[sportrider - features] - Husqvarna Unveils New Street Models

[Ninjette Newsbot]

At EICMA earlier this month, Husqvarna displayed a new Supermoto model and two prototype streetbikes, and announced its intentions to return to producing street-going motorcycles. The 701 Supermoto will be available in dealers in the fall of 2015, while at present the 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svarpilen are concept models.

The 701 Supermoto weighs 315 pounds and has a 67-horsepower, SOHC 690cc single-cylinder engine. The engine is equipped with an APTC (Adler Power Torque Control) slipper clutch, and a ride-by-wire throttle allows the use of three switchable engine maps. The chassis features WP suspension and Brembo brakes with Bosch ABS that can be disabled for off-road use.

The 401 Vitpilen (Swedish for White Arrow) and 401 Svartpilen (Black Arrow) both take their cue from earlier Husqvarna models. Both are powered by a single-cylinder four-stroke engine with EFI that produces 46 horsepower. A steel trellis frame is matched to WP suspension, and wet weight is approximately 297 pounds.

Scroll through the gallery above for more images of the three bikes. Husqvarna's press material for the 701 Supermoto, 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpilen follows:

HUSQVARNA HEADS BACK TO THE STREETS
RENEWED ENTHUSIASM FOR STREET BIKES. THREE EXCITING NEW MODELS TO BE UNVEILED AT 2014 EICMA
Husqvarna is pleased to announce the unveiling of three exciting new models at the Italian motorcycle Expo EICMA – models that will give a clear understanding of the future of the brand.Known today for their off-road models and racing successes, Husqvarna first achieved fame during the early part of the 20th Century thanks to their commitment to street based motorsport. Now, with 111 years of heritage in both street and offroad motorcycling, Husqvarna makes its return to the street segment with a new large displacement, single-cylinder model as well as two fascinating and very modern concept models.Expanding Husqvarna’s motorcycle offerings, the new large displacement, single-cylinder model street bike will offer premium characteristics while maintaining the Swedish tendency towards functional design. True Husqvarna, and faithful to the brand’s core values, this new model being unveiled at EICMA will show state-of-the-art technology and a rich sense of heritage.The two exciting concept models will offer a clear glimpse of the future direction of the Husqvarna brand within the street market. The prototypes will showcase lightweight construction and functionality, premium quality hardware and uncompromised design.

Husqvarna 701 Supermoto





701 SUPERMOTO
Years of supermoto tradition combined with the finest craftsmanship and unparalleled single cylinder performance are embodied in the all new 701 SUPERMOTO. The highest quality components and uncompromising engineering provide outstanding levels of agility and handling, combined with the latest engine management electronics for razor-sharp throttle response and control.

With an overall dry weight of less than 145kg, the 67hp engine propels riders from one corner to the next without hesitation. Thanks to the ride-by-wire throttle and switchable engine maps, riders can accurately feed power to the rear wheel and feel confident that when the next corner rapidly approaches, they can rely on the latest supermoto ABS and APTC slipper clutch to safely and heroically drift the rear end all the way to the apex.

Extensively tested and proven parts and accessories that are designed to the highest standards in terms of performance, reliability and quality are available in the Husky Power range of products. Hundreds of hours of development guarantee that every part is perfectly matched to the 701 SUPERMOTO, allowing riders to further personalise their bike in looks, set-up and performance.

BODYWORK
The 701 SUPERMOTO’s innovative bodywork features a long seat that reaches over the radiator shrouds, with functional ribbing to improve grip in all conditions. The in-mould graphics on the rear subframe protect the integrated fuel tank and also give the rear an elegant look. Tightly wrapped around the engine and frame, the 701 bodywork is ergonomically designed to connect the rider’s body to the bike, for a perfect fit of man and machine, allowing for total control in all riding situations.

