Leading the sports bike category with an engine displacement of 1000cc or less
Have you heard of the “soft sports bike” category? It’s a new category widely known in the European and North American motorcycle scenes, attracting attention with numerous unique models from many manufacturers. Specifically, it refers to sports models with an engine displacement of 1000cc or less that have no origins in supersport models. Because this class includes the A2 license category, a European license system with limited power output, it has long been a core category for mid-size motorcycles in Europe. However, the motorcycle industry has changed rapidly, and new motorcycle technologies have led to an expansion in motorcycle engine displacement. Accordingly, maximum power output has skyrocketed, and electronic control devices have been developed and installed one after another to support rider operation in the areas of safety and comfort, driving up vehicle prices.
In the midst of all this, models with an engine displacement of under 1000cc have once again attracted attention thanks to their moderate engine displacement and the incorporation of electronic control devices. The secret to their popularity is the platform strategy, which allows for a single basic vehicle package of engine and frame, with multiple models with different characteristics being offered in a lineup that keeps prices down.
Because they are not specifically designed, they are not suited to the pursuit of extreme performance, but what makes the soft sports bike category interesting is that each model stands out with its own unique character, thanks to the wide-ranging engines and frames they create, the use of riding modes, and electronic control technologies such as traction control and ABS that support rider operation, all of which enhance performance and ease of handling.
The new Vitpilen 801 from Husqvarna is a model that is thrown right into the heart of the soft sports bike category, and with its typical Husqvarna design and approach to performance, it has the potential to lead the category.
Futuristic design and sharing platform
The key to its leadership in the new soft sports category is undoubtedly the engine. The 799cc, water-cooled, four-stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, four-valve engine with a 75-degree phase-shift crankshaft is fitted with a balancer located in front of the crankshaft and between the two camshafts in the cylinder head to reduce vibration. It also features a throttle-by-wire system, which sends accelerator operation signals to the engine management system, controlling the opening and closing of the FI throttle valve and the amount of fuel injected. It also comes with multiple riding modes that set up electronic control devices such as traction control, ABS, and slip adjuster to support rider operation in accordance with different power output characteristics. In addition to a power-assisted slipper clutch, a quickshifter is also available as an option.
The frame, which uses the engine as a stressed member, is made of chrome-molybdenum steel tubular construction and is combined with an aluminum swingarm. This engine and frame platform is the same as that used by sister brand KTM, the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. The engine is developed and manufactured by a joint venture between KTM and CF MOTO, a Chinese brand under KTM.
It also shares the platform and front and rear suspension units with the Svartpilen 801, which Husqvarna released earlier. However, the riding position has been changed by changing the shape of the handlebars. Furthermore, the front and rear suspension settings have also been changed to match the new tires that are more oriented towards road sports.
The distinctive feature of the exterior is the futuristic-designed headlight unit. Unlike typical headlight units that are integrated with a lens and case, the ring-shaped daytime running lights and headlight unit are arranged separately. The rest of the exterior is the same as the previously released Svartpilen 801, except for a few specially designed parts, mainly covers.
Class-leading handling and driving performance
This explanation might lead you to believe that the Vitpilen 801, a new addition to Husqvarna’s lineup, has the same riding characteristics as the Svartpilen 801, which shares the same platform and even the front and rear suspension units. However, this is not the case.
The 801 Series comes standard with three riding modes: Rain, Standard, and Sport. If you select the optional Dynamic Pack, a fourth riding mode, Dynamic, is added. The engine output characteristics themselves are the same for both vehicles.
However, due to the slightly more forward-leaning riding position resulting from the change in handlebar shape and the changes to the tire and front/rear suspension settings, the vehicle’s response to throttle inputs is different when riding in each riding mode. Specifically, I’d describe it as a more direct feeling, or perhaps a more vivid response. The difference in response made me initially think that the output characteristics of each mode had also been changed. However, speaking with the development vehicle, I was told that the output characteristics of each mode remained unchanged for both models. However, the settings of electronic control devices such as the slip adjuster and traction control had been changed to match the changes to the riding position, suspension settings, and tires. If you don’t like the response, they told me to try adjusting them individually even while each mode is selected. Another unique feature was that, while the seat height and shape are the same, the Vitpilen 801’s seat foam (the cushion inside the seat) has been changed to a harder material. This is also in line with the changes to the riding position and suspension settings, and is intended to not only allow for a more direct feel of the vehicle’s response, but also to make it easier to control the vehicle more actively.
