11, 000 Miles on a Vitpilen 401. Vitpilen 401 Review

My experience riding my Vitpilen 401 for one year and 11,000 miles.
I was wanting to do a more elaborate filming originally. I even tried out a couple of drones but they wouldn't stop crashing themselves. Its for informational purposes and not the visual spectacle anyway I suppose. I noticed there wasn't any reviews of this bike that had higher miles on it so it made me want to put this out there. Sorry its not as flashy as other youtubers but I'm no youtuber I'm just a regular shmo. Feel free to ask any questions you have.

[@phill8712]

Solid video. I appreciate the view of the bike with commentary as opposed to other videos people put out where in looking at the clip ons the entire time.

[@christopher3391]

Just bought a 2022 Svartpilen 401 and pretty excited to get out there. Thanks for the video!

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

It sucks you got it towards the tail end of prime writing season. If you don't live in a warmer climate area might I recommend the Alpinestar Andes V3 jacket and pants. They enable me to ride all year. Have fun and enjoy your 401.

[@christopher3391]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 I've been out and about here lately, live in Delaware so will hopefully be able to ride til novemberish, thanks for the reply!

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Consider checking out the Alpinestar Andes V3 jacket and pants. I'm able to ride all year with them

[@masonmax1000]

I got one a few months ago love it but remember to keep an eye on your tire pressure and spokes tension I came back from a week in Hawaii visiting my mom, to a flat tire and loose leaking spokes and valve stem all due to me not checking the spokes so I gotta take the tire to a shop lol ive tried everything to fix it otherwise I love the bike.

[@Mannyrodzallday]

Just bought a brand new one a few months ago, and it keeps shutting off on me when downshifting, and sometimes even on takeoff on first gear. So annoying

[@hob976]

Funny - You describe my situation pretty well. My drive to work is about 50 miles each way, with very few stops. My Nissan pickup gets about 15 miles per gallon ( currently making my drive about $25 every day ), so I picked up a Svartpilen this week. You have me a little worried about running through tires, though. I'm not very handy ( with vehicles ) so when you do basic stuff ( ie. oil changes, chain tightening ) I hope you'll make a video. Appreciate cha.

[@andrewbillington5422]

The Svartpilen's stock tires should last longer than a Vitpilen's.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I made some other videos. How to build your own tire change setup, how to change your oil, and head gasket video that turned out to be a block casting issue with these engines.

[@hob976]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 ...Oh, I'm subscribed AF. I'll be tearing through your videos.

[@graemetaylor629]

what a great video from an owner of this bike that does massive mileage for a motorbike user , I live in the uk and I can get to a dealer within 30 miles , I am seriously thinking of getting back into biking and am seriously considering this bike at 65 years old ! what do you think 😀

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I recently discovered coolant in my oil. So I had to go down the rabbit hole of figuring out how it was getting there. After doing some research in some forums online I found these engines are know for having head gasket issues. So I replaced mine and found that the coolant ports in the block casting do not line up with the head gasket. Another you tuber made a video about replacing his and found it still leaked. I don't think it's a head gasket issues it looks more like a block casting issue to me. I would recommend staying away from anything with this motor in it. When I find time I am going to make a video about my findings.

[@yamahapilot]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 oh man, that’s really unfortunate to hear. I’m going this weekend to take a look at a ‘22 Vitpilen. I’ve heard about the head gasket issue but apparently it’s not an issue as much as it used to be apparently. Please keep us informed with regards to your bike. Great video by the way. Thanks.

[@alovidya]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677thank you for sharing this.

[@learnrandom]

I bought mine last week, will be delivered soon 🇹🇭 . Thanks for this vid. God bless.

[@МихаилКатков-о8и]

7:30 the dog demonstrateg how much this bike really good

[@trroland1248]

Great video. I appreciate your enthusiasm for this great design. 👍🏻

[@eugen7050]

Thank you for the bunch of infos in the video man! Im owning a svartpillen since a couple of weeks myself and it helps a lot for looking for future upgrades. My only issue with it so far is the non-existing wind protection (its a naked bike, so that was clear before i actually bought it), but i am thinking about a windshield for the svart..

