Took a Svartpilen 701 out for a spin today .
Been looking for something light as I’ve got a few minor medical issues and find my bigger bikes hard work lugging around unless I’m away on a trip.
I kind of knew what to expect from the motor having owned a couple of 701SMs in the past.
But this seems even smoother and the quick shifter takes away some of the hassle of constant gear changes for local riding .
The riding position is also further forward than the SM though obviously the Vitpilen is even more so with the clip ons.
The bike had only just been pdi’d so I was cautious of the new rubber, but the bike was a revelation. So so light at something like 160kgs and very narrow but handling seems very planted.
The seat seems very firm but I’ve read that it never gets uncomfy, unlike seats that initially seem great but then soon start to show a lack of support .
Dislikes ?
The dash is a bit shite and I’m not overly struck by the asymmetric rear, with the ‘number board ‘ on the right side .
But apart from that ? Not much.
And my dealer said he’d do me a cracking deal , which he has . Beginning with a £6....
So I’m going to get it .
Sold both my Guzzis recently. The Audace went as I found it too heavy moving around and the T3 had to go as it aggravated my nerve problem on longer rides .
Think I’ll move the ATAS to my little pad in Brittany. Can always get a Bike Bubble as I think the garage is a tad damp in winter .
But the Svart will be good for local riding and an absolute hoot for the back roads in Brittany ( that Nutty will vouch for ).
And hopefully the light weight and roomy riding position will prove beneficial.
It’s definitely a marmite bike though !!
Been looking for something light as I’ve got a few minor medical issues and find my bigger bikes hard work lugging around unless I’m away on a trip.
I kind of knew what to expect from the motor having owned a couple of 701SMs in the past.
But this seems even smoother and the quick shifter takes away some of the hassle of constant gear changes for local riding .
The riding position is also further forward than the SM though obviously the Vitpilen is even more so with the clip ons.
The bike had only just been pdi’d so I was cautious of the new rubber, but the bike was a revelation. So so light at something like 160kgs and very narrow but handling seems very planted.
The seat seems very firm but I’ve read that it never gets uncomfy, unlike seats that initially seem great but then soon start to show a lack of support .
Dislikes ?
The dash is a bit shite and I’m not overly struck by the asymmetric rear, with the ‘number board ‘ on the right side .
But apart from that ? Not much.
And my dealer said he’d do me a cracking deal , which he has . Beginning with a £6....
So I’m going to get it .
Sold both my Guzzis recently. The Audace went as I found it too heavy moving around and the T3 had to go as it aggravated my nerve problem on longer rides .
Think I’ll move the ATAS to my little pad in Brittany. Can always get a Bike Bubble as I think the garage is a tad damp in winter .
But the Svart will be good for local riding and an absolute hoot for the back roads in Brittany ( that Nutty will vouch for ).
And hopefully the light weight and roomy riding position will prove beneficial.
It’s definitely a marmite bike though !!