Why the Svart 401 is My Favorite 390! | vs KTM 390 Adventure

A short review of the 2021 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. I've wanted to try this bike for a long time and always wondered how it compares with the KTM 390 Adventure, being advertised as an "urban explorer." With its upright handlebar, switchable ABS, and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, it seemed to promise to be the scrambler version of the KTM 390 Duke, perhaps somewhere between the Duke and the Adventure. I finally got to try both bikes, and here's what I've learned.
VIDEOS SHOWN:
My Weekend Adventure on the 390 Adventure: • KTM 390 Adventure Sea ...
ADV Pulse Adventure KTM 390 Adventure Long-term review: • KTM 390 Adventure | Ro...
Adventure Ride with the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: • One of the BEST Day Ri...
My KTM 390 Adventure Review: • The KTM 390 Adventure ...
Why I Bought (and Sold) my Himalayan: • I sold my Himalayan......
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[@JiSat]

perfect review! exactally what i was looking for. thx dude!

[@bigticketgio]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this beauty :D Hoping to own one in the future.

[@guzziguy2011]

Here in the U.S., my 2020 401, outfitted with some necessary add-ons (Puig screen, bar ends, Coffman exhaust, Givi tail bag, tail tidy, and a rear mounted Primus fuel bottle) - for about $500 - has been my weapon of choice for fun, 150 mile rides thru the mountains. An absolute hoot when the turns are fast and furious, it’s more than capable of satisfying even veteran riders like myself. Owning multiple bikes, I still grin ear-to-ear buzzing around on it. It’s the most fun I’ve had for $5k! Just get the small Puig windshield and tail bag initially and you’ll enjoy the hell out of it. Plus, it’s just cool to look at!

[@Ride_XP]

Nice to hear! It’s a bike I actually miss riding among the ones I’ve tested. I’m a lot more confident in the saddle than I was when I made this video and I’m sure I would take it everywhere now.

[@ChillPusit]

apparently martin's pops is legendary too 😁 insightful vid! luv the channel!

[@Ride_XP]

Hehehe 😁 thank you!

[@furdstahmania]

Nice review Aaron. Couple of things to add. The Svart, just like the Duke gets hot especially in City Riding. Kevlar lined pants can fix that. Noticeable in stop and go traffic. Another is the fan coil whine. At least for the unit i tested, the fan, when it kicks in, sounds like a high pitch horn sounding constantly in the distance. Other than those, the Svartpilen is a fun bike to ride. Light, flickable, and fast enough.

[@Ride_XP]

Appreciate the insights! Thanks for dropping by.

[@sethzweig8802]

Great video! I Love my 401, but I did have to replace that hard seat with a custom comfy one from my local upholstery shop.

[@Ride_XP]

Good move!

[@ChaiderTV]

Very Nice Reiew! 😎 Thank you sir!

[@bobtheboss2216]

Love it, I don't understand how you have so good qulity. But keep it up!!!

[@Ride_XP]

😄

[@robbautista22]

Love the shirt sir aaron! Mo powa baby!

[@Ride_XP]

Mo powa baby!!

[@LCARSADV]

Great review!

[@Partnerthedog]

After 700 miles my quickshift started to work perfect but I hated it before that. Realized this bike is important to let warm up before you drive, I let it get up to 1 bar temp then drive slow at first

[@javiervar494]

Good review 👍 I appreciate your sensations and experience with your bike. Nowadays, it's an option for me. Of course, the new RE Classic 350 os not the same, but I'm thinking between them. Best regards

[@Ride_XP]

I recently rode the Classic. I think it looks great and rides beautifully. Super slow compared to the Svart but such a smooth, relaxed machine with a great sound.

[@javiervar494]

@@Ride_XP It' a good bike, perhaps too heavy for its 20 hp. I rode with it last monday. However, I saw the 401 las Tuesday and it is lighter than the Classic 350. Thank you for your comment, a very interesting detail.

[@Avigazed]

Excellent video. 👍

[@scottygdaman]

Awesome channel thx. Hi from the States.

