Pierer Mobility has offered class-leading performance, adjustability, and technical features in the lightweight category for years with the KTM RC 390—a 2022 Cycle World Ten Best winner—and 390 Duke. Meanwhile its Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 counterparts have fallen behind since their inception in 2018. But after years of being static, Husqvarna offers an all-new Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 for 2024.

Basically, everything is new on these bikes. The engine has been heavily overhauled and increased from 373cc to 399cc. The all-new chassis is longer and wider with an emphasis on increased torsional rigidity. Suspension has been updated, now offering compression, rebound, and preload adjustment. A new 5-inch color TFT display has been added with switchable ride modes, adjustable traction control, and adjustable ABS.All of these updates were originally applied to the 2024 KTM 390 Duke earlier this year. And now the Husqvarna models benefit from them as well.

What’s the Difference?Before we jump into the technical information about the bikes we need to address the differences between them. What differentiates the Vitpilen 401 from the Svartpilen 401? Almost nothing. If you compare their specs, they are nearly identical. However a few key distinctions dedicate one as a roadster and the other as a scrambler. And those can be summed up in three words: styling, handlebar, and wheels and tires. OK, that’s four, but you get the point. There are really just three things separating the two bikes.EnginePowering both models is a new 399cc DOHC liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a revised six-speed transmission, bidirectional quickshifter, and a PASC slipper clutch producing 38.9 hp and 23.9 lb.-ft. of torque on the Cycle World dyno. Despite its larger displacement, the new engine is lighter than the previous 373cc mill, according to Husqvarna. The redesigned high-strength steel exhaust is 4.4 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

ElectronicsBoth models feature a new electronics package offering two ride modes (Street, Rain) switchable traction control, switchable ABS, Easy Shift (quickshifter), a speed limiter, and Bluetooth connectivity. Each ride mode has a dedicated traction control setting, but traction control can be disabled allowing riders to pop wheelies or slide corners. The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401′s traction control system is cornering sensitive, collecting data via a 3D sensor.The Bosch cornering-sensitive ABS is also adjustable between two different modes. Both bikes automatically default to ABS active at both wheels, but riders can go into a menu on the dash and select Supermoto ABS; making the system less intrusive at the front wheel and completely disabling ABS at the rear wheel.

Easy Shift is essentially a bidirectional quickshifter. The system allows for clutchless gear changes. When the system detects movement at the shifter, power is momentarily limited allowing the transmission to seamlessly find the next gear. Husqvarna’s Connectivity Unit is standard on both bikes. When connected to Bluetooth via a smartphone, riders can answer incoming phone calls, play music through a communication device, and receive turn-by-turn navigation on the dash when using the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app. The adjustable electronics suite can be accessed via the new 5-inch full-color TFT display.

SuspensionDespite one being a roadster and one being a scrambler, the 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 feature the same adjustable WP Apex suspension. Up front is a 43mm WP Apex open-cartridge fork offering 5.9 inches of travel with compression damping in the left leg and rebound damping in the right leg. Both sides offer five clicks of adjustability.

At the rear is a WP Apex shock and progressive spring with rebound and preload adjustment offering 5.9 inches of travel and five clicks of damping adjustment. The shock has been offset to accommodate the new airbox and design goals of a lower seat height and mounts directly to the redesigned swingarm. The curvature of the cast aluminum swingarm not only offers a modern appearance but was designed to create additional space for a new silencer.

ChassisAn all-new steel-trellis frame is longer and wider than the predecessor to increase torsional rigidity for improved stability and cornering performance. A new bolt-on subframe has also been designed to match the frame and suspension changes for the new models. Husqvarna shared that one of its design goals for the new Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 was to increase the bike’s footprint, making them visually larger.

But despite the new bike’s larger appearance and longer wheelbase (53.9 inches), the seat height has been reduced to 32.3 inches on both models. The gas tanks are identical on both bikes with a fuel capacity of 3.4 gallons. Braking components are also identical: Both bikes sport an opposed four-piston ByBre caliper and 320mm disc up front and a dual-piston floating ByBre caliper with a 240mm disc at the rear.

Wheels, tires, weights, and ergos are where things truly differ. The Vitpilen features 17-inch cast wheels with Michelin Power 6 tires, a flat one-piece roadster-style handlebar, and a claimed dry weight of 341 pounds. On the Cycle World automotive scales, the Vitpilen weighed 363 pounds. The scrambler-styled Svartpilen features 17-inch spoked wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, a taller moto-style handlebar, and a claimed dry weight of 351 pounds. With a full tank of fuel, expect the Svartpilen to weigh closer to 373 pounds.

