@@TheJonCruise The stock sound is pretty much the same of course a little lower, but I change mine to straight pipe keeping the factory end and sounds great.
Having owned my Vitpilen 701 for almost a year and ridden it for 6k miles now. I agree with you on all the counts you covered in your review. Main reason why you do not see them on the road is purely down to cost and one of the reasons WHY I bought mine too (Only 75 sold so far in UK). I was between new 790 Duke and this one. My brain screamed "Duke!" but my heart went with Pilen. I have a commuter bike and Vitpilen is a perfect weekend hooner/attention magnet. No one looked twice at me when I was riding Duke. Love my Vitpilen! Looking forward getting spoke wheels done on it and engine tune next!
@@od1r73 the site called "Howmanyleft" and you can search anything there. I cant imagine your pain bud with all the crap you had to deal with. I ordered mine in July and had to wait 3 weeks to get it. Paid just under 9k and 2k for load of parts (spoke wheels, Akra, bar end mirrors etc) got 30% off on parts. As I said earlier, I got 6k miles on it already. Used it in the winter, rain never stopped me too, didnt wash it after every ride in the dirt but its been great so far, only issue I had was rear left indicator stopped working on the first week of ownership. That is it. Down pipe will look like this on any bike btw, it cleans out back to old shine with some elbow grease. I feel the same about the bike, love it but would not recommend it to people. I dont even know if anything would replace the hole it would leave if I sell it. Because when I ride it its like Alfa Romeo experience. I use it to commute in London to work on a sunny Fridays (rare occasion) just to show off and get some attention =D
I don't like the instruments either, however after seeing how many of the KTM TFT screens have had to go back for repairs due to moisture/cracks I'm pretty glad this one is simple!
Hi TMF, love your vids. One thing I think that would help is a 'leaderboard' for your cost of ownership section. You often say something like, "It's one of the cheaper ones" but it's kind of a useless statement unless we can see the numbers found in your previous reviews. Thanks for the hard work
Excellent review as always, and I do love the looks of the bike. Any bike is going to be a compromise between engineering and styling and this one strikes a quirky but enjoyable balance
Mr Flyer, Love your stuff. I appreciate the genuineness and thoughtfulness you seem to put into your content. This is not a bike I have interest in but that doesn't keep me from watching to the end and liking the video simply in the hopes it helps you somehow
The 'demo' on the mirrors had me laughing out loud. The bike strikes me as a tremendous styling exercise. Does not strike my fancy but the looks are more a 'love it/hate it' and that is what it is.
Great review TMF, strikes me as a bike for someone like yourself who has more than one bike. I just don’t think it fits the bill as an only bike, a shame as it looks awesome!! Loving your videos, you’ve inspired me to get a GoPro, maybe I will even post a couple of videos myself one day 👍🏻👍🏻
As I've said before, these in-depth videos are a valuable resource for people looking for their next bike. In this case, your video would confirm this is not a bike for me, but that's not the point...
Great review as always - a different bike to the norm in many ways - the service intervals seem a bit short for a modern bike, but maybe it's pitched at the sunday ride crowd as you intimated. Build quality looks good apart from the rust already appearing on the quick shifter; a better mudguard, a front fairing and screen would make this much more practical.
Great review, thanks. My brother is buying one this week and I cannot wait to cadge a ride! My bike criteria are that it either has to be very practical (e.g. an all day, interstate prospect) or very pretty, so I have one of each! This bike just might make me rethink!
Get a LoobMan chain oiler - cheap as chips manual oiler and UK based - no wiring or plumbing into engine vacuum (wtf!?) that auto-oilers need. I'm on my 3rd bike with one installed and I've got 18K+ km out each chain (660 XTX, Nuda 900 + KTM 990SMT). I sold the first one with the original chain. I wrote off the 2nd bike and still going on the 3rd with 18K km so far. Yes it flings oil but you get a (noticeably) smoother running chain/drivetrain and the self clean option (before you wash the bike go for a ride and dose the chain with a ton of oil) - you have a well lubed and clean chain and then wash your bike. Cons: - Have to remember to oil it regularly, and long enough ride to allow oil to travel down (see below) - no sweat once you've had one for awhile - flings some oil - leave your chain guard on - Good idea to replace the tubing to a wider ID to allow faster oiling (current bike was very slow) especially if you want to mount it discretely away from the rear cog - I went from the supplied ~3mm ID plastic to 6mm ID rubber tubing - fiddly to mount at the cog end, but that's because it delivers oil to both sides of the cog. I take the cog head off when I drop it off to the mechanic cause they're not great with finesse or non-spec accessories in my experience . .and I wouldn't leave this to a mechanic to mount, sorry too many bad experiences.
Great review TMF. After all said and done (and I love looking at this bike), this bike seems like it was made for the Californian lifestyle. It seems a bit out of sorts here in cold and wet UK, mostly. I would of rather had a twin motor in there and an extra 20 odd Kg - that service interval is daft for a contemporary bike. It seems the customer is paying dearly for the form factor.
