An Italian charmer and a Swedish Viking

First, let’s check out our essential characters. In a single nook we’ve got the Ducati Scrambler 800 ICON. Think about Sophia Loren was a motorbike – seductive, classically lovely and with a contact of dolce vita. Within the different nook is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, a motorbike that appears like Thor himself welded it collectively in his spare time – angular, muscular and with the allure of a Nordic god. The Ducati, with its 803 cc V2 engine, purrs like a contented cat and produces 73 hp. The Husqvarna, then again, roars like a wild lion with its 799 cc inline twin and 105 hp. It is already clear right here: we’re coping with two utterly completely different characters.

Bare details: The technical knowledge compared

Earlier than we descend into the depths of subjective impressions, let’s check out the arduous details. The Ducati weighs 188.5 kg, whereas the Husqvarna is simply a sandwich heavier at 189.5 kg. The seat peak of the Ducati is 795 mm, that of the Husqvarna 820 mm. Each bikes are geared up with fashionable driver help programs. Lean-angle-dependent traction management? Verify! Cornering ABS? Verify! The Husqvarna boasts an ordinary quickshifter, whereas the Ducati prices an additional 267 euros for it. The entrance suspension on the Ducati is a Kayaba 41 mm USD fork with 150 mm journey, whereas the Husqvarna comes with a WP 43 mm USD fork and 140 mm journey. On the rear, each use a monoshock with 150 mm journey. The distinction? With the Husqvarna you’ll be able to alter the compression and rebound, with the Ducati you must take what you get.

Metropolis, nation, freeway: the place the bikes shine and the place they sweat

Now it will get thrilling, of us! As a result of what good are one of the best technical knowledge if the bike seems like a cussed donkey? Let’s begin with the town. That is the place the Ducati Scrambler is in its factor. It’s as agile as a cat on caffeine and conveys a sense of lightness that borders on magic. Nasty Nils (me) summed it up: “As quickly as you get on, your pulse feels prefer it drops by 10 to fifteen beats per minute.” It is as if the Scrambler is saying: “Calm down, dude! I will handle all the things.” The Husqvarna, then again? Properly, it is no slouch within the metropolis both. Mex, considered one of our take a look at riders, describes it as “very, very maneuverable” in metropolis visitors. However it has this barely aggressive undertone, as if it had been saying: “Sure, I can curve via slender streets. However what I actually wish to do is get out into the nation and actually let it rip!” Talking of land: Right here the Svartpilen exhibits what it is manufactured from. Its engine is an actual powerhouse. Mex enthuses: “Within the vary of 5000 to 8000 rpm it has a very wealthy midrange, numerous torque.” It is like having a sports activities automobile below your butt, however with out the annoying roof. The Scrambler? It additionally cuts a high quality determine on nation roads, but it surely’s extra of a full of life cruiser than a robust nook hunter. Let’s transfer on to the freeway, the place the place bikes both turn into freeway stars or wind-whipped torture devices. The Husqvarna is a constructive shock right here. Regardless of its nakedness, it stays steady, even at larger speeds. The Ducati, then again? Properly, let’s put it this fashion: When there is a headwind, you typically really feel like a sailboat in stormy Bora winds within the Adriatic. It is full of life, it is easy to deal with and at excessive speeds it is also a bit of nervous!

Consolation and ergonomics: the place is one of the best place to your ass to sit down?

On a 2500-kilometer rally, the saddle turns into your finest good friend or your worst enemy. The Ducati Scrambler has the sting right here. It’s the most snug seat amongst bikes. Even after hours of driving, you’re feeling as if you happen to’ve simply had a therapeutic massage – if you happen to like comfortable saddles! The Svartpilen? Properly, it is extra just like the sports activities automobile seat amongst bikes. Sporty and agency, however nonetheless appropriate for lengthy distances, as Mex emphasizes. The knee angle is designed so that you could additionally get via lengthy levels properly. The Husqvarna feels sportier, extra direct and extra exact. So, those that wish to be extra snug will desire the Ducati.

The Coronary heart of the Beast: The Engines in Comparability

Ah, let’s get to the center of each motorbike: the engine. The Ducati with its V2 is sort of a well-aged wine, easy, subtle and with simply the correct amount of kick. It might “solely” have 73 hp, however it’s delivered so easily that you just really feel just like the king of the nation street. The Husqvarna then again? Its inline twin-cylinder is sort of a shot of tequila, it kicks arduous and leaves you wanting extra. With 105 hp, it has considerably extra energy, and you’ll inform. Valentin Pokorny was shocked by the elasticity of the engine: “I used to be shocked how elastic the engine is, at what low speeds the twin-cylinder may also be moved.” It is like having a tame tiger below you, able to pounce at any time. I personally missed a little bit of momentum within the Husqvarna engine. The engine at all times appeared a bit nervous and aggressive to me.

Driving dynamics: The place the music performs

On the subject of driving dynamics, each bikes are in several leagues. The Ducati is sort of a good dance associate – it gently follows your actions and makes you look good even if in case you have two left ft. It forgives errors and is simply enjoyable. The Husqvarna, then again, is sort of a skilled dancer – exact, direct and at all times able to do an additional pirouette. Valentin compares it to the Yamaha XSR 900, one other light-weight with a robust engine and playful dealing with. On quick tracks, the Svartpilen is in its factor and makes the Ducati look outdated. The Husqvarna makes your pulse fee rise – the Ducati lowers it!

That sure one thing: character and charisma

That is the place we come to the purpose that can’t be measured in numbers: character. The Ducati Scrambler is just like the cool man from the neighborhood who at all times has an excellent story to inform. It exudes a nonchalance that’s infectious. Our colleague Wolfgang Weiß sums it up: “On the finish of the tour, I fell in love with the Scrambler and from then on I solely rode this motorbike.” It’s a bike that makes you smile, even if in case you have simply ridden for 14 hours within the pouring rain. The Husqvarna, then again, is just like the mysterious stranger who comes into the bar and attracts everybody’s consideration. It has an aura of coolness and competence. Valentin Pokorny says: “The Svartpilen 801 is certainly a borderline case within the class. Retro bike? Extra like a unadorned bike! However I do not assume the Svartpilen actually desires to be perceived as a traditional motorbike.” It’s the bike for individuals who need one thing particular, one thing that not everybody rides on the subsequent nook.

Technical data Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 2025

engine and drive
engine type	Row
number of cylinders	2
timing	4-stroke
valves per cylinder	4
valve control	DOHC
cooling	fluid
lubrication	pressure circulation
displacement	799 cc
drilling	88 mm
Hub	65.7 mm
Performance	105 hp
rpm at power	9250 rpm
torque	87 Nm
rpm at torque	8000 rpm
compression	12.5
mixture preparation	injection
starter	electric
coupling	centrifugal force
drive	Chain
transmission	gearshift
number of gears	6
chassis
Frame	chromium-molybdenum
frame construction	engine supporting
steering head angle	65.5 degrees
caster	97.9 mm
front suspension
suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
brand	WP
diameter	43 mm
suspension travel	140 mm
setting option	compression, rebound
rear suspension
shock absorber	monoshock
brand	WP
suspension travel	150 mm
setting option	spring preload, rebound
front brakes
design	single pane
diameter	300 mm
Pistons	four-piston
technology	radial
rear brakes
design	disc
diameter	240 mm
Pistons	two-piston
Recording	floating saddle
driver assistance systems
assistance systems	ABS, driving modes, cornering ABS, traction control
data and dimensions
front tire width	120 mm
front tire height	70%
front tire diameter	17 inches
rear tire width	180 mm
rear tire height	55%
rear tire diameter	17 inches
wheelbase	1388 mm
seat height of	820 mm
ground clearance	174 mm
dry weight	181 kg
tank capacity	14 l
reach	311 km
battery power (volts V)	12 V
battery power (ampere hours Ah)	10 Ah
CO² emissions combined	106 g/km
combined fuel consumption	4.5 l/100km
equipment
equipment	Connectivity, heated grips

Technical data Ducati Scrambler Icon 2025

All technical specifications are sourced from Ducati official bike website for authenticity and reliability

engine and drive
engine type	V
degree	90
number of cylinders	2
timing	4-stroke
valves per cylinder	2
valve control	desmodromic
cooling	Air
displacement	803 cc
drilling	88 mm
Hub	66 mm
Performance	73 hp
rpm at power	8250 rpm
torque	65.2 Nm
rpm at torque	7000 rpm
compression	11
mixture preparation	injection
throttle valve diameter	50 mm
starter	electric
coupling	Multi-discs in oil bath, antihopping
drive	Chain
transmission	gearshift
number of gears	6
A2 throttling possible	Yes
chassis
Frame	Steel
frame construction	lattice tube
steering head angle	66 degrees
caster	108 mm
front suspension
suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
brand	Kayaba
diameter	41 mm
suspension travel	150 mm
rear suspension
suspension	double-sided swing arm
material	aluminum
shock absorber	monoshock
brand	Kayaba
suspension travel	150 mm
setting option	spring preload, rebound
front brakes
design	single pane
diameter	330 mm
Pistons	four-piston
activity	hydraulic
technology	radial
brand	Brembo
rear brakes
design	disc
diameter	245 mm
Pistons	single-piston
Recording	floating saddle
driver assistance systems
assistance systems	cornering ABS, ride by wire, traction control
data and dimensions
front tire width	110 mm
front tire height	80%
front tire diameter	18 inches
rear tire width	180 mm
rear tire height	55%
rear tire diameter	17 inches
wheelbase	1449 mm
seat height of	795 mm
dry weight (with ABS)	170 kg
Weight ready to drive (with ABS)	185 kg
tank capacity	13.5 l
driving license classes	A2, A
reach	259 km
CO² emissions combined	120.08 g/km
combined fuel consumption	5.2 l/100km
idling noise	94 dB
equipment
equipment	Connectivity, LED daytime running lights, TFT display

The conclusion: two winners, no losers

After greater than 2500 kilometers via the Balkans, numerous curves, just a few curses and much more moments of happiness, we’re confronted with a dilemma: which bike is healthier? The reply is as unsatisfying as it’s trustworthy: it relies upon. The Ducati Scrambler 800 ICON is the right bike for anybody who desires to take a relaxed lifestyle. It’s the devoted companion for metropolis adventures, leisurely nation street excursions and anybody who simply desires to chill out. It’s the equal of a superbly brewed espresso on a sunny afternoon in Rome. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, then again, is for riders who prefer it sporty. It’s the bike for winding mountain roads, spontaneous acceleration races and anybody who likes to experience on the restrict. Like a shot on a cool Swedish night, it’s sharp, intense and never for the faint-hearted. On the finish of the day, each bikes are winners. They present how numerous the world of retro bikes will be. Whether or not you like the relaxed Italian lifestyle or the cool Nordic precision, everybody will discover their excellent bike right here.