16 February 2024

Pair of 401s bring street cred to Husqvarna

It used to make everything from chainsaws to garden tractors, but for us it’s always been the bikes Husqvarna produces that tickled our fancy.

Having staked its claim to biking fame in off-roaders, the now KTM-owned company is making inroads to the street bike market as its new 401 machines demonstrate.

 

Husqvarna, long associated with legendary range of off-road machines, has launched new Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 street bikes.

Both feature entirely new engines housed in a brand new chassis, all presented in a newly designed package.

They’re also A2 licence friendly.

The all-new steel trellis frame is harnessed to a lightweight aluminium swingarm and is sprung with WP suspension on each end.

A longer wheelbase is married to a new seat height. At 820mm, the seat is accessible to riders of all heights and will help improve cornering behaviour.

Good steer

The Vitpilen model further benefits from new handlebars that offer reduced weight for more responsive steering.

A single cylinder engine is at the heart of the matter and has a strong association with the KTM engine of the same size.

Power is produced in an easy and predictable manner.

While being billed with the cool moniker of 401, this motor is a 399cc affair.

It also puts out 45bhp, not mighty, but a figure that even the most experienced motorcyclist should find more than enough around the city.

Light work

The small engine, 17” wheels and lightweight components make for bikes that offer a dynamic ride and, as such, one that ‘forgives’ the 45bhp!

Both 401 machines also feature an electronics suite that we’re more used to seeing on bigger bikes.

Three riding modes make for a more adaptable machine, while cornering ABS and traction control will help get the overenthusiastic amongst us out of trouble!

The ABS is supplied by Bosch and delivered to a set of ByBre calipers and disks. The levers are adjustable. There’s even a quick shifter.

 

Pair of high-specs

The surprisingly high-specs of both bikes continues with a 5” bonded glass TFT display, where all the detail is presented to the rider. The LED headlight has a positioning, or adjustable, light ring.

Wheels are shod with Michelins Power 6 tyres on the Vitpilen and the highly regarded Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR hoops on the Svartpilen.

Talk to Gavin or any of the team at CCM Racing on 01 4526170 who should have prices and delivery dates confirmed as you read this.

Husqvarna bike insurance quote? Call our specialist two-wheel team on 0818 945 950.

 

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