Reviews/ Husqvarna/ Vitpilen 701
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701
7.8/10 Cafe-racer

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 Review

"A head-turning urban weapon that punishes neglect and highway abuse equally."

City riders wanting Swedish cool over practicality $5,500-$8,500 used 2018-2023
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Key Specs

speed
Top Speed
175 km/h
bolt
Power
74 hp
@ 8,000 rpm
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Torque
73 Nm
@ 6,500 rpm
local_gas_station
Fuel Economy
22.2 km/L
52 mpg · 4.5–5.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
build
Service Every
15000 km
scale
Weight
157 kg
(wet/curb weight)
settings
Engine
692.7cc single-cylinder DOHC liquid-cooled
height
Seat Height
835 mm
cog
Transmission
6-speed
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Used Buyer Review

The Vitpilen 701 is genuinely one of the coolest-looking bikes you can buy used under six grand, and the LC4 single thumps with real character. That 692cc engine pulls hard from low revs and sounds properly agricultural in the best possible way. But go in eyes open — these aren't exactly pampered machines. Check the throttle body carefully, inspect for oil weeps around the head, and always ask for service records because the LC4 needs its valve clearances checked religiously. Day-to-day riding is surprisingly practical. The clip-ons look aggressive but the riding position is manageable for most people. Where it falls apart is anything over 70mph for extended periods — the single-cylinder vibration gets tiresome fast, and that small tank will have you stopping every 120 miles. The WP suspension is decent but not plush. Buy one that's been dealer-serviced and hasn't been dropped. Cosmetic damage on these is expensive to fix because those bodywork panels aren't cheap. Worth every cent for the right rider.

Pros

+Stunning industrial cafe styling
+Torquey, characterful LC4 engine
+Lightweight and flickable handling
+Strong used value retention
+Excellent low-speed city manners

Cons

-Vibration tiring at motorway speeds
-Tiny fuel tank range
-Expensive OEM bodywork panels
-Valve service intervals strict
warning
Avoid if

You regularly cover long highway touring distances

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