[@societylost4344]

7:30. Bad doggie!🤣

[@user-sey373]

Спасибо за обзор!👍🏼 много полезной информации! Удачи на дороге🔥

[@chrisis4933]

Thank you for the video! But what exactly does the coober ecu that the engine is more reliable (compared to stock) ? 🤔I already searched their website but the description didn't say anything.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

From what I have gathered it's not going to be more or less reliable either way. It is the only one you can install that will not void the warranty. It just allows you to bypass emissions standards so that you have a slightly more powerful engine.

[@anthonyfleming2227]

I'm only going 8 blocks to work and back, it will be interesting to see the difference all the cold starts make to the longevity of the motor

[@TheReverb1]

Hi I have 18000km on mine. One service problem that I see that all these are in the need is to adjust valves and that is a pain in the arse with the engine in the bike; also to find the shims. I am dealing mentally to do it or do not. I do not have time to do it but as you say I do not comfy in anyone. I had bad luck with most shops etc. I bought it due to my old Triumph 750 fissure the crank! and I am still waiting for spares after a year and a half so I bought it as a transportation like you; but adjust the valves is a major task with all these modern bikes. Yes, you still can keep it riding but will loose power and will damage the very top end. The main concern on all these modern vehicles is the scanner; you are fastened with a dealer and that is a real problem and more money.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I found you can use a regular OBD2 scanner if you buy a $15 adapter off Amazon.

[@TheReverb1]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 Hi; I think that most scans are not possible without the proprietary software

[@rockway32]

Hey thanks for the review i had been looking at those as a second bike . for your rear tire try Dunlop mutant i had them on my bmw for about 8000k and still looking fresh

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

​@yoyoyo10284 I pressed down on the foot pegs with my toes forcing my thighs into the bottom of the tank since it kind of flares out. If that doesn't work out for you I would say get some tec. Spec tank grips for it. I no longer have that bike. I had head gasket issues with it which turned out to be block casting issues since the engines are made very cheaply in india. I made a KZbin video about it as well. Now own a Yamaha xsr 900. I could not be more happier with my yamaha. I've already put about 20,000 miles on it it's solid. Virtually Bulletproof. I love the styling, handling and extremely high quality of it. I will be sticking with Japanese bikes from now on. You have to adjust valve clearances every 9,000 miles on the Husqvarna and every 24,000 miles on the Yamaha. This is a very big difference as I ride about 10,000 to 12,000 miles a year. Hope this helps.

[@Dr_Heck]

I like the look of that seat! The Luimoto cover your friend gifted you is for the “classic” 701 right? My 2022 svart doesn’t have the fancy-schmancy two-piece seat and the options on the Luimoto website are a little tricky to navigate, i.e. there are no full-sized seat cover models for the 401.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Mine was the 401 vitpilen.

[@d3vastat0r89]

Does this bike come with that rear fender, the part with the license plate? I saw a few listings on FBM for this bike, 2019 models, and they don't have it. I really like how it looks on the bike.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

@d3vastat0r89 I really like how it looked as well. It does come with it but some people take theirs off because they actually don't like how the floating rear fender looks.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Before purchasing one of these bikes I recommend you watch my head gasket video on this motorcycle

[@d3vastat0r89]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 Thank you for the recommendation and quick response. I will definitely give that a look.

[@andreasw5266]

I think your dog doesn't like the bike (7:30)😀. I sold my 2020 Svartpilen after 6 month due to stalling, hard starting, engine light on and off, tank vent problems.

[@jimoconnor7491]

Really good video. I bought one last week.

[@mranvo]

What is the make/model of your bar ends? And site where you found them? I am concerned cheap bar ends will not work with the existing bar end weights to reduce the handlebar vibrations.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

This is the exact set that I purchased off of Amazon. FENRIR CNC Aluminum Alloy Round Cafe Racer Retro Black Motorcycle Bar End Mirrors Side 22MM 7/8" Inch Handlebar Mirror Universal Rear View For M8/M6 Sport Naked Street Bike Cruiser Minimoto Scooter

[@mranvo]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 thanks mate.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

No problem.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I forgot to mention if you are trying to reduce vibration use motorkote. I use it in all my stuff and I noticed a significant decrease in vibration.

[@masonmax1000]

revzilla has good stuff.

