A Premier Minimalist Moto Gains Fresher Looks and Added Smarts

Upon its debut in 2018, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 (that’s Swedish for black arrow) made a splash thanks to its sleek styling and scrambler-inspired design. With power provided courtesy of a KTM-sourced single engine, it made for a compelling modern urban hooligan machine. 

The update in 2024 only improved on those initial efforts, as the brand gave the middleweight model an engine overhaul and treated the looks to a facelift. Along with swapping out the LC4 for a 799cc LC8c twin, this meant revising the bike through a fresher, more angular shape.

Husqvarna

Husqvarna’s forthcoming Svartpilen 801 update doesn’t herald the same kind of generational shift, but it nevertheless makes for an impactful change. Between a sharper appearance and helpful added tech, it continues to refine the Swedish manufacturer’s neo-retro stunner.

Lean green style

Husqvarna is calling it the Svartpilen 801 SE, and the two lattermost letters in its name stand for “Style Edition.” Put another way, this bike brings some exclusive digs.

Husqvarna

In practice, this means the brand has given the Svartpilen 801 a fresh green color scheme that includes a dark green fuel tank and front fender as well as some subtler green accents. It’s a subtle look, but it’s a refreshing alternative compared to the brand’s usual monochromatic black and gray. 

But here’s the thing: the designation is not just a paint job. As part of the bike’s special SE status, Husqvarna is also treating the Svartpilen 801 to additional riding aids. 

Specifically, cruise control and Easy Shift. In the past, both have been optional features on the base model, and they make for significant improvements to riding convenience — the latter is Husqvarna’s quickshifter, and it allows for clutchless up and downshifts.

Husqvarna

Stick to your guns

Aside from the new color and the standard aids, Husqvarna didn’t make any other changes to the Svartpilen 801 for the SE. But that’s because it didn’t have to.

After all, as part of the 2024 update, the bike gained the same engaging parallel-twin that’s found in the KTM 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. On the road, it makes 105 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 64.2 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. 

Husqvarna

Moreover, Husqvarna has made sure that suspension and stopping power are well provided for. The former is handled via adjustable WP Apex forks and an adjustable WP Apex monoshock, while the latter comes courtesy of a set of  J.Juan brakes — four-piston calipers with 300mm discs up front and a two-piston caliper with a 240mm disc at the rear.

Rounded out by tech like ride-by-wire throttle, switchable riding modes, cornering ABS and standard smartphone connectivity, it’s made all the better by the availability of an optional Dynamic Pack. 

As part of the upgrade, the Svartpilen 801 SE gains a fourth riding mode along with 10 levels of Motor Slip Regulation and five distinct Anti-Wheelie settings. Taken together, they allow riders even more control over the bike’s performance. 

Husqvarna

Availability and pricing

According to Husqvarna, the 2027 Svartpilen 801 SE will be offered in limited quantities and select markets beginning at the end of this month. Pricing has yet to be announced, but bikes will be available through authorized Husqvarna Mobility dealers.

Husqvarna

2027 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 SE

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