From concept to reality in just two years, Husqvarna's Vitpilen 701 has elevated contemporary motorcycle design to another level, while still giving a nod to the past.
I got one and I absolutely love it. I understand it's not for every one, it has a target market and it is the person that wants that somthing that very few others have and unfortunately that exclusivity comes at a price.
Im with you, actually glad that its expensive and most people other cant afford it or simply hate the look of it. This keeps this bike more exclusive. I rode it last weekaend and going to ride it again, this time back to back against Duke 790.
It’s not as expensive as everyone is making when you consider it has; the best single cylinder engine available, adjustable suspension, up and down auto-shifter, quality brakes, ABC and overall top quality finishes. The husky 701 Supermoto is 20% less expensive without any of the above (besides the engine)
NoW real bum liking KTM Crap bike just because they have too . Otherwise no more KTM free bikes . disillusion . South Africa. Its in the blood to be corrupt. Crap shit bike and you KNOW.
This bike needs special genuine bikers to appreciate. I rode the 401 which has the ktm duke 390 engine and it’s fine. Don’t expect to be wowed by such small capacity one cyclinders! If you want proper bike, go to bikers warehouse and ask for the Benelli cafe 600 I bought that one few weeks back. You bound to be happy there. Four cylinder 600cc. But I would consider this 701 as collectible😎
‘Motorcycle Art’ is of course MV Augusta’s strapline. These new road Huskies are ‘Future Retro’ supposedly. The design concept at Kiska for these bikes was to imagine what a contemporary cafe racer would look like today given that the originals weren’t retro in their own day.
🎨 Nice art gallery. I often mix art with bikes. Rode the scooter to Paris recently to look around the Musee d'Orsay, wonderful. Completely forgot, what bike was you testing?
I think if I were to say everything about the bike is extreme, like one of your commentators did, with features of it on other bikes and many bike past and present with that size single cylinder engine (and larger in the case of the 1990's Suzuki DR 800 S Big), then I would be tempted to say that it is just its looks that are out there, because things like the trellis frame are done well elsewhere. So the question would be really, what does it have that other bikes don't have? Nothing really except the way it looks.
The street lc4 ktm's are reliable. They aren't as high strung as their race bikes and real supermotos. I have a ktm 690 supermoto and have had no issues.
A motorcycle can be a work of art, but at a cost. The Husky isn't one of them. It is like saying a wood rasp is a piece of art, when in fact it is a functional tool.
I do like it, a lot. But the cheap man inside me says what else can I get that offers near as much character, performance, and reliability (or more) for less money? Yamaha fits that bill. Sure the MT-07 isn't near the same level as suspension bones, aesthetics (although it isn't bad), or pedigree with the name Husqvarna. Yet, it's SO GOOD in the 2018 updates that it could be ridden just as it is. For a 650-690 twin class there's nothing better. The 2018 MT-07 is VERY good (having just ridden a well run-in demo model a couple weeks ago). Spend less money on upgrades to the MT-07 to makes the suspension amazing, brakes amazing, and the usual exhaust/intake/flash tune and it's arguably more usable than the 701 for less money. The 701 offers a lot of whizz technology, but the MT-07 could be equipped the same way with aftermarket electronics. Yet the 701 holds a niche for that urban crowd that wants something to look at, aspire to, and ride where the MT-07 would have to get hacked up and customized (which it has). A twin can be smoother than a single, more efficient due to the fact an extra cylinder provides better balance AND power without sapping away force with dead inertia. It's the reason why the more cylinders you add to an engine, the smoother and more efficient at making power it gets, to a point.
really nice review, I want one of these for myself cause its so damn nice. but you guys really need to up the audio quality, video is good quality with audio from a VHS
Oh, a Vitpilen? Well someone was getting excited next to Harry at 0.35. Someone done this art thing with an Aprilia Moto 6.5 years ago... and that was a flop!
As hard as I try I just can't get interested in this bike. I owned a Husky 701 supermoto so I know the platform well. But this thing is just too underpowered and underspecced for it's price - in other words it's just TOO EXPENSIVE. By a lot.
I actually disagree... given the price of some superbikes today the finish and quality of this bike is excellent and although it isn’t “fast” - that’s not really the point.
Guy that say that this is just a fancy KTM 690 should see this review aswell! RJ will explain all the changes Husky made on the 690 engine. ua-cam.com/video/xojWopdyji8/v-deo.html
Soon as I see a reviewer in jeans an trainers I completely disregard their opinion!an as for the artist's impression,I feel yet again,a motorcycle that is a fashion accessory! nothing wrong with that you may say,but fashion drives prices high!just like the present trend for cafe races!£10,00 for a old BMW tartered up like a tarts handbag!!!na,it's lost its true essence of motorcycling!these people aren't true motorcyclists!!
