Bike World Used Review | Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

[@depechemoto]

I ride a Svarty 401, 3 years and 20,000 kms later and I'm still in love with it!! Don't forget it comes standard with a quick shifter too, and adjustable levers. I ride mostly city but weekend blasts to the country are possible no probs. Easy cruising at 130-140 km/h top speed 175kph. Gem of a bike!! Great review Chris as always.

[@Win7ermu7e]

Do you have a windshield ? I feel like I'm going to fly off doing more than 110/120 kmh on mine.

[@rostharan]

@@Win7ermu7e I mean depends how tall your torso is i assume, i easily hit 140 no prob, but cruising is a tall task... iunno lol even tucked with no windshield it's sketchy. my personal top speed is 146kph

[@depechemoto]

@@Win7ermu7e No windshield, but that's how I felt at first exactly too lol, but over time I started inching up my cruising speed to test the limits. Now I can cruise at 140 all day with a slight tuck and still pass at 150 if need be. Im 5'9 ish 160lbs. Ear plugs for highway are a must tho.

[@danielhonick5521]

How’s the reliability and build quality, I’ve read it has stalling issues. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[@depechemoto]

@@danielhonick5521 Haven't had a single issue with reliability, and build quality is solid. I ride this bike super hard from time to time on the twisties, kept up with litre bikes etc, and has always done what was expected. Very accurate and predictable. The Pirelli Scorpians are very v shaped which makes the bike feel tippy, but like its on rails in the corners. After time they wear and you find a sweet spot lean/stability. No real stalling issues for me unless you start in wrong gear, or occasionally down shift too fast before engine revs out. Rare occasions. Just love this bike, its perfect for what it is!

[@pjakpjak7000]

As a swedish person I am glad that Husqvarna was aquired by KTM. It captures the swedish ideal of self-sufficiency and mantra of "some assembly required.".

[@chriscorscadden2484]

This was my first bike here in the US and I cannot speak more highly of it. Between this and my Grom I am left wanting nothing as my 401 will happily keep up with bigger bikes in the twisties. This bike absolutely loves being thrashed around corners.

[@danielhonick5521]

How’s the reliability and build quality, I’ve read it has stalling issues. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[@bao7190]

@@danielhonick5521 Stalling only happens before and after the first service. Mine stopped those bizarre stalling issues around 1600-1700kms. Never had a stalling problem since then.

[@yamahapilot]

Nice review. I have a 2023 Vitpilen 401 and love it. Gets me around town and is incredibly light and maneuverable. Fantastic urban bike.

[@adgonn]

just bought svart 401 5 months ago because they don't sell the vitpilen in my country. despite i love the clip ons better than the big handlebar that my svart has, I'm still enjoying the bike. I've made 4 road trips -around 800kms- and now the bike has 6K kms on it. still fun still aggressive enough and still great looking. only thing I will do is to order some clip ons from the factory:)

[@danielcole2503]

I've had one since March. I love it. So much fun to ride and looks like nothing else on the road.

[@alexxela754]

The designer of this bike should get an Oscar.

[@lestersmyth692]

I’m very much on the fence looks wise with this one, even Chris looks big riding it. Definitely one for the vertically challenged lightweight’s amongst us. 👍 Hats off to Husky for trying something different.

[@TPrisoners]

I have a 701 and it's excellent. Great fun to ride. Suspension is superb. Bike is light. Well built. Love it.

[@Itsdandaney]

The bike that made me jump back on a motorcycle. I saw the concept for this years ago and said to myself I’m going to have one, then kind of lost interest in biking a bit, never having the time or money to get my full licence. Fast forward to last year, and I saw the Svartpilen and bought the 125 almost instantly. Have spent a great 12 months with the bike and always intended to get the 401 as my next bike, but after riding my instructor’s my-07 I just thought 44hp is just not going to be enough. Considered the 701 but £6k is a lot for an art piece that looks too good to ride, so I’ve just put the money down on a trident 660 (which was swayed by your review, by the way). So sadly myself and the unusually named Swedish branded, Austrian owned, Indian built machines part ways. But thank you, Husqvarna for giving us this bike and and reigniting my interest in something that was buried deep inside me. Maybe we meet again in the future!