Funny thing I noticed is the "side stand down" message on the dash. Now keep in mind my age (nearly 50), and the fact that I have owned lots of bikes since I was a kid but nothing newer than 1996, when I say "now that might have come in handy a few times when I was 20 or 25". Of course, after thinking about it I doubt I would have ever looked at the dash as a kid anyways so it may have made no difference to me at all. Good review too, as always! Thanks.
You do not have to look at the message to notice. Once you put the bike in first the side stand kill switch will turn the bike off as with all modern bikes i know.
Great vid I was looking for a long time a decent vid before buying, just find it however it’s been 2 months already with the same bike and is my daily commuter almost 4k km and the only thing I don’t like about it is: going slow it does not like to go slow haha besides that is happiness and joy every day. Is an over build bike super high end components compared to Honda and even Dukes. Maintenance is great, is like maintaining a 125cc due the only cylinder it takes 1.7L of oil and is cheap. Fuel consumption is ok I been able to do 250km with one tank (no gentle throttle long trip). Small words: if u are able to find it buy it they are like 🦄 and is a neck braker ppl definitely gonna see you and you will enjoy every km on it.
I would say this is really different design. Not like all other motos out there. You stand out with something like this. Not my style, but I admit it looks good. The price is too high though... Thank you for the review!
A very comprehensive video. Thank you. Considering there's no perfect bike for every application I must say this bike intrigues me on many levels. I do like the overall design. To my eye it's some modern interpretation of an old Norton Commando atop a Ducati frame. It's begging for a single saddle and a color matched bullet-shaped cafe racer tail. I also like that it's a single and can manage reasonable speeds without complaining. They seem to have made a priority of keeping it simple. Is this configuration the future of motorcycling for the younger generations? The price point is on the high side. I'd love to see an electric version down the line. Very unique. I do my own valve clearances thanks.
My Vit lives in the city, it gets out of town for day trips a few days a year but I would normally take a bigger boy out of town. I have never taken it on an overnight yet but it is definitely the go to bike in the city, I got the 701 but as I'm seldom on the highway with it and I love how fun and easy it is I may go down to the 401.... Just newer....
More a bike for better weather countries but If you don't mind... I want weather protection. Nice small bike for commuting and showing off. There are many other bikes that do the same for equal or less money and a lot of them are suited for touring. There are automatic chain lubrication systems. Keep 'em coming these in dept reviews 👍🏼
Great review, as always! Very thorough. The night shots showing the headlight brightness, however, is quite useless. Cameras just can’t show what you see at night.
Thank you for posting. As usual, very informative. Just an fyi, looks like you meant to post a link on how you clean your bikes, but forgot to include it. I don't need it, but others might. A great looking bike. Very interested in seeing one up close and personal.
Valves every 6k? Thats nuts. If the valves are particularly easy to to compared to a normal bike then sure but if its like any other bike ive ever owned id not go near it.
That was a super watch. To call it an in depth review is an understatement. Any more detail and you would be stripping the engine down. And when you started washing the bike, what was that? A throw down to all the MCN journalists on their CBT or A2 licence? 😂
I'd very much like to see some closer, lingering shots of the engines and exhausts (not the end-can), if possible. Or drop-in some stills. This exhaust looked potentially "very exciting". Perhaps a word with your director of photography?
I know styling preference is a personal thing and many people think the Vitpilen is a fine looking bike but I think it's just an ugly duckling. I've never ridden one but all the reviews seem positive. Quirky? Yes. Like it? No. Good review as usual TMF.
Great review TMF! (I’m new to motorcycling and I’m really enjoying all your videos). Vitpilen looks good but just a bit too expensive for me compared to the alternatives.
Very nice bit of kit! As much as I love seeing these new fancy bikes, it'd be cool to see you return to the much loved bikes of the "past" shall we say, Bandit, Fazer's that sorta thing and see just how they measure up with today's bikes
@@TheMissendenFlyer yeah I figured it might be a bit of a headache trying to grab older bikes, I've only watched a few actually. I'll go binge on them today!
TheMissendenFlyer oh yes. My comment was meant to be an expression of admiration for you amazing cleaning skills. You do it so well! Have watched all your clips on the subject and my dog hair dryer arrives today in fact :)
Nice looking bike and they even managed to make the can look like it belongs there. Regarding the rear mudguard, perhaps the angle is able to be adjusted slightly so it catches the water spin off.
Have you ever thought of using your phones camera for your night rides? Maybe taking a couple of pics on the bike so we can have a better visual of the lighting.
The engine can be a bit buzzy, so I recommend replacing the grips for something with more cushion. It will take the tingle out of your fingers if you are riding longer than an hour.
