Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Ride Review & Massive Price Drop

Husqvarna's Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 offer arguably some of the most exotic options in the beginner, learner or A2 markets, not that that should constrain anyone interested on a full license, but premium pricing has also meant these bikes were probably out of reach for the regular rider.
Now we've seen a massive price drop, with the Svartpilen 401 available here in Australia for $7,495 Ride-Away (previously $11,590) putting these bikes in direct competition with the likes of the MT-03, Z400 and the rest of the category.
My local motorcycle dealer MotoHUB in Castle Hill, Sydney were kind enough to let me take the Svartpilen 401 out for the morning, for a test ride and to see just what was on offer from Husqvarna and I came away highly impressed, with a high level of specification mated to incredible attention to detail and eye catching styling.
Spoked wheels, RbW, shapely bodywork, great brakes, the Svartpilen is an exceptional LAMS machine and it's easy to see why pricing was so premium, but not it's within reach of a much larger group of riders and well worth a look in, especially if you don't want to be on the same machine as everyone else.
MotoHUB in Castle Hill Sydney have the Husqvarna range and lent me the bike, so if you're interested check them out, with the Svartpilen 701 and Vitpiilen 701 both also available at great pricing right now.
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motojournokris...

[@80sruler]

I have this - the original 2018 one. I’ve always likened it to a Power Grom - Light as a feather and short wheel base

[@davidavery4830]

Buying one of these soon..... Nice to see it going through Galston Gorge..... my hood! Thanks for the video and helpful information Kris. I'm 100% decided on this bike now

[@MotoJournoKris]

They're a sweet machine, and the 2020s should be available now, while retaining the lower pricing. I think Moto Hub now have the 2020 Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401s in.

[@waiwong7996]

You should do a review on the new 2020 models. Apparently they got new tech and would be interesting to see whether they fixed the old issues

[@MotoJournoKris]

Just trying to line that up at the moment!

[@waiwong7996]

@@MotoJournoKris Get a video up if you can, it would be cool to see if they fixed the engine stall, ABS faulty and other issues that owners of older models experienced. And how the 2020 models differs to the 2018

[@test-ky8tu]

@Wai Wong hey do you know if the 2020 or 2021 model has fixed these issues. I’m lookin at this bike for my first one but those known issues have kept me from pulling the trigger so far

[@magoupao]

Just bought one... Can't wait!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Awesome, congratulations!

[@guanqiaowang7586]

those blind spots really gave me heart attacks

[@cmon-bruhh]

Hey Kris, loved the review Can you please do a review on the vitpilen too? Also how uncomfortable is the pillion?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'll see if I can line one up. I only had the bike for half a day, so didn't get a chance to get anyone on the back of bike, but I'd say it's really only designed for short trips with a pillion, as that's a small pillion seat!

[@whyowhy4571]

@@MotoJournoKris great city bike i guess

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@whyowhy4571 I probably wouldn't want to do a 1000km day on it, but that's not to say I couldn't! Definitely shines in the urban conditions and in the nice twisties.

[@pikarouto]

I can't get over that "AH" between almost every word xDDDD

[@MotoJournoKris]

Definitely a work in progress not doing it in person, then trying to edit them out as much as possible where they do slip through.

[@pikarouto]

@@MotoJournoKris dont take my comment has a critic I like youre content

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@pikarouto Appreciate the feedback, definitely something I have to work on!

[@tremolony4924]

Got this as my first ever bike! Opened it up & comed in my pants - 10/10 recommend

[@MotoJournoKris]

LOL!

[@shannonheathcliffmul]

i would love to see how it compares the a drz400 sm the whole "urban explorer" thing sounds like a supermoto with slightly knobby tyres to me and im kinda torn between the two

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's actually a great comparison. It's been a while since I rode the DRZ400SM but I thought that was an amazing machine, and there's a lot of similarities I think between the two as far as the niche they could fill for riders, they are just coming from different directions, with the SM going from off-road towards road, where the Svartpilen is adding the off-road to a road package. The advantage of the SM is arguably a spare set of wheels and tyres gives a lot more flexibility, but then the Svartpilen is also a fair bit lighter on the wallet out the door.