[@evansevansevans1]

Never seen this guy before; great video. Likeable, to the point and informative. Respect.

[@mickstafford456]

I think the riding position on this one is a little more committed than I'd find comfortable these days (especially with a pillion). But I am seriously tempted by it's brother, the Svartpilen.

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

That's how I describe my wife "when You ignore the noise in the sound she's got a decent mid-range"

[@JordanPressman-u3l]

£3500 new now! so crazy thats such a good bike for the money!

[@AfaqDraw]

Big fan of this bike. Was originally planning on going with the CB300R due to its styling but I wasn't completely satisfied with its power, motorway capabilities and big bike feeling. It looks like I'll be going with the 401!

[@georgekrpan3181]

I had a CB300R before my Vitpilen. The CB is a good bike but the Vit is way better.

[@bao7190]

cb300 honestly is slow af

[@georgekrpan3181]

@@bao7190 Cheers! The CB is not as slow as you think.

[@2wheelife878]

I have one of these, and completely changed the styling on it. I love the OEM versions though. Once you add a tune, exhaust and race filter the torque increases significantly on this little thumper. I took it a few steps further with a smaller front sprocket, and recluse clutch kit.

[@HarvLiz]

Don't forget the factory "Quick Shifter" up and down, included. Love it.

[@georgekrpan3181]

I love my Vit 401. I wanted to get one in 2019 but they were then made in Austria and too expensive. I finally got one in 2022. It's got adjustable suspension and a quick shifter which it didn't have in 2019 and it's prettier too. It's the apple of my eye and great to ride too. I pay $15 a month for liability insurance.

[@_Makanko_]

I'm looking more fondly at the Svartpilen on the looks department. Good to see you got to know the cameraman even better

[@craigroyce4472]

Have had mine now for a few months. Wanted a cheap commuter and must admit feel glad I got it. I enjoy it more then my old gsxr don't get me wrong it's not as good a bike but it's more fun. Common mods people do is to fix the awful rear licence plate holder fit a fuel X to stop it running lean and alot of people put fat bars on. Its a really decent cheap bike and 44 odd bhp is plenty for city's...most the time

[@markcumberland-u1u]

Pissed myself with the IKEA references :) Great review on a cool funky looking bike.

[@MB_X]

Just sold mine after owning it for 14 months, needed something more practical. I have loved every minute with the bike. The amount of attention the motorcycle gets is incredible even from people that are not into bikes. Cornering with the bike feels amazing and maintenance is fairly cheap. I really really really going to mis the incredible quick shifter and backlight on the controls.

[@VA-gu1jq]

You could get the $300 Svartpilen handlebar kit and you have a much different bike.

[@MB_X]

@@VA-gu1jq I know about the conversion kit but needed more then that, like more luggage space and more room for a passenger

[@TheTonicro]

I love the looks of the svartpilen and vitpilen, not sure about reliability. But maybe just go for it

[@1990-t1j]

I prefer the Svartpilen, but I'd rather have a 701. I like your hoodie. Nick J

[@christyrer9530]

I quite like it and I’m with you on how I would probably use it. Given that I think the 125 version would probably be sufficient as well as being cheaper to insure and more economical too.

[@bsmukler]

Your speaking of the pillion accommodations reminded me of your characterization of the accommodations and the then-new auto leveling feature of the 2017 BMW R1200GS Rallye, that worked well even if your pillion “has had a few too many cakes.” I didn’t have any pillions available, but your enthusiastic downhills and jumps on that poor bike led to my buying one 😊 I will refrain from IKEA jokes and so won’t speculate about a pillion with too many dumplings in the boot.

[@trashandslash]

I really fancy having a go on the 701 version. The 401 and 701 look stunning. Would be nice to see you on a benelli 900 tornado. I had the green and silver one. But any colour would be good if you could get hold of one to test.

[@charlies_ears]

loved my svartpilen 401 when I had it

[@gerry343]

I just hate that hugger/licence plate arrangement- would look better with it hanging under the seat tail.

