SPY SHOTS: Check out Husqvarna’s 801 Classic Adventure (Scrambler) that we’ve caught out in secret tests!

Husqvarna is working on a scrambler motorcycle with funky styling that echoes some of the major cosmetic touches of the Svartpilen and Vitpilen roadster models.

Our exclusive spy shots show the new bike undergoing secret tests recently and from what we can see, the prototype is already looking like a ‘proper’ modern Husqvarna for the road.

Because Husqvarna is owned by KTM, it’s pretty clear that a lot of the Austrian company’s tech and mechanical parts used on the new-for-2019 KTM 790 Adventure have been carried over to this project – which we’re expecting to arrive at the tail end of NEXT year.

Putting aside the styling for a moment, we can see that the bike is using the same rolling chassis and parts as can be found on KTM’s new adventure bike. So the 801 Classic Adventure / Scrambler Husky will make somewhere in the region of 105hp and 87Nm @ 8,000rpm from it’s 8-valve, DOHC motor – which is even running with a KTM engine stamp in the bike we’ve caught with our spy shots.

The Husqvarna’s tubular steel chassis and die-cast, open-lattice swingarm ape the KTM too. The cast wheels of the KTM have been dropped for spoked versions on the 801. Up front the Classic Adventure/Scrambler gets 43mm USD forks from WP and although we can’t see any brand name on the single read shock, it looks the same as the WP gas assisted unit on the KTM 790. If so then the Husky will have spring and pre-load on the rear.

The ABS brakes are KTM stamped with the front featuring radially-mounted four-piston calipers grabbing two 300mm discs and the rear is a top-mounted two-piston caliper on a 240mm disc.

But it’s the fairing, tank surround and seat styling where the bike is unmistakably Husqvarna. The bench seat extends a long way behind the rider (so there’s plenty of space for a pillion) and the rear LED light styling apes what we’ve seen on the Svart and Vit brands. The small fairing combines with the petrol tank surrounds and shoulders for a more updated-1960s look too. The upright riding position, high exhaust can and short front mudguard add to the purposeful on/off-road look.

On the prototype bike there’s a two-colour digital dash (expect a full-colour TFT option when this bike goes into production) and drilled plates behind the rider and pillion footrests – these are for riding position development as the motorcycle continues through it’s design and build cycle and aren’t expected to make it to the dealership-ready version of the bike in 2020.

What do you think to a KTM 790 Adventure- kitted, 1960s-ish styled Husqvarna 801 Scrambler? Would you put your hand in your pocket for one? Yeah, we might too…