[@florme6494]

I’m very impressed by the look. Massive price drop is a little odd. I feel for anyone who purchased one at the higher price. I wonder if it has all the over heating problems that KTM have with the RC and Duke. Being a single cylinder it would feel quicker off the mark but do you miss the high revy nature of the ninja400? Which would you rather if purchasing now for commenting and pure fun factor? Thanks Kris, another great review.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Good question and a hard one to judge with the cool weather we're having here. To be honest I didn't really miss the more revvy nature of the 400, it's punchier down low - not that the Ninja 400 is lacking - which means the thrills are still there, it's just a different delivery. It would be a tough choice if I was looking now. I like sticking the Ventura rack and bag on the Ninja 400 and it would be a travesty to do that to the Svartpilen.

[@Soshi12005]

I bought a svartpilen when it first came out and it was horrid. Problems with the electronics, bike would turn off randomly while riding, abs shuts off randomly, bike doesn’t start sometimes, engine would overheat sometimes. I miss not buying a Japanese bike for the same price but much better reliability

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@Soshi12005 That's no good, did you get everything sorted under warranty?

[@florme6494]

Soshi12005 I feel really bad for you. As a general rule I only buy Japanese bikes. Maybe people looking at this should try the Honda CB300R. Also a very good looking, fun bike with a single cylinder.

[@Soshi12005]

Moto Journo Kris I kicked enough fuss to get a refund (after reporting to the relevant legal bodies). I only had it for 3 months and it had too many problems

[@ayanmondal5473]

Hi bro, good review. I want to know how comfortable the pillion seat is? Can I go long with a pillion in this bike?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I only had the bike for a day, so didn't get a chance to do a ride with pillion to test it out, but assume it would be more suited to shorter pillion rides.

[@frankvecsei7918]

Hi Kris. I am planning to buy this bike, but worried it might be too small for me (6' / 182cm). How tall are you for comparison? Thank you for the great review.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm slightly shorter than you at 180cm, and I found the bike comfortable, but it is compact. Thanks!

[@be2keen]

If it's more or less a scrambler then why is the exhaust so low?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Good question. I wouldn't say it's a scrambler in the traditional sense as the suspension particularly is very road orientated. But there is some parallels, particularly with those tyres.

[@be2keen]

@@MotoJournoKris Some sport bikes have high exhausts. It just seems to make sense that a "street fighter" would be so configured.

[@rishabhpandey2529]

Hey guys it's (Husquverna Twins) about to launch in India and I can't decide between 1.Husquverna Twins 2.Ninja 300 (both are equally priced) 3.Yamaha R3 which is 35-45% more expensive and a bit out of my budget Any suggestions?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I thought you meant Husqvarna were releasing a twin-cylinder for a second there and was trying to find out what it was! I'd go with the Husqvarna options if they were similarly priced to the Ninja 300. If it was the Ninja 400 I'd have a much harder choice deciding. As much as I like the Yamaha R3 that price difference is pretty massive.

[@rishabhpandey2529]

Moto Journo Kris Thanks for your suggestion man btw Husquverna 401's are priced at 4050-4100$ USD here in India

[@papovidalfernandez7179]

Is. The seat longer now ??? Svartpilen. 2020

[@MotoJournoKris]

The 2020 version has a longer subframe and the pillion seat is meant to be a bit longer to match.

[@Rainan-hi8ds]

Yes, 40mm longer

[@palkersik]

Would this be a good bike to commute to and within a city?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I would definitely say so. It's small, light and nimble, so ideal for traffic and commuting. Fueling is very good, and being a nice punchy machine makes it fun for those conditions. Most bikes in this category/capacity are ideal for this kind of use, and this being the more upright option of the two makes for better comfort and more relaxed ergonomics too.

[@jhetro123]

Hey, which one do you like better - z400 or this, which has better performance.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I thought performance was comparable, the Svartpilen 401 felt a bit punchier down low, with a more direct throttle response, while the Z400 revved longer and harder. I really like the Z400, but with the two at the same price point I'd lean towards the Svartpilen as it's pretty trick, especially with those wheels. How long you were planning on keeping the bike may come into it too though.

[@priyankabcdefghijklm]

Do you know why there has been such a price drop?

