If you missed out on a 2020 HusqvarnaVitpilen 401 or a 2020 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, we have good news. Husky says the 2021 Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401s are available now. The sweet little machines ride on the same basic gear that sits under the KTM390 Duke and RC 390, which means you get premium suspension and a punchy, economical single-cylinder engine.
The fact that Husky made no changes to the little rippers this year is testament to their spec and desirability. Think of this as the Swedes electing not to fix something that is very much not broken. Both bikes are admirable commuters, and both make short work of twisty roads where more cubic centimeters could spell disaster. The idea here is to make full use of every one of the bikes’ 44 hp, rather than letting yourself be ridden by something that belongs on a track.
Both bikes come with an absolutely stacked spec sheet. You get a Power Assist and Slipper Clutch (PASC), with Easy Shift, which allows you to bang up and down the gears without touching the clutch. The ByBre brakes have ABS with a supermoto mode, which lets you lock and slide the rear wheel.
To keep weight and power in check, Husqvarna spec’d adjustable WP Apex 43mm open-cartridge USD fork and WP Apex rear shock.
2021 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 Technical Specifications and Price
Price:
$5,099
Engine:
373cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single; 4 valves
Bore x Stroke:
89.0 x 60.0mm
Compression Ratio:
12.6:1
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection w/ 46mm throttle body
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate mechanical assist and slipper
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Frame:
Tubular steel trellis
Front Suspension:
43mm WP Apex inverted fork, fully adjustable; 5.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
WP Apex single shock, fully adjustable; 5.9 in. travel