An Interesting group test would be to pit the Svartpilen 701 together with the Suzuki SV 650 and MT07. Even though not direct competitors, the two "twin cylinder" bikes have similar engine capacities/horse power/running costs and would make for a very close contest I think. Maybe even a track test would be interesting.

Just test ridden one against a duke 790 and loved it. Just put a deposit down, what a great bike

AWESOME looking bike!!!

4:12 Nicely turned out, Mat.

Interesting bike, thanks for the review. Cheers!

Jacket & tie affair... what did I miss ? Great show:)

Great review. Great production work as usual.

I got you, Toto Dune's soundtrack from 1984 David Lynch film :D Nice video!

Excellent review and commentary. I recently purchased a 2020 Svartpilen and I would have to agree with every word. I was reluctant to purchase a single cylinder bike and with a single disc up front. But, I saw this bike in person and sat on it and there was nothing like it. This bike is beautiful and rugged which was something I wanted but there was nothing like it on the market. This is an everyday bike that you can ride to work or on the freeway. I do not know why this bike was discontinued but they are continuing with the 401 Vit and Svart. Does anyone know why they discontinue such a good bike? Thanks

Good review. Would really like to see you chaps review the V85TT.

I loved my Husqvarna chainsaw.

Yep, that is a bike one just can't pass, one must stop and have a look, a close look! Tested the Vitpilen, must have a go on the Svart one.

Mat looking dandy. Edit: 701 Supermoto, cheaper and better.

Addresses the ps

What's with the tie you at a wedding 😂

"This is the best single-cylinder" is like saying "this is the healthiest patient on ICU". I wish they had the parallel twin from KTM. That would be amazing.

The priorities that you spoke of initially with respect to bike design, would take on more meaning if the bike did not sell because of them. It is all well and good to talk about the competing aspects of form, function and price, and try to explain away the importance of one over another, but in the end it comes down to buyer choice. The history of motorcycling is littered with designs that prioritized one or two considerations over others only to have them fail in the market place. And yet on any objective measure, someone thought them to be great, because they got sold. Manufacturers have to find a sweet spot in the mix of these design considerations, where the balance becaomes the most financially successful. Even artists have a saying about design/beauty versus financial liquidity. "Art for arts sake.......but money for gods sake".

So... No mention of the meaning of "Svartpilen" in Afrikaans?

loved the show for ages guys, but time for a refresh i think .. seems like your intro's been around since the voortrekers and the banter between you 3 is stale .... watch a show like 44 teeth and check out the camera work and soundtrack that goes into presenting the bikes .. and the banter is edgy and funny, its youtube guys you can say fuck or make the odd sexual innuendo and how many times are we gonna watch you ride the kromdraai road .. why don't you teach something pretty ride and let her have a segment on the show .. might freshen things up and keep you 3 on your toes .. that my 2 cents ..

I've read (and watched) some rather troubling news regarding this 701 offer, of all sorts of electronic issues with these bikes in europe. Can anyone shed some light on this regarding south african experiences?

Very disappointing to see you in a suit and tie, at least the tie appeared to have been extracted from the depths of your sock drawer.

So it's a KTM 690 Duke with a styling change and a price hide 🤷‍♂️

👍🏻

have you guys considered a patreon? i would love to donate some money :-)

Definitely like Marmite...yuk!

If you wear that suit when your riding the bike no-one will notice the bike, which is just as well, it looks awful, but looks are subjective. Nice suit😂

just don't get this bike, . I will stick with Kawasaki for sure.

The Honda CB650R runs circles on this over priced huski and on the looks it might even be better looking

Nice bike but not my cuppa tea.

over priced last years ktm