Husqvarna Vitpilen 901: Sportier Husky twin incoming

Husqvarna look set to reintroduce a large-capacity version of the Vitpilen roadster, with spy shots showing a sporty offering that’s based around KTM’s 890 Duke.

Currently, there is only the £5499 A2 licence compliant Vitpilen 401 in the firm’s line-up. A larger single-cylinder 701 model was launched back in 2018, but has since been discontinued.

This new model looks almost production-ready and shares the same seamless body shape as its ancestor, finished in matt black and white paint.

Where the pair differ most notably is in the engine, with a new trellis chassis that looks to have been lifted from the Duke, appearing to house Husqvarna’s KTM-derived 889cc twin – already found in the Norden 901 adventure family. A version of this motor already resides in the Duke, producing 114bhp.

Further evidence to support it being this engine comes from the familiar casings, and high-exit exhaust, which hugs the rear subframe in much the same way as the Duke. The routing of the header pipes is also the same.

Despite alterations to the frame and engine, the styling looks similar to the 701 single that came before it, with sweeping, minimalist bodywork that looks typically Husqvarna – plus a large round headlight, small pillion perch and thin LED rear lighting strip all reminiscent of the old bike.

Indicators are also LED, and upfront there looks to be a full colour TFT dash in the works. This will replace the old circular LCD design that just wouldn’t cut the mustard alongside its contemporary competition, which will likely include the Ducati Monster, Yamaha MT-09, Triumph Street Triple R, and of course the 890 Duke.  

The bike seen in testing here looks to be wearing Michelin Power 5 sporty road tyres, with manually adjustable WP Apex suspension kit further signalling its corner carving intentions.

The Duke uses a pair of 43mm open cartridge Apex tubes up front and it’s likely the Husqvarna will do the same. The bars now also look to be flatter for greater versatility.

Braking is covered by twin, radially mounted front calipers and it’s not unreasonable to expect cornering ABS – which already features on its Duke sibling. MCN contacted Husqvarna about the new machine, but they declined to comment.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 901 in detail

• More versions on the way? Our sources tell us that the bike will be shown in the autumn, with a gravel-focused Svartpilen on the way.
• Similar swingarms: The blacked-out open lattice swingarm looks to be the same die-cast unit as the one found onthe KTM 890 Duke.
• Road-ready alloy rims: The new Husky rolls on 17in wheels and the five-spoked front looks to be carried over from the old 701.
• Ready to roll: The bike seen here is well finished with homologation-spec number plate bracket – suggesting it could be close to release.
• New year, new name: Given that Husqvarna are already using this engine for the Norden 901, it stands to reason that this bike will be called the ‘Vitpilen 901’.