[@MotoJournoKris]

They've now moved assembly out of Europe which would have brought the production cost down, while the original models were discounted, as I'd say they just had trouble moving them at the original RRP.

[@priyankabcdefghijklm]

Ahh, gotcha thanks. Do you happen to know where they’re now assembled?

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@priyankabcdefghijklm I believe it's in India now, by Bajaj, under a similar arrangement to the KTM 390s.

[@christianmarth9989]

What’s it like on the freeway?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I only did a short stretch but there's plenty of power, and an easy ability to cruise. Obviously wind protection is lacking because that's the style of bike it is, and while it probably wouldn't be my first choice if I was doing a 800 km day on the highway at 110+, that's true of most machines in this category, and I thought it well capable as an all-rounder.

[@atmospher1]

Hi, how about the vibration?

[@blackthunder3621]

Hola brother. Nice video actually husky going to launch 250cc in india nxt month. I got 3 important question for u. Plz do answer. I'm 5.11 ft. Does this bike looks compact or smaller for me?. And two person can able to sit comfortably?. And last one does this bike has greater performance?. Thank you so much for ur video. 👏👌

[@MotoJournoKris]

Performance is very good for the capacity on the 401, and while the bike feels compact, it's actually quite tall, with a tall seat height too. Pillion comfort is definitely more of an afterthought than a main concern though, the pillion seat is tiny and you'd need a small pillion for them to fit.

[@arjaks2007]

How's the engine response different from KTMs?, Since KTMs are high revving machines. You said that this has bottom end grunt.

[@MotoJournoKris]

This is the same engine as the KTM 390s, for singles they are quite revvy, but that's punchy and they hit redline very quickly, so not revvy like the parallel twins.

[@tro_de_bac]

Great review. How tall are you?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm 180cm tall, a bit on the leggy side.

[@MK-sk2mi]

@@MotoJournoKris howbout on murican? 5'10? Lol

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@MK-sk2mi Yep, that'd be about right!

[@cpreid]

Went to the local dealer with the intent to buy one ... most uncomfortable bike I've ever sat on.

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's no good, I found the ergos perfect for me, but I've also got a Ninja 400 which has the most uncomfortable seat ever, so the 401 was comfy in comparison!

[@BF703]

I have Vitpilen I said the same thing but already committed to the purchase it wa $4800 out the door brand new could pass up once you start riding you don’t notice anything off it’s super light and turns on a dime It’s a fun bike esp for that price when it’s paid off it’s 701 time

[@Bo-gel]

Where did u buy for $4800?? I might get that one!

[@TjCox1993]

Moto Journo Kris i’m looking into getting the 400, “most uncomfortable seat ever” ? I haven’t come across that sentiment anywhere in my research, you sure ?

[@MrAndrew1953]

Are those tyres dual purpose? Looks like a fun, useful commuter bike. The baseplate on the tank for a decent sized tank bag?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, they are a more road orientated dual-sport option from Pirelli, they were great at higher speeds like 100km/h, where you can start to feel the more dirt orientated knobbies. It looks like there's a tank bag accessory, however it says it can't be mounted with the tank rack!

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@MotoJournoKris Strange that I would expect them to come with grippy road tires as the bike would most appeal to the trendy millennial demographic. They'd want to use it as a commuter bike with a difference.

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@MotoJournoKris why have the stand there if it can't be used with a tank bag? Interested to hear from a dealer on that one.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@MrAndrew1953 The Vitpilen has the pure road tyres, and I think the dual-sport tyre look has it's own appeal to some motorcycles, even if they never intend to go off-road, so it may be aimed at that.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@MrAndrew1953 I was really surprised when I noticed the tank bag doesn't mount to it to be honest, but it may be a bit of an old school styling exercise.

[@Papaj1m]

problem is that with 32Kw with 150kg weight gives a 0.213 Kw/kg ratio and makes it non a2 complaint :(

[@MotoJournoKris]

Husqvarna definitely advertise it as A2 compliant. I'm not sure whether that power to weight ratio though would be based on actual figures/weight, rather than claimed (at the crank) and weight without fuel.

[@gavinr1834]

To comply with LAMS rules in Australia, calculator is : claimed manufacturer Kw divided by(Tare weight+80kg rider+10kg of fuel) X 1000= can not exceed 150kg/tonne.

