Better Looking? Who Knows. Still Funky? Sure. Husqvarna Vitpilen
“Keep the Vitpilen quirky” may not be a well-known phrase, but it certainly should be. Husqvarna took this sentiment to heart when they opted to revamp both the Vitpilen and Svartpilen.
The original Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen rightfully earned recognition for injecting much-needed flair into the small displacement motorcycle segment. These inaugural models were unlike anything else on the market, as the designers appeared to have the freedom to think outside the conventional boundaries, crafting a look that truly stood out. Admittedly, you might need to squint a bit or dim the lights to fully appreciate their beauty, but there’s no denying that these bikes were undeniably intriguing. In a world filled with cookie-cutter designs, being interesting can rival beauty.
Now, Husqvarna has unveiled the 2024 Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401, marking the most significant redesigns since these unique machines debuted in 2018. Rest assured, they may just have become even funkier.
The updates include a completely new frame that provides a longer wheelbase, along with a fresh 399cc single-cylinder engine, and according to Husqvarna:
- New frame and swingarm that accommodate the new engine with off-centre rear suspension
- New 5” bonded glass TFT display (5″LCD display on Svartpilen 250)
- Open cartridge front fork (big piston fork on Svartpilen 250)
- A premium paint finish with overcoated decals
- Low seat height of 820 mm
- Cornering ABS (dual-channel ABS on Svartpilen 250)
- Easy Shift and connectivity features as standard
- LED headlight with positioning light ring (without positioning light ring for Svartpilen 250)
- Spoked 17” wheels with premium Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres (Svartpilen 125 and Svartpilen 401)
- Cast aluminium 17″ wheels with 6-spoke aero design and premium Michelin Power 6 tyres (Vitpilen 125 and Vitpilen 401)
As noted in the highlights, there are also new versions of the 125 and 250 class bikes.
