Husqvarna Motorcycles burst back onto the street bike scene in recent years with two of the hottest newcomers, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401. Part of KTM group’s move to revive the historic Husqvarna brand, these striking Swedish twins have captured riders’ imaginations with their standout neo-retro designs.
But beyond the eye-catching looks, what sets the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 models apart? Which one is right for you? This comprehensive guide will unpack everything you need to know before deciding between the two Huskies.
Introducing the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401
Husqvarna made it clear they were targeting hip urban riders seeking stylish transportation with just enough performance when they unveiled the Vitpilen and Svartpilen concept bikes in 2015.
The production 401 models that followed two years later stayed remarkably faithful to the design vision. The names Vitpilen and Svartpilen actually hint at the core identities – Vitpilen means White Arrow in Swedish while Svartpilen translates to Black Arrow.
Vitpilen 401 Overview
The sharp-edged Vitpilen 401 is modeled after the iconic cafe racers of 1960’s Britain. From clip-on bars to rearset footpegs and a solo seat, the riding position and ergonomics are optimized for spirited performance pushes rather than long distance touring comfort.
This precise focus gives the Vitpilen an aggressive, racing look that really sets it apart. It’s a pure style play bringing cafe culture to the 21st century at an attractive price.
Svartpilen 401 Overview
Taking inspiration from the scrambler trend, the Svartpilen 401 adopts a more upright and relaxed riding posture better suited to urban commuting. While spoked wheels and knobby Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires hint at off-road capability, make no mistake – this Husky is still fundamentally a street bike.
So while the Svartpilen sacrifices some racetrack peak performance, it broadens the overall usage envelope and every day practicality. Many consider this the smarter, more versatile choice for real world riding.
On Road Performance
Digging beneath the stunning visuals, the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 share the same basic underpinnings. At the heart of both beats a 373cc single cylinder DOHC engine with electronic fuel injection, producing around 44 horsepower at 9,000 rpm peak.
This peppy engine delivers flexible low and mid-range grunt well suited to real world street riding. While no rocketship, there’s still a good surge of acceleration and the bikes easily exceed 100 mph top speeds.
The trellis style steel tube frame, non-adjustable upside down forks up front and pre-load adjustable monoshock rear suspension are virtually identical between the two. Stopping power comes from radially mounted Bybre calipers gripping 320mm front and 230mm rear discs.
So when ridden back to back on paved roads, the biggest differences emerge in the ergonomics and tires impacting overall handling personality.
Vitpilen 401 Performance
The clip-on handlebars and rearset footpegs translate to a very aggressive, committing riding triangle on the Vitpilen 401. Weight shifts forward, the neck cranes downward, knees grip the tank.
This cafe racer centric position pays handling dividends, allowing a rider to really lean deep into turns and rail through sweepers. The Metzeler 120/70ZR17 front and 160/60ZR17 rear tires offer tons of stable cornering grip too.
On tight switchback roads, the Vitpilen changes direction very quickly and holds the intended line perfectly. It can carry serious speed through the curves.
The firm suspension calibrations prevent much wallow or chassis pitch under acceleration or heavy braking as well. This precise control inspires confidence pushing the pace. It’s easy to feed off the Vitpilen’s taut, athletic composure.
The peaky powerband does require more gear changes to stay in the sweet spot though. Short 1st gear necessitates clutch slipping when crawling in traffic too. Still for aggressive riding, the Vitpilen delivers sublime performance way beyond its price tag.
Svartpilen 401 Performance
The Svartpilen’s upright handlebar and centrally located footpegs make for a much more natural and relaxed posture for commuting or around town riding. Less weight on the wrists, less knee bend, less back hunch overcomes the limitations of the Vitpilen’s committed positioning.
Unfortunately the seat-to-peg distance still feels a tad cramped for longer legged riders. after an hour or so, I find myself wishing for just a little more room to stretch out.
The Svartpilen’s Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires prioritize off-road grip over ultimate road adhesion. So handling feels a little less precise and slower to respond on pavement compared to the Metzeler’s on the Vitpilen.
The Svartpilen’s longer suspension travel absorbs bumps well but also allows more chassis movement under acceleration and braking. Combined with the upright seating and 19 inch front wheel, it lacks the Vitpilen’s harder-edged eagerness changing direction at speed.
That said, the Svartpilen remains flickable, stable and fun to ride within sane public road pace limits. It’s just not the scalpel instrument for attacking corners its sleeker sibling proves to be.
For commuting, running errands and generally getting around town, the Svartpilen’s flexibility and comfort better suit most needs. The smooth low end torque gets off the line briskly while feeling less frantic than the Vitpilen around the city.
Riding Ergonomics Compared
Let’s call out a few key dimensional differences that contribute to the divergent ergonomic experiences:
| Spec | Vitpilen 401 | Svartpilen 401 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 835 mm | 855 mm |
| Wheel size | 17 inch | 19 inch front |
| Handlebar style | Low clip-on | High tubular |
| Foot peg position | Rearset | Mid positioned |
So the Svartpilen’s additional ground clearance better accommodates taller riders, while also placing the hands higher and feet closer to allow an upright torso.
Over distance, the Vitpilen’s aggressive stance taxes the back, neck and wrists without much wiggle room. The tucked knee angle also limits shifting position. This lasts fine for short blasts but hurts comfort past an hour of seat time.