NoW real bum liking KTM Crap bike just because they have too . Otherwise no more KTM free bikes . disillusion . South Africa. Its in the blood to be corrupt. Crap shit bike and you KNOW.
Your bike reviews are the best on the internet. I appreciate the way your bring multiple view points on a single bike.
As a soon to be Viltpilen owner, loved your review.
I got one and I absolutely love it. I understand it's not for every one, it has a target market and it is the person that wants that somthing that very few others have and unfortunately that exclusivity comes at a price.
Im with you, actually glad that its expensive and most people other cant afford it or simply hate the look of it. This keeps this bike more exclusive. I rode it last weekaend and going to ride it again, this time back to back against Duke 790.
It really is a distinctive and good looking bike.
I get it:
Harry, the dreamer, the artist
Donovan, the hedonist, the pleasure and thrill seeker
Matt, the pragmatist, the voice of reason
Hmmm...
Hear No Evil... See No Evil... Speak No Evil.
:)
Juxtaposition is the new word I learnt by seeing this video .. I'm a future owner of 701
It’s not as expensive as everyone is making when you consider it has; the best single cylinder engine available, adjustable suspension, up and down auto-shifter, quality brakes, ABC and overall top quality finishes.
The husky 701 Supermoto is 20% less expensive without any of the above (besides the engine)
D.B. Problem is not everyone wants or can handle a tall seat height bike.
@@ripmax333 not everyone has to buy this bike either
I would just park that in my garage and happily spend hours just looking at it. Beautiful looking machine.
Bike Show rocks! I totally dig you guys!
NoW real bum liking KTM Crap bike just because they have too . Otherwise no more KTM free bikes . disillusion . South Africa. Its in the blood to be corrupt. Crap shit bike and you KNOW.
I liked the way we could see Matt pacing up and down in the background during the interview :-D
Looks like something straight out of a DC or Marvel comic really something special
you guys are ingenious! unique videos with charm and wit. superbe video & sound footage! my three thumbs up ;=)
Not an obvious rip off of the UK Top Gear trio format then ??
I love this show! I love Africa its the most beautiful Continent in the world!
This bike needs special genuine bikers to appreciate. I rode the 401 which has the ktm duke 390 engine and it’s fine. Don’t expect to be wowed by such small capacity one cyclinders! If you want proper bike, go to bikers warehouse and ask for the Benelli cafe 600 I bought that one few weeks back. You bound to be happy there. Four cylinder 600cc. But I would consider this 701 as collectible😎
LOL, you are comparing 190kg 4 cylinder made of cheese to a 157kg single cylinder premium bike? ROFL
Always a pleasure watching your show, keep up the good job!
‘Motorcycle Art’ is of course MV Augusta’s strapline. These new road Huskies are ‘Future Retro’ supposedly. The design concept at Kiska for these bikes was to imagine what a contemporary cafe racer would look like today given that the originals weren’t retro in their own day.
Great video. Well done!
🎨 Nice art gallery. I often mix art with bikes. Rode the scooter to Paris recently to look around the Musee d'Orsay, wonderful. Completely forgot, what bike was you testing?
The Nelson Mandela painting and mirror-ball P200 add a nice touch of weirdness.
RIP❤ Matt
"When you're buyin a piece of art, you gotta pay hadn't ya", excellent line there. ha ha
I asked my dad what a super single is,and he said there is nothing super about a single!
I don't think I could sit at a coffee shop and talk about what I like about this pilen..to many kids around
Why no review of 790? I liked your review of this and was trying to compare.
Sonic the hedgehog talking about a bike. Cool
I think if I were to say everything about the bike is extreme, like one of your commentators did, with features of it on other bikes and many bike past and present with that size single cylinder engine (and larger in the case of the 1990's Suzuki DR 800 S Big), then I would be tempted to say that it is just its looks that are out there, because things like the trellis frame are done well elsewhere. So the question would be really, what does it have that other bikes don't have? Nothing really except the way it looks.
LOVE IT !!!
Are these bike reliable or is it like a KTM?
Will Viljoen KTM owns Husqvarna. This bike is based on the KTM Duke 690. So yes, It's pretty much a KTM.
The street lc4 ktm's are reliable. They aren't as high strung as their race bikes and real supermotos. I have a ktm 690 supermoto and have had no issues.
I want to see this compared to the KTM 790 - similar “use case” and similar price... Which of those 2 would be a better bike?
Im test riding both this weekend. Thought I'd pair it against Duke 690 but it doesn't have same tech. The 790 is more of a contender.
what a great review!!
A motorcycle can be a work of art, but at a cost. The Husky isn't one of them. It is like saying a wood rasp is a piece of art, when in fact it is a functional tool.