• Slim bodywork - perfect movement and ergonomics for all rider sizes
• Functional design - carefully engineered ergonomics for maximum control

Husqvarna 701 Supermoto





ENGINE
The single overhead cam, liquid cooled, single cylinder engine features the latest technology in terms of design and electronics. Maximum power output of 49kW (67hp) at 7,500rpm and torque of 68Nm at 6,000rpm are outstanding figures that leave riders in no doubt of the performance potential of this single cylinder masterpiece. The extremely lightweight engine weighs only 43.4kg without oil but including all components such as electric start, throttle body and clutch and coolant lines. Reliability, durability and efficiency are guaranteed by technical solutions such as active crankcase evacuation and forced lubrication which reduce oil friction and pump losses, and contribute to the long 10,000km service intervals and extremely low fuel consumption; in-turn lowering the cost of ownership of this class-leading single cylinder power plant.

• Advanced technical solutions - high power-low weight; 67hp and only 43.4kg
• Long service intervals and low fuel consumption - low cost of ownership
• Cutting edge ride-by-wire electronics - class-leading single cylinder technology and performance

CYLINDERHEAD
The compact design of the single overhead cam cylinder head features hollow stemmed steel 48g, 40mm intake valves, and 46.5g, 34mm exhaust valves. Ignition is via a double spark plug layout, each of which has individual ignition timing for optimal combustion of fuel in the large bore combustion chamber. This results in smooth engine behaviour and optimum power delivery, especially at low revs, while maintaining low emissions and fuel consumption.

• Single overhead cam - compact cylinder head design, low friction, lightweight and cost efficient
• Double spark plugs - smooth engine behaviour, better emissions and fuel consumption

ENGINE MAPS
Three engine maps are available and can be selected via a switch under the seat. Riders can choose between “Standard”, “Soft” and “Advanced” engine setups according to riding conditions and terrain. The 701 also features a “Bad fuel map” for low-quality fuel that allows the engine to operate efficiently even with 80 RON fuel, ensuring that the riding adventure never stops even in the remotest areas of the world, where high-grade fuel is not available.

• Switchable engine maps - adapt engine characteristics according to conditions
• “Bad fuel map” 80 RON fuel - keep the adventure going anywhere on the planet

CRANKSHAFT, CONROD AND PISTON
The crankshaft and conrod are produced by Herzog Gmbh in Germany, a guarantee of quality and durability. To increase comfort and reduce vibrations, the crankshaft has a balancer shaft mounted in parallel with it, reducing inertia forces for a smoother ride. Thanks to a large 102mm bore and a short 84.5mm stroke and a lightweight forged box-type piston (only 471g including rings and clips) produced by Mahle König, the engine revs freely to over 8,000rpm, maximising the advantages of the double spark plugs and advanced engine management system. The compression ratio is 12.6:1.

• Short stroke and large bore - high revving and quick response
• Forged box-type piston by Mahle König - high performance and only 471g
• Reduced oscillating masses - lower vibrations better emissions and fuel consumption

SLIPPER CLUTCH
The APTC (Adler Power Torque Control) slipper clutch by Adler allows for greater speeds going into and coming out of corners by maximising rear wheel grip under hard acceleration as well as preventing rear wheel instability and hopping when braking hard into the apex of a turn, for maximum control and perfect down-shifting. The unique design makes it up to 50% easier to pull the clutch lever and reduces lever vibration. The Magura hydraulic system guarantees perfect clutch modulation.

• Slipper clutch - maximum control under hard acceleration, braking and down-shifting
• Magura hydraulic system - perfect clutch modulation

Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen





401 VITPILEN / SVARTPILEN
STRIPPED TO THE ESSENCE
Husqvarna’s lightweight single-cylinder models proved wildly popular in post war Europe, and motorcycle sales climbed steadily right through to the golden age of 60’s and 70’s, when Husqvarna’s legend was truly forged. The eager post-war generation was hungry for something new and crazy to capture their imaginations. Momentum from the fast growing offroad movement in Europe spread to America and struck a chord with a new breed that was fascinated by the thrill of riding wild motorcycles and exploring far off the beaten track. It was new, creative, rebellious, raw and full of excitement. Offroad motorcycling at the time was the embodiment of freedom – a crazy idea whose time had come. Going offroad back then represented breaking boundaries – exploring new terrain, new ideas and having fun. The 60’s offroad movement fast became a pop sub-culture all of its own. For the first time, mainstream audiences were exposed to this new sport, the associated lifestyle and it’s heroes. US motorsport legend Malcolm Smith and silver screen icon Steve McQueen introduced an entire generation to the revolutionary Husqvarna motorcycle in the 1971 film “On Any Sunday “.