Chris Kirk the heated grips from Husqvarna made a difference and now that I think about it, my Speciale has the weighted rizoma bar ends and it’s less vibey that the R.
I can't see anyone paying £9000 for One of these, when for an extra £1500 you can have the new Speed Twin! you could even pick up a low Mileage used T120 Black and spend the rest on a nice holiday lol.
Speed Twin is a nice bike. This bike is also a nice bike. This bike, though, will be close to one hundred pounds lighter. For someone who appreciates a lighter bike, they might want to take a look at the 701 twins. I'll be glad when more manufacturers start taking weight reduction seriously. All the Triumph modern classics weigh too much as well as the R9Ts and the Z900RS and Cafe.
Another great review mate, sadly no mention of PCB switches anymore in the reviews 😂. I'd really love them to bring back the Nuda, it would sell like hot cakes.
Yeah I reckon it would....and people always took the P out of me for the "PCB" switches, so I rarely mention them now....although occasionally they make a comeback...
Another great video. You could stop calling us kids though! Ha. No offence. Always find your videos informative and enjoyable. Keep up the excellent work
Fantastic review! I was going for the way more expensive MV Agusta Dragster RR, but I will actually rather go for the Vitpilen :-) Though, I still like the Dragster-design way more than Vitpilen.
Unit Garage offer bracket and waxed leather soft bag that is installed on left hand side only. Looks nice. Not very big, though. Black or brown. Made in Italy. Expensive. Husqvarna's brackets and textile left-and-right bags appear smaller and look like shite. Their small-ish tank bag straps to a stylish plastic support that attaches to the fuel filler surround using the existing Allen bolts. It comes with a waterproof cover and looks good.
Nother good video. You usually mention how hard it is to plant your feet solid on the ground due to the bike's seat height, but I have a different request. How much bend in the knees with your feet on the pegs. As an older rider (76) with bad knees and a Bandit that is fast approaching retirement, I need to know what kind of angle my knees will be in. Even a short ride of 200 or so miles can sometimes be painful and requires getting off and stretching. and darn near every worthwhile ride here in southern Arizona is 250 mils or more. Thanks in advance. Ole Fuzzythinking Fumblefingers
Hey TMF, have you seen fortnines videos on lubing and cleaning chains? I noticed you mentioned lubing it in this review and in their lubing video they showed it's really not necessary, cleaning is definitely a good idea though, your thoughts?
The conclusion was not that chains do not need lube. Most chains are sealed and internally lubed, yes, but you still need chain lube to prevent surface corrosion.
I'm in the market for a second 'fun' bike so was really please that my favorite Vlogger had an in depth review! Great review and during these lock down times its the nearest thing anyone can get to a demo ride! So many thanks for a great review, I fancy something a bit quirky and having owned CCM thumpers in the past this should fit the bill nicely, and if you look around there are some cracking deals to be had.
A very fair review I thought, thank you. I did laugh out loud with the 'touring' feature, on this, any ride longer than 1 hour would be considered as touring! Seriously for a moment, is the tank metal or plastic? I'm thinking a large tank bag to lean on and block the rain would be handy to carry a pair of brogues and a bottle of beard oil.
The new Duke 790 is a Twin cylinder, but it makes a lot more power now with 103 hp. The Vitpilen is using the KTM 690 Single, so it's the last Single with decent power numbers in a road style bike. I imagine people who don't care about warranty might figure out how to swap the new 790 into a Vitpilen, it would be a sweet bike.
I'm torn between one of these or the speed twin... Missy .. can you help me decide? It will be mainly used for commuting approx 80km a day round trip. Help!
Your looking at a performance machine here. The 690 Duke is the same unit and from reading forums I'd say check oil levels frequently as it likes a drink plus the valve frequency checks are erring on the side of caution but it's a performance single so 70 odd bhp from one pot is pushing barriers. I've ridden one and I'd describe it as a rider's machine, forget the comments about mandatory beards and skinny Jean's!
I owned one last year.Only got rid to put the money towards a V4 Panigale.Husqvarna do luggage options by the way,although everything is scaled down to quite small capacities.I loved the bike and would have another in a heartbeat.
Great video, very helpful! Would you recommend a vitpilen 701 from 2018 today? I could have a used one for about 6.500€. Or would you recommend another bike for someone who wants a nice looking and speedy bike?
Great review! I own as vitpilen 401 and thinking of upgrading to the 701. Is the 701 that much more powerful and has that much better performance? Is it worth the switch? Help please! Thanks 🙏.
@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks, i'll call them tomorrow and drop your name! at that price i will definitely be buying something from them at the same time!
I’m looking into buying either a Svartpilen 701 or a Kawasaki Z900RS. I’ve heard about some reliability issues with the Svartpilen/Vitpilen line. If you encounter any problems?
Good review of a restyled KTM. Fun to look at but not something likely to ever be in my garage. Perhaps if I shaved less and got some tight fitting jeans...
