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Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 in the test (Baujahr 2021)

How does the noble naked bike in Neo-Classic design fare in the test?

17.11.2021

Photo: Husqvarna

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 is considered the noblest 125 currently available. We can't escape the beauty of this bike either - but how does the machine perform in the test? We did a few laps with the naked bike in Neo-Classic design. Here is our driving report.

This is how she stands

The Svartpilen 125 is a mixture of the KTM 125 Duke and the Svartpilen 401. From the 401 it inherits the chassis, wheels, frame and brakes and from the Duke the engine. And that's what it looks like: Pretty self-confident for a motorcycle of the 125 class. You can argue about design, but I haven't spoken to anyone who doesn't think the Svartpilen 125 is a success. The short rear, the striking side view with the hump on the tank, the powder-coated tubular frame and the Scrambler-like stud tires - that fits.

When sitting up, the first thought is: This is a 125?! The Husky does indeed feel bigger, although with a wheelbase of 1.36 m it is of course still a small machine. Anyone who has previously sat on the Svartpilen 401 will hardly notice a difference. The high and wide handlebars and the seat height of 835 mm ensure an upright, comfortable seating position. You sit comfortably and the passenger can even look forward to a handle on our test bike (accessories) - unusual for a naked bike.

What it should be able to do

Technically, the Svartpilen offers the usual lean food for 125 motorcycles. Apart from the Bosch 2-channel ABS, there are no driving aids. However, the bike has full LED lighting including the stylish mini indicators as well as the two riding modes "Road" and "SuperMoto". In SuperMoto mode, the ABS is switched off at the rear.

The cockpit is striking. A purely digital LC display with all kinds of displays is housed in a round instrument. There is a gear indicator, tachometer, fuel gauge and even an on-board computer with remaining range and daily odometer. The handles for clutch and brake are adjustable in range and wherever you look everything looks very high quality - especially the beautiful triple clamp immediately catches the eye.

This is how she drives herself

Then we drive a lap and start the little husky. As expected, the sound is nothing special. The engine hums like a sewing machine, at least you don't get on anyone's nerves. The machine proves to be extremely manoeuvrable right from the start. The Braking System from Bybre has no trouble to bring the device to a stop immediately. At the front there is a huge 320 mm single disc with a 4-piston fixed caliper and at the rear a 230 mm disc, both are hydraulically operated.

Despite the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR studded tyres, the bike doesn't feel tilty or slide back and forth on the road. Due to the adult WP chassis, you immediately gain confidence and throw yourself into the corners with fun. The 43 USD fork from WP front is not adjustable, but offers good comfort and good feedback. The rear monoshock strut can be adjusted in the spring base and is directly steered. At the back it is a bit harder than at the front, but it never becomes uncomfortable.

The engine delivers the maximum 15 hp and 12 Nm at about 10,000 rpm. In order for it to progress quickly, the Svartpilen wants to be shot properly, but with which 125 he is not so? You should not expect miracles from such machines in terms of power delivery, but a proper swim in traffic is not a problem. The 6-speed transmission shifts precisely and the manual power of the clutch goes to zero. Worth mentioning is the low consumption of the Svartpilen 125. It consumes only 2.13 litres per 100 km/h and that results in a range of a fat 446 km!

Conclusion - what sticks

Motorcycling is fun - this also applies if you are traveling with a Husqvarna Svartpilen 125. Of course, you won't set acceleration records with 15 hp, but due to the adult chassis and the streetfigher-like seating position, you have a lot of fun with the husky on the country road. On the other hand, we prefer to forget the motorway very quickly, but it is simply not fast enough.

The test bike was kindly provided by Heller & Soltau from St. Michaelisdonn. There she stands as a demonstrator and waits for a lot of test drivers. Go for it, it's really fun!

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