Nice review but how is it lighter then a duke 390? I found that it isnt even lighter then a duke 690.
I do like it, a lot. But the cheap man inside me says what else can I get that offers near as much character, performance, and reliability (or more) for less money? Yamaha fits that bill. Sure the MT-07 isn't near the same level as suspension bones, aesthetics (although it isn't bad), or pedigree with the name Husqvarna. Yet, it's SO GOOD in the 2018 updates that it could be ridden just as it is. For a 650-690 twin class there's nothing better. The 2018 MT-07 is VERY good (having just ridden a well run-in demo model a couple weeks ago).
Spend less money on upgrades to the MT-07 to makes the suspension amazing, brakes amazing, and the usual exhaust/intake/flash tune and it's arguably more usable than the 701 for less money. The 701 offers a lot of whizz technology, but the MT-07 could be equipped the same way with aftermarket electronics.
Yet the 701 holds a niche for that urban crowd that wants something to look at, aspire to, and ride where the MT-07 would have to get hacked up and customized (which it has).
A twin can be smoother than a single, more efficient due to the fact an extra cylinder provides better balance AND power without sapping away force with dead inertia. It's the reason why the more cylinders you add to an engine, the smoother and more efficient at making power it gets, to a point.
5.48 someones lurking in the background looking bored!!!
Contemplative! :)
Nope. Not for that kind of money. Drop it to $7000 USD and you'd sell some of them.
lol, they are sold out mostly everywhere.
really nice review, I want one of these for myself cause its so damn nice.
but you guys really need to up the audio quality, video is good quality with audio from a VHS
Oh, a Vitpilen? Well someone was getting excited next to Harry at 0.35. Someone done this art thing with an Aprilia Moto 6.5 years ago... and that was a flop!
The Vitpilen is a beautiful bike but so is the new Honda CB1000r.
Make a 801 (790) with flat bars instead of clip-ons and please take my money.
Hey what happened to the bike show haven’t seen a thing on UA-cam in 4 months
75hp👍
As hard as I try I just can't get interested in this bike. I owned a Husky 701 supermoto so I know the platform well. But this thing is just too underpowered and underspecced for it's price - in other words it's just TOO EXPENSIVE. By a lot.
Chris Doms I agree. For this price I'd never buy a single cylinder. No matter how pretty it is.
The price makes no sense.
Chris Doms not everyone rides a spec sheet.
I actually disagree... given the price of some superbikes today the finish and quality of this bike is excellent and although it isn’t “fast” - that’s not really the point.
try riding one. this thing practically weighs nothing. it has more than enough power in terms of weight ratio.
Jizzed in my pants
Bosy position looks tooo leaned forward and he looks huge on that bike lol
I like it, but for motorcycle art MV is way ahead of Husqvarna
it should have had wire wheels.
If this bike reminds the manga Anime style then what the modern Japanese bikes remind him lol?
They should use ktm 790 engine instead.
Why motorcycles cost as much as cars?
Guy that say that this is just a fancy KTM 690 should see this review aswell! RJ will explain all the changes Husky made on the 690 engine.
ua-cam.com/video/xojWopdyji8/v-deo.html
Jesus, just show the bike.
Mass production art? Not sure. Sounds more like marketing bs.
Jose C. Like velvet paintings
art has often a lot to do with marketing, sadly. but for instance, pop art. you can mass produce that, and that was the point of it.
Jose C. N,
I bet it's a lovely machine to drive, but I'm on the other side of that "controversial" I think it's pig-ugly. But I am old...
Soon as I see a reviewer in jeans an trainers I completely disregard their opinion!an as for the artist's impression,I feel yet again,a motorcycle that is a fashion accessory! nothing wrong with that you may say,but fashion drives prices high!just like the present trend for cafe races!£10,00 for a old BMW tartered up like a tarts handbag!!!na,it's lost its true essence of motorcycling!these people aren't true motorcyclists!!
Shit Bike! Engine destroyed two Times!
Not so keen on the looks, especially the rear end. And it's effectively a KTM, so it will be unreliable. Too expensive, too.
The 390 engine is the one with the problems. Not the 690. And Husky made alot of changes on it to make it better.
If that's the case, good. I hate KTM. My dream bike was the Husky Nuda 900R, killed by KTM when they bought Huskie from BMW.
+1990 Love the Nuda! One of my top five bikes. Killer engine!
I Wouldn't have one for free. looks small like a mini bike . Please don't refer this bike to a Cafe Racer. Nothing like.
NoW real bum liking KTM Crap bike just because they have too . Otherwise no more KTM free bikes . disillusion . South Africa. Its in the blood to be corrupt. Crap shit bike and you KNOW.
Sofa expert... glad I read your well informed feedback. LOL