The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is levelling up in 2024, with a pretty big set of updates. Begging the question, should you be grabbing a deal on the outgoing model - arguably one of the best value beginner bikes around - or waiting for the shiny new 2024 with all the improvements…?
Also receiving basically the same updates will be the Vitpilen, or the more café racer inspired 401 offering, although at a glance it’s obvious something big has changed there. It’s still running the allow wheels and road tyres, but the clip-on style bars are gone, and it appears to be running the same handlebar setup as the Svartpilen.
The biggest ticket item is the new 399 cc single-cylinder, pumping out 45 hp. Despite the 401 model name, the Svartpilen has always run the KTM 390 single-cylinder, which was itself a 373 cc engine.
On the performance front there’s a somewhat underwhelming two horsepower or one kilowatt gain, keeping in mind ever tightening Euro 5+ emissions restrictions are probably partially to blame there. The gearbox is revised though and hopefully that makes neutral easier to find, with the Easy Shift system also seems to be standard fitment now.
Where we do see some quality of life changes linked to the engine is a massively expanded electronics package, starting with a nice TFT dash. We also see an IMU and cornering traction control and cornering ABS in a move that will boost safety and no doubt be appreciated by many riders. There’s even ride modes, which seem like overkill on a bike with 45 hp, but if you’re running RbW, which you are for traction control, you may as well add the ride modes too.
On the chassis front a few things seem to be relatively unchanged, we’re still seeing the 43 mm WP forks, and WP shock which has been moved to be offset and looks beefier. What has changed though is the frame, which is updated to take the new engine, and a new aluminium swingarm.
Brakes remain Bybre, with a four-pot front caliper, which is again a class leader, and to differentiate the Svartpilen from the Vitpilen you’ll see spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres fitted to the Svart. Meanwhile the Vit gets 17 inch cast aluminium six-spoke aero rims, clad in Michelin Power 6 tyres.
Based on information out of the UK, it looks like all these updates will only set you back 100 pounds, with both the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 priced at £5599, so if we see that mirrored everywhere, it’ll be impressive.
Images by Alessio Barbanti, courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 2024 Svartpilen/Vitpiel 401 Updates
00:52 Styling
01:30 Engine
02:50 Electronics
03:50 Chassis
05:10 Wheels
06:13 Update Thoughts
7:23 Price