Enjoyed that - question for you though: @RichyVida had a good night time run when he had this Africa Twin loaner (you may have watched it) and the headlights showed up way better than on your videos - I thought you were both using Hero4's so I'm surprised you had completely different footage - any thoughts?
@@TheMissendenFlyer settings are a good candidate I suspect. The lights are good but your footage even from your GS when you were demoing the fogs wasn't as bright. Have you given the Hero7 a go at night at all? After all that work you put in to a great video I have to apologise for talking to you about the production of one tiny segment.
I definitely want this is a track/weekend bike. I have an old 83 gs650gl I use to commute on and I love it for that. I am very tall though and my suzuki is a cramped little dwarf. Do you think I'll hate the vitpilen? I haven't had a chance to throw a leg over. If not this bike, what's a neo cafe/ vintage standard motorcycle you guys reccomend for a taller guy
![Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 climbing the mountain [RAW Onboard]](/img/n.gif)
I Got a Vitpilen 401 as my first bike and I don't regret a bit.
Great first bike choice. Congrats.
Wish they launch in India soon.
How is the exhaust sound compared to the 701?
@@TheJonCruise The stock sound is pretty much the same of course a little lower, but I change mine to straight pipe keeping the factory end and sounds great.
Your in-depth reviews are spot on TMF. You cover the parts other reviewers don't reach! Thanks again.
Thank you Pastie - I aim to please!
Having owned my Vitpilen 701 for almost a year and ridden it for 6k miles now. I agree with you on all the counts you covered in your review. Main reason why you do not see them on the road is purely down to cost and one of the reasons WHY I bought mine too (Only 75 sold so far in UK). I was between new 790 Duke and this one. My brain screamed "Duke!" but my heart went with Pilen. I have a commuter bike and Vitpilen is a perfect weekend hooner/attention magnet. No one looked twice at me when I was riding Duke. Love my Vitpilen! Looking forward getting spoke wheels done on it and engine tune next!
@@od1r73 the site called "Howmanyleft" and you can search anything there. I cant imagine your pain bud with all the crap you had to deal with. I ordered mine in July and had to wait 3 weeks to get it. Paid just under 9k and 2k for load of parts (spoke wheels, Akra, bar end mirrors etc) got 30% off on parts. As I said earlier, I got 6k miles on it already. Used it in the winter, rain never stopped me too, didnt wash it after every ride in the dirt but its been great so far, only issue I had was rear left indicator stopped working on the first week of ownership. That is it. Down pipe will look like this on any bike btw, it cleans out back to old shine with some elbow grease. I feel the same about the bike, love it but would not recommend it to people. I dont even know if anything would replace the hole it would leave if I sell it. Because when I ride it its like Alfa Romeo experience. I use it to commute in London to work on a sunny Fridays (rare occasion) just to show off and get some attention =D
Does it wheelie in second without clutching it?
considering it is a KTM 690 your not wrong -ua-cam.com/video/9Vf7uyYa0LU/v-deo.html
Good day mate, I've seen many people say what you said about spokes. Are spoke wheels better?
@@rick01jetta Yes it does, just turn TC off and it is hard to keep front wheel down =)
Great video man all the hard work pays off from a viewer point of view
I'm really glad you think so - cheers Paul....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Agreed, I appreciate your efforts. 👍
Agreed also. Thumbs up!
I don't like the instruments either, however after seeing how many of the KTM TFT screens have had to go back for repairs due to moisture/cracks I'm pretty glad this one is simple!
One of the best motorcycle channel on youtube👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Wow, thanks!
Hi TMF, love your vids. One thing I think that would help is a 'leaderboard' for your cost of ownership section. You often say something like, "It's one of the cheaper ones" but it's kind of a useless statement unless we can see the numbers found in your previous reviews. Thanks for the hard work
Yes - Thanks for the suggestion!!
As a Nottinghamshire lad who now lives in Northern California I miss how pretty England is. I don't miss your weather though :)
No it sure is grim up North!
Excellent review as always, and I do love the looks of the bike. Any bike is going to be a compromise between engineering and styling and this one strikes a quirky but enjoyable balance
Huge fan of your music
This brand is one of the best out there, better than ducati, aprilia, augusta, it has everything a true rider needs,
Excellent review, so thoroughly enjoyable as always! 300 quid to check valves on a single ? Wow
What a way to start the week! Fantastic review as always, thank you :)
Thank you for watching and for your kind words Hartzy!
Mr Flyer,
Love your stuff. I appreciate the genuineness and thoughtfulness you seem to put into your content. This is not a bike I have interest in but that doesn't keep me from watching to the end and liking the video simply in the hopes it helps you somehow
Thanks Jake - and it does!
Great video, lots of details that other reviewers don't go into, great job!
Thank you!
Would never consider purchasing this bike but I do learn a great deal about most all bikes watching your reviews. Thanx TMF and Cheers.
Cheers Bradley!
