2 front discs, really? Did you seriously demand that. You don’t know what you’re riding nor the history of the brand. One giant disc is appropriate for a light, derby style bike. 2 discs would be overkill and added weight. I rode it, it brakes perfectly. These thoughts are shared consistently amongst the global community of motorcycle journalists. I don’t think you’re in touch with reality, you let your bias shine right through. Lastly, why didn’t you adjust the suspension before you criticized the near top spec suspenders?
David Ravo he literally said it’s not necessary for the braking power especially due to weight but he said because of the price point he said it’d be nice to have that in. It’s a review not a math equation don’t be surprised by opinions. He’s not wrong about the price gouge. You’re paying a premium for esthetic design not actual motorcycle function. Maybe chill with your bias before you call out others bias.
@@TK-gd9td "You’re paying a premium for esthetic design not actual motorcycle function" -- Oof, that's not an opinion shared by many others. The general consensus is that this is a premium bike across the board. Function and form. To say it "should have dual discs up front" without any reason other than "I paid a lot of money so I want them" is absurd. They could've quite easily put two lesser quality discs up front, not Brembo, no braided lines, not radially mounted etc etc and the price would've been the same or lower, but the breaking power less and weight up. That single disc on the Svart is high quality. It does more than it needs considering the weight, and it's highly regarded as a top performing brake.
I own a 690 and it’s utterly smooth unless you’re lugging in low RPM. Have you ever rode a Harley or other air cooled vtwin?..... There’s your benchmark of vibration
Let me tell you how to say things. It's "Bomba-deer" snowmobiles. And it's "Stihl" chainsaws. ((NOT STEEL)). And it's "HUSKA-varna." Anyone who gets these names wrong, isn't a real backyard mechanic, or a real American. haha.
I've got a 2020 Svartpilen 701 and absolutely love it. Some weird complaints in this vid I think. Engine vibrations? Well, it is a thumper. And don't cruise with low throttle under 4000rpm. That's where she will complain a bit. Mods will fix some of this, but haven't tried myself so can't comment on that. They say this will also fix some of the low throttle response. After learning what the engine likes and doesn't like, I have no problems with vibrations on my bike. Well, the mirrors are quite useless at some rpms, as you've already noticed :) Single disc front brake. Well you said yourself the brakes do their job, and I agree with you. The brakes are good. So why add weight if not necessary? Unsprung weight on top of that. Requiring two discs just based on the price of the bike is a bit... weird. Besides, the spoked rims on the 2020 model look so good it would be a shame to hide the front rim behind another brake disc. Some cables showing, yea they could probably have done a better job at hiding some of them. But there's far fewer pieces of plastic to hide them behind on a naked bike, and I've definitively seen worse cases of this on other new bikes, so I don't see that as something Qvarna/KTM are worse at compared to other brands. I do agree on the ergonomics and comfort, and ease of handling. Although I have no problem with the handlebar angle. Seat is ok but not comfortable. A two hour ride will make my bum complain a bit. My own main complaint is the dash. The buttons are a bit hard to press, the angle of it spoils the design (would like to have it angled like the one on Vitpilen), and it's digital. I'd love to have classic analogue instruments on this bike. But the display itself does its job, is easy to read (to me at least) and you get the info you need. I'm quite happy it doesn't have a big square colour TFT screen. It is a pretty basic bike when it comes to available functions. And I appreciate that. No ride modes or other advanced settings. ABS and TC I do appreciate having there though. Low weight, enough HP to have some fun, ergonomics that fit me well, and a chassis that's really enjoyable on small twisty roads. That's all I need. To me, this bike is a keeper. And she looks so damn good as well, but of course that's a personal opinion :) Cheers!
Probably has something to do with Motorcyclist magazine going out of print after being the oldest continuously published motorcycle magazine in the United States. They're moving everything to online, which is no doubt keeping them busy.
@@samrit123in I'm sure it will mean that...eventually. Seeing as how the end of publishing Motorcyclist in print was just recently announced, they're probably still sorting out which parts of the mag are moving to an online presence and what isn't.
A few reasons but also its alredy 2019... Theres nothning new coming out as regular as a few years back. So ehat are they suppose to ride? The same bike ewery other week?
I rode one of those today. I really liked it. I especially liked the light weight. I didn't mind the handlebar bend. I wonder if the bar on the bike I rode was rotated a bit forward compared to this bike. The seat is hard, but I don't mind that. I like the seat to peg distance, it doesn't bend my old knees up like a pretzel. Strange difference, the bike I rode was very smooth, no vibration. I wonder if something wasn't amiss with the bike Adam rode. The exhaust note is bland. I had no issues with the throttle. Surprisingly to me, the motor likes to be revved. It was not really happy below about 3,000 rpm. 70ish HP on a 350ish pound bike, this thing is quick. I didn't really have the opportunity to really test the brakes but the lever feel was good for the riding I did. The instrument panel crams too much information into too little space. Maybe with more time it would be easier for me to use. I expected the "styled" tires to be a bit squirmy, but I found them to be quite acceptable. I didn't find the suspension too hard, but I bet I weigh 50 pounds more than Adam, so maybe playing with the adjustments would make the setup better for him. As far as the looks go, I think it looks much better in person than it looks in videos or pictures. I like that it doesn't follow the crowd. Would I buy this for $12,000? I must qualify my answer by saying I never pay list price for a motorcycle. You would be amazed what kind of deals you can make in the middle of February when the dealer hasn't sold a bike for six weeks. My 2015 Superduke was discounted $3,000 in February of 2016, and I got them to throw in heated grips and a baseball cap. I would certainly pay $10,000 for this bike. I think that the market for this bike is the person who is looking for something a little different, and the price is less of an impediment. Maybe Husqvarna will do something with the 790 motor...
