Test: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (2020) // Black Arrow Designed For Urban Explorers

It's been a good two years since I first drove the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and the motorcycle has not undergone major changes since 2020... New regulations, new standards, a few cosmetic fixes, but the essence remains the same. It's a fun mix of neo-retro styling and real scrambler with off-road tires that also grip great on asphalt. It is powered by a modern and well-proven 373cc single-cylinder engine capable of 44 horsepower and 37 Nm of torque.

The engine is lively and, despite the Euro 5 standard, it glows sporty. A well-thought-out six-speed gearbox with a system that allows shifting without the use of a clutch works smoothly and provides stable acceleration for this class and a final speed of just over 160 km / h. Therefore, Svartpilen 401 is in no way this is not a boring or “god forbid” cheap productbut with every detail it shows that a lot of time and money has been invested in its development and design in the factory.

The tubular frame is well welded, the plastic parts work compactly, sturdily, the seat is anatomically shaped and, despite the bike's smaller size, is large enough for my son and me to travel. I liked how the taillight is integrated into the back of the seat, which even has an anti-slip coating. But the list doesn't end there. The suspension, which also handles uneven surfaces well, was provided by the prestigious manufacturer WP.

The ABS braking system is from Bosch, and the radial brake calipers on a huge 320mm brake disc are from cheaper manufacturer Brembo ByBre. For a bike of this size, the weight (without fuel weighs 153kg) and braking speed work great. There's only one thing that really worries me. For my height of 180 cm, this is half my size. The seat height from the ground is only 835mm, which is a bit low for me, so I would say this bike will look like plaster for anyone below 170cm.

But I love the look and freshness that he brings to his idea. It rides around town as easily as a scooter, and after enough adventure on the weekend, I can hit the road down the dusty rubble road.

Rock Perko: Representative of Husqvarna motorcycles in the road program

Our former top skier remains a fan of speed even after the end of his sporting career. Because he appreciates motorcycles with character, he quickly settled on the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, which is definitely an extremely fresh motorcycle in terms of design. He prefers to ride around the city, on errands and occasionally makes short trips on this motorcycle. He loves the Vitpilen 401 because, in addition to the reflected appearance, it also brings dynamism and lightness to the corners, and with off-road tires, it can drive far even on gravel roads. 

• Basic data

  Sales: MotoXgeneration

  Base model price: 5.750 €

• Technical information

  engine: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 373 cc, direct fuel injection

  Power: 32 kW (44 hp)

  Torque: 37 Nm

  Energy transfer: 6-speed gearbox, chain

  Frame: tubular chrome-molybdenum

  brakes: front spool 320mm, rear spool 230mm

  Suspension: front adjustable inverted telescopic fork WP, rear adjustable single damper WP

  Tires: 110/70R17, 150/60R17

  Growth: 835 mm

  Fuel tank: 3,7 l / 100 km (fuel tank: 9,5 l)

  Wheelbase: 1.357 mm

  Weight: 153 kg (dry)

We praise and reproach

production, quality components

driving pleasure despite the small engine

unique view

comfortable driving position

price

mirrors could be more transparent

final grade

The truly unique look of the modern neo-retro scrambler is fresh and, above all, it impresses with the use of quality components, although in terms of volume and size it is a model for entering the world of motorcycles.