Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: 2024 vs 2021 (New vs Old!)

[@tevaleberga8235]

Old 401 design + new 401 tech=perfect 401

[@MotoJournoKris]

That would be cool!

[@abhithakur90]

Is it worth it ?

[@exhibitD79]

I really prefer the looks of the first few models as they are closer to the concept, which was more fururistic looking. But.... these improvements cannot be ignored.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea I wasn't sure about the looks, but in person I really dug the new styling.

[@Win7ermu7e]

The post-neon green right up to 2023 are waayyy better looking than the 2024, but sure there are improvements. Interesting to see the msrp difference.

[@gireeshkumar511]

Those improvements had done by taking Indian and other customers openions, like seat extension for better pelion seat experience and mud gaurd is arranged to avoid mud throwing in muddy roads directly on rider...

[@ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΣΔΑΡΑΒΕΛΙΑΣ]

I totally agree lets be honest the New bike is Just ugly and out of propotions.

[@dijxtramt]

​@@ΑΘΑΝΑΣΙΟΣΔΑΡΑΒΕΛΙΑΣ well, it's certainly not ugly! But it's far from perfection, which the former was close to.

[@mateuszdrozd7688]

The old 401 has its own unique style. The new 401 looks like many other motorcycles available on the market. It's a pity that they didn't keep the style of the first model

[@guneyunsal]

I think same also! Old one looks more unique.

[@hgamdic9993]

are you an old one owner? 😂

[@mateuszdrozd7688]

@@hgamdic9993 yes, I bought it two weeks ago. I waited until the new model came out and I was disappointed with the new 401.

[@Win7ermu7e]

@@hgamdic9993 I am but selling it as it was a second bike. Are you a 2024 pre-order boy? 😂😂

[@ay7828]

I agree with you on that, I really don't understand why they changed the design.

[@SAVING_ICONIC_MACHINES]

The old one looks so much better in my opinion, I like it so much I bought a brand new one for the same price as a second hand one. ❤❤

[@MotoJournoKris]

Definitely some great deals available on them at the moment!

[@australianwi-fi]

As an Aussie who is looking to get a Svart as my first bike this year, this video is EXACTLY what I've been looking/waiting for. Knew you'd come through for us Kris, thank you 🙏 I'm honestly still a little torn, as I do prefer the aesthetics of the previous model (although funnily enough I actually prefer the new exhaust) and I'd be able to get one at a discounted price. However, the upgrades on the new model are incredibly tempting. I'm just gonna save my money while waiting for the new model to release and decide then, I think.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The old bike is still a great machine, but yea I definitely feel it was put a little in the shade by the new model! That sounds like a good plan, I think for the right price, the previous gen is still a great deal. Plus styling is big with any bike, no point buying a bike that you don't like the look of.

[@gamalialgiri1519]

Same here a little bit torn. I am going for the Vitpilen 250 but i prefer the old drl, old tyre hugger and the tank bag rack. Can we do these modifications/installations later? Are they compatible?

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@gamalialgiri1519 I don't think they'd be compatible. The hugger on the old model had a heap of wiring to reach behind the wheel that won't be present in the new model, and I don't think the new swingarm would have the mounting points either. Headlight swap I'm not sure about, but the tank rack is much smaller and there's a new tank, so I wouldn't think they'd be swappable.

[@gamalialgiri1519]

@@MotoJournoKris Thank you. That's really informative.

[@konfunable]

You forgot the most important part - the design. I will never buy the new model just because it completely lost that unique cyberpunk style. Now it looks just like standard japanese naked. Iwould choose Japanese one now. I have 2022 one, which is just perfect design. 2021 has these really weird aluminium details which make it look bad.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Styling is subjective, so generally it varies rider to rider, gotta leave that one to each person to decide!

[@konfunable]

@@MotoJournoKris Agree. But i's sad we lost really unique style bike...

[@nerychristian]

@@konfunable I actually think it looks really good. I think the design will grow on you once you see it in person.

