The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 is one of the most attractive OEM motorcycles of recent times. Despite the three-year gap between concept and production, the final road going version of the 701 is damn close to the stunning prototype we were first teased with.
It’s a helluva good ride too; light, punchy and nimble. (Yes, we’ve tested it.) But how do you customize a bike that looks so fine out the box?and has such a definitive look"

The Dutch outfit Ironwood Custom Motorcycles have had a crack at it, and we’re loving the results.
?After seeing the Vitpilen concept at European events, I was intrigued to ride it,? says shop boss Arjan van den Boom. ?Or even better, customize it?although it looks so good and balanced already. Luckily for us, a London customer reached out to have his new 701 modded.?
Ironwood’s custom Husqvarna isn’t a total re-imagining of the single cylinder neo-café racer. Instead, it’s a stealthy nip and tuck job?a collection of clever tweaks and subtle changes. Which is exactly what their customer asked for.
?Overall it had to be recognizable as a 701,? says Arjan, ?but we had to make it mean and edgy. Keep the key features like the tank with the humps, OEM wheels, speedo and lighting. But change the lines, and make it unique.?

The biggest change is happening out back. The Vitplien 701 is already compact, but Ironwood have shortened the rear end even more.
Arjan’s buddy, Marcel van der Stelt of The Custom...