The amount of work that went into this review is amazing! very well done! thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Another excellent in-depth review video in the can! Well done, Sir.
Thank you
Nice full review mate. Very informative and sincere. Ride safe!
The 'demo' on the mirrors had me laughing out loud. The bike strikes me as a tremendous styling exercise. Does not strike my fancy but the looks are more a 'love it/hate it' and that is what it is.
Great review TMF, strikes me as a bike for someone like yourself who has more than one bike. I just don’t think it fits the bill as an only bike, a shame as it looks awesome!!
Loving your videos, you’ve inspired me to get a GoPro, maybe I will even post a couple of videos myself one day 👍🏻👍🏻
As I've said before, these in-depth videos are a valuable resource for people looking for their next bike. In this case, your video would confirm this is not a bike for me, but that's not the point...
Great review as always - a different bike to the norm in many ways - the service intervals seem a bit short for a modern bike, but maybe it's pitched at the sunday ride crowd as you intimated. Build quality looks good apart from the rust already appearing on the quick shifter; a better mudguard, a front fairing and screen would make this much more practical.
Here is the essence of a motorcycle light weight, good power and FUN!!!!
What a nice surprise after returning home late after work...! Cheers :)
Weird, my head says horrible my heart says lovely! Looks a fun bike to throw around with plenty of go.
Great review as per usual.
Thank you Peter....
Great review, thanks. My brother is buying one this week and I cannot wait to cadge a ride! My bike criteria are that it either has to be very practical (e.g. an all day, interstate prospect) or very pretty, so I have one of each! This bike just might make me rethink!
Cleans up nice, looks great under you garage lighting. Great review Mr Flyer 👍🏻
Cheers!
Great Video TMF - always makes me laugh when you do the night section as it looks as if the lights aren't on. GoPro I know.
Get a LoobMan chain oiler - cheap as chips manual oiler and UK based - no wiring or plumbing into engine vacuum (wtf!?) that auto-oilers need. I'm on my 3rd bike with one installed and I've got 18K+ km out each chain (660 XTX, Nuda 900 + KTM 990SMT). I sold the first one with the original chain. I wrote off the 2nd bike and still going on the 3rd with 18K km so far. Yes it flings oil but you get a (noticeably) smoother running chain/drivetrain and the self clean option (before you wash the bike go for a ride and dose the chain with a ton of oil) - you have a well lubed and clean chain and then wash your bike.
Cons:
- Have to remember to oil it regularly, and long enough ride to allow oil to travel down (see below) - no sweat once you've had one for awhile
- flings some oil - leave your chain guard on
- Good idea to replace the tubing to a wider ID to allow faster oiling (current bike was very slow) especially if you want to mount it discretely away from the rear cog - I went from the supplied ~3mm ID plastic to 6mm ID rubber tubing
- fiddly to mount at the cog end, but that's because it delivers oil to both sides of the cog. I take the cog head off when I drop it off to the mechanic cause they're not great with finesse or non-spec accessories in my experience . .and I wouldn't leave this to a mechanic to mount, sorry too many bad experiences.
Great review TMF. After all said and done (and I love looking at this bike), this bike seems like it was made for the Californian lifestyle. It seems a bit out of sorts here in cold and wet UK, mostly. I would of rather had a twin motor in there and an extra 20 odd Kg - that service interval is daft for a contemporary bike. It seems the customer is paying dearly for the form factor.
Funny thing I noticed is the "side stand down" message on the dash. Now keep in mind my age (nearly 50), and the fact that I have owned lots of bikes since I was a kid but nothing newer than 1996, when I say "now that might have come in handy a few times when I was 20 or 25". Of course, after thinking about it I doubt I would have ever looked at the dash as a kid anyways so it may have made no difference to me at all.
Good review too, as always! Thanks.
You do not have to look at the message to notice. Once you put the bike in first the side stand kill switch will turn the bike off as with all modern bikes i know.
@@PhilipMarroni You might be onto something there! Guess i'm showing my age!
Great vid I was looking for a long time a decent vid before buying, just find it however it’s been 2 months already with the same bike and is my daily commuter almost 4k km and the only thing I don’t like about it is: going slow it does not like to go slow haha besides that is happiness and joy every day. Is an over build bike super high end components compared to Honda and even Dukes. Maintenance is great, is like maintaining a 125cc due the only cylinder it takes 1.7L of oil and is cheap. Fuel consumption is ok I been able to do 250km with one tank (no gentle throttle long trip). Small words: if u are able to find it buy it they are like 🦄 and is a neck braker ppl definitely gonna see you and you will enjoy every km on it.
Sound like you’re a fan of the bike then!
I would say this is really different design. Not like all other motos out there. You stand out with something like this. Not my style, but I admit it looks good. The price is too high though...
Thank you for the review!
Such a great video and review, thanks so much for your level of detail!
Glad you liked it!
