Next-Gen Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 Spied Again!

The next-gen Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 has been spotted testing again. Compared to the one spotted in August 2021, the one gets a few crucial changes. Expect Husqvarna to launch the motorcycle abroad by late 2022.

The recently spied test mule lacks the gaudy looking windscreen spotted on the bike earlier. Compared to the current-gen Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, the test bike features a slightly redesigned fuel tank with the extensions jutting forward. The radiator shrouds seem rather simple looking. While the circular LED headlight and LED indicators appear to be the same, the circular LCD instrument cluster has been replaced with a rectangular unit, likely to be a TFT screen with smartphone connectivity. 

You can also notice the trellis frame has been tweaked and the engine mounting points are different from the current-gen model. Even the engine casing appears to be different. That said, the current KTM 390 Duke-derived 373cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled powerplant already makes a healthy 43.5PS and 37Nm, so expect the updates to only be in the form of refinement tweaks, and perhaps the addition of multiple riding modes. Unlike the side-slung end can in the current model, the test bike comes with a different exhaust routing going all the way down the engine, and ending with a stubby catcon.  

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The swingarm and the subframe are also different, and the split seat appears to be more spacious than the current-gen model. The bike uses an inverted front fork and an offset rear monoshock, and the fork could be adjustable. But unlike last time, the test mule spotted now comes with the front disc mounted on the right side. The rear also gets a disc, along with dual-channel ABS. There’s also another test bike with the front disc on the left. Husqvarna could be experimenting with the disc placement. The spoke wheels appear to be shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber at both ends for optimum trail-friendly performance.

Overall, the 2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 gets a more well-rounded set of updates, and this should help the bike compete better with its sub-400cc peers in the European market. Husqvarna may not bring the updated model here because its 250cc twins, the Svartpilen 250 and the Vitpilen 250 themselves aren’t doing all that well in terms of sales.

Image Credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien