Husqvarna is no stranger to making motorcycles that combine performance, style, and a sense of avant-garde innovation. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 801, which is part of their expanding road family, is back in a big way. For those unfamiliar, the Vitpilen 801 isn’t just any naked roadster; it’s a sharp, raw expression of Swedish motorcycle design with roots in the KTM family, featuring a powerful 799cc twin-cylinder engine from the KTM 790. Husqvarna has clearly invested in refining every aspect of the Vitpilen, from aesthetics to performance, ensuring it delivers not only on paper but on the road as well. Testing the Vitpilen 801 in the stunning surroundings of Valparai, a hill station located in Tamil Nadu, India, gave us the perfect opportunity to experience its potential in an environment as demanding as it is beautiful. The winding roads, steep gradients, and unpredictable weather conditions were the ideal setting to test the capabilities of this high-performance roadster. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes the Vitpilen 801 a motorcycle worth paying attention to.
Back to Old Model Strength
When Husqvarna first introduced the Vitpilen and Svartpilen, they were a striking departure from the usual roadster designs. But the Vitpilen 801, with its rebirth in 2024, is a return to the powerful, stylish roadster that made the original Vitpilen so memorable. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about taking everything that worked in the previous models and amplifying it. Previously, the Vitpilen was known for its agile handling and sharp looks, especially when paired with the single-cylinder engine from the KTM 690 Duke. However, with the 801, Husqvarna has upped the ante by fitting it with the 799cc parallel-twin engine from the KTM 790. This move adds not just power but also smoothness, delivering 105 horsepower and 87 Nm of torque, making it a serious contender for those looking for a raw yet refined roadster. Riding through the steep climbs and sharp turns of Valparai was an absolute thrill. The engine pulled effortlessly, offering that perfect balance of torque and power, whether we were tackling uphill stretches or carving through tight corners. The increased power also brought a new level of stability at higher speeds. The bike felt planted and solid, without feeling heavy, even as we pushed it through some of the more demanding stretches.
New Bi-LED Headlights
One of the standout features of the new Vitpilen 801 is its futuristic bi-LED headlights. Unlike many motorcycles, which opt for a singular headlight design, the Vitpilen features a pair of floating LED daytime running lights that give it a distinctive look. At night, the lighting becomes even more impressive. The centrally positioned projector lens offers sharp, focused illumination, giving you a wide, clear view of the road ahead. In Valparai, where the road often meanders through thick forests, these lights were indispensable for ensuring visibility, especially during the early morning rides when fog often engulfed the roads. During the daylight hours, the daylight running lights served as a stylish but functional part of the bike’s design. They make the Vitpilen instantly recognizable, even from a distance. The light pattern itself, though visually striking, is functional, casting just the right amount of light on the road without blinding other riders.
Various Electronic Driving Aids
In today’s world, a motorcycle’s electronics play a huge role in the overall riding experience. The Vitpilen 801 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Husqvarna has equipped the bike with an array of electronic driving aids that enhance safety, control, and overall riding enjoyment. The ride modes on the Vitpilen 801 are a significant upgrade. You get the standard “Street,” “Sport,” and “Rain” modes, with the ability to individually configure the “Dynamic” mode. This allows you to tailor the bike’s power delivery and handling to your specific needs. During our ride in Valparai, I mostly used the “Sport” mode on the dry, twisty roads, which gave me the confidence to open up the throttle and really experience the bike’s raw performance. The traction control and cornering ABS helped keep everything in check, ensuring I didn’t lose grip, even on some of the slicker sections of road. Another neat feature is the “Easy Shift” quickshifter, available as an additional option. This system made shifting incredibly smooth and seamless, allowing me to push through gears effortlessly, especially during the more spirited riding moments. The “Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles” app further extends the connectivity of the bike, offering turn-by-turn navigation, music control, and even call management. It’s not something I personally used while riding through Valparai’s mountains, but I can see how useful it would be during longer rides where staying connected is crucial.
Technically Identical to the Svartpilen 801
It’s clear that the Vitpilen 801 shares its technical foundation with the Svartpilen 801, and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, this shared platform has allowed Husqvarna to refine the bike without reinventing the wheel. The frame, suspension, and even the wheelbase are virtually identical between the two, but the Vitpilen has a unique roadster feel, thanks to its more aggressive stance and distinct styling. The flat tank, for example, gives the Vitpilen a sleek, minimalist look, and the 16-liter fuel tank ensures that you can keep riding without constantly worrying about fuel stops. In terms of performance, the Vitpilen shines with its 180 kg weight and the efficient WP APEX suspension, offering 140mm of travel in the front and 150mm in the rear. Whether you’re going over bumps, dips, or corners, the suspension works flawlessly to absorb the shocks while keeping you stable. For me, the best part of this shared DNA was how well the bike handled during those twisty mountain roads. With its agile handling and responsive suspension, the Vitpilen made every turn feel smooth and controlled, even on the more technical stretches of road. The 1,475mm wheelbase provides a solid foundation, while the 820mm seat height gave me an excellent center of gravity, allowing me to plant my feet confidently on the ground during stops.
Conclusion
After riding the Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 through the picturesque but challenging roads of Valparai, it’s clear that this is more than just a naked roadster. It’s a statement. With a powerful engine, stunning design, and an array of technological features, the Vitpilen 801 feels just as ready for the city streets as it is for more demanding mountain passes. The handling, especially on tight corners and curvy roads, was exceptional. The engine’s power delivery is smooth and constant, allowing for quick overtakes and effortless cruising. The bi-LED headlights offer excellent visibility, and the electronic aids make the ride more comfortable and safer. Whether you’re riding in the mountains or on city streets, the Vitpilen 801 brings a thrilling combination of performance, style, and advanced features that make it a standout in its class. For those looking for a modern roadster that blends heritage with innovation, the Vitpilen 801 is a bike that stands tall and proud. Its ability to adapt to different conditions, paired with its agile handling and high-performance engine, makes it an all-rounder that can tackle any road with ease. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience—one that I’ll gladly return to every time.