[@konfunable]

@@nerychristian IDKm I'm an architect and some design choices are just things I don't like in general. So I am pretty sure I will not like it.

[@nadircarollo]

I bought the svart for 3 reason: weight, size and look, the new one is bigger, heavier and looks like every other motorcycle.... so i am more that happy to keep mine 😂

[@MotoJournoKris]

Fair enough!

[@manuelvizcarramoran1171]

It's actually lighter

[@Win7ermu7e]

@@manuelvizcarramoran1171 incorrect, 2023: 330 lbs, 2024: 351 lbs.

[@tetrakoop]

i think the new model looks insane, love it so much

[@MotoJournoKris]

I really like the flow of the new bodywork, the bike comes together a bit more naturally, and is very refined,

[@Alexander5R]

I think everyone agrees at this point that the old first gen bikes have better design overall.

[@scotscottscottt]

I don’t.

[@AjayKumar-hh6hx]

I wish they kept the design as is with the new updates but a circular TFT dash.

[@trooper64428]

I prefer the older model, because it's not "refined" it looks raw, the new version looks like everything else. I'm actually buying a 2022 for the wife only 900km on the clock for €5k, which is a bargain for Finland prices.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice! The older models are definitely a bargain and have a style all their own.

[@laddtrycksberoende]

The old one is way more beautiful. Backend on the new is really ugly.....

[@birdedup]

the old one's back end has an unique charm to it, the new one just feels out of place

[@jamesrriordon5955]

It's nice that you can check and fill your coolant without taking the side panel off.

[@raevn11]

Thank you. Just took a '23 out for a ride, super fun, dealer offered me $3500. . . Still thinking about it, but good video.

[@bjjw]

First gen has issue with intermittent engine shutting off in the middle of the ride. Husqvarna is not addressing the issue, and forums discuss the possibility of too rich of fueling. These usually happen at lower speeds, but never-the-less, are surprising when they happen. Luckily, the bike is made to start in any gear which could prevent a small catastrophe if the engine would shut off and needed to be in Neutral at certain scenarios. Was this addressed at the launch of 24 model, and did you experience anything like it during your test ride. Cheers.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I've got a video on stalling issues, as my sister's 390 Adventure did that. Was a poor quality spark plug - in that instance, although there seemed to be a few different issues, like fuel lines pinched on some people's bikes. I've never had stalling issues on my 401 luckily. Wasn't brought up however, and no issues with the new bikes that I saw. Fueling seemed better however.

[@eddietuckerjr.2858]

1. How big of difference is there regarding the stance and stability of the new 2024 Svartpilen versus previous models driving on the highway? My commute involves getting on the highway. 2. As far as doing light offroading, does the newer model have any advantages/disadvantages over the previous models? 3. As far as price goes, would you recommend buying a new 2024 Svartpilen stock or buying a previous model used and then adding a FuelX Lite, K&N air filter, DNA air filter cover, plus protection mods? I am in the States where there are less restrictions.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I felt like highway and high speed was a really big improvement. The bike is more stable with the update in these conditions handling-wise, but the engine is also smoother, so it doesn't feel buzzy and is much nicer to sit at higher speeds in highway conditions. Not that it couldn't do this before, it's just more refined in the new version. We didn't get a chance to do any off-roading at the launch, so I can't say anything specific there. I think the extra stability will help though, as the new model is still very agile and fast to turn, but not as twitchy as the old bike. I never bothered with a fuel module, I didn't think it was necessary, even though a lot of riders seem to really like it and feel there's an improvement to be had there. But I think if you can get a good deal on an older model, it's definitely worth it, especially as people have mentioned seeing amazing deals on the run out stock.

