Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 has a top speed of 160 km/h, produces 43 hp and weighs 158 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 was introduced in production form in 2018, debuting alongside its sibling the Vitpilen 401 as part of Husqvarna's modern neo-retro urban lineup developed in collaboration with KTM. Built on the same platform as the KTM Duke 390, the Svartpilen (Swedish for 'Black Arrow') adopted a more scrambler-inspired aesthetic with upright bars and knobby tires, contrasting the cafe-racer style Vitpilen. It quickly gained a following for its lightweight, versatile character and distinctive Scandinavian industrial design.
43 hp
Power
37 Nm
Torque
158 kg
Weight
160 km/h
Top Speed
3.5–4.2 L/100km (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
KTM Duke 390 Platform
The Svartpilen 401 shares its proven 373cc single-cylinder engine and chassis with the KTM Duke 390, meaning parts are widely available and mechanics familiar with KTM can easily service it. This shared platform significantly reduces long-term ownership costs.
Watch the Cooling System
Owners commonly report the radiator fan running frequently in slow urban traffic, and the bike can run hot in stop-and-go conditions. Ensuring the coolant is maintained and the radiator is kept clean is a key maintenance priority.
Stable Resale Value
The Svartpilen 401 holds its value reasonably well due to its niche scrambler styling and cult following, often retaining 70-80% of its value after the first year. Its unique aesthetic keeps demand steady in the used market compared to more generic naked bikes.
Generations & Specs by Year
Initial production release; scrambler-style, WP suspension, 373cc single-cylinder, flat seat, blacked-out aesthetics.
"Stunning street scrambler that punishes you on long hauls."
The Svartpilen 401 grabbed me the moment I threw a leg over it — that flat seat, blacked-out tank, and upswept pipe make every other naked in its class look generic. Around town and on winding B-roads, the 373cc thumper is genuinely engaging; it pulls cleanly from 4,000 rpm and the WP suspension swallows rough tarmac better than the price tag suggests. But stretch a ride past two hours and reality bites hard — that minimalist seat is basically a plank, the wind protection is nonexistent, and vibration through the bars becomes a constant companion above 110 km/h. Reliability held up solid over 14,000 km, though the stock chain wore faster than it had any right to and the off-road bar ends are a fingerprint magnet that scratches if you look at them wrong.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"Character-packed urban scrambler that rewards buyers willing to overlook its flaws."
$3,500-$5,500 usedThe Svartpilen 401 is genuinely one of the coolest things you can buy used for under five grand, and I mean that without irony. The KTM Duke 390 engine underneath all that Scandinavian styling is a proven, rev-happy unit that'll hit 100mph without drama. That scrambler aesthetic isn't just posturing either — the high-mounted bars and grippy Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs make it genuinely capable on fire roads and loose gravel. Just don't expect serious off-road performance; it's a mood, not a motocrosser. Buy one between 2019-2021 and check the service history religiously. Early examples had occasional issues with the WP suspension feeling crashy over sharp bumps — a known quantity. Also inspect the subframe mounting points if it's been dropped, because owners do drop these. The flat seat looks stunning and feels punishing after 90 minutes. Budget for aftermarket seat foam or a gel pad immediately. Overall, it punches well above its price point in terms of character and urban usability. Not perfect, but deeply likeable.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALHard starts, stalling at idle, fuel delivery issues
Erratic idle, surging at low RPM
Loose exhaust, engine mounts, frame bolts
Oil residue on fork legs, soft front end
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent but needs attentive maintenance, watch electrics
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
Fantic Caballero 250
Swm Silverback 400
Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Husqvarna Svartpilen 250
Compare Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Fantic Caballero 250
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Swm Silverback 400
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Husqvarna Svartpilen 250
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Guides
More from Husqvarna
View all Husqvarna models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401? +
Fuel pump failure causing stalling: Hard starts, stalling at idle, fuel delivery issues (serious) | Throttle body and idle hunting issues: Erratic idle, surging at low RPM (moderate) | Excessive engine vibration loosening bolts: Loose exhaust, engine mounts, frame bolts (minor)
Is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 a good motorcycle? +
Character-packed urban scrambler that rewards buyers willing to overlook its flaws. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Urban commuters wanting style plus weekend adventure. Avoid if: You tour long distances or hate hard seats.
What is the horsepower of the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401? +
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 produces 43 hp @ 9,000 rpm, with 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 160 km/h.
Is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a reasonable choice for new riders (43 hp is manageable), weighing 158 kg. Urban commuters wanting style plus weekend adventure
Is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, notably: Fuel pump failure causing stalling (Hard starts, stalling at idle, fuel delivery issues). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 good for daily use? +
Urban commuters wanting style plus weekend adventure Fuel: 3.5–4.2 L/100km (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401? +
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 reaches a top speed of 160 km/h, producing 43 hp at 158 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/husqvarna/svartpilen-401/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
