Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

From a press release issued by Husqvarna:

Introduction.

The Vitpilen 401, Svartpilen 401 and Svartpilen 125 embody a progressive mix of modern thinking and classic design combined with the essential features the today’s motorcyclist demands.

The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 both feature a strong, tractable 373 cc, 44 hp single-cylinder EURO 5-compliant engine, making them equally at home in urban environments or out-of-town. The dynamic chassis, inviting dimensions and low weight result in an engaging ride. WP suspension guarantees exemplary handling with perfect rider feedback while ByBre brakes and Bosch ABS provide exceptional stopping power.

The updated Vitpilen 401, Svartpilen 401 and Svartpilen 125 continue Husqvarna Motorcycles’ tradition of development and increased presence in the street motorcycle market. The new graphics created for the 2022 emphasise their striking looks and simple, progressive mix of modern thinking and classic design philosophies from previous eras.

Technical highlights.

• Striking new graphics highlight the progressive design

• EURO 5 emission compliant

• High-strength steel trellis frame

• Reliable and efficient single-cylinder engine

• State-of-the-art Easy Shift function and ride-by-wire throttle

• Premium build quality and finish

• LED headlight and taillight

• Lightweight and nimble handling

• High-quality components and technology fitted standard

Features and benefits.

Chassis:

Steel trellis frame

The trellis frame is central to the character and agility of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models. Made from high-strength steel using hydro-formed tubes and robot welding, the frame is not only strong but also lightweight, ensuring nimble handling and providing detailed feedback to the rider. Designed with specific flex characteristics, the frame works in harmony with the WP suspension to offer a comfortable and confident feel combined with a tight turning circle for ease of use in urban environments.

Additionally, the bolt-on subframe has been specifically designed for optimum comfort when carrying a pillion.

· Bolt-on subframe → comfort for pillion and rider

Swingarm

Made from a lightweight alloy, the pin-jointed swingarm ensures exceptional durability and reliability. With carefully calculated rigidity and dimensions the swingarm, in combination with a WP monoshock, offers a high level of stability and predictable handling.

WP front suspension

The WP APEX 43 mm open-cartridge forks are made to exacting standards ensuring the highest level of quality and craftsmanship. The open-cartridge design contributes to the low overall weight of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models by using fewer components than most closed-cartridge systems while also allowing for easy maintenance. The front suspension offers dynamic handling while keeping the rider comfortable and confident when navigating busy city streets.

Additionally, all models are using a split damping function. Compression and rebound can be adjusted effortlessly on the Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401 using the easy access clickers located on the top of the fork tubes. These allow the rider to personalise the ride characteristics for preference and varying conditions.

WP monoshock

Directly connected to the swingarm, the WP APEX monoshock features a progressive spring design so that the rear shock is softer at the start of its stroke, soaking up small bumps effortlessly and ensuring maximum comfort. As the shock compresses, its spring becomes progressively stiffer absorbing larger bumps. Preload can be adjusted to compensate for a pillion or additional luggage.

Triple clamp and handlebars

Made from forged aluminium, the triple clamp uses specifically calculated flex characteristics to deliver consistent suspension functionality resulting in agile and comfortable handling. Additionally, fitted with offroad-style handlebars and risers, the Svartpilen 401 and Svartpilen 125 hint at a sense of adventure with an upright and remarkably comfortable riding position.

The Vitpilen 401 handlebars deliver consistent suspension functionality resulting in agile and comfortable handling. Additionally, the handlebars comprise of separate left and right units mounted directly to the upper triple clamp in a clip-on fashion, giving the Vitpilen 401 a sporty and stylish feel.

Brakes

Ensuring confident and controlled braking, the whole line-up is fitted with a hydraulically operated, radially mounted four-piston caliper at the front and a single-piston floating caliper at the rear. The calipers are manufactured to the highest standards by ByBre and combined with the 320 mm front and 230 mm rear perforated steel discs deliver controllable and confident braking performance.

Additionally, a state-of-the-art Bosch ABS system ensures the highest level of safety under braking in varying conditions. The system can be set to Supermoto mode, which disengages the ABS functionality at the rear wheel. More experienced riders then have control to lock up the rear wheel if needed.

· Hydraulically operated disc brakes → controllable and confident braking performance

· 10.1 MB two-channel Bosch ABS → highest levels of safety

· ABS can be set to Supermoto mode

Wheels and tyres

A design highlight of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models are the 17” spoked wheels. The wheels are very robust, offering premium reliability on challenging terrain while bringing a maximum of agility to the urban use-case.

