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2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801 first look: The neo-retro roadster returns

Oct 03, 2024

It’s March 2024. After weeks of teaser videos and social media posts, Husqvarna finally pulls the cover off the new Svartpilen 801. Out is the old 693 cc single. In is a 799 cc twin. Gone is the minimalist LCD display. In its place is a full-color TFT, packed with high-tech rider aids. 

It was a timely upgrade for Husky’s futuristic scrambler. There was just one problem. Its partner in crime — the Vitpilen — was missing in action. That all changed yesterday when Husqvarna unveiled the 2025 Vitpilen 801. 

(Nearly) identical twins

Like the 701s they replace, the new 801s share componentry the way sisters share clothes. The Vit retains the Svart’s steel tubular chassis, even linking it to the same 43 mm WP APEX front end and WP APEX rear shock unit. Within that frame resides Husqvarna’s 799 cc p-twin, which still produces the 105 horsepower (at 9,250 rpm) and 64.2 foot-pounds of torque (at 8,000 rpm) that it made in the Svartpilen. 

As many readers know, the Swedish word ‘vitpilen’ translates to ‘white arrow’ in English. You won’t see any white on this pilen, though, as Husqvarna offers the model in brushed silver and hi-viz yellow. Husqvarna photo.

The Vit also cribs its sibling’s shoes, with the five-spoke 17-inch wheels and J.Juan braking system favoring its sporty sensibilities. Only the Michelin Road 6 tires distinguish the neo-retro roadster from its scramblin’ relative. Given the chassis similarities, it’s no surprise that key dimensions like seat height (32.3 inches) and wheelbase (58.1 inches) remain the same, too. 

The Vitpilen’s bi-LED headlight consists of a central projector lens and a perimeter ring light. Husqvarna photo.

The family resemblance doesn’t stop there, either. The Vitpilen 801 also touts IMU-based safety aids such as cornering ABS and lean-dependent traction control. That’s in addition to its four ride modes (Street, Sport, Rain, and Dynamic), Supermoto ABS, bi-directional quickshifter, and five-inch TFT display. All of which come standard on the Svarty, as well. 

With the Vitpilen flaunting the same frame, suspension, and brakes as the Svartpilen, the model should handle similarly to its counterpart. Which is to say, it should handle well. Husqvarna photo.

What’s the difference?

At this point, you might be wondering just how different the 801s are. Save for the tires the two roll on, they’re mechanically indistinguishable. The Vit’s true differentiator is its styling. 

A side-by-side comparison reveals that the Vitpilen wears a sleeker front fender, a larger belly pan, sculpted radiator shrouds, and trimmed heel guards (can’t forget those, can we?). The headlamp’s central projector light and ring fixture are also distinct features, especially compared to the Svartpilen’s flat LED headlight and fly screen. Although the Vit now favors handlebars (over its predecessor’s clip-ons), the rise in those bars is noticeably lower than Svart’s. 

Users can access turn-by-turn navigation by pairing their mobile device to the Vitpilen’s Connectivity Unit via the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app. Husqvarna photo.

Other than those minor aesthetic differences, the two twins are practically identical. Considering the similarities, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vitpilen 801 also copies the Svartpilen’s $10,899 price tag. Unfortunately, Husqvarna hasn’t revealed the model’s MSRP yet, but it does anticipate the first Vitpilens arriving at dealerships in November 2024.

2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801
Price (MSRP)

TBA

Engine 799 cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve, parallel twin
Transmission,
final drive
Six-speed, chain
Claimed horsepower 105 (at 9,250 rpm)
Claimed torque 64.2 foot-pounds (at 8,000 rpm)
Frame Steel tubular
Front suspension WP APEX 43 mm fork, adjustable for rebound and compression damping; 5.5 inches of travel
Rear suspension WP APEX shock, adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 5.9 inches of travel
Front brake Dual J.Juan four-piston calipers, 300 mm discs with ABS
Rear brake J.Juan two-piston caliper, 240 mm disc with ABS
Rake, trail 24.5 degrees, 3.9 inches
Wheelbase 58.1 inches
Seat height 32.3 inches
Fuel capacity 3.7 gallons
Tires Michelin Road 6, 120/70R17 front, 180/55R17 rear
Claimed weight 397 pounds (without fuel)
Available November 2024
Warranty 24 months
More info husqvarna-motorcycles.com

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