[@michaelrieser9928]

You talked about the handling and leaning into the corners. On my new ktm 390 duke I got it with the sag set on notch two. I rode it for a while and I was winding why it didn’t fall into corners more. I’m 218lbs so the bike was factory set for some one lighter. I ran a bunch of tests on a twist rode on settings 2-10 and settled on setting 6. I was amazed at how the bike behaved differently on each notch. Sometimes it was like butter around a bend and sometimes I had to fight it alittle. Even with all the motorcycles I have had that was my first time experimenting with sag. I guess I’ll see about testing the front fork setting now. Do you have any videos on that?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea, there's quite a bit of difference in the settings that you really feel, which is very nice to see. I matched the forks up to what it was set to on the 2024 model and did feel like it was an improvement on the road. I need to spend the time with the shock I think. I'm not much of an expert on suspension adjustment, but could look at doing a video on it, I think it'd be more for entertainment purposes than anything but could be interesting!

[@mostlyjovial6177]

I started on a 2021. Still have it. I’m waiting for the 801 now. I will have my “grown up” bike soon. Lmao. 10k for it here in June or so in the US. I’m excited to test it out at least.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I reckon it'll be a very nice (and big) upgrade over the old 401s honestly, definitely worth a test ride!

[@kimmixerxs]

Great indepth review, thx 😊

[@Z1000_1]

2023 model £3.749 in the uk at appleyards. And the 2024 is £5.099. Edit for today's date 28th june

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, that makes the old model an absolute steal!

[@inseasonandoutofseason]

Looks like a great bike, never knew they upgraded it so much-great vlog covering this. I've been waffling which bike to get between kawa klx300, drz400, Honda crf rally, ect..I love these looks.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice! The dual sports are plenty of fun. I love my WR250R, the DRZ400 has a fair bit more kick than it. I reckon I'd look at a CRF Rally if I was buying one today, the ADV loadout as standard is nice to see, and the bike great too with it.

[@MitchCrane]

Great info. I was seriously thinking about pulling the trigger on a used 2022, but now I think I want to save for a 2024.

[@Vespyr_]

Old design looks more futuristic than the new one which looks like a regular dual sport. I'd take this back to the drawing board if I were them.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The old model had a lot of riders who loved the unique styling, but I think being quite unusual can be a double edged sword, so they might be trying for more mainstream appeal on the new version. Bit of a hard balancing act really.

[@ΑντώνηςΦριτζίλας]

Very ownest review. How is the gearbox in the new model? Finding neutral is it still an issue? Does the quickshifter help?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I found it good, if not quite perfect. The quickshifter was great and probably helped a good amount there too.

[@512Chaos]

Thanks for the honest review and comparison, I have a '24 on order and i'm excited for it to arrive in the states

[@MotoJournoKris]

Very nice, congrats on the new bike!

[@dannyking5517]

Hey bro I saw your stuff on the fusion jacket and gloves. Would you suggest them for first time rider? A cool video idea as well is maybe making a video on gear you need to get into riding. Thanks for the videos man.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I really rate them both. The gloves are a good full leather sport option and I'll run them year round, although Sydney doesn't get that cold! The jacket I think is a great summer jacket. Plenty of mesh means breathability is a real strong point and being leather, it's a bit more protective than the pure textile alternatives. That does mean textile or lighter leather/mesh jackets breath a bit better (like my old DRIRIDER Exo) but I'd rather be in the Argon Fusion jacket if I went down. I'll definitely look at doing that, might be a good excuse to get some new gear, as it's been a while!

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

I'm picking up a brand new 2023 model tomorrow. And at over $2,000 cheaper than the 2024 model thanks to Husky Australia's run out sale & a dealer discount on top. They've lost the clean lines & the retro futuristic look in the redesign that were the bike's charm. And with KTM adding adjustable suspension to the 390 Dukein addition to the lower seat height & tubeless tyres there's very few compelling reasons left to buy the new Husky. As someone who currently daily commutes on a Duke 200, I find the "shortcomings" of the old model as a feature rather than a detriment. The flighty & lightweight nature are exactly what I'm looking for in Sydney peak hour traffic. And if I want to travel further afield at highway speeds I can hop on my Aprilia Shiver that's more suited to the task.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea those older 401s were a standout when they had the adjustment and the Duke didn't!

[@phill8712]

2024 model lost that charm that the 2023 in down had a dude appreciate the new improvements including new TFT display but the old one just had the look no one looks generic

[@ninomoisan1543]

Can you still install a normal exhaust on the 2024 model? For example a Yoshimura?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I can't spot one from Yoshi based on a quick look, but there are some Remus options available through Husqvarna, and there's Akro, Competition Werkes and Leo Vince listed in various places for the '24s.

[@vicavirosenzweig418]

This was just what I needed to see -- a garage one city away is trying to talk me into an unsold '23 rather than wait for the '24s to arrive; now I see that the 24 is worth waiting for. // What town were you driving through in Spain? Is it harder to mod the underbelly exhaust? Thanks again for the post.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I think if you could get an amazing deal it'd be worth considering, but personally I'd definitely hold out for the '24! We were just south of Malaga, but it was a bit of a whirlwind as far as the route we took from there. With the exhaust we saw two aftermarket options fitted, an Akro, which looked similar but had a little carbon-fibre end-cap, and a Remus exhaust with blacked out collector and added a more traditional muffler (and was my preference of the two). I'll chuck a pic up on Insta of the two. It looks like a very similar header setup to the previous bike, except the collector and muffler seem to be replaced with both those options.

[@123junu]

Buying the vitpilen 250 ( in india) because of the tubeless factor.... I just hope the quality, fit & finish, smooth engine would keep me smiling.... Great review....all important points covered ...👌👌👌👏👏👏👏

[@123junu]

Bought yesterday.. 😃😃

[@blackhammer7415]

Did you make any changes to the bike? ​@@123junu

[@adamzadro8216]

Love the look of the 2024 model, as it looks a little more substantial with the extra wheel base. Would be great to hear your take on the CF Moto 450 NK Kris! I through a leg over the other day and was thoroughly impressed, especially with the 270 degree twin and build quality. A lot of bang for buck!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea I really gotta get my hands on their 450 for a test!

[@simonmetcalfe861]

I am downsizing from big 4's I rode a 690R Duke and loved the engine but prefer the style of the Svartpilen. I was looking at the 701 but would be interested to know your thoughts on the 401 as a downsize- too small or does it have enough 'go' to keep it interesting? No two up riding mainly local trips just for fun days.

[@Suroyfamilia]

This is a much needed review, I was wondering why our local dealers in the Philippines were selling this bike with such a big discount at the moment. They still have plenty of new “old” stock. 21/22 models are going for 195000 peso which is $5270 Aud. Great value at that price considering they were 325000 php ($8785 Aud) a few months ago. Despite the savings I like the look of the new one a lot more! Does the new one have USB charing?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, with discounts like that it's an incredible deal. Can't remember off the top of my head on the USB socket! There is a USB-C socket accessory though.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

The bigger tanks KTM have done with the current RC390 and this new 401 remove a serious blocker for me, the old ones were just too small - can’t stand tiny tanks on bikes lol. I have to say I’m tempted. I’m in a weird place where I’m planning to get a new bike this year, and I want something that can handle some of Australia’s unsealed roads, but not much more than that (no river forging here lol). Found I’ve basically ended up looking at 7-800cc ADV bikes, or this new class of small scramblers with the new 401, the triumph scrambler, etc. You’ve had your 401 for a while now, what’s your long term review Kris? If you were gonna get it again would you still go with a 401 or would the triumph scrambler 400 tempt you?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I think I'd honestly bump up to the mid-sized adventures at this stage, just as a more do-it-all machine, but two-up is a much bigger factor, which really advantages going up in capacity. That said, the new 401 and the Triumph Scrambler are better rounded bikes than my current 401. I've under-utilised my 401 though, being honest. I like it for fire trails, but really should have pushed the envelope a bit more with it, to see just how capable the bike is. I'll probably try and do that a bit more if I have time and do a longer term wrap up.

[@casualridingtv]

question...im planning to get a vitpilen 2022 model since there are tons of great deals now! however, since the 24 model uses a different engine, will this have a negative impact for the old models? Like parts availability, etc.

[@jonathanwallis6854]

The new one has much more presence 👍

[@lmapes]

Glad I got a ‘23

[@tetrakoop]

great video! thank you so much this answered so many questions!

[@thewizardhowl]

Question about the Easy Shift, does it mean the bike doesn't stall out when it is turned on?

[@MotoJournoKris]

No, it's an up and down quickshifter, rather than something like the Rekluse clutch which works more like a scooter's transmission and prevents that stalling. You still need clutch to get moving on these, rather than just a turn and go throttle.

[@trilla_vortex2550]

Do the last gen exhaust mods work for this new generation?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Unfortunately I'm not sure!

[@AlbinHulden]

Thak you for your Rewiew of this bike! Really liked it! you go throuhgt everything that is neede! Im from Sweden and My first bike was an Husqvarna motocross 125 cc 1978 and I was 9 years old then! Now living in Lima- PEru 18 mil people city so Im standing between ktm duke and this Husqvarna! thank you for this exellent rewiew!

[@C64SX]

I really liked how they showed off the front rim on the old model by moving the brake disc to the left side. Too bad they changed that. Rims look better than brake discs in my book :)

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep it was a bit unusual. I guess as a photographer I like most of the features visible on the one side of the bike (probably just me being lazy), but it did show off that spoked wheel very well.

[@LuckyLuch11]

Worth it for a new rider? I'm old and have only ridden quads before.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I reckon they're great machines for new road riders, especially if you've ridden something before. For a 400 class bike they've got good go, are light, flickable and very fun things to ride.

[@michaelrieser9928]

I was in the market for new ktm 390 duke. The 2023 was on sale and the 2024 was $2000 American more. Watching all the reviews and seeing them side by side I bought the 2024 in the orange. It’s a better bike. The only thing I don’t like is I have to wait for aftermarket parts and exhaust to hit shelves. It will probably be awhile. But the 2024 will be fresh for awhile, even Thoth the 2023 great price, it was starting to look dated. Thanks for your great review.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea the new bikes are frankly amazing, even if accessories will be a bit of a wait!

[@VFR12XRider]

great video, i ve been riding my boy s 250 duke and will definitely sell it and hit for 401 new...

[@nickemm7892]

great video thanks

[@emre.ersahin]

Have you heard about the new engine block problems?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nope

[@Kraziken0]

I really prefer the old look. These upgrades are making it hard to ignore. Used prices here it the 2023 or 2022 listings I've seen are close to the price of a new bike. So it doesn't seem worth it. Maybe waiting a bit longer.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Used prices can be a bit crazy like that, hopefully as more of the new models arrive they'll normalise and drop a bit.

[@jaypod]

hey mate.. been watching a bunch of your videos. Thanks for doing Aussie specific ones as we get weird non standard LAMS versions. Do you know if the Vitpilen has Tubeless tyres? Cheers.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Tubeless on the Vitpilen as it runs the alloys. I'm guessing you could fit the Pirelli Rally STR tyres though. We do get some special stuff here for LAMS though, can be confusing at times!

[@jaypod]

@@MotoJournoKris ohh absolutely.. I want to get something sensible like this Husqi or a Honda with one of those 471cc engines even though I could get a non-LAMS bike. But what I meant was we miss out on amazing bikes like the CB650R. The one we get is choked so tightly that it's got breathing issues! haha.. I don't want to buy one and de-restrict it (probably illegal) as the insurance goes through the roof if you can even find a provider. I've pretty much narrowed down on the Honda CL500. Don't know if it comes with Tubeless tyres. Probably won't want to spend any more money tinkering with it. That's unless I go nuts at the last minute and get a used XSR700 or 900! Thanks for the reply. :)

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@jaypod Yea the LAMS system has been responsible for that a fair bit unfortunately, and the legality of de-restricting is a real headache. The CL500 runs alloy wheels, so they are tubeless. The XSR700 is a great machine too in that same kind of 650 class, and the XSR900 takes things next level! Both great machines.

[@jaypod]

@@MotoJournoKrisThanks for the replies mate. Hope you're channel becomes huge.

[@allmywhat]

I just picked up a 23 model on sale brand new for 7300. Couldn't pass up the discount

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nice! For the right discount I still reckon they're a great deal!

[@zaphrode4110]

I wish they kept the old design but with newer tank and display

[@respawnicon]

Should i feel bad for owning the 2023? I got the fuel x lite in there and everything!

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nah they are both great bikes!

[@thodoris3790]

where is your transalp criss?not yet?

[@MotoJournoKris]

They reckon April, so still waiting and saving!

[@retorique]

The old Svart wasn't even close to being a perfect bike. In fact, it was full of quirks and issues, and yet it gained a decent following just by its looks. I was looking forward to upgrading towards a newer model, but the new redesign just doesn't do it for me. It doesn't look bad, it just looks so generic. I would look for other brands, probably Japanese, if I could only choose a 2024 model.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea the old bike had quite an impressive loadout and the looks to match. We'll have to wait and see how the new model goes as far as reliability, as that's where the much more conservative Japanese bikes still have an advantage. Looks just come down to the rider. I'm interested to see what the new Kawasaki 500s (450 cc) models are like, and how they compare to be honest.

[@exhibitD79]

Thanks so much for your work reviewing this! Sub'ed and liked! For the algo :)

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks for watching, appreciate the support!!

[@1990-t1j]

Some cheap Chinese bikes have tubeless spoked wheels. They can't be so much more expensive. I love the looks of the Svartpilen. Thorough review. Nick

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

It’s a weird decision for sure. I mean I get it - bajaj makes them and whilst they’re designed with husq and KTM, it’s a bit like the triumph 400’s - they’re compromised by what bajaj is already making and what they can make and the economics etc. I get why tube tyres are a good option for the India market where these will sell gang busters, but why not just offer a tubeless wheel upgrade option for the west and those that want it in India? I’d definitely pay the upgrade price over the tubeless, but I’m not buying a whole new set of after market wheels

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea CFMOTO have them on their new 450MT, so I did wonder if we'd see others following suite. I would guess that CFMOTO are willing to take a loss on the new adventure bike though, to make an impact. The Svartpilen I reckon it just wasn't high on the priority list with so many other components updated.

[@MotoJournoKris]

That's no doubt part of it. We probably prefer the tubeless, but if the mass markets where they sell oodles prefer the tubed, there'd be less motivation to change. If it's a huge advantage to that 450MT though I reckon KTM will match them, they are hyper-competitive in these offerings.

[@1990-t1j]

@@MotoJournoKris I don't think there is any market where people prefer tubes.

[@1990-t1j]

@@Bobby-wn5yr Why are tubes good for India?

[@udayshome1793]

What's that crash guard? brand, make?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I've got the Oggy Knobbs fitted, they are listed as fitting the 390 Duke but were a perfect fit to the 401 too (for obvious reasons).

[@DragonVignesh]

Looks are subjective! But cant deny the feel and engine is way better. I suggest take a test drive and decide. You are likely to change your mind! In the end the bike is meant to ride!

[@MotoJournoKris]

100%

[@christopherturner9330]

I want one.

[@jimoconnor7491]

I'm looking forward to someone moving to the '24 so I can snap up the older bike for a great deal.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Definitely a good plan!

[@nlmaster9811]

I just wish these weren't so hard to find.

[@ryndanriley5348]

As a bigger guy (around 6'3" 230 lbs), I wonder if this longer design would suit me a little better, or if the lower seat height would make it worse.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd only be guessing on that one, the new bike did feel a little larger overall and roomier, but there's a decent bit of extra room between the seat and 'pegs on the older machines.

[@avery4528]

I really like the new model. For me it's a no brainer over a Honda CL500.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Brilliant little warrior road bike you can tootle on or work it hard and have some fun.

