Svartpilen 401 build quality?

P

PalmerC

new rider
Joined
Jun 24, 2023
Messages
2
Location
Calgary
Hi Everyone

I am a new rider I learned on a Honda Grom and then also bought a Suzuki V-Strom 650 to go on longer rides and on the highway. One thing I realized is that although I love my Strom I really enjoy driving in town/city on my Grom. I love a single cyclinder engine and the grunt of the Grom but down the road know I would likley want to upgrade to a bike that gives me a similar experince but just....more! So in researching the future upgrade I came across the Svart 401. Love what I have seen of the engine , the look , and I have sat on one and I like the height.

Then I came across this video about an owner that has has a lot of quality related problems and the comment section has a lot of folks that have had similar issues. Some of the things mentioned here and elsewhere are significant stalling, kickstand sensor, missing screws/bolts, body panels misaligned, engine head gasket issues etc. here is the link
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So I know came to a Huscvarna forum to get opinions so expect and would hope there are alot of fans here of the bike but just curious what you all think of these issues? Is this a real minority? Do you have similar issues? This made me look at the KTM 390 as I like the engine but I really prefer the style of the svart. Also there are only so many single cylinder street bikes to choose from. I know the 2024 is also coming out with changes. Not sure if some of these issues if they are a significant issue will be remediated.

thanks in advance for your comments
 
I like riding my 21, but for quality, it aint no Honda. When is last time you heard of one of those blowing a head gasket? I did buy mine used with 5k miles on it though. Among the quality issues I have encountered , Loose fasteners, warped left side body panel and both panels have to be forced into place to get all the fastener holes to line up.
I was not amused to find the swing arm pivots on plain metal bushings with no way to lube them beyond disassembly, when every other bike I have owned over the last 30 years had sealed needle bearings at that critical point. Instrument screen scratches easily and has no rim for protection and is difficult to read anyway.
Front turn signal stems were long droopy floppy things that looked ridiculous and had to be replaced with after market parts.
Having said all that, there is no direct equivalent to it for the riding I do and I do not regret purchase. I do wish I had bought one of the older, better looking, more ground clearance Austrian made ones though.
 
hqvadventure.com

How many miles do you have on your bike? Any reliability complaints?

My bike is 2021 Svartpilen with 5165 miles on it. I have only put 170 of those on it (It's cold here), the first owner about 4550 and the second about 450. No problem except quick shifter was never programmed in until I took it to the dealer, even though first 2 services were documented. Rear...
hqvadventure.com hqvadventure.com
 
PalmerC said:
Hi Everyone

I am a new rider I learned on a Honda Grom and then also bought a Suzuki V-Strom 650 to go on longer rides and on the highway. One thing I realized is that although I love my Strom I really enjoy driving in town/city on my Grom. I love a single cyclinder engine and the grunt of the Grom but down the road know I would likley want to upgrade to a bike that gives me a similar experince but just....more! So in researching the future upgrade I came across the Svart 401. Love what I have seen of the engine , the look , and I have sat on one and I like the height.

Then I came across this video about an owner that has has a lot of quality related problems and the comment section has a lot of folks that have had similar issues. Some of the things mentioned here and elsewhere are significant stalling, kickstand sensor, missing screws/bolts, body panels misaligned, engine head gasket issues etc. here is the link
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

So I know came to a Huscvarna forum to get opinions so expect and would hope there are alot of fans here of the bike but just curious what you all think of these issues? Is this a real minority? Do you have similar issues? This made me look at the KTM 390 as I like the engine but I really prefer the style of the svart. Also there are only so many single cylinder street bikes to choose from. I know the 2024 is also coming out with changes. Not sure if some of these issues if they are a significant issue will be remediated.

thanks in advance for your comments
Click to expand...

I have seen that vid, I subscribe to that channel.

I really think his complaints were minor.

I've had my '22 Vitpilen for 9 months and 2000 miles. No issues to report.

Back in the 80s and 90s I had a Honda 250 scooter and a Honda 1100 motorcycle. The scooter was more fun.

I like the feel of a single too.
 
Thanks for the replies folks. I am interested in seeing the changes that come with the 2024 model. Also I noticed Triumph is releasing some 400 cc bikes. I believe the engine although different is from the same manufacturer in India.
 