[@Patife_PT]

i have never seen those side crash protection bumpers , can you share the model or a link for purchase?

[@driftless4014]

I have found that you need to keep the throttle very steady when shifting, don't try to unload it and the quick shifter works perfectly. I'm in the US and had the lowering kit installed. It came with a shorter side stand so they are available. It has adjustable front forks set for my weight and I have found it to be very comfortable soaking up rough roads and still feels very sporty. No discomfort on multi day long rides, about as comfortable as any bike but the most comfortable or touring styles of bikes. I prefer the Svartpilen's dash over the KTM but looks are subjective. :-)

[@Ride_XP]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. Looks like we are losing out on not getting those adjustable forks!

[@loveisallweneedify]

Where did you get the lowering kit from ?

[@p-dub7422]

Good video and points! I actually like the wheels on the 401. Overall, the bike looks great and I think it is an urban explorer because of it's maneuverability in tighter spaces in cities. I have a 701 and it is very nice as well. These bikes are unique and have a classy design. What is the name of that tank bag that you have on your bike and does it stick to the magnet that comes with the 401?

[@Ride_XP]

I think it's an Oxford OL351 M1R Micro Tank Bag! It's magnetic and attaches to the metal bracket on the Svart tank.

[@lomokid_]

Thank you for this review, full of very helpful information, also trying to decide between these 2 bikes Where did you do your review? the view looks amazing in 7:16 More power to your channel!

[@Ride_XP]

You’re very welcome! That was in Real, Quezon-perfect ride and a beautiful place :)

[@lomokid_]

@@Ride_XP Thank you for the reply! love this channel!!

[@Ride_XP]

😄🙏🏽😄

[@kelval5679]

Great video and content..Well done!

[@Danderethevideogamer]

Nice review dude! However, my biggest disappoint about Svartpilen is the terrible seat comfort. Every time i ride it more than 1 and half an hour, my butt terribly hurts and i need to stop. Also the very low amount of fuel it can contain (only 9.6 liters), but generally it's a very nice and versatile bike. I use it in urban rides, offroad and also for some longer trips (with the precaution to stop sometimes to let my butt rest). Ps, i am from Italy and mine has stock adjustable suspensions and quickshift, very nice to use.

[@Ride_XP]

I agree with your insights! It must be noticeably better with the adjustable suspension.

[@WARweezy]

I purchased some medium density seam foam, about half inch thick and glued it on top of the stock foam where you sit. cut it so it blends in and put the stock seat cover back on. "hard to staple back down especially without a special stapler" I would say it's about a 3-4 hour seat now. I suppose it depends on your butt too. The stock seat was about a 2 hour seat or so to me.

[@sounakroy9616]

So between Himalayan and ktm 390 adv, if my requirement is mostly offroading, but touring is also involved, which one should I choose?

[@Ride_XP]

Himalayan I would say, unless you’re used to riding aggressively on a dual sport or dirtbike.

[@rafeloreilegasto3501]

thank you sa Vid ❤

[@NineSins]

Hi there! How are the stock tires gripping on road? I'm looking to buy this bike, and that's my main concern, if it's gonna stick to a poor quality asphalt and cobblestone roads I have in here

[@Ride_XP]

Road grip is very good, no worries

[@bjjw]

The tires on it are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR. These are the same tires Yamaha puts on Tenere 700. 50/50 with very good road grip and good for most off roads. They will go over 11km but at about 8km the blocks on rear tire get worn out and don't do much in serious off-roading. Good tire, well priced and probably will last more as I rode mine on Africa Twin which is torquier and heavier. @@Ride_XP

[@kaceyisa3571]

Hello sir Aaron.. do u think the 401 will be a good bike for daily ride to office in makati (coming from the metro lang din but taking both options of tollways and service rd)? Will the 200 cc version do better in traffic? Sinong mas sulit in terms of comfort (yung di masyado mabigat 😊), si husqy 200 or si 401? i just dont prefer an underbone as a daily bike.. :).

