2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 First Look

The “white arrow” 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 comes with cast wheels, Michelin Power 6 tires, and a one-piece seat.

The “black arrow” 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 offers a flyscreen, higher handlebars, tank-mounted luggage rack, separate rider and pillion seats, a pillion grab handle and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires.

Most of the changes to the 401 models echo the updates to the 390 Duke. The Vitpilen and Svartpilen receive the updated single-cylinder engine, now displacing 399cc instead of the previous 373cc. The engine received a new, smaller cylinder head with a larger valve cover, a simpler valve cover gasket for easier maintenance, new camshafts providing more valve lift, and a more efficient cooling system. The fuel injection system and airbox were also updated. Husqvarna says the changes provide better weight distribution and improved performance, claiming a peak output of 44.3 hp at 8,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft. at 6,750 rpm from the engine.

The gearbox has the same gear ratios as the previous generation, but it has been updated with an optimized shift drum and improved fork pins. The 2024 models also come with a bidirectional quick shifter and a power-assisted slipper clutch.

The new engine also has reduced service requirements compared to the old unit. Oil, oil filter, and air filter changes are at every 10,000 km (6,200 miles), while valve checks are every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).

The Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 models also receive a new underslung exhaust that Husqvarna claims to weigh 4.4 pounds less than the previous system. The electronics package includes Street and Rain engine modes, lean-sensitive traction control with three levels (Street, Rain, and Off), plus a speed limiter function that also serves as a cruise control system. A 5-inch TFT displays the electronic settings, while also offering smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.

The chassis was also updated for 2024, with the 401 models having a slightly longer wheelbase compared to the 2023 models. The new steel trellis frame is now a two-piece design, with the rear subframe bolted on. The main frame provides more torsional rigidity compared to the previous design, while the subframe was designed to improve comfort for passengers.

The rear shock is now offset to the right side, a change to accommodate the larger airbox while also reducing seat height by a half inch to 32.3 inches. The curved swingarm was changed accordingly to fit the redesigned shock and muffler.

Both 401 models are equipped with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge forks with adjustable compression and rebound. The WP APEX rear shock is adjustable for rebound and preload. Both front and rear suspension systems provide 5.9 inches of travel.

The brakes are supplied by ByBre, with a single radial-mount four-piston caliper and 320 mm disc up front, and a rear 240 mm disc with a floating two-piston caliper. A two-channel Bosch 9.3MP ABS system comes standard, including cornering function and a Supermoto mode that turns off rear wheel ABS.