Some motorcycles are more than they appear to be. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is one of them. From the outside: a dark scrambler-naked with an LED ring, slim bodywork, and restrained Swedish-inspired design. Underneath: 105 hp from the LC8c parallel twin, the same engine that powers the KTM 790 Duke. A 1000PS owner review of a 2024 model describes it as a “real corner carver, similar to the 790 SM, but with a refined engine. It can handle the highway, too.”

The Svartpilen 801 has been on the market since 2024, its first-generation Mk1 form. It is technically unchanged for 2026. That is not a disadvantage: two years on the market means two years to eliminate early teething issues. 1000PS wrote in 2025: “It makes you smile—and that may be the greatest luxury a bike can give you.”

105 hp From the KTM 790 Duke Engine: Origins and Character

799 cc. LC8c. Parallel twin. Liquid-cooled. 105 hp at 9,250 rpm. 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The engine is identical to the unit in the KTM 790 Duke. In the Svartpilen 801, it is calibrated for an urban-naked character: direct throttle response, strong midrange drive, and a distinctive twin-cylinder note at higher rpm. This is not a touring engine and not an enduro engine. It is a 105 hp urban-sport engine that works just as well on a winding backroad as it does in a 30 km/h zone.

Quickshifter+ comes standard and works in both directions. No clutch on upshifts, no clutch on downshifts. That makes the engine feel more direct on backroads and more convenient in the city. 1000PS wrote in 2025: “A relaxed after-work cruise is just as possible as a sporty Sunday morning ride.”

840 mm and 150 mm: The Standard Configuration

Seat height is 840 mm, 20 mm higher than the L version. Up front is a 43 mm WP APEX fork with 150 mm of travel, adjustable for compression and rebound damping. At the rear is a WP APEX monoshock, also with 150 mm of travel, adjustable for spring preload and rebound. The suspension is tuned more sportingly than on the L version: more feedback, less comfort. This is the configuration for riders who want to attack corners and have no problem with an 840 mm seat height. If you want to sit lower, choose the L version at 820 mm.

The chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame uses the engine as a stressed member—identical in architecture to the KTM 790 Duke, but with revised geometry for a more upright riding position. Wheelbase is a compact 1,368 mm. Ground clearance is 180 mm, more than enough for an urban naked bike.

Pirelli MT60 RS: The Right Tire for This Motorcycle

The Svartpilen rides on 17-inch cast wheels with Pirelli MT60 RS tires, sized 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear. The MT60 RS is a dual-purpose tire with an urban-oriented tread pattern: very good on pavement, still acceptable on lightly unpaved roads, but not designed for serious gravel riding. That fits the 801 concept perfectly. It is not an enduro and not a mixed-terrain motorcycle, but a naked bike with scrambler styling and 105 hp. The tire is the right choice for the intended use.

Cornering ABS, MTC, Tech Pack: Electronics Overview

Cornering ABS comes standard. Lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, MTC, comes standard. Street and Rain riding modes are standard. A 5-inch color TFT with Bluetooth, navigation, and audio-player control is standard. Quickshifter+ is standard. The optional Tech Pack adds Performance mode, while optional cruise control improves highway comfort. The base package is complete—the Tech Pack is an enhancement, not a prerequisite.

91 dB(A) and the Price

Stationary noise is 91 dB(A), making the Svartpilen Tyrol-compliant. The price is €10,994 plus additional charges. Considering the amount of riding enjoyment on offer, that represents good value for money.

Verdict

The 2026 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is the motorcycle for riders who want 105 hp wrapped in scrambler styling—not a touring enduro, not a supersport bike, and not an adventure bike. It is a naked bike with a character of its own, one that surprises on winding roads without feeling excessive in the city. 1000PS says: “It makes you smile.” If the 840 mm seat height feels too tall, ride the L version with its 820 mm seat.

 

Quick Check

+ 105 hp / 87 Nm LC8c parallel twin: KTM 790 Duke engine in scrambler clothing.

+ Quickshifter+ standard, bidirectional: no extra charge.

+ WP APEX suspension with 150 mm travel front and rear, fully adjustable: sportier calibration than the L version.

+ Cornering ABS + MTC standard; 5-inch TFT with Bluetooth, navigation, and audio player.

+ 91 dB(A), Tyrol-compliant.

+ 1000PS, 2025: “makes you smile—after-work cruise and sporty Sunday morning.”

+ Approx. €11,500: 105 hp at a fair price for the segment.

+ L version with 820 mm seat height as an alternative: same engine, same electronics, lower seat.

 

– 840 mm seat height: limited ground contact for riders under 1.75 meters; L version is the alternative.

– Pirelli MT60 RS: urban-oriented; not a tire for gravel tracks.

– No Performance mode / no cruise control standard: optional Tech Pack required.

 

Technical Specifications: Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 (2026)

Make / Model: Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 (2026; Mk1 generation since 2024; 799 cc LC8c parallel twin; Urban Naked/Scrambler; Category A license); manufacturer: Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH, Mattighofen, Austria; Pierer Mobility / Bajaj Auto. Based on KTM 790 Duke.

Engine: 799 cc liquid-cooled LC8c parallel twin; 105 hp / 77 kW at 9,250 rpm; 87 Nm at 8,000 rpm; Quickshifter+ standard; six-speed; chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame with engine as stressed member

Front Suspension: 43 mm WP APEX USD fork; 150 mm travel; adjustable compression + rebound, 10 mm more than L version; sportier calibration

Rear Suspension: WP APEX monoshock; 150 mm travel; adjustable spring preload + rebound; 1,368 mm wheelbase; 180 mm ground clearance

Brakes: Four-piston front brake caliper; two-channel Cornering ABS; lean-angle-sensitive MTC

Wheels / Tires: 17-inch cast wheels; Pirelli MT60 RS, 120/70-17 front / 180/55-17 rear

Weight / Seat Height: Approx. 196 kg ready to ride; 840 mm seat height, 20 mm higher than L version

Fuel Tank / Consumption: 14 liters; approx. 4.3 L/100 km; approx. 325 km range

Electronics: 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth, navigation, audio player; Quickshifter+; Cornering ABS; MTC; Street/Rain riding modes standard. Optional Tech Pack: Performance mode. Optional cruise control.

Standard vs. L: Standard: 840 mm / 150 mm front suspension travel / sportier calibration. L: 820 mm / 140 mm front suspension travel / more comfort-oriented calibration. Engine, electronics, and equipment are identical.

Stationary Noise: 91 dB(A), Tyrol-compliant, below 95 dB(A)

Warranty: 4 years, Husqvarna standard

Competition: KTM 790 Duke: approx. €8,700; identical engine; sportier, lower ergonomics; no scrambler design. Yamaha XSR900: €12,249; 119 hp; 195 kg; retro styling. Honda CB750 Hornet: approx. €8,700; 92 hp; 190 kg. Svartpilen 801: 105 hp option with scrambler character.

Price in Germany: €10,994 plus additional charges