Svartpilen 701 - any owners, experience?

[horsemeatscandal]

Seriously considering one of these. Objectively, my CB650R is a great bike in every way (the Metzlers are sketchy in winter but Honda didn't make them so I'll let them off), I just don't think I'm a 4-cylinder man, regardless of how smooth or linear it is.

What's Husqvarna reliability like? Servicing costs? Will they survive a couple of winters (probably not daily use nowadays)? What are the wire wheels like on the newer models, decent or prone to corrosion?

Thinking I might go for one in late spring/early summer if funds allow, probably lightly used (unless anyone fancies a swap for a nice Honda ...).

Any info appreciated.

EDIT: well yes, it appears it will be a used one as they're now discontinued apparently.

[Janluke]

I've had one since they first came out and love it, its been totally reliable and real fun ride, handles and stops well and more than enough go for me. While the saddle doesnt look great it's surprisingly comfortable. I've moved the tyre hugging numberplate set up preferring a more conventional set up.

Ktm/Husky clutch slave cylinders seem to be a weak point but Oberon do a replacement for something like £90, I keep meaning to get round to it but haven't changed it yet.

Stock tyres are a semi chunky looking tyre(same as the Ducati Scrambler I think) that grip well but don't last long I'm on my second rear and will look for something different next time

There was a recall on the tank so maybe worth checking if thats been done

I'm about to fit a decat pipe/pc commander just because!

Wire wheels came after my year, they look great but I think they are a little heavier

The speedo screen isnt the best and the calculated range is basically a random number generator

[Biker 1]

My 2p worth:
I've had KTM 690 Duke & Enduro in the past. I appreciate that the LC4 engine has been heavily revised, but the only issues I had were high oil consumption & heavy chain/sprocket wear. I guess this is because it is a giant thumper single.
I am also not a fan of the fasteners KTM uses - they have some kind of water based coating that instantly furs up in the winter.....

[horsemeatscandal]

Janluke said:

I've had one since they first came out and love it, its been totally reliable and real fun ride, handles and stops well and more than enough go for me. While the saddle doesnt look great it's surprisingly comfortable. I've moved the tyre hugging numberplate set up preferring a more conventional set up.

Ktm/Husky clutch slave cylinders seem to be a weak point but Oberon do a replacement for something like £90, I keep meaning to get round to it but haven't changed it yet.

Stock tyres are a semi chunky looking tyre(same as the Ducati Scrambler I think) that grip well but don't last long I'm on my second rear and will look for something different next time

There was a recall on the tank so maybe worth checking if thats been done

I'm about to fit a decat pipe/pc commander just because!

Wire wheels came after my year, they look great but I think they are a little heavier

The speedo screen isnt the best and the calculated range is basically a random number generator

Thanks for the response. All good to know. I've heard about the fuel leak issues so I'll make sure that's been done.

I've just enquired about a 2019 model, will see what they say regarding part-ex. Exciting times.

Edited by horsemeatscandal on Monday 8th March 17:29

[horsemeatscandal]

Biker 1 said:

My 2p worth:
I've had KTM 690 Duke & Enduro in the past. I appreciate that the LC4 engine has been heavily revised, but the only issues I had were high oil consumption & heavy chain/sprocket wear. I guess this is because it is a giant thumper single.
I am also not a fan of the fasteners KTM uses - they have some kind of water based coating that instantly furs up in the winter.....

Thanks. I'll have a look at the condition of the fasteners etc. if I get a look at one. And if I then buy one, I'll keep an eye on the oil consumption.

[Janluke]

horsemeatscandal said:

Thanks for the response. All good to know. I've heard about the fuel leak issues so I'll make sure that's been done.

I've just enquired about a 2019 model, will see what they say regarding part-ex. Exciting times.

There are still a few Vit 701s around new at the discounted price, with a handlebar conversion you get the same riding position. Only other difference is a smaller front wheel(arguably improving the handling) and no number board.

Saltire in Edinburgh have a slightly used Vit with the bars and an Akro for under 6k

[horsemeatscandal]

Janluke said:

There are still a few Vit 701s around new at the discounted price, with a handlebar conversion you get the same riding position. Only other difference is a smaller front wheel(arguably improving the handling) and no number board.

Saltire in Edinburgh have a slightly used Vit with the bars and an Akro for under 6k

Really appreciate that, I'll have a look at that one now.

Update: just had a look, not convinced by that silver and yellow colour scheme on the tank. I also prefer the slightly different styling on the Svart e.g. the headlight shroud. Looks a bargain for the right buyer and not a picky bugger like me though.

Edited by horsemeatscandal on Monday 8th March 17:50

[KTMsm]

I looked at them, decided they were a bit embarrassing design wise and bought a series of 690 Dukes - but I bought them for shorter fun rides

The later 2016 revised engine is smoother but personally I'd buy a twin / triple for longer journeys

The 790 Duke's have dropped price quickly although some have a few issues and they are a bit ugly

[alvington89]

Best Husky ever made is the Nuda 900R.
That's what you should go for. Will never lose money on it either.
Check out Royal Jordanian vids on youtube.

[Ilovejapcrap]

alvington89 said:

Best Husky ever made is the Nuda 900R.
That's what you should go for. Will never lose money on it either.
Check out Royal Jordanian vids on youtube.

Problem is getting hold of one, not many about

[N111BJG]

My business partner bought one new in 2018 & loves it.
It’s been to Spain via France twice on long Euro trips, he has an iffy back & sometimes complains about the hard seat on long days & lots of flies on motorway segments
Mostly it’s the hilarious questions that he loves such as
‘Isn’t it time to sharpen the chain ?’
‘Has that got an electric starter or a pull cord ?’

[horsemeatscandal]

Well early summer has gone right out of the window.... Currently waiting on a call back on part-ex details for a brand spanker (think you can still get 'em).

Got a new helmet coming tomorrow too, so I won't be getting a wink of sleep tonight.

[horsemeatscandal]

N111BJG said:

My business partner bought one new in 2018 & loves it.
It’s been to Spain via France twice on long Euro trips, he has an iffy back & sometimes complains about the hard seat on long days & lots of flies on motorway segments
Mostly it’s the hilarious questions that he loves such as
‘Isn’t it time to sharpen the chain ?’
‘Has that got an electric starter or a pull cord ?’

Took me longer than it should have to figure out what you were on about there....haha.

[Jakarta]

alvington89 said:

Best Husky ever made is the Nuda 900R.
That's what you should go for. Will never lose money on it either.
Check out Royal Jordanian vids on youtube.

What Albington said, I had one in Jakarta and it was freakin' fabulous. The dash was made out of chocolate with buttons falling out, water ingress and rotten PCB's. That aside it was amazaballs.

[horsemeatscandal]

horsemeatscandal said:

Well early summer has gone right out of the window.... Currently waiting on a call back on part-ex details for a brand spanker (think you can still get 'em).

Got a new helmet coming tomorrow too, so I won't be getting a wink of sleep tonight.

Well bugger me, I've just bought a new bike.

[Janluke]

horsemeatscandal said:

Well bugger me, I've just bought a new bike.

Congrats I'm sure you'll love it

[horsemeatscandal]

Janluke said:

Congrats I'm sure you'll love it

Cheers. What's it like to fit the tail tidy, or did yours come like that? Presumably not as straightforward as replacing a normal one.

I'll also be removing the pillion pegs and have been eyeing up the bar end mirrors. I'm basically copying your bike but brown.

[Janluke]

horsemeatscandal said:

Cheers. What's it like to fit the tail tidy, or did yours come like that? Presumably not as straightforward as replacing a normal one.

I'll also be removing the pillion pegs and have been eyeing up the bar end mirrors. I'm basically copying your bike but brown.

I bought the Husqvarna tail tidy kit which isnt as neat as some of the aftermarket ones but it fits perfectly as you'd expect. Its not difficult to fit just a little time consuming. You have to reroute the cable from the swingarm/mudguard arm back up to the tail light and the kit comes with a new axle end nut as the existing one is part of the lower plate holder. IIRC I think you may need to drill a hole in the one of the inner plastic panels but its marked where. The instructions are all and the wiring plug and play not cutting etc

Removing the pillion pegs, you'll need an exhaust hanger R&G and Evotech do them I bought the evotech one

[horsemeatscandal]

Janluke said:

I bought the Husqvarna tail tidy kit which isnt as neat as some of the aftermarket ones but it fits perfectly as you'd expect. Its not difficult to fit just a little time consuming. You have to reroute the cable from the swingarm/mudguard arm back up to the tail light and the kit comes with a new axle end nut as the existing one is part of the lower plate holder. IIRC I think you may need to drill a hole in the one of the inner plastic panels but its marked where. The instructions are all and the wiring plug and play not cutting etc

Removing the pillion pegs, you'll need an exhaust hanger R&G and Evotech do them I bought the evotech one

Sounds good, cheers.

[carinaman]

Congratulations on the new bike. I've ridden a 690 Duke and found it a doddle to ride.