Okay, so, I finally got my hands on a Husqvarna Svartpilen 701. This bike has been on my radar for a while, you know, with its cool, kinda futuristic look and the promise of a fun ride. I’ve been itching to see if it lives up to the hype, especially since I heard some mixed things about it.
Getting Started
First off, I spent a good chunk of time just looking at the bike. It’s a real head-turner, no doubt. I mean, the design is just so different from what’s out there. After admiring it for a bit, I hopped on and took it for a spin around the neighborhood. Just getting a feel for it, you know? The engine, being a big single-cylinder, definitely has a unique character. It’s got this raw, thumpy feel that’s kinda cool.
Hitting the Road
Then came the real test – a longer ride. I planned a route that had a mix of city streets and some highway stretches. I was particularly curious about how it would handle the highway, especially after reading that some folks found the engine vibration to be a bit much at higher speeds. On the city roads, it handled like a dream. Nimble, easy to maneuver, all that good stuff. But yeah, once I got on the highway, I started to notice the vibration. It wasn’t unbearable, but it’s definitely there. I rode for about an hour each way, and by the end, I could see why some people might not love it for long-distance cruising.
Unexpected Issues
- During one of my rides, I noticed something weird with the clutch fluid. It seemed to be disappearing, which was a bummer. I remembered reading somewhere that this is a known issue with these bikes. So, I made a mental note to get that checked out.
- Another thing I ran into was some condensation in the dashboard. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it was a bit annoying. I guess it’s another one of those quirks that you gotta deal with.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Svartpilen 701 is a pretty cool bike. It’s definitely a blast to ride, especially around town. The design is awesome, and it’s got a lot of character. But, it’s not perfect. The highway vibration and those little issues like the clutch fluid and the dash condensation are things to keep in mind. Would I recommend it? Yeah, probably, but with a few caveats. It’s not for everyone, especially if you’re planning on doing a lot of long-distance riding. But if you’re looking for a stylish, fun bike for shorter trips and city riding, it’s definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for a few quirks here and there. And always make sure to check those recall notices – better safe than sorry!
