74 hp for 158 kg.

The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

Throughout this time, Pierer has managed to grow Husqvarna’s sales to 48,555 units per year without even entering the high-volume 125 segment that its 125 Duke is already targeting with the success we know. But all that is about to change with the February debut of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 125, available in a single color and sold at the same price as the Duke, or 4,990 euros in France. Even though the bike has not yet been officially unveiled to the public, I was lucky enough to be the first rider outside the Pierer group to be able to ride the pre-production version. !

The Svartpilen still relies on the KTM Duke

For 2021, the single-cylinder engine shared with the Duke 125 is here brought into conformity with Euro5 without losing any of its appeal. The 58 x 47.2 mm liquid-cooled, four-valve, overhead camshaft unit 58 x 47.2 mm for a displacement of 124.7 cc has always appreciated high revs with an output of 15 horsepower at 9,500 rpm. The four-valve cylinder head with 22.5mm intake and 19mm exhaust features a high compression ratio of 12.8: 1 and thus delivers that acceleration with feel for a 125, compensating for the limited power of this displacement..

The Bajaj engine with wet sump and liquid cooling delivers here a maximum torque of 12 Nm, relatively high for a 125, which the engine delivers at 7,500 rpm. Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts operate all four valves while a single counterweight is present on each gear to eliminate unnecessary vibration. The unit is also effective in this area since even at the limit of 11,000 rpm we do not feel excessive vibrations. The Bosch ECU, made in India by a subsidiary of the German company, controls injection with a single top injector that feeds the Dell’Orto 33mm throttle body. The ECU limits on our model the top speed to 100 km / h, but the engine is capable of exceeding 120 km / h without this restriction..

The single-cylinder Euro5 delivers 15 hp and 12 Nm

The engine is installed as a semi-stressed element in a tubular trellis frame identical to that of the KTM and made from steel tubing with a wheelbase of 1,357 mm. The heavy main catalytic converter, located between the engine and the rear cantilever shock absorber, minimizes the effect on handling by centralizing the masses of the bike. This is facilitated by the semi-stacked shafts of the six-speed gearbox which help form a very compact engine weighing only 28 kg..

The chassis offers a relatively classic steering geometry with the 43mm WP Apex cartridge fork made in India and open to 25 ° with forged aluminum triple triple trees, 95mm trail and 142mm of travel from both wheels. ends. While not adjustable, the front suspension still puts the premium on this entry-level package, while the WP Apex cantilever rear shock, actuated directly by the cast aluminum swingarm, is adjustable in spring preload to allow l ‘addition of a passenger or luggage. Its progressive rate spring is softer early in its stroke, so the ride quality on normal road surfaces is unusually good for a 125 model, with progressively stiffer response as the spring compresses, allowing the Svartpilen 125 to cope with larger bumps with great ease. In the end, the dry weight is only 146 kg, which is 7 more than on the 125 Duke..

The little Husqvarna is equipped with WP Apex suspensions

The Svartpilen’s 17-inch metal-spoke wheels feature good quality Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR mixed tires. While their studded tread pattern provides reasonable off-road capability, especially on dirt roads, they don’t ride as well on asphalt than some of their competitors. A single 320 Bybre steel disc with a radially mounted four-piston caliper is fitted up front while a single-piston floating unit grips the 230mm rear disc. Once again Bosch provides the 9.1MB two-channel ABS system. This can be deactivated on the rear wheel only in supermoto mode. On a gravel road I tried to lock this big front brake but was unsuccessful as the ABS cut it off in a controllable way each time.

The spoked rims are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires.

In the saddle

So far it’s a KTM. But the big difference between the two models really comes down to the trim and style, with that all-enveloping short-butted one-piece design that gives the illusion of a monocoque hiding the 9.5-liter fuel tank and sub rear frame.

The trim gives the impression of a monohull

Although very different from the 125 Duke, the dashboard shares a lot of commonalities with a modern Fiat 500, with the same central digital meter and left-hand gear reading, analog fuel level, engine temperature and the tachometer around the dial, the odometer and the time being respectively at the top and bottom. The slogan "Pioneering since 1903" appears in the center when you put the ignition key can be replaced by the remaining range, fuel consumption, two trips, etc. at the push of a button. This successful dashboard is just one of the many details that embellishes the Svartpilen.

The instrumentation of the Svartpilen 125 is very complete

Other top-of-the-line features include the front and rear LED lights with the round headlight – yes, very retro – with a Mini-type circular daytime running light, while the rear light cluster is perfectly integrated into the body. There is a luggage rack on the top of the fuel tank with points for attaching a saddlebag, a small plate and the Husqvarna branding throughout, including on the clutch housing, muffler, tank cap , the sides of the passenger seat, the handles, the handlebars … In addition, Svartpilen is inscribed on both wheels and the upper yoke. No excuse to mistake it for a KTM !

