ROAD NEWS
HUSQVARNA ANNOUNCES NEW SVARTPILEN AND VITPILEN 401
Husqvarna ’ s LAMS-approved Svartpilen and Vitpilen gain a boost for 2024 with a new frame and bigger engine , but there ’ s a catch , as NZ will not be getting them ... for now anyway . That said , Husqvarna ’ s Marketing Manager , Rosie Lalonde , gave hope that they will be coming our way eventually , “ We do not officially have stock of these MY24 models arriving directly into New Zealand , however , we are looking to hopefully be able to bring a selected amount of stock over from Australia once they land across the ditch .” It ’ s a real shame the new bikes aren ’ t on a fasttrack for NZ , as for the 2024 model year Husqvarna has given both bikes a boost for what is one of the most competitive spaces in the market . Starting with the frame , the 401s receive an all-new steel trellis frame which Husqvarna says preserves the agility of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models . This is matched up with a lightweight aluminium swingarm and the obligatory WP
suspension ensuring predictable handling . They also feature a longer wheelbase , and revised seat heights , to improving cornering behaviour . The sportier Vitpilen further benefits from new handlebars that offer reduced weight for highly responsive steering . In the engine department , both the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are powered by a larger 399cc , 45hp , single-cylinder engine that is not only EURO 5 + -compliant but also has an improved weight distribution and revised gearbox . As with the previous generation of 401s , tech is shared between both the Vitpilen and Svartpilen including cornering MTC , switchable ride modes , adjustable WP suspension , ByBre brakes and Bosch cornering sensitive ABS . Info is displayed to the rider via a 5-inch bonded glass TFT display , while a premium paint finish with decals and 17-inch wheels complete the unmistakable style of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models . The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will only be available in Australia from June 2024 onwards . We ’ ll have to see if any make it over the ditch to NZ .
24 KIWI RIDER