Six years after the introduction of the first street bike, Husqvarna has completely renewed the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401. The two cool bikes for the A2 driving license are equipped with a stronger block with slightly more lung capacity, a new frame and a slightly refreshed design.
You will probably have to have them side by side to spot the differences between the 2023 and 2024 versions of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401, but they have indeed been modified from top to bottom in Mattighofen.
Starting with the block, the cylinder capacity of which has been slightly increased to 399 cc (from 375 cc) by increasing the stroke length from 60 to 64 mm. This has resulted in a slightly higher power of now 45 hp at 8,500 rpm (was 44 hp @ 9,000 rpm) and 39 Nm. At 7,000 rpm (was 37 Nm @ 7,000 rpm).
As for the cylinder coating, KTM has switched from Nicasil to a plasma coating, a process that, according to the Austrians, requires fewer chemicals, which has made the production process slightly more sustainable. A new position of the thermostat must have ensured better heat management and a faster heating time.
For a better flow of the air/fuel mixture, the camshafts have been given more lift, the rocker arms have an LDC coating for minimal friction and maximum durability, the piston is made of airweight aluminum. As far as injection is concerned, KTM has switched from Bosch to Dell’Orto. KTM claims cleaner emissions thanks to finer atomization and an improved injection angle.
The engine management is still controlled by a Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire throttle control, which controls the incline-dependent traction control. The system has 2 modes and can also be switched off. The intake and exhaust system has also been completely overhauled, with a new airbox, air intake and a completely new exhaust system.
Finally, the gearbox, the gear ratios of which have remained the same, but some updates have been made to the shift roller to make the gear shift easier. Although that is not an issue anyway thanks to the up/down quickshifter.
The completely new engine is mounted in a similarly renewed frame that now has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1,368 mm, although that is still nice and short. In the new design, the rear shock position has been moved off-center to make room for a larger airbox while lowering the seat height from 835mm to 820mm. In addition to the new frame, the 2024 401 has a new aluminum swingarm.
In terms of suspension and brakes, both models are equipped with WP APEX suspension (43mm upside down at the front and a monoshock at the rear) that is adjustable, ByBre (Brembo’s made in India) brakes (320mm disc at the front and 240mm disc at the rear ) and Bosch cornering ABS with Supermoto mode.
We already said it, the new Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 have a slightly lower seat, which will definitely benefit the ergonomics because you will certainly sit less hunched over on the Vitpilen. However, according to the designers from Mattighofen, both models steer just as flashy, light and direct as before. Oh yes, from the saddle you have a view of a completely new 5″ TFT color display.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.