A Bold New Roadster
The 2025 Husqvarna Vitpilen 801, launched in October 2024, marks Husqvarna’s first twin-cylinder street bike with 17-inch wheels, hitting U.S. and Indian markets in February 2025. Priced at $10,499 USD (~₹8.86 lakh in India, ex-showroom), this neo-retro roadster blends Scandinavian style with KTM’s proven 790 Duke platform. First ride reviews, like those from Cycle World and Motorcycle.com, praise its agile handling and punchy engine, calling it a contender for Husqvarna’s finest bike yet. But does it live up to the hype against rivals like the Yamaha MT-09 and Honda CB750 Hornet?
Stunning Design & Tech
The Vitpilen 801 sports a sleek, minimalist look with a Bi-LED headlight, vibrant yellow or silver color options, and a 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity via the Ride Husqvarna app for navigation and calls. Its 799cc parallel-twin engine, borrowed from the KTM 790 Duke, delivers 105 hp at 8,000 rpm and 64 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and optional quickshifter. Features include adjustable WP APEX suspension (140mm front, 150mm rear travel), cornering ABS, traction control, and three ride modes (Sport, Street, Rain), with an optional Dynamic mode for extra customization.
- Bi-LED headlight with light ring
- 5-inch TFT with Bluetooth navigation
- Michelin Road 6 tires for grip
- J.Juan brakes with 300mm front discs
- Optional Dynamic mode with quickshifter
Ride Impressions
First rides in Southern California, as reported by Cycle News and Motorcyclist, highlight the Vitpilen’s lively performance. Its 420-pound curb weight and 32.3-inch seat height make it nimble, though the Michelin Road 6 tires are better for sport-touring than aggressive cornering. The engine’s smooth, torquey delivery shines on twisty roads, but brakes require firm pressure for hard stops, per MCNews. The chassis, praised for stability, feels slightly slower to steer than the KTM 790 Duke, yet it’s forgiving for varied skill levels. X users call it “uber-cool” but note the seat’s comfort fades after four hours.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 799cc, Liquid-cooled, Parallel-Twin |
| Power | 105 hp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Mileage | ~20 kmpl (est.) |
| Price | $10,499 USD (~₹8.86 lakh) |
| Weight | 420 lbs (curb) |
Is It Husqvarna’s Best?
The Vitpilen 801’s style, tech, and performance make it a strong contender, but its $10,499 price faces stiff competition from the $9,399 Honda CB750 Hornet and $10,799 Yamaha MT-09, which offer similar power. The optional $420 Dynamic Package and early KTM engine reliability concerns, noted by MCNews, are drawbacks. Still, its unique design and agile ride, as per Cycle World, make it a standout. Bookings are open at husqvarna-motorcycles.com. Could this be Husqvarna’s best bike? For style-driven riders, it’s close
