Does the new Husky Svartpilen 401 pack enough credentials of a scrambler?
In this article
Scramblers are meant to be exciting. Fundamentally, they are supposed to do your everyday chores without hassle. Subsequently, be peppy and powerful enough for those weekend highway runs and the occasional run-off-the-mill chase for open pastures.
There might have been very few dedicated alternative two-wheelers of its kind for some time. But in 2024, we have more than a handful. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Triumph Scrambler 400 X are the top-shelf options at around ₹3 lakh in this segment. So, which one of the two has the more functional spec for scrambling?
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Engine
Specification
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Engine
398.6 cc, liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC
398.15 cc, liquid-cooled, 4V, DOHC
Power
42.9 bhp @ 9000 rpm
39.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque
39 Nm @ 7000 rpm
37.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Transmission
6-speed, with assist-slipper clutch
6-speed, with assist-slipper clutch
The Svartpilen 401 carries over the same mechanical package as the 3rd-gen KTM 390 Duke. The power and torque output has also remained the same. So, performance is in abundance here and we can safely say that the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a quick bike. The Triumph Scrambler 400 X produces slightly fewer horses and also has a lower rev ceiling. However, the engine has a good low and mid-range tune, which makes it ideal in offroad scenarios.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Underpinnings
Specification
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Front Suspension
Adjustable WP APEX USD forks, 43mm diameter
43mm upside down Big Piston forks
Rear Suspension
WP APEX Monoshock, preload adjustable
Gas monoshock RSU with external reservoir and preload adjustment.
Front Brake
320 mm, Bybre, 4-piston caliper
320 mm, 4-piston caliper
Rear Brake
240 mm, single piston caliper
230 mm, single piston caliper
Tyres
110/70 - 17 - Front
150/60 - 17 - Rear
100/90-19 - Front
140/80-17 - Rear
Both bikes benefit from premium suspension equipment. The travel tune of the suspension is slightly different on paper. The Husky gets 151/160 mm(front/rear) suspension travel, whereas the Scrambler 400 X gets 150 mm travel at both ends. But the wheel configuration creates all the difference here. The 19-/17-inch (front and rear) configuration with the Triumph Scrambler 400 X makes it proficient in varying terrain situations, thus more capable and also agile.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Dimension
Specification
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Triumph Scrambler 400 X
Kerb Weight
171 kg
185 kg
Wheelbase (mm)
1368 mm
1418 mm
Ground Clearance (mm)
177 mm
195 mm
Seat Height (mm)
820 mm
835 mm
Fuel Tank (Litres)
13.5 litre
13 litre
Husqvarna has significantly updated the Svartpilen 401 with a new chassis (from the KTM 390 Duke). For starters, the bike seats lower without compromising on ground clearance, and also gets a bigger 13.5-litre fuel tank (from 9.5-litre). The distinct tank shape continues and the extension flares are more pronounced in the new bike. The ergonomics are set slightly rear, and the handlebar risers keep the overall posture on the bike upright and commanding.
The Scrambler 400 X has a far better build quality, and it is much better packaged than the Svartpilen 401. Both the bikes get minimalistic body panels, and yet the Scrambler 400X weighs heavier than the Husky. The wheelbase is also longer, the seat height is slightly taller in the Scrambler 400 X, and the ergonomics are on the comfortable spectrum with upright posture and neutrally set footpegs.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Variants and Price
Both the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Triumph Scrambler 400 X are available as single-variant models. The former is priced at ₹2.93 lakh, and the latter has a sticker price of ₹2.63 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi).
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Conclusion
Despite being labeled as a scrambler, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is not meant for scrambling The spoke wheels do give you the impression that it can take the broken path, but the comfort on offer will at best be that of a road-going naked. The Triumph Scrambler 400 X does scratch the surface of scrambling but even then it ain’t hardcore enough. To choose one would entirely boil down to your preference. If you don’t want the new KTM 390 Duke, but do want that power package, the new Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 with its toned-down rugged look can fit your bill. But if you want something that is fairly versatile (both on-road and broken/uneven surfaces) and looks old-school and sophisticated, the Scrambler 400 X can be worth the purchase.