Last edited:
PalmerC said:
Thanks for the replies folks. I am interested in seeing the changes that come with the 2024 model. Also I noticed Triumph is releasing some 400 cc bikes. I believe the engine although different is from the same manufacturer in India.
Click to expand...

Yes, I believe there will be all new 401s for 2024.

The Triumph 400s don't look nearly as good to me as the 401s.
 
The Triumph looks to be more of a direct competitor than anything so far.
I like the looks.
In terms of weight and power is appears miles ahead of comparable Royal Infields, We will have to wait and see if it retains typical Truimph handling and quality.
My main complaint with the Svart is a lack of comfort. The Triumph Looks more comfortable with better ergos and a reasonably wide seat.
Being a Triumph, it is sure to outsell the Husky bigly.
I Look forward to some tests and maybe a comparison , but I do not anticipate a trade.
Anyway, it is a win to see an additional choice in the street single 400cc class
 
Liteway said:
The Triumph looks to be more of a direct competitor than anything so far.
I like the looks.
In terms of weight and power is appears miles ahead of comparable Royal Infields, We will have to wait and see if it retains typical Truimph handling and quality.
My main complaint with the Svart is a lack of comfort. The Triumph Looks more comfortable with better ergos and a reasonably wide seat.
Being a Triumph, it is sure to outsell the Husky bigly.
I Look forward to some tests and maybe a comparison , but I do not anticipate a trade.
Anyway, it is a win to see an additional choice in the street single 400cc class
Click to expand...

I don't think the Triumphs will be as "hot" as the 401s.

Their looks break no new ground, look like baby Bonnevilles, ho hum by now to my eyes.

They look to have a more upright riding position. I think that will be attractive to most but much less so to me. I talked to a Thruxton rider on the Fourth. My Vitpilen was the first he'd seen and he loved it. We both agreed that a Thruxton version of the new 400s would be great. He preferred the 401s to the new Triumphs.

I watched a few vids on the new Triumphs. Non adjustable suspension, no wire wheels, and no mention of a quick shifter. Their price is bound to be close to the 401s, some think much higher. And, don't forget, all new 401s for 2024 are likely.
 
Hi all,

Regarding build quality.
The shock leaked at 1700 miles on my svart 2021.

A little background info, the dealer I bought the bike from (new) stopped being a Husky dealer by the time I had to do the second service.
The next nearest dealer was 2 hours away and with 6 months of warranty left, I decided to take the risk and have the second service done at the place I bought the bike from.
A month later the shock leaked, I took the bike to the official dealer (2 hours away) who attempt to get it sorted under warranty but Husky refuses the claim due to the service (I'm in the UK) done by a non-husky dealer. The service had nothing to do with the shock but I guess manufacturers will use any excuse to get out of paying up.

Beyond the warranty nonsense, the shop informed me that the stock rear shock is a sealed unit, therefore, cannot be serviced/fixed and has to be replaced!
I posted this as I feel this ticks both the build quality and durability.

I am getting the stock shock replaced with a nitron R1 later this month.

The bike has not been off-road and has been regularly cleaned although ridden throughout the year.


TLDR: Non-authorised dealer service invalidates your warranty in the UK. Stock shock is not serviceable, if it breaks you need to replace it.
 
Stealthy said:
Hi all,

Regarding build quality.
The shock leaked at 1700 miles on my svart 2021.

A little background info, the dealer I bought the bike from (new) stopped being a Husky dealer by the time I had to do the second service.
The next nearest dealer was 2 hours away and with 6 months of warranty left, I decided to take the risk and have the second service done at the place I bought the bike from.
A month later the shock leaked, I took the bike to the official dealer (2 hours away) who attempt to get it sorted under warranty but Husky refuses the claim due to the service (I'm in the UK) done by a non-husky dealer. The service had nothing to do with the shock but I guess manufacturers will use any excuse to get out of paying up.

Beyond the warranty nonsense, the shop informed me that the stock rear shock is a sealed unit, therefore, cannot be serviced/fixed and has to be replaced!
I posted this as I feel this ticks both the build quality and durability.

I am getting the stock shock replaced with a nitron R1 later this month.

The bike has not been off-road and has been regularly cleaned although ridden throughout the year.


