Husqvarna reveal fresh take on the LC8c platform with striking new Husqvarna Vitpilen 801

Husqvarna have introduced another middleweight offering for 2025 with the much-anticipated Vitpilen 801. 

The ‘all-new’ bike builds on the KTM’s LC8c platform found in the 790 Duke, with most components carried over from the existing £10,499 Svartpilen 801 that arrived at the start of 2024.

Similarities include the engine, chassis components and electronics package – even the seat height is the same at 820mm. 

The Vitpilen makes use of the same Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame and KTM 790 derived 799cc DOHC LC8c parallel twin as its sibling model, with a claimed 105bhp and 65lb.ft of torque on tap.

Weight is quoted at a lithe 180kg before its 14-litre tank is brimmed, or other liquids are added – just one kilogram less than the near-identical Svartpilen. 

Braking comes courtesy J.Juan hardware; twin four-piston front calipers with 300mm discs, and a single two-piston rear caliper with a 240mm rotor. Bosch ABS is standard, as is traction control and both are cornering-sensitive.  

There are three selectable electronic rider modes to toggle between – namely, Rain, Road, and Sport, with a fourth customisable mode as part of an optional ‘Dynamic Pack’ that includes anti-wheelie control adjustment, 10-level traction control, cruise control, up/down quickshifter, and supermoto ABS – fitted as standard but hidden behind a paywall. 

The five-inch TFT dash is setup for smartphone connectivity including turn-by-turn navigation, call screening and music control via the Husqvarna Motorcycles app. 

Suspension comes courtesy of a WP Apex set-up which uses an open cartridge fork at the front to provide 140mm of travel and split function, five-way compression and rebound adjustability. Out back, the rear shock is good for 150mm of bounce via a direct mount, linkage free design and is also adjustable for rebound and preload, but not compression damping. 

Similarities with the Svartpilen don’t end with the hardware either, and visually you’d forgiven for struggling to tell the Vitpilen apart from its scarmbler-esque sibling.

That said, Husqvarna have still managed to set it apart with a sportier, cafe racer vibe and – small though they may be – there are a few technical differences worth noting too. 

Handlebars are positioned lower to create subtly more aggressive riding position – as is the case with the smaller 401 version. Tyres too are different. Where the Svartpilen rolls on a pair of pseudo-knobbly Pirelli MT60 RS hoops, the Vitpilen gets more traditional sports touring road rubber in the form of Michelin’s Road 6. 

Another key deviation with the new machine comes in the form of a bi-LED projector headlight, which Husqvarna say, “provides a unique and progressive identity.”  

Where the dark and moody Svartpilen comes with colour options of black… or black, Vitpilen customers can opt for a striking yellow paintjob, or go for Husqvarna’s signature restrained silver. The Vitpilen 801 will be available in early 2025. Price is yet to be confirmed.

Watch MCN’s 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 launch video: