The 300-400cc naked motorcycle segment in India recently welcomed a new entrant, the Husqvarna Svartpile 401. It is the first time that the Swedish bikemaker has launched its 401 offering in India. We recently rode the Svartpilen 401, and here is what we think of it.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 sports scrambler styling with its rugged build. Elements like the round LED headlight with the LED DRL ring around it, the butch fuel tank with protrusions on both sides and the slim rear profile make the bike’s neo-retro appeal even more evident.
It comes with loads of features like full LED illumination, a TFT screen with optional smartphone connectivity, a bi-directional quick-shifter, traction control, ABS modes, a phone charging port, multiple display layouts, and more.
One particular bit that we liked while riding the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is the ‘Reduced’ mode on the screen. It displays only the speedometer, tachometer, and the gear position indicator.
Powering the new Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a 399cc single-cylinder engine that makes 46bhp at 9,000rpm and 39Nm at 7,000rpm. It is linked to a six-speed gearbox and benefits from a bi-directional quick-shifter as we mentioned earlier.
We like the engine’s quick and high-revving nature. Keeping the Svarptilen 401’s engine on the boil is engaging and enhances the riding experience. There is a notable punch after 5,000rpm and the bike clocks triple-digit speeds quicker than one would expect.
However, the quick-shifter performed inconsistently during our first ride and refused to shift up or down. This occurred in multiple instances and made us rely on the conventional way of using the clutch.
Husqvarna has also equipped the bike with a front and rear disc brake with dual-channel ABS. The setup offers commendable braking prowess and reduces the speed in a jiffy.
Since the Svartpilen 401 shares its platform with the new 390 Duke. It also benefits from adjustable WP Apex front forks and an adjustable WP Apex rear shock.
Although the brand calls this bike a scrambler, its riding posture is more on the lines of cafe racer. This comes as a miss-match as the off-roading capabilities of the Svartpilen 401 aren’t up to the mark.
We recommend you check our detailed first ride review of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 to know more and whether you should spend Rs. 2.92 lakh on it.
