2020 Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 701, known as the “Black Arrow,” is the amalgamation of futuristic design and flat-track inspiration. Unlike the more café-inclined Vitpilen, this standard streetbike has upright, pulled-back bars, Pirelli MT 60 rubber, and a nod-to-flat-track number plate. Otherwise along with WP Apex suspension and Brembo brakes it also sees the same torquey 673cc single nestled in the steel tubular trellis frame. In fact, back in our 2019 first ride review, the combination of these aforementioned features led us to say that it is the best of the Swedish arrows.

In our 2019 review of the Svartpilen 701, Cycle World Senior Editor Justin Dawes praised the single-cylinder engine for its tire-twisting torque: “It’s truly a legendary powerplant that is smoother than it should be considering its raucous delivery. Many a twin could only hope to have as much character.”

Since the 701s of Husky’s lineup share the same single, you can watch our in-house dyno run of the Vitpilen 701 to get an idea of the Svartpilen’s power numbers.

With their similarities the two ‘Pilens also piggyback on many of the same competitors: KTM 790 Duke, Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650, Honda CB650R, Suzuki SV650, and Ducati Monster 797.

As covered in our first look, the Svart 701, like the Vitpilen 701, sees CNC-machined rearsets, spoked wheels, and an awesome new color scheme for 2020.