The engine is very powerful, running smoothly up to high rpm, and the frame and suspension support the engine firmly. The body responds quickly to aggressive steering, and there is a sense of stability after changing direction, making acceleration from there fun. When you describe it as a soft sports bike, you might imagine that the sportiness is also soft, but its potential is high, and it’s really fun to ride sports on winding roads.
I was also surprised by the ease of handling in the low and mid-range, which the development team said was very important. When I switched my mindset from a sporty to a touring one and started winding, the engine speed dropped while keeping the gear high, and then I opened the throttle at the corner exit without any jerking. This tenacity from the low-range means there’s no need to nervously operate the clutch or throttle, even in crowded city streets.
This wide range of riding variations is due to the mechanically well-built engine and frame, as well as the exquisite taste of various electronic control devices.The high overall score is the reason why the Vitpilen 801 leads the soft sports bike category.
Riding position & foot reach (170cm/65kg)
The seat height is 820mm. The rear end of the tank and the front of the seat are beautifully shaped, making it extremely easy to reach the ground for an 800cc model. The grip position of the wide handlebars is slightly low and forward. The footpegs are positioned the same as those on the Svartpilen 801.
Detailed explanation
The engine is a 799cc parallel twin-cylinder DOHC 4-valve engine. The radiator cover, skid guard at the bottom of the engine, and heel guard around the footpegs are all designed specifically for the Vitpilen 801.
The distinctive body design features the fuel tank cover overhanging both sides. It is a fairly modern design, but is also ergonomically designed.
The front forks are 43mm diameter WP APEX. The damping force can be adjusted in 5 stages on both the rebound and compression sides using the dials on the top of the left and right forks. The brake system is made by the Spanish brand J.Juan.
The rear shock unit is a WP APEX. It is a direct-pushing type without a link mechanism. The swingarm uses an aluminum open lattice structure that shows the reinforcement as part of the design.
The seat cowl, which doubles as the seat rail and rear frame, as well as the raised silencer, are the same as those on its sister model, the Svartpilen 801. They are blacked out to fit the sporty character of the Vitpilen 801.
A new headlight system that combines a ring-shaped daytime running light with 60 seamlessly connected LEDs and a Bi-LED projector.
The 5-inch TFT display is common to the 801 series. By using a dedicated app, you can connect a smartphone and expand various functions. It also has a USB-C connector.
The seat height and shape remain unchanged, but the seat foam has been changed to a slightly harder material to accommodate the new foot area and position.
Vitpilen 801 main specifications
■Wheelbase 1,475mm (+/-15mm)
■Seat height 820 mm
■Vehicle weight Approximately 180kg (excluding fuel)
■Engine type Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line twin-cylinder
■Total displacement 799cc
■Bore x stroke 88.0 x 65.7 mm
■Compression ratio 12.5:1
■Maximum power output 77kW (105hp) / 9,250 rpm
■Maximum torque 87Nm / 8,000 rpm
■Fuel supply system FI
■Fuel tank capacity 14L
■Rake angle 65.5 degrees
■Fork offset 32mm
■Trail 97.9mm
■Frame Chrome molybdenum steel tubular frame
■Suspension (front and rear) WP APEX 43mm inverted type / adjustable rebound and compression damping / 140mm travel / WP APEX / adjustable rebound and preload & 150mm travel
■Transmission type 6-speed return
■ Brake type (front and rear): 300mm double disc x radial mount 4-piston caliper, 240mm single disc x one-piston caliper
■ Wheel size (front and rear): 3.50 x 17, 5.50 x 17
■ Tire brand: Michelin Road 6
■ Price: TBD
