Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

OVERVIEW

Performance and Engine

The Svartpilen 401 has a 398.63cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine. It produces 46 PS at 9,000 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. This gives the bike quick acceleration and smooth power, making it easy to handle in city traffic and on highways. The engine is lively but not intimidating, and the throttle responds well, helping riders feel in control in any situation.

The Svartpilen 401 features a smooth 6-speed gearbox, making gear shifting easy. The transmission works well for both calm and sporty riding. The clutch is light and easy to use, which is helpful in heavy city traffic.

The Svartpilen 401 can reach a top speed of around 160 km/h, which is suitable for its class. It feels stable on highways and makes overtaking easy. The bike strikes a balance between speed and control, allowing riders to feel confident even at higher speeds.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

According to ARAI tests, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 gives a mileage of 29 kmpl, which is efficient for a performance bike. In typical Indian conditions, riders experience fuel efficiency ranging from 25 kmpl to 27 kmpl, which varies depending on whether the usage is urban or highway and the type of road. Despite its performance-oriented design, the Svartpilen 401 offers a compelling blend of power and everyday usability.

Features and Technology

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 comes equipped with features that enhance performance, comfort, and technology, making it an ideal choice for both city and highway rides.

1. Engine Configuration: The Svartpilen 401 is powered by a 398.63cc, 6-speed, liquid-cooled, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engine, which delivers strong and reliable performance suitable for both urban and highway riding. DOHC refers to an engine with two camshafts located in the cylinder head, increasing efficiency and performance.
2. Chassis and Suspension: The bike features a new steel trellis frame and subframe, complemented by top-quality WP USD front forks and a WP APEX mono-shock rear suspension that can be adjusted for preload. The USD forks have the thicker tube on top for better strength. This setup provides the bike with quick handling and a stable ride on all types of Indian roads.
3. Rider Aids: The motorcycle features advanced technologies, including traction control to prevent wheelspin, ride-by-wire throttle for smooth power delivery, and a quickshifter+ for clutchless upshifts. It also features SuperMoto ABS, which aids in safe braking and enables riders to control rear-wheel slides.
4. Instrumentation: The bike has a modern 5-inch full-colour TFT display as its speedometer. Riders can connect their smartphones with Bluetooth, making it easy to stay informed and connected. The TFT screen features high resolution and is easy to read.
5. Braking System: High-performance disc brakes, combined with SuperMoto ABS (Anti-lock Braking System specifically tuned for supermoto use), provide confident braking control, making them suitable for aggressive riding and emergency stops. ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up during braking.
6. Lighting: The unique Neo-Retro headlamp and full LED lights enhance visibility and contribute to the bike’s distinctive appearance.
7. Ride Modes: Selectable ride modes enable riders to customise throttle response and traction control to suit various conditions.
8. Design and Build: The bike’s simple bodywork, sharp look, and careful design details show what a modern urban scrambler is all about.
9. Colour Options: In India, the bike is available in a unique Silver Grey colour that matches its modern and bold design.

Build Quality

The Svartpilen 401 features a robust steel trellis frame and subframe for enhanced rigidity. The bike is lightweight, weighing approximately 171 kg. High-quality materials, durable plastics, and precision-engineered parts ensure longevity and a premium feel.

The WP suspension parts are well-made and adjustable, which helps the bike handle India’s changing road conditions. Most reviews praise the build quality, though a few mention minor issues, which are rare.

Handling

The Svartpilen 401 is renowned for its nimbleness and agility, which enable riders to navigate busy Indian traffic and twisty roads with ease. Its steel trellis frame, WP USD front forks, and WP APEX rear suspension make the ride both responsive and stable.

The bike is equipped with switchable traction control (a system to reduce wheel slip) and SuperMoto ABS (an anti-lock brake system for controlled sliding), designed to boost rider confidence in various conditions. Pirelli Rally Scorpion tyres provide good grip on both tarmac (paved surfaces) and light off-road surfaces, aligning with the scrambler ethos. Riders report that the bike feels planted and stable at high speeds (up to 160 km/h), and is easy to flick in traffic. Although the suspension may initially feel stiff, it becomes comfortable once adjusted.

Comfort

The Svartpilen 401 boasts an upright and spacious seating position, offering a more comfortable experience than many of its competitors. This makes long city rides and trips easier. The wide handlebars are easy on the arms, and the seat is flat, wide, and well-cushioned. The pillion seat is small but delicate for short to medium rides.

The footpegs and controls are set up for a relaxed riding position. Some riders report that the suspension feels stiff at first. Still, after adjusting it, the bike handles bumps and potholes more effectively. The small windscreen looks good but doesn’t offer much wind protection.

Styling

The Svartpilen 401 combines classic scrambler style with modern, minimalist details, resulting in a rugged and sophisticated look. Its lightweight, narrow body wraps tightly around the steel trellis frame for easy rider movement. A Neo-Retro round LED headlamp, illuminated ring DRL, and compact windscreen add a modern touch, staying true to the bike’s minimalist ethos.

The 17-inch wire-spoke wheels give the bike both style and strength, fitting its urban scrambler image. The shaped fuel tank, long split seat, neat rear, LED tail lamp, and special number plate holder all add to the Svartpilen 401’s bold but polished look.

Colour Options and Variants

In India, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 comes in just one colour option:

1. Silver Grey

This colour accentuates the bike’s sleek, city-focused style, giving it a subtle, classy appearance. The silver grey complements the dark frame, engine, and accents, making the bike look unified and eye-catching.

In India, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is sold in a single top-spec version. It comes with advanced features like traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, quickshifter+, SuperMoto ABS, and adjustable suspension. Compared to the smaller Svartpilen 250, the 401 features a longer seat, a larger fuel tank, and improved hardware, making it better suited for touring and off-road rides.

Value for Money and Pricing

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is priced at ₹ 2,97,741 (ex-showroom, Delhi), putting it in the premium mid-capacity segment in India. Riders get unique styling and high-quality parts, not just a basic commuter. It’s sold as a single, fully loaded variant.

The Svartpilen 401 is an excellent choice for riders seeking a unique style, desirable features, and firm performance. It shares its engine and platform with the KTM Duke 390, known for being reliable and sporty. Features like traction control, ride-by-wire, quickshifter+, and SuperMoto ABS make it safer and easier to use. The higher price is balanced by premium parts, brand value, and exclusivity, which attract enthusiasts.

Key competitors of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 in India include:

1. Royal Enfield Scram 411
2. Yezdi Scrambler
3. Triumph Thruxton 400
4. KTM Duke 390

The Svartpilen 401 stands out with its Swedish-inspired design, quality build, and modern technology, making it a top choice in India’s busy premium motorcycle market.