Husqvarna show Vitpilen 801 concept packed with bespoke aerodynamic upgrades and underslung exhaust

Husqvarna’s Vitpilen 801 naked bike has been tricked up for a new special edition concept roadster, fitted with a selection of high-performance aerodynamic goodies. 

Displayed for the first time during the late 2024 international show season, the one-off special is purely a concept at this stage, but it could hint at future plans to introduce a racier, more hard-edged Vitpilen in the future – perhaps similarly specced to KTM’s 990 Duke R.  

The standard machine is hardly lethargic, but Husqvarna have further stripped away the excess mass while adding a smattering of carbon throughout. A handful of handmade custom components to take the performance up a gear, too. 

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Performance figures aren’t mentioned and the bike’s KTM 790 derived 799cc DOHC LC8c parallel twin motor appears unchanged on the outside at least, suggesting performance remains similar to the the claimed 104bhp and 65lb.ft of torque offered by the current road going Vitpilen. 

Gone is the conventionally routed exhaust in favour of a bespoke full system. The white painted header pipes are routed differently to the standard machine and appear to be larger in diameter too – potentially freeing up a few horsepower at the top end at the cost of low-down grunt.  

The new pipes finish with a centrally mounted, under seat silencer that integrates with the rear cowl – replacing the space that the rear light cluster would typically occupy. 

To balance the freer flowing exhaust, Husqvarna have also modified the air intake to allow for a freer flowing design. Moving on to the suspension and the standard fitment WP Apex suspension arrangement at both ends have been replaced in favour of WP’s higher spec Apex Pro system.  

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The jump to this set-up alone would cost north of two grand for parts alone and should offer improved traction, control and greater adjustability.  

Braking hardware has been upgraded too, with the Vitpilen’s usual J.Juan calipers exchanged for racing-spec Brembo GP4 units mated to FR T floating discs.

As well as a new windshield, the 801 custom also gets a disc rear wheel similar to the set up used by velodrome cyclists to cut down on drag

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