All motorcycle lighting is LED

The round retro-style mirrors are functional, but do not give an excellent rear view. The side stand is extremely sturdy, stable when lowered and easy to access. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable in five directions. The only real visual drawback is the license plate holder behind the rear wheel, which also carries the turn signals and the residual fender to avoid cluttering up that slender rear section..

Mirrors only offer a limited view to the rear

The Svartpilen receives a larger scrambler-type handlebar which, combined with the 835mm high saddle, provides a very upright and comfortable riding position..

In the city

This makes the Husqvarna Baby an ideal circulation tool, as one can slide forward on the two-part smooth saddle to straighten up and have a better view of the traffic. The precision and maneuverability provided by the wide handlebars help to move in tight spaces. The very light clutch on actuation and the crisp, but controllable throttle response also help. It is definitely an urban motorcycle that is particularly comfortable in traffic. From the height of my 1m80, I can put both feet flat on the ground at the traffic lights. It is therefore an easy bike that will allow beginners to feel confident and the more experienced to simply enjoy riding..

Upright position and maneuverability make it a perfect ally in the city

Highways

The engine being limited to 100 km / h, the Svartpilen is hardly welcome on the expressways. Add to this a total lack of protection and we will immediately abandon the long tapes of asphalt to move towards the secondary network.

On the road

While the 100 km / h speed limiter obviously intrudes a lot on out-of-town fun, there’s some fun in reaching that speed thanks to the Svartpilen’s purposeful little motor. You can get there cleanly throughout the reports that are linked together well with the large red gear change indicator which flashes from 8,000 rpm to remind you to shift a gear to 10,000 rpm.

Top speed here is limited to 100 km / h

The Svartpilen’s dual-cam motor instantly comes to life when the electric start button is pressed, shifting to a slightly high idle speed with a thud from the exhaust that occasionally returns to deceleration, with a powerful sound for a 125 while there is hardly any mechanical engine noise. It is then easy with a short first gear ideal for setting off and then well and evenly spaced reports on the six-speed gearbox. In the end, it is not necessary to push each gear to have this feeling of speed. The engine is indeed quite torquey for a 125. We therefore have the choice of surfing the curve while using third or fourth gear all the time, or pushing to the end of the red zone at each gear, like the cars. rookies do it on their Moto3 KTM in competition. A choice.

Easy to learn, the Svartpilen is designed for beginners

A key ingredient is the controls of the Svartpilen, which inspire confidence and are easy to use. This is particularly the case with the clutch which as I know from experience in teaching my three children to drive is the biggest obstacle for a beginner. The entire transmission of the Svartpilen works perfectly, with a very controllable progressive action clutch and a mass feel of the flywheel which prevents the engine speed from falling unduly when changing gears. The engine simply shifts smoothly to the next gear, one at a time. However, no on-the-fly throttle shifting wide open on this entry-level model. It is even better to use the clutch to change gears, however experienced one is, because upshifts without a clutch are difficult to perform smoothly. Add to this the indication of the gear engaged on the dashboard, an important driving aid not only for beginner bikers and that all manufacturers should offer, especially for a motorcycle of this type..

The gear changes happen very naturally

Cycle part

Anyone at WP who has decided on the suspension damping settings of the Svartpilen 125 deserves a bonus. They are really excellent at the front and at the back. The Svartpilen 125’s upright riding position also provides a lot of confidence, with predictable handling aided by the good grip of the spiked Pirelli tires. It handles in a very neutral way, much more like a mini KTM 690 than with the nervousness of a Honda CBF125.

The rear shock absorber is adjustable to 5 preload levels, but not the fork

Braking

The Indo-Italian brake set is excellent. The radial front brake works great with my 83kg weight, away from that of the target customer, providing non-brutal emergency braking. Engine braking is also pretty good, probably thanks to that high compression ratio, but without dribbling from the rear wheel.

The Svartpilen 125 is braked by ByBre calipers

Comfort / Duo

The only thing that impressed me less was that the fairly narrow saddle seemed more designed for form than function. The foam is minimal and feels firm. And it doesn’t take long to feel some numbness.

Very beautiful, the saddle is not a model of comfort

Conclusion

A unique blend of innovative design, a cool image, quality workmanship with premium components and a flat track inspiration that will become even more appropriate when, as already announced, Husqvarna takes it against the Indian and Harley-Davidsons in AFT SuperTwins races in 2022, the Svartpilen 125 is a great beginner’s bike with a small engine, but a big heart.

It also has the stature of a mid-size motorcycle, a major advantage in a class where appearances are essential. Opposite, the Husqvarna finds on its road the KTM 125 Duke, very close and priced a little less expensive, but also the high-end Japanese in the 125 segment with the Yamaha MT125 at 5,199 euros, the Honda CB125R at 4,749 euros, the Kawasaki Z125 at 4,099 euros or the Aprilia Tuono 125 at 3,999 euros.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 125

Strong points

• Easy engine
• Maneuverability
• Suspensions
• Braking
• Look and finishes

Weak points

• Comfort

The technical sheet of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 125

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