TLDR: Non-authorised dealer service invalidates your warranty in the UK. Stock shock is not serviceable, if it breaks you need to replace it.
Click to expand...

How much did the Nitron shock cost you? Is it also an upgrade? How much are the stock shocks?
 
It is an upgrade as it is fully serviceable, and they claim "it shares components with race suspension".
It was £550 for the shock. They asked for my weight with gear on, if I take a pillion regularly and whether I do track days etc. They are bespoke built so it took 4 weeks to make and ship to me.
I can't say anything on performance yet as the business that was meant to install it went into administration. I can report back towards the end of the month once it's been fitted and I've had a chance to ride it enough.
 
Sorry missed the stock shock question. I was quoted £650 for a stock shock. So the Nitron was the obvious choice.
 
I have another suspension problem. Left fork seal leak ( 2 year old bike, 5400 miles)
It is unfortunate I tried the home remedy of using Fork Mate after discovering the problem months ahead of warranty expiration.
The leak was so minor and I ride so infrequently I was not sure it was still leaking till it was too late to take it to the dealer under warranty for a proper repair.
 
Stealthy said:
Hi all,

Regarding build quality.
The shock leaked at 1700 miles on my svart 2021.

A little background info, the dealer I bought the bike from (new) stopped being a Husky dealer by the time I had to do the second service.
The next nearest dealer was 2 hours away and with 6 months of warranty left, I decided to take the risk and have the second service done at the place I bought the bike from.
A month later the shock leaked, I took the bike to the official dealer (2 hours away) who attempt to get it sorted under warranty but Husky refuses the claim due to the service (I'm in the UK) done by a non-husky dealer. The service had nothing to do with the shock but I guess manufacturers will use any excuse to get out of paying up.

Beyond the warranty nonsense, the shop informed me that the stock rear shock is a sealed unit, therefore, cannot be serviced/fixed and has to be replaced!
I posted this as I feel this ticks both the build quality and durability.

I am getting the stock shock replaced with a nitron R1 later this month.

The bike has not been off-road and has been regularly cleaned although ridden throughout the year.


TLDR: Non-authorised dealer service invalidates your warranty in the UK. Stock shock is not serviceable, if it breaks you need to replace it.
Click to expand...
Where did it leak from, if I may ask? I think mine has a very small smear from the adjustment screw.
 
J.B. said:
Where did it leak from, if I may ask? I think mine has a very small smear from the adjustment screw.
Click to expand...
It leaked from the red seal block that sits within the spring and under the piston. I think 60% of the oil leaked in one go (I saw a bit of smoke when I arrived at my destination as quite a bit leaked onto the exhaust resonator) and the rest gradually dripped during the ride to the dealership.
 
PalmerC said:
Hi Everyone

I am a new rider I learned on a Honda Grom and then also bought a Suzuki V-Strom 650 to go on longer rides and on the highway. One thing I realized is that although I love my Strom I really enjoy driving in town/city on my Grom. I love a single cyclinder engine and the grunt of the Grom but down the road know I would likley want to upgrade to a bike that gives me a similar experince but just....more! So in researching the future upgrade I came across the Svart 401. Love what I have seen of the engine , the look , and I have sat on one and I like the height.

Then I came across this video about an owner that has has a lot of quality related problems and the comment section has a lot of folks that have had similar issues. Some of the things mentioned here and elsewhere are significant stalling, kickstand sensor, missing screws/bolts, body panels misaligned, engine head gasket issues etc. here is the link
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

So I know came to a Huscvarna forum to get opinions so expect and would hope there are alot of fans here of the bike but just curious what you all think of these issues? Is this a real minority? Do you have similar issues? This made me look at the KTM 390 as I like the engine but I really prefer the style of the svart. Also there are only so many single cylinder street bikes to choose from. I know the 2024 is also coming out with changes. Not sure if some of these issues if they are a significant issue will be remediated.

thanks in advance for your comments
Click to expand...
I recently purchased a brand new 2024 Svartpilen 401. I had it a couple of days before I noticed rear wheel out of centre to rear subframe, and bad front/rear wheel alignment issue. Trying to correct one issue made the other worse. It’s gone back to the dealer for a refund. Other bikes at the dealers were the same.
Not touching another!!
 
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