Deciding between Husqvarna’s sleek Vitpilen 401 and the more potent 701 can be a thrilling dilemma for any rider seeking minimalist style and sharp performance. Both bikes embody the “silver arrow” philosophy, offering a unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern engineering.
The Vitpilen 401, with its agile handling and approachable power, is a fantastic choice for urban exploration and spirited rides. It’s a machine that begs to be flicked through corners and enjoyed on a daily basis.
On the other hand, the 701 steps up the game with a larger engine, delivering a more substantial punch and a greater sense of presence on the road. This makes it a compelling option for those craving more highway capability and outright performance.
This comparison dives deep into what sets these two exceptional motorcycles apart, helping you pinpoint the perfect Husqvarna for your riding style and aspirations.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | vitpilen 401 | 701 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled | 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 373.2 cc | 692.7 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 89 mm x 60 mm | 105 mm x 80 mm |
| Power | 32 kW (44 hp) @ 9000 rpm | 55 kW (75 hp) @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 35 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 71 Nm @ 6750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Fuel System | Bosch EFI | Bosch EFI |
| Suspension (Front) | WP APEX 43 | WP APEX 48 |
| Suspension (Rear) | WP APEX Monoshock | WP APEX Monoshock |
| Brakes (Front) | ByBre 320 mm disc | ByBre 320 mm disc |
| Brakes (Rear) | ByBre 230 mm disc | ByBre 230 mm disc |
| Tires (Front) | 110/70 R17 | 120/70 R17 |
| Tires (Rear) | 150/60 R17 | 160/60 R17 |
| Seat Height | 835 mm | 825 mm |
| Weight (Kerb) | 147 kg (approx.) | 157 kg (approx.) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine Performance
- Vitpilen 401: Features a 373cc single-cylinder engine producing around 44 horsepower. It’s nimble and responsive, making it excellent for urban riding and spirited sprints. The power delivery is accessible for beginners, but might feel a bit limited for experienced riders on open roads.
- 701: Boasts a larger 692.7cc single-cylinder engine delivering approximately 74 horsepower. This offers significantly more grunt and top-end speed, making it more capable for highway cruising and aggressive riding. The power can be more demanding and less forgiving for novice riders.
- Winner: 701
Weight and Agility
- Vitpilen 401: Weighs in around 337 lbs (153 kg) fully fueled. Its light weight contributes to exceptional maneuverability and ease of handling, making it a joy to weave through traffic and navigate tight corners. This agility is a significant advantage in city environments.
- 701: Tipping the scales at approximately 357 lbs (162 kg) fully fueled. While still relatively light for its class, it’s noticeably heavier than the 401. This added weight can make it feel slightly less flickable in very tight situations but contributes to its stability at higher speeds.
- Winner: vitpilen 401
Suspension Components
- Vitpilen 401: Equipped with WP APEX suspension (43mm USD front forks and a monoshock rear). This setup provides a good balance of comfort and sportiness, handling most road imperfections well. It’s well-suited for everyday riding and enthusiastic cornering.
- 701: Features higher-spec WP APEX suspension (43mm USD front forks with adjustable compression and rebound, and an adjustable monoshock rear). This offers greater adjustability and a more performance-oriented feel, allowing riders to fine-tune for different riding conditions and preferences.
- Winner: 701
Braking System
- Vitpilen 401: Equipped with ByBre brakes, featuring a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc, both with ABS. These brakes offer strong stopping power and good feel for the bike’s performance level. They are more than adequate for its intended use.
- 701: Utilizes Brembo brakes, with a larger 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, also with ABS. Brembo brakes are renowned for their superior performance, offering sharper bite, better modulation, and increased stopping power, which is beneficial given the 701’s higher performance.
- Winner: 701
Riding Position and Ergonomics
- Vitpilen 401: Features a more aggressive, cafe-racer style riding position with clip-on handlebars mounted below the triple clamp. This offers a sporty feel and good control for spirited riding but can be less comfortable for longer journeys or riders with back issues.
- 701: Offers a slightly more upright and relaxed riding position, still sporty but more accommodating for longer distances. The handlebars are typically higher and wider, providing better leverage and comfort for everyday commuting and touring.
- Winner: 701
Electronics and Rider Aids
- Vitpilen 401: Typically comes with basic electronic aids, including Bosch ABS. Some models may offer lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, enhancing safety and rider confidence. The focus is on essential functionality.
- 701: Usually includes more advanced electronics, such as cornering ABS, switchable traction control, and potentially riding modes. These features provide a higher level of safety and performance tuning capabilities, catering to more experienced riders.
- Winner: 701
Fuel Tank Capacity
- Vitpilen 401: Generally has a smaller fuel tank, around 2.6 gallons (9.5 liters). This results in a shorter range between refueling stops, which is typical for a lightweight, urban-focused machine.
- 701: Features a larger fuel tank, typically around 3.2 gallons (12 liters). This provides a greater riding range, making it more practical for longer rides, weekend trips, and reducing the frequency of fuel stops.
- Winner: 701
Price Point
- Vitpilen 401: Positioned as a more affordable entry into the Husqvarna lineup. Its lower price makes it an attractive option for new riders, budget-conscious enthusiasts, and those seeking a stylish, nimble city bike without a significant financial commitment.
- 701: Commands a higher price due to its larger engine, upgraded components, and more advanced electronics. This makes it a premium offering, targeting riders who are willing to invest more for enhanced performance, features, and a more substantial motorcycle experience.