[@gavinr1834]

so sum is 32 divided by 240 x 1000= 133.33 kg per tonne well within LAMS rules.

[@manojgoudz8868]

I'm 5.12 will it suits me or it's short for me

[@MotoJournoKris]

You're a very similar height to me, so you should be good. The Svartpilen has a taller seat height compared to some of the other beginner options in this segment.

[@Mrlittlelegz]

Manoj Goudz I’m 5f7” I sat on one today buying it this week

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@Mrlittlelegz Congrats!

[@MiguelRuiz-up2ls]

How tall are and your weight to nave a reference.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm 180cm, about 75kg in gear.

[@MiguelRuiz-up2ls]

Moto Journo Kris thank you very much buddy

[@vmac11k99]

So, essentially it's a Duke 390 with laced wheels and bit of a Swedish Tupperware cladding. I have noticed that sub-frame is not bolt-on type like on current KTM Duke. I feel sorry for people who paid $11k for it.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I have to say the build quality is significantly higher than the Duke and RC 390, although they are very competitively priced in comparison. I'd say that original price was a bit high for the segment, but it would have to be a hard one to judge, especially on a premium motorcycle in the LAMS category.

[@Soshi12005]

Same engine as well so expect the same engine problems as the duke

[@matthewallison4117]

Rear subframe is bolted on, it's under the panel.

[@kumaravel_m]

Ground clearance of this bike... Please anyone reply...

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm seeing it noted as 170 mm.

[@kumaravel_m]

Thanks bro...👍🏻 India this bike is not launched.. Waiting for launch

[@xtriple000x]

Random, but how tall are you?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm 180 cm, 32 inch inseam.

[@xtriple000x]

Moto Journo Kris thanks! Did you ever get a chance to ride/review the Vitpilen? I realize it would be similar thoughts, but I’d still love to see it.

[@sjobas]

How tall are you Kris?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'm 180cm, on the leggy side.

[@sjobas]

Moto Journo Kris Thanks for answer! Im 180 too so it should fit me nice then 👍👌

[@tikitaka3933]

@@MotoJournoKris Hi , Would it be good fit for 190 CM ?!

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@tikitaka3933 I would definitely think so. I'm a bit shorter than that at 180cm and found the bike ideal. It is quite a compact feeling machine, but I wasn't cramped and felt like I had plenty of room.

[@tikitaka3933]

@@MotoJournoKris Thank you so much Kris 👍👍👍

[@BRUNO-hl9yb]

are the bars in an extreme postion ?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I didn't think so, it's very upright as far as the overall seating position, with the bars quite upright, with only a bit of angle back towards the rider.

[@BRUNO-hl9yb]

@@MotoJournoKris Hi thanks think i got confusef with the othet 401 cafe race style regards Steve

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@BRUNO-hl9yb Ohh gotcha, yep the Vitpilen is much more like a sports bike or a cafe racer in the bar placement.

[@Daily-Dua327]

Hi bro Husqvarna spartvilen seat height is little higher for me... Any ways to bring seat height to 800 mm ?

[@MotoJournoKris]

The genuine Husqvarna lowering kit would be your best bet, that should bring it down 25mm, so to 810mm.

[@Daily-Dua327]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks for ur info really appreciated

[@adriancaldwell]

It looks like the pillion passenger would get some serious genital injury if they dropped back off the diving board seat!! lol

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep you definitely wouldn't want to slide off the back! Nice to have the option but I can't imagine choosing a bike like this to do too much two-up on though!

[@niggemkajatt1981]

Hello Red light revs turns on at 8000 rpm, is that OK? It is OK to change gear when red light blinks? Or this is too much for this engine

[@MotoJournoKris]

I believe the actual rev limiter is at 10,000 rpm, revving as the shift indicator comes on shouldn't be an issue!

[@niggemkajatt1981]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks a lot ☺️

[@cynx7520]

The engine revs out at 10,5k RPM but what you describe is the breaking-in period. The red light disappears after around 500-1000 miles and will be set to around 10k RPM. "Manufacturers believe that a properly broken-in motorcycle will have lower emissions and better fuel economy, performance, and engine longevity."