StylingStyling between the two models is only slightly different. Despite having the same basic components, the Svartpilen features knobby tires along with a few additional styling pieces and accessories making it suitable for gravel roads. But because these bikes are so similar, all of the additional styling pieces on the Svartpilen can be mounted to the Vitpilen.

Both bikes utilize the same bodywork, but the Svartpilen 401 also features a fly screen, skid plate, fuel tank luggage rack, and two-piece seat with a pillion grab handle. And to put a bow on it, both bikes feature full LED lighting with self-canceling turn signals. For bikes priced less than $6,000, riders receive a lot of bang for their buck.

Riding ImpressionsHusqvarna’s Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 are among the best in class. Together these bikes offer lightweight handling and easy maneuverability that the small-displacement class typically provides, but add an injection of performance that Pierer Mobility is known for. The new 399cc engine is better than the previous with a tractable low-end, punchy midrange, and strong top-end. In city and urban areas, the throttle response is a little hesitant between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. But in the canyons, where the rpm is generally higher, this sensation was unnoticeable. Once the engine is spun up past this threshold, throttle delivery is extremely direct in Street mode and offers a surge of power at nearly every rpm.

Racing up and down the Malibu mountains, the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 handle like little racebikes. Their quick-revving 399cc single-cylinder engine likes to be pushed to its nearly 10,000 rpm rev limiter before banging the next gear with the assist of the bidirectional quickshifter. The story is the same for entering a corner. Click a few clutchless downshifts, feather the brakes, and the slipper clutch will handle the rest. And for those who like to get sideways, turn on Supermoto ABS and try your best impression of Chris Fillmore (pictured below). On the 401s ripping up a twisty backroad is full gas and full brakes.

Carving up corners and pitching slides wouldn’t be capable without a good chassis. Husqvarna increased the torsional rigidity of the new frame to improve midcorner stability. Essentially it wanted a burlier frame to handle spirited riding. Together with the updated WP Apex suspension, the 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401s are sportier than the neoretro styling suggests. Every time we picked up the pace in the twisties, they continued to perform. On the side of the tire, both bikes stay planted and composed. Their chassis doesn’t wallow or come unglued. Steering is quick and direct, and both bikes are just easy to turn. The Svartpilen steers slightly heavier because of its additional weight, but by no means is the scrambler a heavy-steering motorcycle. Suspension is taut, offers plenty of holdup, and is adjustable. Clicker adjustments are very noticeable and certainly change the behavior of the suspension action.During our sporty riding, we tuned the bike to be stiff. For city riding, soft. In their respective elements, both settings were great. With the clickers turned all the way in for spirited riding, the suspension stays up in the stroke, offering enough holdup for aggressive rider inputs and hard braking. Opening up the clickers all the way noticeably softens the suspension action making it comfortable on city streets and freeway junctions.

Shedding speed, the ByBre components are strong, progressive, and provide positive feel. Spending my time on both bikes with Supermoto ABS, I could consistently find the maximum braking potential on the front end without the intervention of ABS while sliding the rear tire. Like I said, “racebikes.” But comfortable ones. The revised ergonomics of the Vitpilen put it right in line with the Svartpilen’s level of comfort. Both models offer neutral, upright seating positions that are comfortable for an all-day ride.

Rest of ClassIf you are looking to buy a Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 or Svartpilen 401, there are a few other bikes you might consider. First and foremost, the 2024 KTM 390 Duke ($6,299); the bike that the new Husqvarna’s are based on. And in no particular order, the bikes that follow are also great options: Triumph’s Speed 400 ($4,995) and Scrambler 400 X ($5,595); Aprilia’s RS 457 ($6,799); Kawasaki’s Z500 ($5,599) and Ninja 500 ($5,299); Honda’s CB500F($6,899), NX500 ($7,399), and SCL500 ($6,799); Royal Enfield’s Himalayan 450 ($5,799).ConclusionBut which one do I buy? Essentially, both the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are the same bikes. They are nearly identical and provide very similar riding experiences and performance. So basically, the decision comes down mostly to style and a little bit of intended use. Any rider who has dirt-road aspirations, choose the Svartpilen. For riders who have no intention of leaving the pavement, the choice is yours. The 2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is a fine motorcycle, but if you choose the Svartpilen 401, be assured you’re not sacrificing much on-road performance. The question comes down to this: Would you rather ride a scrambler or a roadster?

2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 Specs