Outsiders, based in Groningen Netherlands, is an independent
motorcycle workshop specializing in custom 70’s motorcycles.
This custom 2019
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is the first non-client build by the Outsiders, as it’s coming
fresh from the factory.
The motorcycle was
displayed at the 2019 Bike Shed show in London.
According to
Outsider Motorcycles: "We’ve always been suckers for the old mx-bikes and the looks
of them, so the brand Husqvarna was no stranger for us. You can see at first
glance that a team of new-wave designers – Kiska from Austria – had their way
with it. We chose the 701 because we felt it was the right time to do so. The
701 is one of the first bikes where the design is so much more than functional.
The details are crazy good – not only the visual ones, but also the tech parts.
All the way up to the brazed-on tabs for the tie-wraps."
The whole sub
frame of the Vitpilen 701 which is held on with only 4 bolts was not used,
because it added unnecessarily weight, and Outsider decided to rather produce
their own lighter tube frame.
Both the frame and the swingarm were made with a tubular
shape for a cleaner aesthetic. Outsiders designed and built their
own tank, which gives it an aggressive look with an angular
aesthetic. Outsiders wanted a clean line along the sub frame, tank, and
fender.
New handlebars and risers
from Neken, a top clamp made by Scheffers
Engineering in Norway, and a custom 42mm 316 stainless steel exhaust system with elbows,
was used for this project.
The mix of pink, magenta, and blue
colour scheme gives the new motorcycle a retro
feel, matching the shades of the Big Trouble Pizza restaurant in Toronto,
Canada.