[@jomamma1750]

Lol 2 grit sandpaper!! Brilliant description

[@Surestick88]

Cosmetically the finish on the metal parts and the paint seems to have held up well.

[@haywoodnelson2111]

Great review. I've got around 15,500 miles on my 2020 Svartpilen and I'm just starting to have to tighten my chain more often. Surprised you had to change it so soon. Also, where did you get that phone mount?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Check this out at Amazon.com Lamicall Bike Phone Holder Mount... www.amazon.com/dp/B08R8MZYMH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@User_Brandon]

What's your secret to such high mileage? Did you do any mods to it? How reliable has it been and did you obey the break in period for staying under 7500 for the first 600 miles/1000 km's?

[@haywoodnelson2111]

​@@User_Brandon I have done about 23,100 miles and no major issues. Regular oil changes and valve checks nothing extra. Just follow the regular break in process and then ride it hard.

[@User_Brandon]

@@haywoodnelson2111 Do you use the recommended motorex fluids? And since you do high mileage do you change your oil a little earlier? And what's your definition of "ride it hard"? I'm sure you're not red lining it but when do you like to shift at? I'm just curious lol

[@haywoodnelson2111]

​@@User_Brandon I use motorex oil and do the oil changes myself every 3,000 miles. I turned off the rev limiter light and usually just feel out the engine for shifts. The power band kicks in above 6500 rpm for me. So I'm riding there or higher, the bike likes to be revved.

[@LOLHICRONO]

what a good lookin bike

[@Patife_PT]

Nice seat! They have two types of brown leather available, Is that the Vintage brown or the Dunkelbrown?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I want to say it's the vintage. It was a git a buddy of mine got me.

[@hendo337]

I have been jonesing to get a Svart 401/701 or Indian FTR1200/Scout/Scout 60 since the first time I saw them. You're doing a good job convincing me that the little 401 with a few mods should be perfectly decent and I won't be itching to possibly take a bath dumping it for something faster too soon. It seems like less really can be more and unless you're Crash Test Goat mega illegal speed shouldn't matter. Did the tune/pipe/air box help out your fuel economy at all? Do you think the power increase is enough to try using taller gears to lower cruising rpms and increase fuel economy? I had read some things online accusing the 373cc of having reliability issues, you definitely calmed my anxiety about that too. Beautiful bike, I only want to Svat for the more upright riding position since I have had a spine surgery, both versions look great. Great review.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

As of today I am actually having my first issues with this bike and maybe making a video about it before too long. My riding buddy has the 701 svartpilen. I have ridden it a fair bit as well and I highly recommend it. Although I never read line any of my vehicles and in meticulous with maintenance. For some reason the head gasket on this bike has began to leak. I found that there was coolant in my oil. I generally keep this bike below 80 miles an hour which is 20% below its mechanical limit I should not have had any issues.

[@georgekrpan3181]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 Dang, I just got a new 2022 Vitpilen 401.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

You may want to check out my video called Husqvarna vitpilen 401 head gasket issue?

[@rayrayrun]

Thank you for the well thoughtout review. Do you have the link for the lever from ali?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Just go to their website and search vitpilen 401 in the search bar. If they still sell them, you'll find them. I no longer ride one of these. If you want to know why, just watch my head gasket video. Good luck.

[@MJFUYT]

Excellent content/info... thx for sharing your knowledge. 💯

[@p-dub7422]

Great video! I just stumbled upon it and I am glad that you made this video. First I have a 701 Svartpilen and love it for all the reasons that you stated. Unique, fun to ride etc. I am curious why did you get the 401 and not the 701? Also, since you commute why did you get the Vitpilen which has a much more aggressive riding style? What year is your bike? And I have read where some people with this bike had issues with their bike. This is the first report that someone has reported 11,000 miles so that is what made me take a look at this video. Also, the seat is beautiful and I was hoping that you would mention that. Also, I wish that you would have turned the bike on does it sound different since you made those changes and I noticed that you did not change the exhausts on it. In Indiana is snows so what about riding in the snow. I hope you do more videos!! Thanks

[@justinacutt7468]

Great detailed review. Glad the bike is working for you. What year is your vitpilen?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

2021

[@danboyd6180]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677Glad to hear that yours was built in India. I want one, I want a new one and I was worried about reliability. Thanks man, did you have wait period at the dealership?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

No but I did have to drive 5 hours one way to get it.