A very comprehensive video. Thank you. Considering there's no perfect bike for every application I must say this bike intrigues me on many levels. I do like the overall design. To my eye it's some modern interpretation of an old Norton Commando atop a Ducati frame. It's begging for a single saddle and a color matched bullet-shaped cafe racer tail. I also like that it's a single and can manage reasonable speeds without complaining. They seem to have made a priority of keeping it simple. Is this configuration the future of motorcycling for the younger generations? The price point is on the high side. I'd love to see an electric version down the line. Very unique. I do my own valve clearances thanks.
Great video Tmf.....lovely bike looks great be great in town zipping through traffic👍👍👍
Brilliant review Tmf I like the look of the bike but a bit expensive thanks danny
Thanks for watching as ever Danny!
My Vit lives in the city, it gets out of town for day trips a few days a year but I would normally take a bigger boy out of town. I have never taken it on an overnight yet but it is definitely the go to bike in the city, I got the 701 but as I'm seldom on the highway with it and I love how fun and easy it is I may go down to the 401.... Just newer....
Thanks for sharing!
More a bike for better weather countries but If you don't mind... I want weather protection.
Nice small bike for commuting and showing off.
There are many other bikes that do the same for equal or less money and a lot of them are suited for touring.
There are automatic chain lubrication systems.
Keep 'em coming these in dept reviews 👍🏼
Great review again TMF - thanks!
Cheers Bonny - always good to have you along!
I'm.glad you didn't put that lean angle traction control to the test! 😱😱😆😆. Still, it was a great placebo for you.
thanks mate, brilliant review. Cheers
Great review, as always! Very thorough. The night shots showing the headlight brightness, however, is quite useless. Cameras just can’t show what you see at night.
Thank you for posting. As usual, very informative. Just an fyi, looks like you meant to post a link on how you clean your bikes, but forgot to include it. I don't need it, but others might. A great looking bike. Very interested in seeing one up close and personal.
Oops! Thanks for that!
@@TheMissendenFlyer No problem, I got your back. ;)
Great video as usual 🤜🤛
I hope to see the aero model on the market soon 🤘 a 401 or 701 aero would be an amazing machine
Great and thorough review. Thanks!
My pleasure John!
Valves every 6k? Thats nuts. If the valves are particularly easy to to compared to a normal bike then sure but if its like any other bike ive ever owned id not go near it.
That was a super watch. To call it an in depth review is an understatement. Any more detail and you would be stripping the engine down. And when you started washing the bike, what was that? A throw down to all the MCN journalists on their CBT or A2 licence? 😂
Thank you Paul - one tries ones best!
Top review, top bike, top fun.
Thank you Don - I agree!
I'd very much like to see some closer, lingering shots of the engines and exhausts (not the end-can), if possible. Or drop-in some stills. This exhaust looked potentially "very exciting". Perhaps a word with your director of photography?
I'll talk to him, he's a bit rubbish at this game to be fair....
I know styling preference is a personal thing and many people think the Vitpilen is a fine looking bike but I think it's just an ugly duckling. I've never ridden one but all the reviews seem positive. Quirky? Yes. Like it? No. Good review as usual TMF.
Cheers - and yes, the looks certainly split opinions...great ride though...
Great review TMF! (I’m new to motorcycling and I’m really enjoying all your videos). Vitpilen looks good but just a bit too expensive for me compared to the alternatives.
Thanks for watching Roland!
Very nice bit of kit! As much as I love seeing these new fancy bikes, it'd be cool to see you return to the much loved bikes of the "past" shall we say, Bandit, Fazer's that sorta thing and see just how they measure up with today's bikes
The issue is getting hold of older bikes to review.....my attempt at that was my "readers rides" series...did you see those?
@@TheMissendenFlyer yeah I figured it might be a bit of a headache trying to grab older bikes, I've only watched a few actually. I'll go binge on them today!
Rode it in all kinds of weather and still managed to make it looks like its fresh out the showroom. HOW! :)
I gave it a good clean as you saw in the video!
TheMissendenFlyer oh yes. My comment was meant to be an expression of admiration for you amazing cleaning skills. You do it so well! Have watched all your clips on the subject and my dog hair dryer arrives today in fact :)
Nice looking bike and they even managed to make the can look like it belongs there. Regarding the rear mudguard, perhaps the angle is able to be adjusted slightly so it catches the water spin off.
Yes good point - didn’t think of that!
Still haven't seen one. Better bikes out there for the money but still an interesting review of slightly quirky alternatives.
Great review thank you
My pleasure!
Have you ever thought of using your phones camera for your night rides? Maybe taking a couple of pics on the bike so we can have a better visual of the lighting.
No I haven’t thought of that!
The engine can be a bit buzzy, so I recommend replacing the grips for something with more cushion. It will take the tingle out of your fingers if you are riding longer than an hour.
Evotech heavy bar ends also work a treat.
