Should you buy the Vitpilen 401 or Svartpilen 401?

[@GeneCash]

Betteridge's law of headlines: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no." I wouldn't touch a KTM product with somebody else's 10ft pole.

[@waynerobertson511]

Usually these sort of comments are related to the 790/890 cam problems, or people that don't like orange. These bikes aren't 790/890 and aren't orange. They don't even have a KTM badge.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Husqvarna and KTM share engines. CF Moto uses KTM engines. The Husqvarna 401 bikes would share the engine with the Duke 390. The 400 single has been a KTM design engine, was recently bumped from 373cc to 400cc.

[@DouglasRosser]

These, like the KTM 390s, are built by Bajaj in India where they're very popular. No real reliability concerns have arisen.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

RC390's have had problems in their 1st gen version (namely overheating and electrical), especially when subjected to a racing environment. Improvements have since been made.

[@GurrasGarage]

Great review! I bought my 2024 Svartpilen 401 in late may (i´m in Sweden) and have no regrets, its a fantastic little bike, loads of fun on both tarmac and dirt roads!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

If the KTM product doesn't roast the camshafts, then I could get behind one of these.... as a second bike. Also, pronounce the name correctly. It's not "Husk-A-Varn-A". It's "Hoosk - Varna".

[@midnightmc3096]

Nope …Hüüskvarna 😁

[@GurrasGarage]

There are no camshaft issues on these single cylinder 399 motors.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@GurrasGarage Well the 400 hasn't been out very long yet. The previous 373cc Duke/RC had other issues, but not cams.

[@jonlee3081]

Don't like what they have done to the Vitpilen -- took all it's character away. Do not like the look from the seat either. God, the instrument pods on modern bikes are so ugly. I have no use for all the electronic junk on bikes today, doesn't make riding better. To me it's just a bunch of crap in my way. The old version is more committed and demanding -- but that's what made it cool and sexy. I have a 2023 Vitpilen. As far as I can see, if you're going to neuter the Vitpilen of its Clubman character -- you might as well get the Svartpilen. Also, maybe you could give us a walk around so we can get a better look at the bikes... thanks.

[@GurrasGarage]

I have the new 2024 Svartpilen 401 and it's fantastic imo.

[@Tartan1206]

Neither. Buy a used bike and get a better bike

[@GurrasGarage]

Bahahaha

[@DuaneLeeLV]

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