Long before the US explosion though, the pioneering spirit was evident in the earliest Husqvarna street bikes. Husqvarna had tested various bulky V-twin configurations in the 20’s and 30’s, before settling on a more compact and lightweight single-cylinder design in the 40’s. This new design concept gave birth to iconic models such as the “Svartkvarna”, “Drombagen” and “Silverpilen”. Whilst the same original concept of a compact, lightweight single-cylinder street motorcycle has been revived with the new 401s, it is now interpreted in a very modern way, utilising the latest design, cutting edge technology, sophisticated construction processes and materials. The result is a pair of motorcycles that pay homage to the original concept, but with performance levels that those pioneering Husqvarna designers almost a century ago, could only have dreamt of.

Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen





401 VITPILEN
Now in 2014, the new Husqvarna 401 concept bike draws on the rebellious spirit that was born in that golden age. The freedom, simplicity and honesty of man and machine united. Compact and agile – expertly crafted to deliver minimalist styling with exceptional performance – reduced to the bare essence of what a motorcycle should be. The Husqvarna 401 VITPILEN (Swedish for ‘White Arrow’) draws on the DNA of the pioneering 1953 Silverpilen street bike. That was an iconic Husqvarna model, which was the brainchild of famous Swedish industrial designer Sixten Sason and started a motorcycling revolution. The new 401 VITPILEN is a groundbreaking design in its own right – interpreting the functional simplicity of the classic Silverpilen (‘Silver Arrow’), combining it with modern technology, cutting-edge design and premium quality hardware to deliver an uncompromised, genuine riding experience for the street.

BODYWORK
Man and machine united. Stripped to the bare essence of riding, the simple bodywork provides ease of movement and emphasises the sleek lines of the 401 VITPILEN.

FRONT LIGHT / HANDLEBAR
Components such as the headlight brackets are consolidated to provide multiple functions, reducing parts and simplifying the overall design of the 401 VITPILEN.

Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen





401 SVARTPILEN
The Husqvarna 401 SVARTPILEN (Swedish for ‘Black Arrow’) concept bike is a golden-age inspired modern street bike that draws its design ethos from past iconic Husqvarnas. Reduced to the bare functional essentials, the 401 SVARTPILEN is the real deal – free of gimmicks, gadgets and extravagant design embellishments. A riding experience that honours the simple idea behind those early pioneering Husqvarnas. With a compact single-cylinder fourstroke engine in a compact chassis, the Husqvarna 401 SVARTPILEN provides a more upright, comfortable and natural riding position – designed to reflect the timeless authenticity evident in the growing revival of the motorcycling scene. The new Husqvarna 401s are very much new and progressive motorcycles, where advanced engineering meets authentic design.

DETAILS
Less is more. Style and function were crucial elements when designing every aspect of the new 401s. Simplicity, ease of use and functionality meet outstanding design and attention to detail. If something does not improve the riding experience, it does not belong on either of the new 401s – as simple as that.

FRONT LIGHT / HANDLEBAR
An upright handlebar provides ample leverage and control when the pavement ends. The powerful LED lamp is encased in an integrated cage, protecting it against anything thrown its way.

EXHAUST / SEAT RACK
True to the minimal styling of the 401 series, the 401 SVARTPILEN’S exhaust is housed directly under the side surface of the seat, providing more offroad clearance and better protection from the elements. A rear rack is integrated into the seat , providing space for additional luggage, tools or anything you might need along a lonely fire road.

TANK RACK
The multi-purpose tank rack not only protects the tank from light impacts, but also provides a simple mounting for route maps and tank bags.

OFFROAD FOOTPEGS
On road and off, these subtly styled off road footpegs are sturdy enough to handle anything you might encounter on your 401 SVARTPILEN.

ENGINE PROTECTION
Should you choose to take your 401 SVARTPILEN off the beaten path, it has a lightweight yet robust engine guard to keep the casings protected from any unexpected rocks or debris.








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