Chris Kirk just ordered some for my V4R and Husqvarna.
@@foolspeedahead nice, would be interested to see if you notice a difference too.
Chris Kirk the heated grips from Husqvarna made a difference and now that I think about it, my Speciale has the weighted rizoma bar ends and it’s less vibey that the R.
I can't see anyone paying £9000 for One of these, when for an extra £1500 you can have the new Speed Twin! you could even pick up a low Mileage used T120 Black and spend the rest on a nice holiday lol.
@@1990-t1j You would if you had Zero taste haha
Well it's all a matter of what floats your boat isn't it...we can't all have the same likes/dislikes...
Speed Twin is a nice bike. This bike is also a nice bike. This bike, though, will be close to one hundred pounds lighter.
For someone who appreciates a lighter bike, they might want to take a look at the 701 twins.
I'll be glad when more manufacturers start taking weight reduction seriously. All the Triumph modern classics weigh too much as well as the R9Ts and the Z900RS and Cafe.
Another great review mate, sadly no mention of PCB switches anymore in the reviews 😂. I'd really love them to bring back the Nuda, it would sell like hot cakes.
Yeah I reckon it would....and people always took the P out of me for the "PCB" switches, so I rarely mention them now....although occasionally they make a comeback...
A naughty TMF is a fun TMF
Another great video. You could stop calling us kids though! Ha. No offence. Always find your videos informative and enjoyable. Keep up the excellent work
Thanks Mick - it's just a catch phrase - don't sweat it!
Colour scheme looks good.
Fantastic review!
I was going for the way more expensive MV Agusta Dragster RR, but I will actually rather go for the Vitpilen :-) Though, I still like the Dragster-design way more than Vitpilen.
Dragster is a way more exotic beast a automotive work of art
Hi TMF, can you do a review of the Husky 401?
does the license plate mount make rear wheel operations more difficult?
An Excel sheet comparing different bikes' ownership costs?
Unit Garage offer bracket and waxed leather soft bag that is installed on left hand side only. Looks nice. Not very big, though. Black or brown. Made in Italy. Expensive. Husqvarna's brackets and textile left-and-right bags appear smaller and look like shite. Their small-ish tank bag straps to a stylish plastic support that attaches to the fuel filler surround using the existing Allen bolts. It comes with a waterproof cover and looks good.
Nother good video. You usually mention how hard it is to plant your feet solid on the ground due to the bike's seat height, but I have a different request. How much bend in the knees with your feet on the pegs. As an older rider (76) with bad knees and a Bandit that is fast approaching retirement, I need to know what kind of angle my knees will be in. Even a short ride of 200 or so miles can sometimes be painful and requires getting off and stretching. and darn near every worthwhile ride here in southern Arizona is 250 mils or more.
Thanks in advance.
Ole Fuzzythinking Fumblefingers
I’ll see what I can do! Thanks for watching....
Hey TMF, have you seen fortnines videos on lubing and cleaning chains? I noticed you mentioned lubing it in this review and in their lubing video they showed it's really not necessary, cleaning is definitely a good idea though, your thoughts?
Yes I did see that - love F9's stuff.....I even appeared on one of their videos once ;0)
The conclusion was not that chains do not need lube.
Most chains are sealed and internally lubed, yes, but you still need chain lube to prevent surface corrosion.
@@PhilipMarroni Ah yes, I'd forgotten about that, it was at the end of the video, wasn't it? My bad.
@@francesboy2 Yes, I remember also thinking that lube is completly unnecessary during the video until the end.
Another great in depth review! Would love to see a first ride of the Kawasaki Ninja 400!!
Sadly I have very limited access to Kawasaki's!
I have just bought a Vit 701, got insurance (Comp) @ £113 per annum (age 67 comprensive)
Love the review , I’m seriously thinking of buying a new 2020 svartvilen , have you had the pleasure of riding one ?
No I decided against it having ridden this one!
I'm in the market for a second 'fun' bike so was really please that my favorite Vlogger had an in depth review! Great review and during these lock down times its the nearest thing anyone can get to a demo ride! So many thanks for a great review, I fancy something a bit quirky and having owned CCM thumpers in the past this should fit the bill nicely, and if you look around there are some cracking deals to be had.
A very fair review I thought, thank you. I did laugh out loud with the 'touring' feature, on this, any ride longer than 1 hour would be considered as touring! Seriously for a moment, is the tank metal or plastic? I'm thinking a large tank bag to lean on and block the rain would be handy to carry a pair of brogues and a bottle of beard oil.
he he, the tank is plastic.....
The most proper single street bike since the Yamaha SRXs. Well, there is KTM DUKEs, but the Vitpilen is much sexier
The new Duke 790 is a Twin cylinder, but it makes a lot more power now with 103 hp. The Vitpilen is using the KTM 690 Single, so it's the last Single with decent power numbers in a road style bike. I imagine people who don't care about warranty might figure out how to swap the new 790 into a Vitpilen, it would be a sweet bike.
