Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Test Ride

People have seen this bike at EICMA for years and it’s finally here. Thanks to Studio Cycle Group and Husqvarna Canada for the test ride! This is not a review—just my impressions from trying it out.

My ideal bike is something super light, around 400cc (I hate Ontario moto insurance rates), modern with proper safety options like ABS etc, but not looking like a wasp/transformer. The Svartpilen checked all the boxes for me.

Pros:

• SUPER FUN!
• Unique style. Nothing else looks like this.
• Super lightweight (only 330ish lbs)
• great power to weight ratio. Plenty of muscle to get it up and going.
• You still have to shift a lot,which makes it SUPER FUN!
• Sounds pretty decent for a thumper.
• Brakes work really well (even though they’re the lower tier ByBre versions of Brembos)
• Clutch was lighter than expected.
• Expect there will be tons of aftermarket support for it.
• First batch of bikes are assembled in Austria

Cons:

• Unique style. You’ll ever love it or hate it.
• Seat height is a bit high for a ‘beginner’ bike. But once you get used to it, it’s not an issue.
• Dash looks cool but seems a little small.
• Some people would rather have a TFT screen.
• The KTM 390 engine that’s in this bike isn’t known for its reliability.
• Costs a pretty penny! (As do all euro-based premium bikes. Look how much the Ducati Sixty2 is)
• Fuel tank is pretty small
• dealer network in Toronto is limited (thankfully its in my neighbourhood)
• luggage space is tight (basically non-existent except the tank rack)
• later iterations of the bike are gonna be made in India

Overall, this little bike is awesome. I’m coming from a super fun but super weak Suzuki TU250x that’s just enough for highway but barely. The Svartpilen is the same weight as my bike but with nearly 3x the HP.

Yep, I want it.