[@jeffreydlazar]

Thanks for this review!

[@Bonefox.]

Great Stuff

[@OldDirtBikes]

Hi great vid thanks for sharing your experience 👍. My wife just bought me one new ,really love it what a bike . Going to be doing the cat delete etc could you give me the link where you bought the cobra ecu ? Many thanks from 🇬🇧😀

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

cooberecu.com/products/coober-cat-delete-power-kit-for-husqvarna-401-vitpilen-svartpilen?variant=37599650807988&gclid=CjwKCAjw9J2iBhBPEiwAErwpeSCZJvlFWGe91mRimIWQdTRzNuGmHCMuj_DZpA0sT7RNyZ948xWguBoCZusQAvD_BwE

[@OldDirtBikes]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 thank you 👍. I just seen your other vid now im worried 😬. Mine is brand new and i dont do much miles so i hope it lasts .

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

@@OldDirtBikes 🤞 good luck brother.

[@m.3257]

7:30 dog owns a Duke 390 😄

[@subie_frank]

Thanks for the content! Where did you get those blind spot mirrors? Was thinking of doing the same thing but struggling to find some small enough.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Trackside Stick-On Blind Spot Mirrors - RevZilla www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/trackside-stick-on-blind-spot-mirrors?gclid=CjwKCAjwg5uZBhATEiwAhhRLHuC73DGKd13B4s3_l-YYQwV4s_LY8seUd1n_4gHZxnBl7KuBhWSnzRoCVykQAvD_BwE&sku_id=1127294

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Although they are convex they sit pretty flat. I actually 3D printed an angled piece that I use double-sided tape on so I could make these actually sit at the right angle I needed so I could use them as blind spot mirrors. I'd be willing to 3D print you some different angle pieces if you wanted them. I would only charge you $5 and that would include the shipping. Let me know if you feel like you want me to make them for you it's really no problem.

[@subie_frank]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 That would be awesome. Thank you! I'll be in touch.

[@hoby99]

Great video! How is the comfort on it?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Comfort is about the same as any other sport bike. If you ride enough though you'll get used to it. I've done 5-hour rides on it before. Until you get used to it, you'll probably want to get off though after about 40 minutes. They Market it as an Urban Explorer so it's really meant for shorter rides.

[@hoby99]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 Thanks!

[@pavelgalitsyn3417]

Great video! I've been thinking about buying one, but instead bought Voge 300ACX. A bit less power, a bit less style, but, oddly, nearly 30% cheaper (in our country)

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

That is still a stylish bike though. And hard to beat for the money.

[@yoyoyo10284]

any chance you can throw up some links of the parts and items you bought?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

luimoto.com/collections/husqvarna/products/husqvarna-vitpilen-401-20-22-vintage-classic-rider-seat-cover?variant=44357330633013 cooberecu.com/products/coober-cat-delete-power-kit-for-husqvarna-401-vitpilen-svartpilen?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=c2854255f&pr_rec_pid=6093738836148&pr_ref_pid=4358753550398&pr_seq=uniform FENRIR CNC Aluminum Alloy Round Cafe Racer Retro Black Motorcycle Bar End Mirrors Side 22MM 7/8" Inch Handlebar Mirror Universal Rear View For M8/M6 Sport Naked Street Bike Cruiser Minimoto Scooter a.co/d/apivksP

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I also run quad lock cell phone mounts with the anti-vibration attachment and I really like the Dunlop Road smart 3 sport touring tires. I have been through maybe three sets of those at least.

[@1222dan]

I’m looking at getting one in a couple weeks. I test rode a used one and noticed the little red rubber ring on each front fork the ring seems to just move freely and not seal anything, I see on your video yours is toward the bottom of the fork as well, does anyone know the purpose?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

These are used to measure fork travel. Before you ride you would roll them up against the fork. As you ride they are push back down. You can use them to see if you are getting too close to taking up all your fork travel and then adjust your suspension accordingly.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

You may also want to take a look at the video I put out about this bikes head gasket issue before you buy one.

[@Dr_Heck]

I can’t find one of those rear grab bars. Did yours come stock with it?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Yes. I bought mine new from the dealer with it.