[@lenluca9752]

Yeah no, the fact that they lowered the seat on the new one would be a dealbreaker for me, I am 1,90m tall and normally don't fit on naked bikes. Same for my dad 2,03m or my uncle 2,06m we love our motorcycles, but it's near impossible to find fitting bikes below 10k that aren't looking completely horrid, so I'm extremely let down by the new version (excuse me for potential grammar stuff, it's not my first language)

[@SpicyThaiTacos]

I am with you on this issue. The new 801 is supposed to be launching in the next couple of days. I am interested in learning the specs for us longer leg riders. I do not need the power, but need the larger frame. Constant battle for the taller riders.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Honestly I would say the new bike is roomier. Seat height is secondary to seat to peg ratio as far as actual larger rider fit, and the consensus was that these were better for larger riders from what I saw and heard from other riders. That said, these smaller bikes do tend to be designed for smaller riders to help beginners. Adding a bit of height to the seat would likely be the best way to add leg room, but can also be done with any bike.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Svartpilen 801 is the same 820 mm seat height. I'm working on a video now!

[@zzzsydneyhom1379]

Great review thanks mate. Was gonna drop the hammer on a used 401 but now...???🙃

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea the choice got a whole lot harder! Should be good deals on the used bikes, or run-outs when the new ones arrive though!

[@ellrikeriksson4889]

I don´t understand how making the suspension less adjustable is an improvement, most people can count to 30

[@johns1139]

that branch :)

[@MotoJournoKris]

Nature desperately wanted to be in the vid, lol!

[@SadGruffman]

Come on Husqy give us the 901 and take all my money!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I think that's what everyone was expecting to be honest! But looks like we get an 801 instead.

[@trooper64428]

To be completely honest I prefer the original model, features aren't everything, if your going to ride on motorways (120kph)get an 801, here in Finland road speeds are low anyway and motorway riding is boring, but above all I just prefer the look of the original, like marmite (vegemite) you either love it or hate it.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Fair enough, you want to go with the bike you love the look of!

[@RiderReview]

I love my 2024 svartpilen. Naughty little bike it is. I have few videos on may channel to help you make a decision 😂

[@edw_o9739]

I ve 2023 ver. 80 mph in 6th gear with 6000 rpm, i would prefer was 5000

[@MotoJournoKris]

From what I can see of the footage I've got I was sitting on about 135 km/h in sixth at 7500 rpm. However the engine is much much smoother than the previous version at higher revs, so it feels a bit more like being at 4000-5000 rpm on the previous 401s. So cruising on the highway at these speeds for longer periods should be a lot more comfortable and natural, despite the revs being higher.

[@FunWithAJ]

Great looking bike.

[@edouardgeorges253]

The new one is soooo ugly. never gonna change my 2023 for the new one. Better to go for another model and other brand. they made it for indian market, i don't understand a new buyer going for it.

[@hgamdic9993]

here I'am... simply, to me it look even nicer apart from the rear that's not super but I have seen already a shorter licence plate older (Husqvarna original spare parts) The front side is nicer, nicer is the front light, nicer and finally big enough fuel tank, nicer display, nicer exhaust, finally the dimension are not like a toy bike, many eletronic uapgrades that maybe are not so necessary but when you have them you are happy. And from what I read and see in the video... it goes better in many aspect. Tubeless is the only real missing Sorry for my English I'm Italian

[@MotoJournoKris]

Understandable preferring the old styling, apart from that though the new bike is undeniably a better machine for a new buyer. The fact these are made for the Indian market means they can expect to sell significantly more, which means better features and pricing are possible for everyone. That's a win-win. The old models were also made in India, and build quality on my '21 401 is definitely a step or two down compared to the new 24.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I agree, I like a lot of the new features, some go either way, but that's not unusual with big styling changes. Overall I'd say a big improvement on the ride and many of the individual features. Styling is very personal, so people will like what they like there.

[@exhibitD79]

What are your thoughts on realiablity of these machines vs Japanese bikes of similar capcity (i.e. MT-03, CB 300 etc)

[@MotoJournoKris]

I always felt my older 401 was down in build and component quality on the Japanese bikes, especially with a Ninja 400 to directly compare it to, even if there was some impressive features (better brakes, better suspension). The new 401s look much improved in the build and component quality, at least from a first impression. I think it'll take 6-12 months to see if owners feel the same way, once they've worked on their bikes and we see if any reliability issues come up. Although to be fair I've had no issues with my bike apart from a very slow oil leak which was solved with a new washer on the sump bolt, and my sister's 390 just needed a spark plug swap to fix its stalling issue.

