Motorcyclists have always been drawn to motorcycles that combine purist aesthetics with strong performance. Meet the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, a motorcycle that diverges from typical design parlances and sets the standard for what an urban streetfighter of today should look and feel like. Translating to “White Arrow” in Swedish, the Vitpilen 401 draws its inspiration from Husqvarna’s history in manufacturing motorcycles combined with KTM’s reliable engineering.
With its cafe-racer design, light frame, and punchy motor, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is the type of motorcycle that is both sought after by enthusiasts but also by young, fashion-savvy urban riders. In this detailed blog, we cover the Vitpilen 401 from all sides—design, performance, features, comfort, technology, safety, and price.
1. Stunning Design: A Combination of Retro and Futurism
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 looks unlike any other in its class. While most street bikes are aggressive with angular lines and bulbous profiles, the Vitpilen 401 takes a clean, smooth, and almost surgical-looking approach to design. The tank blends into the bodywork. The naked trellis frame and spartan tail section talk of light engineering. It’s not only a bike—it’s industrial art on two wheels.
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Some design highlights
- Round LED headlamp with a distinctive daytime running light (DRL)
- Sculpted 9.5-liter fuel tank with Husqvarna badging
- Bronze-colored engine casing that adds to its premium look
- Clip-on handlebars that emphasize sporty ergonomics
- Clean and functional rear with an underbelly exhaust
Whether you’re parked at a cafe or slicing through downtown traffic, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 turns heads effortlessly.
2. Engine and Performance: KTM’s Proven Heartbeat
Beneath the sleek, futuristic exterior is a ferocious heart. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 takes its powerplant from the KTM 390 Duke—a highly sought-after and tried-and-tested motor.
- Engine: 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
- Max Power: 43.5 PS @ 9,000 RPM
- Max Torque: 37 Nm @ 7,000 RPM
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
This rev-happy engine is characterized by responsiveness, sharp throttle action, and linear power delivery. Whether for sprinting through traffic lights or cruising at 100 km/h on highways, the Vitpilen 401 promises thrilling performance. The lightweight and agile Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 means the power-to-weight ratio is highly enjoyable for the city experience.
3. Handling and Ride Experience
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has a light weight steel trellis chassis which, when mated to WP Apex suspension components, provides outstanding balance and agility.
- Front Suspension: WP Apex 43mm USD forks
- Rear Suspension: WP Apex mono-shock (adjustable preload)
- Front Brake: 320mm disc with ByBre caliper
- Rear Brake: 230mm disc with ByBre caliper
- Dual-channel ABS (with Supermoto mode)
The WP suspension system provides the bike with a plush but well-controlled ride, and the short wheelbase makes it extremely flickable. This is where the Vitpilen 401 excels—city-friendly maneuverability with sufficient confidence to handle twisty roads. The rider position is sporty but not overly aggressive, though taller riders might get a little cramped on extended trips.
4. Features and Technology
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 might appear minimalist, but it doesn’t skim on essentials:
- All-LED lighting system to improve visibility and styling
- Digital LCD display that indicates gear position, fuel level, trip meters, and more
- Supermoto ABS mode that inhibits rear ABS for spirited riding
- Bosch EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) for smooth throttle feel
- Slipper clutch for safer downshifting and entering corners
Though it doesn’t have a proper TFT display or smartphone connectivity, the motorcycle is more riding purity than tech gimmickry. All that is on the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 serves a purpose and designed to improve the ride.
5. Comfort and Ergonomics
Built for short to mid-distance rides, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has a single piece of moderately padded seat. It has a seat height of 835mm, which could be a tad too high for smaller riders, but due to its waisted profile, it’s easy to navigate. The clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs provide a sporty stance—perfect for riding hard but still reasonable for daily rides.
But for extended touring, the seat and riding position might not be so accommodating. This is a fun-ride bike, urban zips, and Saturday-daybike—not long-distance cruising bike.
6. Build Quality and Finish
The attention to detail and finish of one of the most lauded features of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is perhaps the best part about this bike. The paintwork, materials, welds, and plastics all whisper of high-level craftsmanship. From the bronze-engined casing down to the exhaust pipe neatly hidden away, there is a ‘quality’ feel everywhere.
The powder-coated trellis frame is rugged, and the switchgear is tactile and solid. The build exudes confidence that the Vitpilen 401 is not only chic but also rugged enough for everyday abuse.
7. Mileage and Fuel Economy
Even with its performance bent, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 delivers decent fuel economy:
- City riding: 25–28 km/l
- Highway cruising: 30–33 km/l
With a tank capacity of 9.5 liters, you should get a real-world range of close to 250–280 km depending on the throttle manner. The fuel efficiency is reasonable given the performance at your disposal.
8. Safety Features
Safety is an area of high emphasis for the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401. Dual-channel ABS as standard provides stable braking at all times. The addition of Supermoto ABS mode is a welcome inclusion for experienced riders who enjoy sliding the rear for entertainment.
The grippy MRF Revz radial tires offer excellent grip. The robust ByBre braking system, which is owned by Brembo, provides stoppies that are confidence-inspiring in traffic or emergency situations.
9. Price and Value
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is reasonably priced for what it delivers:
- Ex-showroom India price: ₹2.90 lakh (approx.)
It comes at a touchpoint below the KTM 390 Duke but presents a whole different appeal. While the Duke is brutal and sporty, the Vitpilen 401 is elegant, minimalist, and distinctive. For those looking for distinctiveness, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 provides plenty of value in a niche bundle.
10. Who Should Purchase the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401?
This bike is not for every body—and that’s what makes it unique. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is perfect for:
- City riders seeking a chic, eye-catching bike
- Avid riders who appreciate light performance
- Retro-modern and cafe-racer bike enthusiasts
- Retro-modern and cafe-racer bike enthusiasts
- KTM 390 enthusiasts seeking a more sophisticated design
It is not suited for:
- Touring fans (seat and ergonomics are not long-distance friendly)
- Those on a budget (there are more affordable options)
11. Segment Competition
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is rivaled by quite a number of other motorcycles, including:
- KTM 390 Duke
- BMW G310 R
- TVS Apache RR 310
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (design difference)
What the Vitpilen has over them is design language and uniqueness. You won’t spot ten of them on any road—and for most buyers, that will be a major draw.
Conclusion: A Statement on Two Wheels
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is not just another naked bike—it’s a lifestyle machine. It appeals to riders who appreciate the blend of art and performance. From its sharp Scandinavian design to the proven performance of the KTM-sourced engine, the Vitpilen 401 is a powerful expression of what modern motorcycling can be.
Yes, it requires a little compromise in storage and comfort, but what you get is a character-filled machine with capable performance and unparalleled street presence. It’s a bike that doesn’t ask for attention but demands it.
For city commuters, daily riders who desire style, and aficionados who live for something different, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is a strong contender. It defies the status quo and gives you something utterly new and different—without ever compromising on the thrill of the ride. Whether you’re commuting to the office, cruising on the weekends, or parked next to your favorite coffee shop, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 guarantees you arrive in style.