2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 First Look

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Updates follow similar changes to the KTM 390 Duke

With KTM announcing updates to its small-displacement Dukes for 2024, we thought it was only a matter of time until we saw similar changes coming to Husqvarna’s Svartpilen and Vitpilen models. We didn’t have too long to wait, as today, Husqvarna confirmed the updates to the 2024 Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401.

In international markets, Husqvarna also announced updates to the Vitpilen 125, Svartpilen 125, and the Svartpilen 250, but none of them are coming to North America, despite the similarly updated KTM 250 Duke arriving on this continent.

The “white arrow” 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 comes with cast wheels, Michelin Power 6 tires, and a one-piece seat.

The “black arrow” 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 offers a flyscreen, higher handlebars, tank-mounted luggage rack, separate rider and pillion seats, a pillion grab handle and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires.


Most of the changes to the 401 models echo the updates to the 390 Duke. The Vitpilen and Svartpilen receive the updated single-cylinder engine, now displacing 399cc instead of the previous 373cc. The engine received a new, smaller cylinder head with a larger valve cover, a simpler valve cover gasket for easier maintenance, new camshafts providing more valve lift, and a more efficient cooling system. The fuel injection system and airbox were also updated. Husqvarna says the changes provide better weight distribution and improved performance, claiming a peak output of 44.3 hp at 8,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft. at 6,750 rpm from the engine.


The gearbox has the same gear ratios as the previous generation, but it has been updated with an optimized shift drum and improved fork pins. The 2024 models also come with a bidirectional quick shifter and a power-assisted slipper clutch.

The new engine also has reduced service requirements compared to the old unit. Oil, oil filter, and air filter changes are at every 10,000 km (6,200 miles), while valve checks are every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).


The Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 models also receive a new underslung exhaust that Husqvarna claims to weigh 4.4 pounds less than the previous system. The electronics package includes Street and Rain engine modes, lean-sensitive traction control with three levels (Street, Rain, and Off), plus a speed limiter function that also serves as a cruise control system. A 5-inch TFT displays the electronic settings, while also offering smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.


The chassis was also updated for 2024, with the 401 models having a slightly longer wheelbase compared to the 2023 models. The new steel trellis frame is now a two-piece design, with the rear subframe bolted on. The main frame provides more torsional rigidity compared to the previous design, while the subframe was designed to improve comfort for passengers.


The rear shock is now offset to the right side, a change to accommodate the larger airbox while also reducing seat height by a half inch to 32.3 inches. The curved swingarm was changed accordingly to fit the redesigned shock and muffler.


Both 401 models are equipped with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge forks with adjustable compression and rebound. The WP APEX rear shock is adjustable for rebound and preload. Both front and rear suspension systems provide 5.9 inches of travel.


The brakes are supplied by ByBre, with a single radial-mount four-piston caliper and 320 mm disc up front, and a rear 240 mm disc with a floating two-piston caliper. A two-channel Bosch 9.3MP ABS system comes standard, including cornering function and a Supermoto mode that turns off rear wheel ABS.




Further updates include new LED lighting, self-canceling turn signals, new switchgear, forged aluminum pegs, and revised mirrors.


The 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in March. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

Specifications

2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Engine type

Single cylinder, 4-stroke

Single cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement

398.6 cc

398.6 cc

Bore/stroke

89/64 mm

89/64 mm

Compression ratio

12.6:1

12.6:1

Starter/battery

Electric starter/12V 8Ah

Electric starter/12V 8Ah

Transmission

6 gears

6 gears

Fuel system

Dell`Orto EFI (throttle body 46 mm)

Dell`Orto EFI (throttle body 46 mm)

Control

4 V / DOHC with cam levers

4 V / DOHC with cam levers

Lubrication

wet sump with 2 oil pumps

wet sump with 2 oil pumps

Engine oil

MOTOREX 15W-50

MOTOREX 15W-50

Primary drive

33:86

33:86

Final drive

14:43

14:43

Cooling

Liquid cooling

Liquid cooling

Clutch

Multi disc PASC slipper clutch

Multi disc PASC slipper clutch

Engine management/ignition

Bosch EMS with RBW

Bosch EMS with RBW

Traction control

MTC (lean angle sensitive, 2-Mode, disengageable)

MTC (lean angle sensitive, 2-Mode, disengageable)

Frame

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

Subframe

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

Steel trellis frame, powder coated

Handlebar

Aluminum

Aluminum

Front suspension

WP APEX - USD, Ø 43 mm, with adjustable compression and rebound, and 5.9 inches of travel.

WP APEX - USD, Ø 43 mm, with adjustable compression and rebound, and 5.9 inches of travel.

Rear suspension

WP APEX - Monoshock with adjustable rebound and preload, and 5.9 inches of travel.

WP APEX - Monoshock with adjustable rebound and preload, and 5.9 inches of travel.

Front brake

ByBre, opposed four piston caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm

ByBre, opposed four-piston caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm

Rear brake

ByBre, twin piston, floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm

ByBre, twin-piston, floating caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm

ABS

Bosch 9.3MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto Mode)

Bosch 9.3MP (incl. Cornering ABS and Supermoto Mode)

Wheels front/rear

Cast aluminum, 3 x 17"; 4 x 17"

Spoked wheels with aluminum rims, 3 x 17"; 4 x 17"

Tires front/rear

Michelin Power 6 110/70-R17; 150/60-R17

PIRELLI SCORPION RALLY STR 110/70-R17; 150/60-R17

Chain

X-Ring 520

X-Ring 520

Silencer

Stainless steel with regulated catalytic converter

Stainless steel with regulated catalytic converter

Rake / Trail

24° / 3.7 inches

24° / 3.7 inches

Triple clamp offset

1.3 inches

1.3 inches

Wheel base

53.4 inches +/- 0.6 inches

53.4 inches +/- 0.6 inches

Ground clearance

7.08 inches

7.08 inches

Seat height

32.2 inches

32.2 inches

Tank capacity (approx.)

3.4 gallons

3.4 gallons

Weight

340.6 pounds (claimed)

350.5 pounds (claimed)



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Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

More by Dennis Chung

Comments
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2 of 3 comments
  • David K David K on Jan 17, 2024

    I like the street bike version better than its sister KTM Duke model but not enough to buy one as I tend to keep my bikes a long time though I am in consideration of a Kawasaki liter bike this year.

  • Mogman Mogman on Jan 18, 2024

    Thank you Dennis for the update.

    Ah yes to the nice lines of the full silver frame side, well placed mirrors and centralized under slung muffler. Really nice touches at 44 hp and 350 pounds but add about 30 pounds and you get 2X the hp and no valve adjustments ever, no antifreeze coolant, better handling and torque beyond your imagination. Shame on me, citing 2003 Buell XB9S specifications. I guess there is some sort of idiosyncratic merit in waiting 20 years for Buell USA patents to expire.

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