HUSQVARNA VITPILEN 401 (2018 - 2023) Review
Highlights
- Stylish café racer based on KTM 390 Duke
- A2 licence-friendly
- A seriously cool bike to learn on
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £150 |
| Power: | 42 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (32.9 in / 835 mm) |
| Weight: | Low (326 lbs / 148 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has the same pricing issues as the Svartpilen, however its café racer styling adds an extra element of unwanted discomfort on the road.
- Latest news: Husqvarna update 401 and 125 Vitpilen and Svartpilen singles range for 2024
One for those who are prepared to sacrifice practicality in the name of fashion as it doesn’t deliver anything the KTM 390 Duke doesn’t aside from a unique style, cramped bars and a high price tag. Husky’s current lack of dealer network (especially in major cities) will certainly hold them back in the UK.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Vitpilen rides well when you are on the open road and its Metzeler M5 tyres are sportier than the Svartpilen’s chunky Pirellis, giving it better road handling.
The WP suspension delivers a nice balance between sports and comfort and the brakes and ABS are good, but the seat seriously lacks padding and the drop bars are uncomfortable in town or when you are cruising.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Duke’s 375cc single has enough grunt for urban use and its ride-by-wire throttle is spot on in terms of feel and connection. The gearbox is a little on the clunky side, but it’s nothing that will ruin the experience for newer riders.
The 390 Duke is a known quantity and Husky have wisely decided not to alter its motor at all, so there is little to complain about.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe KTM 390 Duke owner reviews indicate it's a solid machine that is now in its second generation, so there is little to suggest the Vitpilen will be unreliable.
Although many of its components are manufactured in India, the actual bike is assembled in Austria, which is reassuring.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentHusky claim potential buyers will be prepared to pay a premium as the Vitpilen is a lifestyle product. The problem with this is that it costs £900 more than the KTM 390 Duke, despite sharing most of its components.
- Related: Best A2 motorbikes
Whether buyers will be prepared to stump up this premium purely for a cool-looking Husky product is yet to be seen…
Equipment
The Vitpilen comes with some neat features such as a slipper clutch, Bosch ABS, WP suspension, radial brakes and Metzeler M5 tyres. However, unlike the Duke its dash isn’t full-colour and lacks connectivity – that said it does have a gear indicator and fuel gauge.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 375cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 4v, single |
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 9.5 litres |
| Seat height | 835mm |
| Bike weight | 148kg |
| Front suspension | 43mm, WP forks non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Single WP rear shock, adjustable spring preload |
| Front brake | 1 x 320mm discs with ByBre four-piston radial caliper |
| Rear brake | 230mm single disc with single-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 110/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £57 |
| Annual service cost | £150 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £3,200 - £3,500 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | 2-year |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 42 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 27.3 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 100 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
2018: Husqvarna launch the Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 models.
Other versions
Owners' reviews for the HUSQVARNA VITPILEN 401 (2018 - 2023)
5 owners have reviewed their HUSQVARNA VITPILEN 401 (2018 - 2023) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HUSQVARNA VITPILEN 401 (2018 - 2023)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £150 |
Year: 2022
Much higher rating at the NOS price I paid for a 2022 model out of the crate in 2024.
Suspension a little soft at times, especially at the front, but I can ride around that. Front disc good, but can get spongy when hot.
Pretty tractable for a modern four stroke single given the level of performance. Sounds good banging up through the gears on the quick shifter.
Fit and finish is pretty good. Cable routing very tidy, if a little tight in places. Certainly up to scratch given the price I paid for the bike.
Price for the first service was exactly the price Husqvarna quote on their website.
Pretty basic. Range computer is pretty random. I trusted my BMW down to the last 10 miles, but I use the trip meter on this instead.
Buying experience: Super discounted price from a dealer with a warehouse full of 2022 bikes.
Version: has optional Svartpilen handlebar kit fitted and i have both comfort and std seats
Year: 2023
Annual servicing cost: £200
nice bike and well powered for a 373cc single but a few minor issues and lack of dealer network stop me from giving it 5*
from new I found the ride really firm but its new and live in a bumpy pot hole ridden part of the UK. has the wp adjustable forks and shock so all damping was backed off softer than comfort but i have read reports it breaks in and may need setting to stock "Comfort" brake are good once broken in and front is excellent but makes a whizzing noise even after 1300miles?
once past the break in phase the engine pulls well and cant fault the delivery of 44bhp form its 373cc single. its not too peaky and will pootle and feels to be pulling strong up to the limiter @ 10.5K MPG is excellent at around 80 miles to the uk gallon
i'm not going to lie I bought new from a authorised dealer and they caused a lot of my initial agro as the bike wasn't assembled correctly and i wasn't provided any breakdown or warranty info. there are no authorised dealers in my area either?after 400 summer dry miles paint is lifting on the engine cases that will be repaired under warranty
service cost included a brake fluid change
lets be honest both the svartpilen and vitpilen are a basic street bike that are style focused - you get spoked alloy wheels, great brakes, quick shifter and adjustable suspension all over is KTM Duke 390 its based on and i don't think anything at this price point or A2 licence compliant can boast I have 3 niggles that i feel let the bike down. 1 ths clocks are basic liquid crystal and although readable the display area is small the buttons are impossible to use even without a glove on. 2 the tank is small @9,5l and probably fine for the 125/200/250 versions i would like to be able to do 200miles on a tank 3 the seat is hard and the optional comfort seat isn't much better in my opinion
Buying experience: there is a lack of authorised Husqvarna dealers
Version: 2021
Year: 2021
I love it. Its so perfect in every way. Tyre's could be wider from an aesthetic point of view, especially the rear. Handles superb. Really comfy despite its clip ons. Super reliable.
Makes you want to thrash it.
so frugal. Even thrashing it will get 70mpg. Cruising will get 90mpg
Quick shifter and fully adjustable WP suspension at this price is unreal
Buying experience: Bought brand new for 125 prices or crappy old 600 prices
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £120
Great handling and (usable) power. Most fun per quid I've had in a very long time. Also looks stunning like nothing else out there.
Suspension fantastic - definitely not too soft and just right for progress riding as well as around town.
Very torquey in the most common day to day uses. Not so much once you're past 80mph (although it will do that happily too)
Never had any issues. Everything feels premium.
Have servicing done by my local mechanic (who also loves the bike!)
Given it 5/5 for equipment - as it's such great value for money. It's competitors are the 600-800cc bikes - and nothing comes close at this price range.
Year: 2021
Annual servicing cost: £120
It's such an underrated bike. Can sit with 1000cc bike most of the time. You tend to thrash it everywhere. That's what it is all about. The quickshifter and fully adjustable WP suspension is superb. Handles great. Great brakes. A lot bigger a bike than you think. I love it.
Superb. It is surprisingly comfy
revvy but great
very frugal
Not got any fancy dash stuff
Buying experience: Cheap
