Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 in depth review after 12,000 KM

The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 stands out as a stylish naked bike that blends modern design with solid performance. This Swedish-Austrian motorcycle offers a unique café racer aesthetic that appeals to riders seeking something different from typical street bikes.
Key Specifications
Engine & Performance:
- Engine: 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
- Power: 44 HP at 9,000 RPM
- Torque: 37 Nm at 7,000 RPM
- Top Speed: 148 km/h
- 0-100 km/h: 5.1 seconds
Dimensions & Weight:
- Length: 2,020 mm
- Width: 820 mm
- Height: 1,135 mm
- Seat Height: 830 mm
- Weight: 157 kg
- Fuel Tank: 9.5 liters
Pricing and Availability

The Vitpilen 401 is priced around ₹3-3.5 lakhs in international markets. In India, Husqvarna has limited presence, with availability mainly through select KTM dealerships. The bike competes directly with the KTM 390 Duke, sharing the same engine platform.
What Makes It Special
Design Excellence: The Vitpilen 401 features a minimalist café racer design with clean lines, a round LED headlight, and premium white paint finish. The bike looks more expensive than its price tag suggests.
Shared DNA: Built on the same platform as KTM 390 Duke, it offers proven reliability with distinctive Husqvarna styling and tuning.
Riding Position: The bike offers a slightly forward-leaning position that’s comfortable for city riding while maintaining that sporty café racer feel.
Pros and Cons


Advantages:
- Stunning, unique design that turns heads
- Proven KTM engine with good power delivery
- Quality build and premium feel
- Excellent handling and agility
- Good fuel efficiency (around 25-30 km/l)
Drawbacks:
- Limited service network in India
- Higher price than KTM 390 Duke for similar performance
- Firm suspension setup
- Small fuel tank limits touring range
- Pillion comfort could be better
Vitpilen 401 vs KTM 390 Duke
While both bikes share the same 373cc engine, they offer different experiences:
Vitpilen 401: Premium design, café racer styling, slightly softer power delivery, higher price KTM 390 Duke: More aggressive styling, wider service network, better value for money, more accessible
Fuel Economy and Range

The Vitpilen 401 delivers decent fuel efficiency of 25-30 km/l in mixed riding conditions. With a 9.5-liter tank, expect a range of 240-285 km per fill-up, which is adequate for city commuting but limited for long tours.
Should You Buy It?
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is perfect for riders who prioritize style and uniqueness over outright value. If you want a bike that stands out in parking lots and offers solid performance with premium appeal, this is worth considering.
However, practical buyers might find better value in the KTM 390 Duke, which offers similar performance with wider service support and lower running costs.
Best For: Style-conscious urban riders, weekend enthusiasts, those wanting something different Skip If: You prioritize maximum value, need extensive touring range, or want widespread service availability
The Vitpilen 401 proves that sometimes paying a premium for distinctive design and exclusivity is worth it, especially when the underlying performance package is already proven and reliable.