[@Ride_XP]

I think there's not much difference in size between the 400 and 200 so I think the 400cc gives you more versatility since you can go on the highway. I find the Svart 401 very light, super easy to ride in traffic, parang small bike pakiramdam except sa seat height. No experience on the 200 personally pero if you can afford the 401 I'd pick that para may big bike na rin.

[@jurijpavlin655]

Hello, me also finally bought a new Svartpilen 401. Overall, I am very excited about it, but I still have noticed one little problem: the “balance” of the motorcycle. - When I ride straight on the road and lift my hands from the handlebars, the motorcycle starts to pull slightly to the right ... Considering that the motorcycle is brand new, from the store, I find it a little unusual that the center of gravity is out of balance. Have any of you had a similar problem? Please for any advice or experience .. Thank you very much, Jure

[@Ride_XP]

Hi Jure! Consulted with a friend, he says: Check tire pressure to begin with. Then try on the same road same lane both ways to rule out road angle and if it still pulls to the right, you might need to check tire pressure or fork alignment or rear axle alignment. Also check any luggage or bags whose weight is more to one side of the bike. Hope that helps! Unfortunately there are quality control issues with these bikes so it’s not impossible that it’s misaligned from the dealer.

[@jurijpavlin655]

@@Ride_XP Thanks a lot for quick answer.. The tire pressure is ok... Anyway, next week I have the first service and I will tell them to fix it, whatever it is

[@archbuko]

Good one!

[@Broadus45]

Will there be a review or video about your RE Interceptor 650?

[@Ride_XP]

Yup!

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

It is strange to me that you compare the tft vs. the svart dash, but not the adjustable suspension and quickshifter. Those are two 'premium' features that explain why the Svart doesn't have a decent dash (and, it really doesn't!).

[@rawkista]

Nice vid sir. Just got one for myself and you review is spot on 😎 medyo nakalatakot lng kapag 100+ speed mo sa NLEX or SLEX, damang dama mo yung hangin 😁 Sir bka pwede kayo gumawa ng vid kung pano nyo na-mount yung mga bags both fron and rear 😎👍🏼

[@Ride_XP]

Salamat! Yung front magnetic tank bag siya, tinapat lang yung magnet doon sa bakal ng gas tank. Will work with a small one lang like this. Yung rear, Rhinowalk yun na inipit yata sa ilalim ng seat tapos yung bags sa top and sides nakakabit doon sa unang bag.

[@rawkista]

@@Ride_XP thank you sir. Subscribed 😁😎

[@Gunsmith148]

Hi. I have a 2022 "lowered" version. What should I do if I want height like an EU version. Its just a seat or something else

[@Ride_XP]

Hi! According to KTM, you have to replace the entire rear suspension with the European version. Quite expensive.

[@Gunsmith148]

@@Ride_XP thank you!

[@jj1983e]

Why not the BMW G310R or GS. Maybe you can do a comparison.

[@kp6425v]

What alloy wheels are those? Didn't it come with spoke wheels?

[@Ride_XP]

In the Philippines you don’t get them with spoked wheels

[@casualridingtv]

That's my main concern. Parts or maintenance concerns. I am planning to buy one and for someone like me, if I buy a 400cc bike. It'll be the last. Or at least it will be for the next 5-8 yrs. So I really need a "for keeps" kind of bike. For the looks, and my love for classic bikes. Do you think I shud go for it? or just with the Z4? At least it's a japanese brand and known to be more reliable when it comes to parts and maintenance.... Thank you and NICE review as always!

[@Ride_XP]

I frankly don't think the Svart is a 5-8 year keeper kind of bike, although of course it could be if you were dedicated enough to maintenance and really like the character. Re: Z400, I don't know, it seems a little vanilla, so you could ride it with likely fewer problems for a while, but in terms of styling and engine character parang kulang. I would consider getting a 650 class bike na lang kung 5-8 years ang horizon, onting extra ipon lang. Or, consider the RE Scram 411. I would take that any day over a Z4. Good looking, fun, easy to commute, kulang lang sa top speed compared sa Svart and Z400.

[@casualridingtv]

@@Ride_XP yeah mas may personality kc mga classic or neo classic bikes. And that’s what i want too. Kinakabahan lang ako sa maintenance. Actually, this morning ko lang naconsider mag 400cc na. I was really content with 200cc svart na. Di nman din ako madalas mag xpressway for sure. But i think maintenance would be the same. What do u think about nk2500/300? Hehe sorry mdjo lumayo na sir… I watched ur video of Scram din! Problem is, i’ve been having trouble finding a person to ask about their bikes and installment options. Are they offering it na for Scram 411? Thank you for being patient with my questions 😄

[@casualridingtv]

*oh..and im located in Olongapo Zambales. I dnt know if my RE here na mas malapit and hnd na need pumunta ng Manila.

[@Ride_XP]

Ah ok bro, sige isa isa: Re: NK, I find the engine medyo boring, mabigat din yung bike eh. Tinanong ko na re: maintenance north of Manila. Pero for installment, I think you can messaging or calling Royal Enfield Quezon City. Baka matanong mo rin doon if may recommended mechanics sila sa north.generally easy to maintain ang RE pero I understand nga na sayang warranty if hindi sa official service center.

[@casualridingtv]

@@Ride_XP true. I heavily rely on warranty. Kahit un Panarea ko byinabyahe ko pa ng Sn Fernando sir for PMS hehe! In exchange for peace of mind. Oh and by the way. They replied to my chat na and provided me with Scram 411 quotation. Thank you so much!

[@patrickandrewremoroza7119]

Bro ang lason neto. Lagi ko na tinitignan svart hahaha lintek. Any svart-level motors na pwede ko pag pilian?

[@Ride_XP]

Hahaha! Sa category na to pagpipilian mga Svart, Vitpilen, 390 Duke at Adventure, at siguro Bristol Veloce 500. And pagdating sa Pinas, Royal Enfield Scram 411

[@WinnerIRL]

Svartpilen 401 looks way cooler than the mainstream KTM 390

[@Ride_XP]

agree!

[@Dull160]

i commute to work 40km everyday to work back and forth, how is the fuel consumptions?

[@Ride_XP]

Should be pretty good, about 28km/L. But the fuel tank is just 9.5L so take that into account.

[@islandboychoy]

Mo powa babeh!

[@Ride_XP]

Mo powa babeh!!

[@BadDuet]

Mo powa bebeh!

[@Ride_XP]

mo powa babeh!!

[@rmcdudmk212]

Great video. Both bikes have their advantages and disadvantages. As far as looks I think both bikes are kinda ugly but I probably shouldn't talk considering I ride a Versys 300 🤣

[@Ride_XP]

Ahahaha really boils down to your taste, all valid 😁

[@ishimaro]

8:07 where is this?

[@Ride_XP]

Real, Quezon!

[@ishimaro]

@@Ride_XP thanks! what a sweet view!

[@fatesteyneit2990]

1:24 if that's your friend riding with you.. i'd like to know what bike she has

[@Ride_XP]

That's my girlfriend riding on my Royal Enfield Interceptor, the bike I actually own.

[@doorbell1666]

if u were to choose scram 411 or svart?

[@Ride_XP]

Oof, tough question. For occasional riding only, the Svart. For frequent mixed commuting, weekend, and adventure use, the Scram. I enjoy the road performance of the Svart a lot more but the Scram is a lot more versatile.

[@doorbell1666]

@@Ride_XP how about the reliability between the 2? which one do you think is more reliable? both husq & re store/casa is far from my place.

[@Ride_XP]

@@doorbell1666 the Scram is the simpler bike with cheaper parts so that would probably be more reliable

[@doorbell1666]

@@Ride_XP thank u for the advice. torn bet the 2. someone selling a svart @240k w/ low mileage, but doubting about its reliability though. do u think its a good deal @240k?

[@elnersambat6461]

New subscriber here..

