The Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 Concept Could Become the Swedish Scrambler We’ve All Been Wanting

We are over-the-moon excited for the announcement of the production version of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 this week at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. We are equally excited about the smaller variants, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 as well, even though the Svartpilen 701 will remain a concept for the next year or two. 

When these concepts were first introduced, and now as the production models are unveiled, it’s fair to say that the Vitpilen range leaned more heavily toward the urban cafe racer aesthetic with clip-on handlebars and a more aggressive riding triangle.  The Svartpilen range will have an edgier “scrambler-esque” quality with upright tracker bars.  

The Svartpilen 701 is likely to contain the same tech as the Vitpilen 701 including a ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch, and switchable two-channel ABS. Since it’s still a concept, Husqvarna has not released weight figures, but it cannot be too far off from what we are seeing with the Vitpilen. It will likely carry a tad more weight when compared side-to-side.  

The Svartpilen 701 concept also appears to incorporate an 18-inch front wheel, thus opting for that scrambler style. 

While details remain spare on where the Svartpilen 701 will go, we think we have a good idea as to what it will become: A highly-capable urban scrambler with the performance and joy the 701 Supermoto engine is known for. Will it have the ability to “scramble” and take on dirt-roads? Perhaps, but it will be geared far more asphalt than the unpaved path.    

Until we get full details on the production model, enjoy all the pretty photos of the Svartpilen 701 concept below.