I don’t understand the way moto journalists rationalize their opinions. Why would you complain that a bike doesn’t have dual disk brakes after you just explained why it doesn’t need it? And really? The labels on the frame take away from the quality of the bike? Literally every bike has those for legal reasons. Just pull em off.
My friend bought the vitpilen 701, broke down 4 times in the first year, months waiting for parts each time. After arguing with husqvarna for months and threatening to take them to court, he’s finally getting them to take the bike back and give him his money back. He loved the bike it just broke all the time, and wanted bike he could actually ride
This is what I believe the first honest review of this bike. There's too many warts on this 12 grand thumper. Plus it looks like it was designed by IKEA.
$12000?!? How about comparable performance from an Yamaha MT07 for $7500. Or a Triumph Street Triple R to exceed the performance and craftsmanship for the same price.
Price dropped in UK. 2000 quid off as they just aint selling. You are right,its supposed to be premium and premium price which it isn't. Those clocks are naff,it needs a tft
chubbybrown4real they never had a chance selling this for the full msrp. Not when the duke 690 has already been on the market for a decade. I haven’t seen many in the US but I’d imagine they’ll have to do the same
It is a good review. And always the best format - 20 mins on a ride rather than just giving out facts and opinion. But if you want a single smoother than this, then you don't really want a big single in the first place. That's why however expert, one review's never enough. A fault is someone else's character. Whether it's a big thumper, or a "sewing-machine" I4.
Review doesn't make any sense- every negative point he made about suspension, fit finish, etc. was 180 dgrees to EVERY OTHER REVIEW IN THE WORLD. Also, who the fuck cares if it doesn't have dual discs if the single disc does the job? And, OMG it vibrates- go buy a Gold Wing or some stupid SUV, then, This is a motorcycle, pure and simple- review it like one
Regardless of price and quality, that rattling exhaust noise completely kills the bike for me. I doubt a new system would improve it much but I'd like to hear one.
Too bad it sounds like a rattly lawnmower and the dash looks like it was borrowed from a kids toy. Husqvarna need to bring the Nuda 900 back. That bike sounds and looks amazing.
Great, honest review. You got some big shoes to fill, and I appreciate how you made it your own, Adam. I would love to see a Triumph Street Triple 765RS commute :-)
Finally an honest test of the bike. Well done Adam! You’re the first who gives a proper evaluation! Too costly and poor quality! Kudos on the balls mate! Cheers
The worst review of a motorcycle I've ever had the misfortune to see. So many little things that you could have done to make the ride better for yourself before passing any judgement against it. Very poor journalism.
Patrick Sandeberg not necessarily. You could buy A ktm duke 690 for 8700 in the US. Now they’re in the low 7000s for 2018 leftovers and they have full color TFT dashes. This is virtually the same bike with a budget dash. Very puzzling on how husky came to the price they did
@@patricksandeberg8184 I think it must have something to do with it. The same bike is $14,000 CDN in Canada which is only $10,650 US. Almost nothing is cheaper in Canada than the US so it must be.
Love this bike lumpy oldschool from idle . But once rev pass 3k becomes smooth. I just wish they use big TFT screen coz that thing hard to see Even if it looks cool. They could make double style gauge shape like the cb400 but all digital
Great video. I actually bought one before winter started (I'm up in Canada), haven't had a chance to take it out yet. But I got it for a steal 7000 CAD brand new which is about $5,500 USD. Do you think that price the bike was worth it?
Global Art same here in India as well. A Street Triple costs 40k adjusting for PPP. They average Indian will take 6 years or more to make that kind of money. 😂
paintup46 ...Still there would be buyers remorse. Even for seven grand there's more to consider. Have you ever ridden a big thumper on the street? My balls used to go numb.
Would you do the vitpilen 401? None of the issues your saying this one has, save the wires and low end throttle snatch. The the 401 can turn off abs and it a "entry level bike" so its good value for money
That o-ring is actually for cleaning purposes. By moving it up and down you can clean your fork tube from dust, dirt etc. That's at least what KTM says what it's for. As a suspension travel indicator it's usable but pointless, since the fork doesn't have preload adjustment.
Adam! Pound-foot, pound-foot!!! Not foot-pound (for the last time...). SAE is the expert, here. Regardless, thank you for another great commute review! Love the looks and (because of the pricing and distribution network) the exclusivity, and - from what I just saw, the way it handles and goes...except for the vibration issue. A great true commuter option if there aren't many highway miles.
loved the looks of this bike since I first saw it. however, an aftermarket pipe is absolutely mandatory. the sound doesnt do the gorgeous bike any justice at all whatsoever edit: spelling
maybe the Svartpilen rides differently from the Vitpilen. ( I prefer the looks of the Vitpilen). Also this is the first review that I've heard so many complaints. (interesting). I want to get one.
Not a fan of the looks and as for the cost I'd rather keep the extra money in my bank account .. I went with the 390 duke instead , looks better from every angle and as a second bike to keep my tiger 800 company
I did a back to back with the 390 duke and this is a far better bike. In Oz price difference now is $3k. For me the Duke is too small, throttle too snatchy, suspension and brakes no where near as good, plus this has quickshifter up and down. Finally this has more power. I didnt think the vibes were that bad and suspension is adjustable. I did prefer the screen on the Duke...