[@anakyn2010]

Where did you get the phone bag you have on the tank rack?

[@Ride_XP]

I believe that's from Motomarket, I don't own one myself but I own the same brand of tank bag.

[@thargor6750]

Every other reveiwer says its soft. Guess i gotta ride one

[@Ride_XP]

Yeah, it might depend on the spec you get. Here in the Philippines we don't get adjustable shocks and they come lowered, so they might be set up pretty stiff.

[@Sensaatioko86]

I drowe 390adv, and it was a disappointment :S. Thought that it whas my dream bike. Then i drive the Honda 300L, that was more sluggish than my 183cc yamaha. BMW G 310GS gets the smootest ride award from me so far for the under 400cc . I need to test himalayan and 401, that are they as congrete vibrators as the the 390adv, if so. I will buy the BMW. Good videos btw, i love to watch them.

[@pasmado75]

syet tengkyu sa husqvarna pronounciation, nakaka-irita pag binibigkas na haskavarna or haskvarna, lol

[@Ride_XP]

HAHAHAHA you’re welcome 😇

[@janellesilverio2152]

Donut shirt!

[@Ride_XP]

Mo powa babeh!!

[@Jesus-eu4gn]

Ehh.. ground clearance made me not want it. I want that design plus dual sport riding

[@Ride_XP]

Fair assessment!

[@Jesus-eu4gn]

@@Ride_XP saw somewhere that you could use a duke 390 exhaust system so there will be more clearance. So nvm what I just said haha

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

The fact that the Svart has fully-adjustable suspension, but you didn't take advantage of that, was a mistake, IMHO. That adjustability is a MAJOR reason I want a Svart over a Duke. But on the whole, your review is well written and thoughtful. Good job.

[@Ride_XP]

Hi Samuel, There's a reason for that--the Philippine version of the Svart doesn't come with the adjustable suspension, nor even the spoked wheels.

[@IadiiI]

I am torn to these models, I plan to ride them everyday for work tagaytay-paranaque

[@Ride_XP]

Ahh yeah. I think it comes down to if you prioritize styling or comfort and versatility. The 390 ADV I think is a more practical commuter (comfort, looks okay with a top box) except for being bigger than the Svart.

[@IadiiI]

@@Ride_XP im currently using a toyota car and I pms/fix everything myself would you say its possible with ktm/husqvarna? will their parts be easy to get? thx in advance

[@Ride_XP]

@@IadiiI It's possible to DIY to some extent as I know my friends did, you just need to be comfortable taking off and returning the fairings, etc. But since the bikes have some electronics you might need to go to the dealer for some things but I don't have first hand XP. Parts are also expensive and reportedly could have long wait times, but best to verify with owners in groups on FB, etc.

[@Win7ermu7e]

It really aggravates me that we get the shitty incandescent signals in Canada because of stupid american laws yet you get the respectable leds in the Phillipines even though they cut costs in other places.

[@Ride_XP]

Crazy, I didn't know that!

[@jqp7354]

1st

[@pornraider]

my svart has almost 7000km, i was able to ride it to daet from quezon city (370km). i'm really starting to like this bike. but now i'm getting a "sidestand down" problem. cant get the bike to move with it. i'm thinking of trying a sidestand sensor bypass.

[@Ride_XP]

Epic ride! I really do like this bike. And oof sorry to hear that, these electronics can really be fiddly sometimes!

[@casualridingtv]

Hello, sir! I am planning to buy my first big bike. And Svart 401 or Vit, and Kawazaki z4, are my top prospects. How is your Svart doing now? Do you have any issues besides the sidestand sensor?

[@pornraider]

@@casualridingtv it's become a routine of mine to include cleaning the sidestand sensor everytime i clean my bike. so far, everything's peachy. i'm going for a ride north on the weekend, cheers!

[@casualridingtv]

@@pornraider oh. San sa north sir? Haha baka pwde kita meet. Just to see svart in person

[@pornraider]

@@casualridingtv we're going to Angeles to eat some Calderetang Kambing