Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Road-Test Review – Better than the KTM Duke?
Husqvarna, a Swedish brand, introduced two bikes – Svartpilen and Vitpilen, also known as the Husky twins. Vitpilen means white arrow, and Svartpilen means black arrow. Although famous for dirt bikes for over 50 years, in 2014, they made a comeback to street bikes, giving birth to these stylish rides. Introducing the Svartpilen 401, Husqvarna’s newest offering for the Indian market. This scrambler bike boasts an off-road-ready design, catering to riders seeking both style and adventure.
Design:
The Svartpilen 401 strikes a perfect balance between classic and modern design elements. With Swedish-inspired graphics, it exudes a futuristic vibe without fitting into the conventional retro category. The Svartpilen 401 features advanced LED headlights for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. The LED positioning ring not only improves illumination but also gives the bike a premium and distinctive look. Now let’s see the braking system.
The Svartpilen 401 comes equipped with hydraulic ByBre brake calipers, a 320 mm front disc, and a 240 mm rear disc. The Bosch cornering-sensitive ABS system ensures control in different conditions. It even has a Supermoto mode that disengages ABS at the rear wheel for added versatility. Every component is crafted to the highest standards, ensuring reliable and confidence-boosting braking performance for the rider. The Svartpilen 401 features offroad-style handlebars and risers, complemented by stylish forged aluminum triple clamps. Maintaining a minimalistic look, the handlebar-mounted dashboard is a spacious 5″ TFT display, providing key information such as speed, fuel level, riding mode, and selected gear.
The Svartpilen 401 comes with a standard Connectivity Unit, offering riders enhanced functionality. By connecting a smartphone via Bluetooth, you can answer calls, play music, and follow Turn-by-Turn navigation instructions through the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app displayed on the dashboard. The Remote Control Mode (RCM) allows handling the app with handlebar buttons and lays the groundwork for upcoming features.
The Svartpilen 401 boasts a well-designed 3.4-gallon fuel tank with a built-in luggage rack for practicality. The tank cover seamlessly integrates with side panels, providing a rugged look to the urban explorer while ensuring unrestricted movements on the bike. Additionally, the tank features an aluminium filler cap adorned with the iconic Husqvarna Motorcycles logo.
The Svartpilen 401 comes with a low-profile seat at a height of 32.2 inches (820 mm), seamlessly blending into the overall design. The seat is crafted from high-quality materials, providing superior comfort and durability. Additionally, a standard pillion grab handle is included.
The Svartpilen 401 features a fully redesigned exhaust system, meeting emissions regulations with a double catalyzer setup. Constructed from high-strength steel, the exhaust is not only compliant but also significantly lighter. The silencer comes in a premium matte black finish, perfectly complementing the unique style of the Svartpilen 401.
The 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is powered by a 398.6cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, producing 46bhp at 9,000rpm and 39Nm at 7,000rpm. Paired with a six-speed gearbox, it also features a bi-directional quick shifter for smooth gear changes.
The Svartpilen 401 is driven by a new, larger yet lighter single-cylinder engine, enhancing handling and delivering smooth, manageable power for an overall refined riding experience.
The Svartpilen 401 comes with adjustable front forks (WP Apex USD) and a rear monoshock (WP Apex) allowing riders to customize their suspension setup for optimal comfort and performance.
Ride:
Talking about the performance of this bike. The Svartpilen 401 stands as the ultimate choice for navigating in metropolitan suburbs, boasting a lightweight build, comfortable ride, and a truly distinctive design. This bike is crafted with a powerful and responsive engine. When you twist the throttle, it instantly brings to mind the KTM Duke 390, as they share the same engine.
The power delivery is smooth in every gear, with a slight lag around 3000rpm. Beyond that, the Svartpilen 401 impressively picks up, remaining consistent and not letting you down. Weighing 171 kgs and being compact, it feels nimble and agile, making city streets and winding roads a breeze to navigate. The Svartpilen 401 comes with traction control and if you want to enjoy some spirited cornering you can turn it off. On rough roads, the adjustable WP suspension ensures a smooth ride even on the bumpiest surfaces.
Verdict:
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 outshines the KTM with smoother performance at lower speeds, although the ride is a bit stiff. However, it tends to heat up a bit in traffic conditions. The Svartpilen 401 is truly unique and a head-turner. Ideal for beginners, although the seat height might pose a challenge for some, the lower weight compensates for it. Some riders may wish for a more robust sound, and a slightly larger tank capacity would have been appreciated.
The 2024 Svartpilen 401 is priced at Rs. 2,92,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), putting it in competition with the Yezdi Scrambler and Royal Enfield Scram 411.
The Svartpilen 401 presents a compelling choice compared to the KTM Duke 390, offering a unique design, smoother performance at lower speeds, and an ideal option for beginners. However, preferences may vary based on individual riding styles and priorities. Explore the distinctive features to determine which bike aligns better with your preferences.
Words – Jaykumar Limaye
Video & Photography – Bhushan Joshi
Video Edit – Tarun Madhok
