Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has a top speed of 160 km/h, produces 44 hp and weighs 158 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 ('White Arrow' in Swedish) was introduced as a concept in 2014 and entered production in 2018, reviving the iconic Husqvarna street motorcycle brand under KTM Group ownership. It shares its platform with the KTM Duke 390, featuring a minimalist neo-retro café racer design penned by Kiska Design that drew significant attention for its clean, modern Scandinavian aesthetic. It remains notable as one of the most visually distinctive small-displacement café racers in the modern market, appealing to urban riders seeking style alongside performance.
44 hp
Power
37 Nm
Torque
158 kg
Weight
160 km/h
Top Speed
3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
KTM Duke 390 Sibling
The Vitpilen 401 shares its engine and platform with the KTM Duke 390, meaning parts are widely available and mechanics familiar with KTM can easily service it. This shared DNA generally supports solid long-term reliability.
Watch the Fuel Pump
Early models (2018-2019) had reported fuel pump and ECU issues that could cause unexpected stalling. Always check service history and confirm any recalls were addressed before buying used.
Soft Resale Value
The Vitpilen depreciates faster than comparable Japanese bikes due to limited brand recognition in some markets, which actually makes used examples excellent value for buyers. You can often find low-mileage units well below original MSRP.
Generations & Specs by Year
Initial production launch based on KTM 390 Duke platform, café racer styling, 373cc single-cylinder engine.
Updated Euro 5 compliant engine, revised electronics, new color options, minor ergonomic refinements.
Used Buyer Review
"Beautiful, fun, and rewarding — if you buy the right example."
$3,500-$5,500 usedThe Vitpilen 401 is genuinely one of the coolest-looking bikes you can buy used for under five grand, and that Swedish design still turns heads three years on. The KTM Duke 390 underpinnings mean it's actually a solid foundation — that single-cylinder thumper pulls hard from low revs and the WP suspension handles surprisingly well for a budget cafe racer. Just know what you're getting into before handing over cash. Check the service history obsessively. These bikes share Duke components but attract owners who buy on aesthetics and skip maintenance. Chain wear, air filter neglect, and ignored valve clearances are common finds. The clip-on riding position also polarizes people hard — urban commuting is fine, but anything over an hour becomes a genuine endurance test. Fuel range is modest too, around 130-150 miles realistically. Buy one with documented KTM dealer history, replace the stock chain and sprockets immediately if they're original, and budget for a comfort seat mod. Do that, and you've got a genuinely entertaining urban weapon.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALBattery voltage at idle, dimming lights, stalling
Hard starts, stuttering, sudden cutouts at speed
Inspect subframe and trellis joints closely
Fork leg oil stains, bottoming harshness on bumps
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent but electrical gremlins hurt long-term trust
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Triumph Thruxton 900
Moto Guzzi V7 Iii Racer
Husqvarna Vitpilen 701
Husqvarna Vitpilen 125
Husqvarna Vitpilen 250
Compare Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs Triumph Thruxton 900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs Moto Guzzi V7 Iii Racer
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 701
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 125
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs Husqvarna Vitpilen 250
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 Guides
More from Husqvarna
View all Husqvarna models →Community Reviews
Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401? +
Stator/charging system failure: Battery voltage at idle, dimming lights, stalling (serious) | Fuel pump failure or weak pressure: Hard starts, stuttering, sudden cutouts at speed (serious) | Vibration-cracked frame welds: Inspect subframe and trellis joints closely (moderate)
Is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 a good motorcycle? +
Beautiful, fun, and rewarding — if you buy the right example. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Urban riders valuing style over touring comfort. Avoid if: You ride long distances or hate maintenance.
What is the horsepower of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401? +
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 produces 44 hp @ 9,000 rpm, with 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 160 km/h.
Is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is a reasonable choice for new riders (44 hp is manageable), weighing 158 kg. Urban riders valuing style over touring comfort
Is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, notably: Stator/charging system failure (Battery voltage at idle, dimming lights, stalling). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 good for daily use? +
Urban riders valuing style over touring comfort Fuel: 3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401? +
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 reaches a top speed of 160 km/h, producing 44 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 Vitpilen 401? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/husqvarna/vitpilen-401/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
