THERE'S NO surprise that Husqvarna’s flat-track-style Svartpilen (black arrow) 701 concept – shown last year – is turning into a production bike in 2019. It’s always been the plan and it mimics the smaller Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 range. But now it’s confirmed 100 per cent.

New Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 concept - Closer look | EICMA 2017 Video of New Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 concept - Closer look | EICMA 2017

Husqvarna has registered the Svartpilen 701’s emissions with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), showing that it will be mechanically identical to the existing Vitpilen 701. In turn, that means it’s basically a reworked KTM 690 Duke with added neo-retro style and a significantly different riding position, with lower bars – albeit higher and wider than the Vitpilen cafe racer’s – and rearset pegs.

In terms of emissions, the Svartpilen puts out the same as the Vitpilen, suggesting its engine is in an identical state of tune. That means it will make 74hp from its 693cc single. Its weight is also the same as the Vitpilen – CARB rates it at 250kg including a typical rider, fuel and luggage. In more familiar terms, that means it will be about 160kg dry.

Our bet is that the production bike will make its official debut in November at the EICMA show in Milan. Which we will very much be at, and reporting LIVE AND DIRECT INTO YOUR DEVICES.

Stay tuned, as ever, for more...