The Moto Ref

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs KTM 1390 Super Duke R

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

Husqvarna

Svartpilen 401

57.4

/ 100

vs

KTM

1390 Super Duke R

60.5

/ 100

Winner

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 4010 km/h
Svartpilen 401
KTM 1390 Super Duke R0 km/h
1390 Super Duke R

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
Svartpilen 401
19.7
1390 Super Duke R
18.8

Handling and chassis

out of 20
Svartpilen 401
10.7
1390 Super Duke R
13.0

Value

out of 20
Svartpilen 401
7.5
1390 Super Duke R
6.8

Practicality

out of 15
Svartpilen 401
4.7
1390 Super Duke R
5.4

Technology

out of 10
Svartpilen 401
9.0
1390 Super Duke R
9.5

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
Svartpilen 401
5.8
1390 Super Duke R
7.0

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 versus KTM 1390 Super Duke R
SpecHusqvarnaSvartpilen 401KTM1390 Super Duke R
Engine
EngineSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHCLC8 75 degree V-twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement398.7 cc1350 cc
Power45 hp at 8,500 rpm190 hp at 10,000 rpm
Torque39 Nm at 7,000 rpm145 Nm at 8,000 rpm
Power to weight0.27 hp/kg0.90 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight169 kg212 kg
Front suspensionWP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mmWP APEX 48 mm split function, 125 mm
Front adjustabilityCompression and reboundFully adjustable
Rear suspensionWP APEX monoshock, 150 mmWP APEX monoshock, 140 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload and reboundFully adjustable
Front brake320 mm, radial 4-piston320 mm, monobloc 4-piston
ABSCornering ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height820 mm834 mm
Wheelbase1368 mm1497 mm
Fuel capacity13 L17.5 L
Claimed consumption3.5 L/100 km5.9 L/100 km
Fuel range371 km297 km
Ownership
Price€6,349€21,999
Service interval10,000 km15,000 km
Valve check20,000 km30,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterStandardStandard
Cruise controlNot availableOptional
ConnectivityYesYes
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Verdict

The KTM 1390 Super Duke R wins this comparison clearly, 60.5 points to 57.4.

The gap of 3.1 points is built mostly in handling and chassis, where the 1390 Super Duke R takes 2.3 points out of the Svartpilen 401. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 1390 Super Duke R is the quicker machine: 190 hp and 145 Nm moving 212 kg, against 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 169 kg for the Svartpilen 401. That is 0.90 hp per kilo playing 0.27.

The Svartpilen 401 costs €6,349, which leaves €15,650 in your pocket against the 1390 Super Duke R at €21,999. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the Svartpilen 401 and 15,000 km on the 1390 Super Duke R.

Better for city and commuting

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

A 820 mm seat, 371 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 1390 Super Duke R

190 hp pushing 212 kg with WP APEX 48 mm split function up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 1390 Super Duke R

297 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 or the KTM 1390 Super Duke R?
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R. It carries 0.90 hp per kilo (190 hp, 212 kg wet) against 0.27 hp per kilo for the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (45 hp, 169 kg).
Is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 cheaper than the KTM 1390 Super Duke R?
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is cheaper at €6,349 list, €15,650 less than the KTM 1390 Super Duke R at €21,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. Its 820 mm seat is 14 mm lower than the KTM 1390 Super Duke R, and at 169 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the Svartpilen 401 or the 1390 Super Duke R?
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R, which scores 9.5 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control, a standard quickshifter and phone connectivity. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control, a standard quickshifter and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: 371 km from its 13 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 297 km for the KTM 1390 Super Duke R.
Which bike wins overall?
The KTM 1390 Super Duke R, scoring 60.5 of 100 against 57.4 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

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