Great review as always. How does the handling compare to your Street Triple R?
Quite favorably actually...I still prefer the Street Triple though (on looks mainly)...
Valve clearance check every 6000 miles? Absolutely crap! I'm sure it doesn't need it, but for to keep up to date, with the service book.
Lol if u know anything about single cylinder ktm's you wouldn't skip the valve clearance
Horrendous headlight explanation - however awesome. I'm actually now going to buy one!
I'm torn between one of these or the speed twin... Missy .. can you help me decide? It will be mainly used for commuting approx 80km a day round trip. Help!
Easy - Speed Twin by some margin....
Go 701-SuperMoto/// Sick wheelies
Yeah I would have the Supermoto
Valve clearances every six thousand miles?? What decade are we in again? Nuts
Agreed. Does the high rev' range of bikes preclude the use of hydraulic tappets?
...now you're getting technical....
Your looking at a performance machine here. The 690 Duke is the same unit and from reading forums I'd say check oil levels frequently as it likes a drink plus the valve frequency checks are erring on the side of caution but it's a performance single so 70 odd bhp from one pot is pushing barriers. I've ridden one and I'd describe it as a rider's machine, forget the comments about mandatory beards and skinny Jean's!
I owned one last year.Only got rid to put the money towards a V4 Panigale.Husqvarna do luggage options by the way,although everything is scaled down to quite small capacities.I loved the bike and would have another in a heartbeat.
any ideas on why they discontinued this gem of a bike?
Not a big seller is my guess….
Great video, very helpful! Would you recommend a vitpilen 701 from 2018 today? I could have a used one for about 6.500€. Or would you recommend another bike for someone who wants a nice looking and speedy bike?
Some people report that they go into neutral unintended a lot. Did you notice that as well as a problem?
Not that I recall....
@@TheMissendenFlyer cool. Do you recommend it for the use case I described above? :)
Great review! I own as vitpilen 401 and thinking of upgrading to the 701. Is the 701 that much more powerful and has that much better performance? Is it worth the switch? Help please! Thanks 🙏.
Yes and yes!
Thanks!
£60 for the 600 mile service? I just paid €230 for that service here in Sweden 😭
Yikes!
My 600mile service was the equivalent of £92. Cost R1700 in Pretoria South Africa. What a bike though!!!! Absolutely love mine
I'm surprised there was no comparison to its parent bike; the Duke 690
Bar end mirrors would look good on this bike.
Agreed....
Cool stuff
Hello. I know you did a review for Continental GT535. Which one vibrates more Vitpilen 701 or GT 535?
GT535
@@TheMissendenFlyer thank you!
@themissendenflyer where was your initial service quote from? My vitpilen is due and the dealer quoted £212!
The KTM Centre Hemel Hempstead....
@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks, i'll call them tomorrow and drop your name! at that price i will definitely be buying something from them at the same time!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I rang and checked, that is only the deal if you bought the bike from them, otherwise £200. Thanks for the info though.
Fair enough I guess!
Just like the XSR 900 - the round digital screen is a no go.
Great video!
I’m looking into buying either a Svartpilen 701 or a Kawasaki Z900RS. I’ve heard about some reliability issues with the Svartpilen/Vitpilen line. If you encounter any problems?
No problems - but then I only borrowed the bike for a few weeks...
Good review of a restyled KTM. Fun to look at but not something likely to ever be in my garage. Perhaps if I shaved less and got some tight fitting jeans...
:0)
Enjoyed that - question for you though: @RichyVida had a good night time run when he had this Africa Twin loaner (you may have watched it) and the headlights showed up way better than on your videos - I thought you were both using Hero4's so I'm surprised you had completely different footage - any thoughts?
...'fraid not! Perhaps he uses different settings to me or the AT had better lights!
@@TheMissendenFlyer settings are a good candidate I suspect. The lights are good but your footage even from your GS when you were demoing the fogs wasn't as bright. Have you given the Hero7 a go at night at all?
After all that work you put in to a great video I have to apologise for talking to you about the production of one tiny segment.
No problem, I appreciate the constructive feedback....
Please try to test ride the kwak z900 (not the rs, saw you did that one already), cheers!
Difficult for me to get hold of Kawasaki’s unfortunately but will try!
I definitely want this is a track/weekend bike. I have an old 83 gs650gl I use to commute on and I love it for that. I am very tall though and my suzuki is a cramped little dwarf. Do you think I'll hate the vitpilen? I haven't had a chance to throw a leg over. If not this bike, what's a neo cafe/ vintage standard motorcycle you guys reccomend for a taller guy
The Triumph Thruxton is a better bet all round in my opinion and would suit the taller rider...
@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks!
Any exhaust options for this bike apart from the Akra slip on.
I don't know I'm afraid Adam...sorry!