Pirelli Scorpion STR tyres are fitted to the wheels of the Svartpilen models and have not only a unique visual appeal but also offer exceptional grip on a wide variety of terrain. The Vitpilen 401 is mounted with Metzler M5 tyres.

· 17” spoked wheels → stylish and robust

· Pirelli Scorpion STR → exceptional grip on a wide variety of terrain

· Metzler M5 -> sporty feedback and high safety

Design

Central to the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models is their progressive design. Unnecessary gimmicks are stripped away to create a simple, progressive mix of modern thinking and classic design philosophies from previous eras.

This way of thinking is synonymous with the Swedish heritage of the Husqvarna brand and is clearly seen in a design which is comprised of only what is needed.

The design additionally incorporates premium features and finishes, with subtle highlights such as LED lights front and rear. The headlight features an LED daytime running light while the rear light is integrated into the tail unit. The number-plate holder is fixed to the swingarm giving the rear end a clean and uninterrupted look.

· Progressive and simple design

· Premium finish and components → high level of quality as standard

Bodywork

The lightweight and narrow bodywork integrates the fuel tank cover into the side panels and allows the rider to move unhindered between riding positions.

The new, quality painted finish with subtle accents highlights the progressive and unique Vitpilen and Svartpilen design.

In addition, the skid plate mounted as standard below the engine casing conveys the urban design character while also protecting the engine.

· Striking new graphics highlight the unique design

Fuel tank

Seamlessly integrated into the design, the 9.5-litre fuel tank is a focal point of the design. The fuel tank cover is combined with the side panels in a one-piece construction allowing the rider to move unhindered between riding positions.

Additionally, the Svartpilen models feature a luggage rack fitted as standard to the fuel tank. The rack allows for the mounting of light luggage for added convenience.

Exhaust

Made from a combination of steel and aluminium, the exhaust system ensures the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models meet strict EURO 5 emissions regulations. Comprising of two parts, the front section of the exhaust system is made from steel while the silencer is made from aluminium, stylishly complementing the overall design.

The silencer is finished in line with each model design and features a heatshield as standard, protecting the rider from exhaust burns.

Engine:

Powering the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 is a modern 373 cc single-cylinder double overhead camshaft engine. The engine is remarkably compact, fitting tightly into the closely integrated chassis design. The engine delivers an impressive 37 Nm of torque from low down in the rev range, perfect for urban riding. Additionally, an engine counter-balancer shaft keeps vibration to a minimum delivering a smooth and comfortable ride. Peak horsepower is 32 kW (44 hp), making both suitable for A2 licence holders, and in combination with the lightweight construction makes for a power-to-weight ratio that will also excite more experienced riders.

Cylinder head

The Vitpilen and Svartpilen cylinder head is made up of four lightweight valves actuated by double overhead camshafts using cam levers. The cam levers incorporate a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating meaning they transmit minimal friction, improving performance and also making the design very reliable.

Piston

Made from lightweight aluminium, the piston has very low inertia and as a result transmits very little vibration ensuring a smooth ride. With an 89 mm bore and 60 mm stroke (for Svartpilen 125 58 mm bore and 47.2 mm stroke), the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 piston is housed in a Nikasil-coated cylinder for low friction and top-level durability and reliability.

Gearbox

Designed for urban use, the six-speed close-ratio gearbox provides smooth and easy shifting for the rider by using low-friction components. With the ample torque provided by the engine, the correct combination of power and control can be found for all urban riding scenarios.

For added convenience in the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401, the gearbox is linked to an Easy Shift sensor which allows the rider to make seamless up and down shifts without the use of the clutch. The sensor works by relaying the moment the rider actuates the gear lever to the ECU which in turn matches engine parameters to allow a smooth gear change at any revs or engine load.

Slipper clutch

As an additional feature, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are fitted with a slipper clutch. The slipper clutch works by allowing the clutch to slip under heavy braking into a turn and when torque levels are high from rapid downshifts. This prevents the rear wheel from hopping or sliding for more controlled deceleration.

Throttle Body

The Svartpilen 125 uses electronic fuel injection with a 33 mm throttle body, the engine delivers refined and very controllable power with low fuel consumption, while adhering to strict EURO 5 emission regulations.

The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are fitted with a modern ride-by-wire throttle. This state-of-the-art system allows the throttle input of the rider to be transferred to the 46 mm throttle body without the use delivering smooth and precise power. This is accomplished by providing the engine with the perfect amount of fuel for its current requirements and furthermore increases performance and efficiency.