[@exhibitD79]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks for the detailed reply. Appreciate it.

[@Lilljehook]

Nice vid...

[@rsan1704]

Summary: 2024 > 2021 Conclusion: wait for the 2024

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep, that's the TLDR!

[@rsan1704]

Love your work Kris. Pls know that we value your reviews. Is the spoked tubed tyre a big drawback for you?@@MotoJournoKris

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@rsan1704 Thanks! Honestly, for the wheels, I'm not fussed. I haven't had any issues with the tubed rim for road use, and it's probably an advantage if anyone was more serious about off-roading the bike. If we were talking a much more expensive bike, I think it'd be more the norm to expect tubeless rims. If tubeless rims bumped the price up on these bikes I think there's more danger of losing sales, than impressing new riders with the feature (many of whom probably don't really care or even know the difference in the early riding stages).

[@jstape9036]

new model looks much better

[@craigroyce4472]

I have a vitpilen 401 2020 last of the non Indian made ones I really like the bike but it's not without issues. Some of the bolts etc of or poor quality like really bad. Rear sprocket and chain made of cheese (replaced with supersprox and DID ) much better. front disc warped after 4k mikes 😮 agin upgraded fueling is shocking you have to get a fuel x to sort it out. Once these issues are sorted it's super fun but it's cost more then my gsxr so far on maintenance

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yea sounds similar to the fully Indian-made bikes. I did really notice the better fueling on the new version compared to my old one, but haven't tried the Fuel X yet as I've been happy enough living with it. Crazy the maintenance is more than a proper Gixxer, but the Japanese bikes have a reputation for reliability that's well earnt (and obviously it's a pricier bike, but still!).

[@TheDougSpot]

Just got my brand new 2023 delivered today with literally one mile on the odometer. Got $1,900 off because they’re trying to make room for the 2024

[@MotoJournoKris]

Wicked, that's a good deal!

[@alessandrospalice]

techwise the new ones are obviously a lot better, but i feel like the design has strayed away from its original path

[@mongdu5510]

Hi Kris !

[@MotoJournoKris]

Hey!

[@jackspanton5800]

Bro looks like minecraft Steve

[@banzabreizdude]

Problem with youtube today is that i watch this vid and, i was constantly afraid that was a iden ad... I think it's not but yeah, it's 2024 :,) YT economy create paranoia in me XD

[@crowboy9818]

Better machine... but looks like shit compared to the older model.

[@depechemoto]

It's nice.. but not nicer looking at allll. Looks too long, the rear end is almost at the rear of the tire... nope. The 801 on the other hand...

[@codymartin1078]

It’s very odd seeing a video stating how underwhelming they thought the 401 svart was while most others are blown away by the value and performance of a smaller beginner bike

[@MotoJournoKris]

It is a great value beginner bike, the 2024 is just better. Don't think I said it was underwhelming.

[@abhithakur90]

i am so confused

[@eldenLord_012]

If you put a rapid bike evo on the old one you have a smoother engine and the power gap beetween these two is zero

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's not just smooth in fueling, the bike's also mechanically smooth, especially at high rpm. No fuel module is going to achieve that. I'd have trouble personally justifying that investment in my '21 too, I don't really think the bike needs it and I'm super cheap.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@eldenLord_012 Yep not sure I'd sell my 21 for a '24 despite the advantages, I'd probably wait for the 801 instead!

[@eldenLord_012]

@@MotoJournoKris i love the design and the engine of the 801 beautiful bike, but it has the same brakes as the duke 790, and having tried one I can say that they really suck, if one day I were to buy an 801 I would spend 800 dollars for a quality Brembo brake system, before even thinking about changing the exhaust

[@anotae]

First generation