- Winner: vitpilen 401
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Urban Agility | vitpilen 401 |
| Highway Performance | 701 |
| Beginner Friendliness | vitpilen 401 |
| Overall Power | 701 |
| Styling (Subjective) | Tie |
| Value for Money | vitpilen 401 |
| Rider Engagement | 701 |
What They Have in Common
- Engine Architecture: Both motorcycles feature a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine that is liquid-cooled, providing a strong and reliable power delivery for their respective classes.
- Braking System: They share a similar high-quality braking setup utilizing ByBre components, with a larger disc at the front and a smaller disc at the rear, ensuring confident stopping power.
- Transmission: Both models are equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, offering a good range of ratios for both city riding and open road cruising.
- Fuel Injection: A Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system is utilized on both bikes, ensuring precise fuel delivery for optimal performance and efficiency.
- Suspension Brand: The Vitpilen 401 and 701 both benefit from WP APEX suspension components, known for their quality and performance tuning.
- Tire Size Philosophy: While the exact dimensions differ, both bikes are fitted with 17-inch wheels and sport-oriented tire profiles, contributing to nimble handling.
Vitpilen 401 Vs 701 Buying Guide
Performance and Power
The Vitpilen 401 boasts a lively 373cc single-cylinder engine, perfect for nimble urban riding and spirited backroad excursions. Its accessible power delivery makes it forgiving for newer riders while still offering an engaging experience. The Vitpilen 701, on the other hand, steps up significantly with its potent 692cc single-cylinder engine. This translates to substantially more torque and horsepower, ideal for highway cruising, quicker acceleration, and a more thrilling ride for experienced motorcyclists. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Riding Experience and Comfort
Both bikes share a minimalist, cafe-racer aesthetic, but the Vitpilen 401 leans towards a more upright and accessible riding posture, making it comfortable for shorter commutes and city navigation. The Vitpilen 701, while still relatively compact, adopts a slightly more aggressive, tucked-in riding position that complements its increased power. Suspension on both is typically taut and performance-oriented, contributing to sharp handling, though the 701’s might offer a touch more adjustability for varied conditions.
Technology and Features
Husqvarna equips both models with modern amenities, though the 701 often receives a slightly more advanced suite. Expect LED lighting across the board, digital instrument clusters, and ABS as standard safety features. The Vitpilen 701 may include additional rider aids such as switchable traction control and potentially different riding modes, enhancing its performance capabilities and offering a greater degree of customization for the rider. However, both maintain a focus on essential functionality.
Price and Value
The Vitpilen 401 is positioned as the more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive entry point into the premium single-cylinder segment. Its lower purchase price and potentially better fuel economy make it a cost-effective choice for riders prioritizing urban agility and accessible fun. The Vitpilen 701 commands a higher price tag, reflecting its larger engine, enhanced performance, and potentially more sophisticated technology. This makes it a better value for riders seeking a more potent and versatile machine for a wider range of riding scenarios.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy vitpilen 401 If…
- You are a new rider looking for an unintimidating yet stylish first motorcycle.
- You prioritize agility and lightweight handling for navigating urban environments.
- Your budget is a significant consideration, and you want a premium-feeling bike at a more accessible price point.
- You appreciate minimalist, Scandinavian design and a unique aesthetic.
Buy 701 If…
- You crave more power and torque for exhilarating acceleration and highway capability.
- You are an experienced rider looking for a capable and engaging single-cylinder machine.
- You value premium components and a higher level of performance for spirited riding.
- You desire a more substantial and commanding presence on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bike is better for a beginner?
The Vitpilen 401 is generally the superior choice for beginners. Its smaller engine displacement and more approachable power delivery make it less intimidating and easier to manage. The lighter weight and more upright riding position also contribute to a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring experience for those new to motorcycling. While the 701 is manageable, its increased power can be a handful for inexperienced riders. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
What is the difference in top speed?
The Vitpilen 701 has a significantly higher top speed due to its much larger and more powerful engine. While the Vitpilen 401 can reach highway speeds comfortably, it will be outpaced by the 701. The 701 is designed for more sustained high-speed riding and offers a more exhilarating experience at the upper end of the performance spectrum, making it more suitable for longer journeys and faster roads.
Are these bikes comfortable for long rides?
While both bikes have a cafe-racer aesthetic that can imply a less comfortable riding position, the Vitpilen 401’s more upright posture makes it more suitable for moderate-length rides and daily commuting. The Vitpilen 701’s slightly more aggressive stance might become more noticeable on very long journeys. However, with aftermarket accessories like a more padded seat, both can be adapted for extended saddle time, though neither is a dedicated touring machine.
What kind of maintenance should I expect?
Both Husqvarna models, being single-cylinder machines, generally have simpler maintenance routines compared to multi-cylinder bikes. Expect regular oil changes, chain adjustments, and filter replacements. The 401, with its smaller engine, might have slightly lower running costs for consumables. However, both are premium European motorcycles, so factor in the cost of quality parts and potentially specialized servicing for optimal performance and longevity.
Which bike is better for city riding?
The Vitpilen 401 excels in city riding due to its nimble handling, light weight, and responsive yet manageable power. It’s easy to maneuver through traffic and park. The Vitpilen 701 is also capable in the city, but its higher power output and torque might feel a bit more eager than necessary for purely urban environments. For pure urban agility and ease of use, the 401 often takes the edge. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Final Verdict
The Vitpilen 401 and 701 offer distinct experiences within Husqvarna’s stylish lineup. The 401 is a fantastic, accessible machine for urban adventures and new riders, prioritizing agility and ease of use. The 701 steps up with significant power and performance, catering to more experienced riders seeking thrills and versatility. For the majority of riders looking for a stylish, engaging, and manageable motorcycle, especially for city commuting and spirited weekend rides, the Vitpilen 401 presents a compelling package.
Winner: Vitpilen 401