[@mickstafford456]

It's the stupid EU law, that the plate has to be behind the rear wheel. Manufacturers are forced to either use the tyre hugger arrangement. Or a long spindly thing, stuck out from under the seat. Luckily, both options are easily fixed with an aftermarket tail tidy.

[@cmair77]

It's 6k brand new in Canada, I like it. I'm probably gonna get one

[@miken8778]

ive been seriously thinking of getting a bike and reall love the look, economy, and efficiency of this bike. here in Canada i found many with low km ranging between 5200 to 6500cad. however, with single cylinder i was worried about vibrational balance when cruising at 100 to 120km/hr. you dont find that at higher speeds?

[@flexywing]

What a great place to test a city bike, made me home sick, just love Swansea

[@rosstinelli]

Dont forget to add this to your "used" playlist

[@L3eh123]

Is that a knock off Akrapovič exhaust? 😅😇

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Yep, class!

[@phammanh2689]

Oh yea, the ugliest part of this bike

[@hellfire08]

Chinapovic Akrapoverty

[@L3eh123]

@@hellfire08 Aldi-povic

[@helplesskiwi]

AliExpress special 😎

[@matthewkabbash]

Does it come with a small tool that you eventually lose in a sea of packing material. Does the owners manual have useless illustrated instructions. During the purchase process are you served meatball's?

[@Moon-Labs]

Why is this one Silver? The ones i've seen are white? Also, this has spokes and not mags?

[@qwzx-zpdc29h]

Can I ask where did you buy the jacket? I do ride Svartpilen 401 and I am super happy with the bike

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

That’s a Spada jacket: spadaclothing.co.uk/en/moto/products/clothing/jackets/joe-ce-jacket

[@rich.eagle1evans192]

Love your clips,..sweet work.but must say,.. think you might find the brakes are of Indian manufacturer.

[@dillonshrader4966]

Do they have a Honda CB500X video?

[@thetonetosser]

Can't get a new 701 in Australia now. They've stopped bringing them in. Wasn't a good seller. How dull.

[@chrisbatten8]

Would Be lovely on all of the Lovely flowing A & B roads in Devon....!!!! But having Said that my Friend is Loving Her fanatic Cabolero at the mo which seems to have Bags of low end Loveliness off the Bottom end too....!!!! :)

[@hengloose]

Looks great but rode my neighbor's for 5 minutes and i can see why he only put 150 miles on the odo too.. all ur weight is on ur wrists. No tank to take some weight off like a sports bike. Maybe im spoiled with my harley but yea im good. Sadly I wouldnt even recommend it for a beginner.

[@TheHowardski]

No Flat pack jokes here Chris but how long did it take you to assemble it?

[@Ezdrumms]

Any way to get this in the US?

[@Anthony-lm8fx]

They sell it in the US

[@janplachetka2337]

ehats the name of the third bike in the intro? 0:04

[@cpuuk]

I own a KTM, I think the 401 is ugly (I know the irony of that).

[@ridingdriving]

"we were glad to get off the bike at the end of the day" what do you mean by that?

[@drzsgarage4556]

Can you please do a used test with a suzuki b King. I own one and like you to test it. Please,😉😉😉

[@alexxela754]

Grate review! I loved it, fun as well. Love the gentle way of calling fat people “larger human being”😂😂 BTW. I just bought this bike and love it.

[@Bartontopside]

love the woman in VW UP who gives the dirtiest look to the camera 🤣

[@forkthepork]

The top half looks amazing...the bottom half looks like it lost all of it's clothes...

[@philipsvensson9368]

Where's my Koenigsegg jokes?! 😂

[@Evergreen085]

Does it run on meatballs? Jk what an amazing bike. Found one for sale locally for $3500. Tempting

[@joeblow5037]

Looks like a bike a chiropractor would recommend

[@Kurtistrange]

Grom would've been better in da city.

[@waynerobertson511]

Only if you are riding on the footpath

[@AlumarsX]

@@waynerobertson511 with your boyfriend

[@Kurtistrange]

Lool@@waynerobertson511

[@Etswe]

There is nothing Swedish with this bike. The Husqvarna company was bought by Cagiva in 1986 and has not a single part from Sweden afaik.

[@alexxela754]

If you don’t like the design of this bike you got mental problems and need help😂