The Svartpilen allows moving around more freely to relieve numbness. The wide, dirt bike style handlebar offers better leverage muscling the front wheel off the ground over bumps too.
Neither seats prove exemplary however – fairly narrow and thinly padded. Extended rides will require some frequent butt breaks. Here aftermarket options readily resolve things.
Purpose-Built Personalities
While sharing the same engine and chassis, the ergonomic disparities instill the Vitpilen and Svartpilen with distinct riding personalities tuned for different motorcycle lifestyles.
Vitpilen 401 – Café Performance
The Vitpilen was conceived first and foremost as a modern café racer bringing drop-dead gorgeous style tuned for backroad attacks, weekend thrill riding and track days.
Everything from the rearset pegs to low clip-ons serves dynamic performance over chilled out cruising. Trading comfort for control places clear emphasis on scratching that speed itch versus practical transportation.
So for riders wanting a stylish machine to push their cornering skills and excitement quotient, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 delivers thrilling capability reminding what makes motorcycling so addictive.
Stunning form following blistering function in a affordable package.
Svartpilen 401 – Urban Scrambler Flexibility
Evolving from the Vitpilen’s foundation, the Svartpilen 401 adopts a more upright seating position and rugged styling cues to broaden its usefulness as an urban runabout.
While no true dual sport, the Svartpilen’s flexible ergonomics work much better racking up city miles or venturing onto graded dirt paths. The throwback scrambler vibe looks right at home lane splitting gridlocked traffic too.
The Svartpilen certainly retains a healthy measure of pace should the road open up, it just prioritizes user-friendly maneuverability and comfort over apex-ripping performance. Focus centers more on the journey than extreme velocity.
This harmonious blending of retro flair, all-around competence and lightweight nimbleness makes the Svartpilen 401 an exceptionally handy city bike. Manageable power keeps new riders from getting overwhelmed while the tall saddle and scrambler look instill brimming confidence.
Pricing and Ownership Considerations
the Vitpilen demands a moderately higher investment upfront at USD $6,099 but should retain resale value very well if the condition stays cherry. The Svartipilen stickers just $300 lower at $5,799. That seems a pittance when amortized over years of ownership.
Premium fuel is recommended to prevent damaging pre-ignition knock though both bikes will run alright on midgrade gas too. Expect pouring roughly 50 mpg from the thirsty high reving single – decent for a 400cc machine.
Like most high strung Euro bikes, reliability proves just average across the Vitpilen and Svartpilen lineup. The KTM derived powerplant needs regular oil changes and periodic valve adjustments to stay happy. Electrical gremlins crop up too.
Husqvarna’s limited dealer network poses an additional headache should anything require warranty help or replacement parts. Budgeting for extra maintenance costs goes strongly advised.
But treat the bikes well and they should return the favor. Enthusiasts willing to accept some operational quirks tend to rave about these unique Swedish machines.
For riders seeking standout styling merging classic flair with modern technology on a starter bike budget, both Vitpilen and Svartpilen present compelling options.
Which One is Right For You?
While the two models may appear quite similar at first blush, understanding their differing performance alignments helps inform which better suits specific riders’ needs and riding styles.
Vitpilen 401 Strong Suits
The café-styled Vitpilen 401 punches way above its weight tantalizing twisty road riders and track day regulars foremost.
- Aggressive ergonomics focused on control and cornering capability
- Razor sharp handling and rock solid stability when ridden aggressively
- Pure riding enjoyment taking high performance aesthetics to the street
- Unique styling guaranteed to grab attention of riders and non-riders alike
So riders wanting a stylish machine to hone skills pushing the pace on curvy backroads should shortlist the Vitpilen 401. Same for those progressing from small displacement sportbikes or returning to riding after years away. Its balanced performance perfectly bridges skill levels.
Urban warriors seeking more practical transportation are better served by the well-rounded Svartpilen however.
Svartpilen 401 Strong Suits
While down a few ponypower peaks, the scrambler-inspired Svartpilen 401 still packs plenty of punch trading some sharp handling for broader flexibility.
- Upright seating position enhances maneuverability through traffic
- Neutral steering and suspension soak up poor city infrastructure
- Unique retro/modern aesthetics reflects stylish individuality
- Greater comfort benefits multi-hour outings and pillion accommodations
The Svartipilen’s blend of usable power, comfy ergonomics and tough styling create the ultimate hipster bike for tackling congested streets. Rack up sightseeing miles or just look boss parked curbside.
For larger or aging riders, the Svartpilen’s raised seat height and wide handlebars flock easier too. Overall, it’s the Swiss Army knife choice in Husqvarna’s 401 lineup.
Conclusion
While the Vitpilen and Svartpilen share Husqvarna’s captivating design language, closer examination reveals motorcycles prioritizing distinctly different performance alignments.
The Vitpilen’s cafe racer styling and focused ergonomics serve experienced riders pursuing exhilaration carving up winding roads. Less versatile yet intensely satisfying when used as intended.
Meanwhile the Svartpilen scrambles "go anywhere" attitude brings a handy blend of capability for riders needing a multi-role city bike. More comfort broadens its daily usability.
So which is the right Husky for you? Understanding your riding priorities should guide the way. Seek thrills or transportation? Style or substance? Crosstown dashes or Sunday canyon runs?
Either way these neo-retro 401s present fantastic options relative to the price. Now ride on and enjoy!