Comparative test Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 in a comparison test

The duel of the retro bikes

Two motorcycles, one message. Today a new approach to motorcycling, tomorrow an ambassador for the urban two-wheeler future. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 convey their mission primarily through design. Can the 401s live up to this claim on the road??

VMaybe I should get my moped license after all, "mumbles our photographer Rocky when he sees the black and white duo. Surprising for Mona and me as tester, because he gets dozens of dream bikes in front of his lens every month. Usually much stronger , of course. “It’s done so well,” he enthuses again and again while punching close-ups on the camera’s SD card. “Really nice.” We think so too. It’s also nice that so many details from the concept bikes have been incorporated into the series. The study caused a sensation at the 2014 Milan trade fair. A real eye-catcher that also turns non-motorcyclists on. Mission accomplished ? At least partially. Many passers-by stop at the sight of the motorcycles, circling the classic and at the same time very modern-looking vehicles. Refined retro look. A contradiction in terms? Perhaps. But optically, the two arrows seem to hit the mark. With which all popular word games (svart = black, vit = white, pilen = arrow) should be dealt with. At least we try.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 in a comparison test

The duel of the retro bikes

The technical basis is the KTM 390 Duke

Confident announcement when turning the ignition key: "Pioneering since 1903 "is written in liquid crystal letters. Well, at least technically, Husqvarna has not reinvented the wheel. The base is orange and is called KTM 390 Duke. This is most evident on the engine, swing arm and frame. But whatever, the refined minimalist design highlights the conceptual independence of the 401s. Form follows function? The bikes sometimes turn this principle upside down. The crisp, short tail looks great, but potential passengers are practically sitting on the taillight.

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Visually, both Husqvarnas know how to please.

The luggage rack on the tank is also a nice idea. But it hardly offers more storage space than conventional tank bags. But hand on heart, were motorcycles ever sensible? All theory is gray, the start button is black. Here we go. Both single cylinders thunder through from the start. Especially fun when downshifting with double-declutching. The engines cheekily babble out of their little end pots, which consequently shine black or silvery-white. Even when driving, the single is strongly reminiscent of the 390 unit from parent company KTM. Here, too, occasional constant jerking encourages you to accelerate. From a speed of 7,000, both motorcycles go a step further and show undreamt-of revving up into the five-digit range. From 9,000 turns, however, the tingling becomes increasingly uncomfortable, depending on the set speed, a red light warns you to shift. An easy game for the left hand. If the ride-by-wire-controlled throttle is pulled up, it goes forward unexpectedly quickly.

Big differences in seating position

Neither Mona nor I miss performance. The lightweights easily shoot around 42 hp out of every curve. Or, in order to stay in the habitat envisioned by Husqvarna, from every traffic light pole position. Real understatement: both engines scatter a little upwards. Despite the identical periphery and coordination, the Vitpilen is pushing ahead a little more energetically. But they can also stroll in a relaxed manner, only chopping on the chain at very low speeds.

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Sitting on the Svartpilen is much more comfortable.

No nasty surprise at the pump: around three and a half liters of gasoline are put into work over 100 kilometers in the 373 cubic centimeter combustion chamber. Even less when driving comfortably. However, you cannot rely on the remaining range displayed. It often fluctuates between 120 and 400 kilometers. When the fill level is identical. The brakes also show somewhat changeable performance. The Bybre stoppers (By Brembo) can be dosed very well and do a lot of slowing down despite the single-disc brake. With heavy use, however, the pressure point shifts increasingly towards the handlebars. The ABS, however, works inconspicuously. It regulates finely and effectively prevents slips and stoppies. On top of that, it can be deactivated using a key combination. Also customizable: brake and clutch levers. So far, something like that. Because the different seating positions have a not inconsiderable influence on the driving experience. Mona is hanging on the Vitpilen with her head almost level with the spotlight. A new definition of the front-wheel-oriented seating position. It will probably cure any smartphone-induced bad posture within minutes. The low handlebar halves require a bit of getting used to, and cornering is difficult at first, despite the perfectly adhering Metzeler first tires. There is a lot of weight on the handlebars and front wheel.

Your conclusion, Mona?

“Low handlebars, long tank. I really have to stretch myself. At 850 millimeters, the seat height is also quite high. “I sit much more comfortably on the Svartpilen. The wide handlebar with a central strut is easy to grip, ensures a feeling of healthier sitting position and much more relaxed cornering. Thanks to the rubber mount, fewer vibrations are passed on. The moderate Pirelli studs on the Svartpilen are more of a visual accessory and, due to the concept, reach their limits more quickly when driving in a sporty manner. But there is nothing to complain about in the comfortable tour mode. The Svartpilen does not assume real off-road ambitions. Other Husqvarna models can do that much better.

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Both Husqvarnas rely on the same chassis.

But the road is the 401’s territory, regardless of whether it’s svart or vit. In return, both motorcycles rely on the same chassis and identical wheel dimensions. The WP fork is designed to be sporty and comfortable, it works well in everyday life. The responsiveness could be better, however. Slight unevenness in the floor clearly reaches the handlebar ends. The rear, directly hinged strut also impresses with a good basic setup. It filters out a lot of bumps, which is not a matter of course, especially for this class. And if someone should get lost in the jump seat, the chassis offers enough reserves.

Both Husqvarnas are manufactured in Mattighofen

Apart from the color, handlebars and the associated handling, there are many pretty details that separate white and black. Plastic engine protection and luggage rack here, a clear view of the beautifully shaped tank there. “Very noble,” Mona summarizes. Even the bench is visually and haptically different. Ultimately, it is the sum of these small differences that gives both models a certain independence.

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The water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine has an output of 42 hp.

From each other and especially from half-sister 390 Duke. Because unlike the KTM built in India, the exiled Swedes are made in Mattighofen. Nevertheless, the rough surface finish in places is also noticeable here. What still looks functional with the Duke is only partially compatible with the design-heavy look and the self-confident price of over 6,000 euros. Nevertheless: Svartpilen and Vitpilen are fun speedsters that need neither more equipment nor more top performance. They fascinate with a successful mixture of technical and optical reduction to the essentials. It remains to be seen whether the motorcycles really attract new target groups to their seats. But they definitely have what it takes! Black as white.

Which brings the victory in the comparison test?

Although we were very impressed with both bikes, the Svartpilen remains our clear favorite. The sporty seating position of the Vitpilen is not for everyone, but that’s a good thing. Thanks to their styling, both motorcycles would certainly fit well in an Ikea model living room. But the chic 401s are not only good for decoration, they are real driving machines. And a treat for single-cylinder fans who would rather steer 150 kilos than 150 hp. Vitpilen and Svartpilen prove this impressively in every curve. We do not dare to answer whether the hefty surcharge of 900 euros to the half-sister 390 Duke is justified due to the lack of a comparison. Better to find out for yourself. And show your colors.

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