Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1526959
P124 RIDE REVIEW I 2024 HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 401 & VITPILEN 401 pumping away underneath you. The inclusion of a counterbalancer within the engine helps substantially reduce the vibrations typically as- sociated with single-cylinder engines, making the motor more comfortable for street riding. However, not everything was perfect dur- ing my test rides. The Svartpilen's Easy Shift system seemed to work only when it felt like it, and only working in the top three gears. While this issue was likely a software glitch specific to my test bike, it's worth mentioning for po- tential buyers to consider. Inside the cockpit, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 now feature a new five-inch TFT display, which offers turn-by-turn naviga- tion through the Husqvarna app. This system is similar to what KTM has implemented in its Duke range and is a testament to the brand's experience in creating user-friendly interfaces. Navigating the system is straightforward, which is impressive considering how difficult it can be for some manufacturers to get this right. There's no cruise control on either the Vitpilen or Svartpilen, but they have imple - mented a new speed-limiter function, one that acts almost like a pitlane speed limiter where a set speed is determined and the bike will not go faster, no matter what happens at the throttle. It'll prove ultra-handy in built-up areas with speed cameras or, if you're from Europe or Australia, in those bastard average speed camera areas. Aesthetically, the 2024 Vitpilen and Svart- pilen models feature minimal changes. The most noticeable updates include a slight extension to the seat, new colors and graph- ics for the Vitpilen, and ergonomic tweaks for the Svartpilen. The new bikes thus maintain a strong resemblance to their predecessors— whether that's a good thing or not is up to you. The 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 have been thoroughly updated, resulting in two very capable machines that are imbued with Husqvarna's signature quirki- ness. At just under $6000, these bikes offer excellent value in a market where prices are steadily rising. CN 2024 HUSQVARNA VITPILEN 401 ($5899) / SVARTPILEN 401 ($5899) ENGINE 4-stroke, single VALVETRAIN 4-valve DISPLACEMENT 398.6cc BORE X STROKE 89 x 64mm COOLING SYSTEM Liquid FUEL INJECTION Electronic fuel injection system, 46mm throttle body EXHAUST 1-1 TRANSMISSION 6-speed CLUTCH Wet, multi-plate, slip and assist ELECTRONICS Two Riding Modes, Cornering ABS, Two-Stage Traction Control CHASSIS Tubular steel FRONT SUSPENSION 43 WP Apex inverted forks, compression and rebound damping adjustable REAR SUSPENSION WP Apex monoshock, preload and rebound adjustable FRONT BRAKE Single 320mm disc, ByBre 4-piston radial monobloc calipers REAR BRAKE Single 240mm disc, ByBre 1-piston caliper FRONT TIRE 110/70-R17 Michelin Power 6 / Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR REAR TIRE 150/60-R17 Michelin Power 6 / Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR WHEELBASE 53.8 in. SEAT HEIGHT 32.2 in. FUEL CAPACITY 3.4 gal. WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED) 340 lbs. / 350 lbs. S P E C I F I C AT I O N S