[@Ratkwad]

How did you find the riding position?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

You have to lean forward while riding. This bike is meant for short rides.

[@guanqiaowang7586]

Have you done the valve adjustment yet? How bad was it?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I already made a video about the valve clearance adjustment

[@OskarSzrajer]

Any link to this seat? Looks really neat

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

luimoto.com/

[@bwaa_bwaa]

2:06 💯

[@anthonyfleming2227]

Great review man, thanks 👍

[@lassehansen1493]

Where did you get the mirrors?😊

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

Check this out! FENRIR CNC Aluminum Alloy Round Cafe Racer Retro Black Motorcycle Bar End Mirrors Side 22MM 7/8" Inch Handlebar Mirror Universal Rear View For M8/M6 Sport Naked Street Bike Cruiser Minimoto Scooter a.co/d/jkPGJF1

[@matthew5684]

how tall are you and how comfortable do you find it?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

5' 9" with a 32" inseam. The Vitpilen with its clip on handlebars rides just like any other sport bike I've been on. It has you lean forward quite a bit putting you into more of an attack position instead of a relaxed riding position. My longer rides have been about two and a half hours straight but after about an hour you're ready to take a break.

[@giankieluna]

What is the super cube?

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I assume you mean Coober ECU. It is an upgraded engine control unit. It enables the bike to have better air fuel mixture mapping so that you can get more power out of the engine. It is usually accompanied by deleting the catalytic converter in the exhaust and an open air box filter cover. Hopefully that answers your question. I don't remember talking about any kind of "super cube".

[@davidfranom4359]

Hello, friend. May I know how tall you are'? Do you think it would be fine if I am 6'? Thanks!

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I am 5 foot 9 inches

[@VA-gu1jq]

I’m 6’2 and ride one. You’ll be fine!

[@CrushDelivery]

should make videos on servicing this sweeet ride

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I made videos on how to change the oil, how to adjust valve clearance and a video about the head gasket.

[@callummcausland3904]

how tall are you guys who ride it

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I'm 5 foot 9 inches

[@InternationalHealthCoach]

Just bought a 2022 White Arrow ⬆️ yesterday. Picking up my new helmet Scorpion 🦂 Namaskar Black today & off for a joyride. It's been a few years since I've ridden 🏍️

[@deodattasarap4104]

You never talked about sitting position

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

With it being the cafe racer has a more aggressive seating position. You can do long rides after your back gets used to it. After you first buy it your upper back may get a little sore for the first couple weeks or so as long as you ride it a few times a week for a couple hours this will pass. There were multiple days where I would ride over 4 hours in a day no problem.

[@yoyoyo10284]

@@bushidosteelcraft1677 I have trouble with gripping the tank when I'm thrown forward on braking. Not sure what I'm doing wrong here but any tips? Is there a place on the bike you find that you can wedge in more on? Other sport bikes I've been on have the little indent where you can rest your knees right into to clamp tight.

[@Pezzonovante]

Great video, thanks!

[@amanzaildar199015]

I have almost 25000 km on my svartpilen 401 and still running like new. My target is to reach 100000 km.

[@bushidosteelcraft1677]

I wish you the best of luck.

[@User_Brandon]

Hey there how did the bike reach that mileage? Did you do any mods to it? Has it always been reliable? Did you obey the break in period for staying under 7500 for the first 1000 km's? What year model was it?

[@amanzaildar199015]

@User_Brandon I did not add any mods. Always used high quality products (motul) for maintenance. Clean and lubricate chain, change engine oil brake pads regularly. Obd2 scanner tool to diagnose problems in bike. Changed tyre's once.

[@User_Brandon]

@@amanzaildar199015 I am able to find the Motul 5100 4T Ester and the 7100 4T Ester. Which one did you use and did you change oil every 7500 km /12 months like the manufacturer says or did you do it a bit sooner?

[@amanzaildar199015]

@User_Brandon 10w50 motul fully syntehetic. I change around every 5000 km and also change all filters

[@clivechandler8817]

You got that bike because everybody including you and I sometimes make mistakes. I'm going to give myself a thumbs up for this comment, probably the only one I will get. Got to admit it is ugly, what was you thinking.