Best Standard Motorcycle of 2024: Husqvarna Svartpilen 801
After a short lived stint in its original Single-cylinder form, the Svartpilen neo-scrambler is back for the 2024 model year, now powered by KTM’s LC8c 799cc Parallel Twin engine – a mill first seen in the 790 Adventure and Duke models. The frame was also brought over from the orange side and uses WP Apex suspension to round out the chassis. That is to say, it’s built on a platform proven to perform – and it continues to, dressed in black. The Svartpilen gives a more relaxed, upright riding position than its more angular sibling while delivering style that only Husqvarna can.
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Despite somewhat sluggish handling at low speeds, the Svartpilen 801 proved itself more than capable and utterly stable while tearing through the curves of southern France whilst trying to keep up with multi-time champ and PMG employee, Chris Fillmore. The wide handlebars and Pirelli MT60s give it a flattrack vibe, but do wonders when hustling the lithe machine through a set of bends and the IMU-based cornering ABS and TC have your back should things go slideways. If that’s your intent, you can, of course, turn the rear ABS off and the TC entirely – and if you’re interested in fine tuning throttle response and TC, you can! That is, if you purchase the Dynamic software package (yes, we agree with the masses, it’s silly).
Despite PMG’s pay-to-play electronics, odd model decisions, questionable business practices, and anything else in the news right now, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 is simply a fantastic motorcycle to ride, full stop. We’re not here to argue anything more than that. And that’s why the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 earns the nod for the Best Standard Motorcycle of 2024.
Honorable Mention
Of course the Husky wasn’t the only model considered for the category. Both Triumph’s excellent new 400s, and the latest Speed Twin 1200 were considered with all three offering their own arguments for the title. The Speed 400 took our first MOBO in the entry-level/lightweight category not only for their excellent price, but for Triumph’s commitment to a new category. Riding the Speed Twin 1200 just this past month, it further served as a reminder to Triumph’s commitment to deliver refined classic motorcycles with modern tech and performance. Performance per dollar ultimately led the Svartpilen 801 to win out the class ahead of its contenders.
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Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.
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Sewer rat might taste like pumpkin pie, but I'll never know
Given the current state of KTM and its rainbow and the fact that this engine has widespread cam issues, despite you helping portray the lie from KTM that this issue was contained and rectified, you'd have to be insane to buy this motorcycle.
I think it's a pretty cool looking motorcycle, but being related to the KTM family, I wouldn't consider buying one. I'd be concerned about engine reliability. Chinese built engines just don't give me much confidence.