Reviews/ Husqvarna/ Svartpilen 801
Husqvarna Svartpilen 801
7.8/10 Scrambler

Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Review

"A genuinely capable scrambler for riders who actually ride hard."

Adventurous riders wanting urban and dirt capability $8,500-$11,500 used 2022-2024
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Used Buyer Review

The Svartpilen 801 is genuinely one of the more interesting bikes you can buy used right now. That 799cc parallel-twin punches hard — it's the same engine as the Norden 901 with slightly different tuning, and it pulls strong from low revs without feeling agricultural. The scrambler-ish styling isn't just aesthetic either; the suspension travel is legitimate and it handles gravel roads with surprising confidence for something this road-focused. That said, go in with eyes open. First-year examples had some software gremlins and a few owners reported fueling hiccups at low throttle openings — check dealer service history obsessively. The WP suspension is good but feels underdamped for heavier riders without a proper setup. Seat comfort is genuinely terrible past 90 minutes, no argument there. Used prices are holding firm because demand is real and supply is limited. Inspect the TFT display carefully — replacements aren't cheap. Overall though, this is a bike that rewards confident riders who actually want to use that capability rather than just photograph it.

Pros

+Strong, characterful twin engine
+Genuine off-road capability
+Premium WP suspension components
+Distinctive styling stands out
+Excellent cornering clearance

Cons

-Brutal seat after 90 minutes
-Early software/fueling quirks
-Limited dealer network support
-Parts pricing feels aggressive
warning
Avoid if

You prioritise long-distance comfort over excitement

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