Vanessa

I doubt you could realistically shave much thickness out of the seat without making it almost unusable and extremely uncomfortable. It’s already very thin as it is. I’m 5′ 6.5″ and my bike is lowered with the official Husqvarna lowering kit (Note my bike is pre-2020MY, the lowering kit isn’t for the new 2020MY bikes). I have no problems at all…[Read more]

I 100% agree with @hannesd

I always wear earplugs while riding, I use Custom Fit Guards ear protection and highly recommend them. One your hearing is damaged that’s it, you can’t fix it.

I’m watching closely too, hopeful they’ll do something for the Svartpilen 401.

Very nice!

I agree it’s pretty poor. Mine hasn’t warped, but the buttons are next to impossible to press, especially in cold weather and with gloves on. Mine is full of condensation to the point where it’s sometimes difficult to read. I’m hoping that Badwinners will release a display for the Svartpilen 401 so I can swap. Waiting for some reviews and pics…[Read more]

OK, so you’ve asked this question a few times in different threads now.

Let’s think logically, a free-er flowing exhaust with no cat will promote higher port scavenging. At lower throttle openings the intake port velocity is increased anyway, but less low rpm exhaust back pressure will mean potentially lower torque ptoduced because of some lost…[Read more]

Right, well if you look at the parts diagram for the 401’s engine, specifically the page on the engine cases, you will see that the two main bearings that the crankshaft runs in are actually plain bushings pressed into the engine crankcase halves. These need constant full film lubrication to remain in good condition. When a plain bush bearing…[Read more]

My local Husqvarna dealer CPS Motorcycles of Hinckley mentioned to me that oil quality and grade were important on the 401 singles, and they certainly didn’t recommend cheap oil. They also said that main engine bearing pick up was not unheard of on these engines, which was especially important as Husqvarna don’t offer main bearing shells as spare…[Read more]

Okay. Speaking personally, engine oil isn’t something I want to cheapen out on. But if you decide to try it, let us know if there are any damaging effects on your engine.

@hannesd why not use the recommended 15W50? I’d only switch to a 10W oil if I lived in an extremely cold climate. And then only in the winter. And a 40 grade oil will most likely be too thin when the engine gets hot. A 10W50 would be a good cold climate oil for the 401.

On my Svartpilen 401, changing sprocket sizes/ratios did not affect the speedo readout or odometer. The speed and distance information is supplied by the ABS system, using the wheel speed sensors (polewheels mounted at the centre of each wheel). The only change that would affect the speed and odo readings would be if you changed the wheel sizes…[Read more]

Where are you based? What year is your bike?

The bolts for the pre-2020 Svartpilen 401’s are M6 x 45mm according to the parts catalogue.

If I were you I’d order some shorter ones. You can surely measure how shorter you need by comparing to the original ones? Then order on eBay. I’d buy stainless blackened ones from a seller called carbolts. I…[Read more]

Here is a link to the oil filter service kit on eBay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KTM-OIL-FILTER-KIT-250-DUKE-15-17-390-DUKE-2013-2018-RC-390-2014-17-90238015010/392088065471?epid=681409864&hash=item5b4a4515bf:g:584AAOSwBahVK~9q&redirect=mobile

The seller is based in Vincetown NJ.

The part number is 90238015010

😀

Evotech instructions are top notch, they often put other accessory companies to shame.

I think the gauge on the ‘Pilens is one of the worst features of the bikes. It looks like a cheapo tamagotchi. The way the rev counter numbers aren’t back-lit so aren’t visible at night. Or the fact it resembles a yoghurt pot lid. Mine is full of condensation too. Hoping the Badwinners TFT kit will be available at some point soon.

The Triumph…[Read more]

OK, thanks. Didn’t realise the stock rear shock on the 701 was so bad. The stock shock on my SP401 seems fine to my novice backside. It does have the lowering spring fitted though.

Speaking of shock absorbers, I’ve just received a pair of custom built Nitron shocks for another bike of mine (with genuinely terrible stock shocks), not a Husky…[Read more]

Quick question, why would an 8 year old shock absorber be a good idea to fit to a new bike? Will it be any better than the one already on the bike? Just curious.

Yep, the right dealer experience can make or break a brand experience. A good one can make owning the bike a joy, even if there are problems with the bike, if they are dealt with well it can still be good. Whereas a bad dealer can spoil an otherwise great bike buying and owning experience. I’ve had both.

Are you able to go to a different dealer?

I use CPS in Hinckley, and whilst they are primarily off-road biased, they are really knowledgeable on all things Husqvarna, and are fully versed in the on-road bikes too, including recommending (and stocking) Motorex Formula 4T.