Which is faster, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 or the KTM 390 Duke?

The KTM 390 Duke. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (45 hp, 165 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 390 Duke?

The KTM 390 Duke is cheaper at €6,299 list, €50 less than the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 at €6,349.

Which is better for shorter riders?

Neither has an advantage on paper: both seats sit at 820 mm. Weight is the tiebreaker, and the KTM 390 Duke is lighter.

Which has better technology, the Svartpilen 401 or the 390 Duke?

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, which scores 9 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control, a standard quickshifter and phone connectivity. The KTM 390 Duke counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.

Which goes further on a tank?

The KTM 390 Duke: 429 km from its 15 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 371 km for the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.

Which bike wins overall?

The KTM 390 Duke, scoring 66.6 of 100 against 57.4 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs KTM 390 Duke

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.

Husqvarna

Svartpilen 401

57.4

/ 100

KTM

390 Duke

66.6

/ 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

Full specification comparison: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 versus KTM 390 Duke
Spec	HusqvarnaSvartpilen 401	KTM390 Duke
Engine
Engine	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	398.7 cc	398.7 cc
Power	45 hp at 8,500 rpm	45 hp at 8,500 rpm
Torque	39 Nm at 7,000 rpm	39 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Power to weight	0.27 hp/kg	0.27 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	169 kg	165 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mm	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mm
Front adjustability	Compression and rebound	Compression and rebound
Rear suspension	WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm	WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm
Rear adjustability	Preload and rebound	Preload and rebound
Front brake	320 mm, radial 4-piston	320 mm, radial 4-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS	Cornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	820 mm	820 mm
Wheelbase	1368 mm	1476 mm
Fuel capacity	13 L	15 L
Claimed consumption	3.5 L/100 km	3.5 L/100 km
Fuel range	371 km	429 km
Ownership
Price	€6,349	€6,299
Service interval	10,000 km	10,000 km
Valve check	20,000 km	20,000 km
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Equipment
Dash	TFT	TFT
Ride modes	Yes	Yes
Traction control	Yes	Yes
Quickshifter	Standard	Optional
Cruise control	Not available	Not available
Connectivity	Yes	Yes

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Verdict

The KTM 390 Duke wins this comparison clearly, 66.6 points to 57.4.

The gap of 9.2 points is built mostly in practicality, where the 390 Duke takes 4.3 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 390 Duke is the quicker machine: 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 165 kg, against 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 169 kg for the Svartpilen 401. That is 0.27 hp per kilo playing 0.27.

The 390 Duke costs €6,299, which leaves €50 in your pocket against the Svartpilen 401 at €6,349. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the 390 Duke and 10,000 km on the Svartpilen 401.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 390 Duke

A 820 mm seat, 429 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 390 Duke

45 hp pushing 165 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 390 Duke

429 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 390 Duke?: The KTM 390 Duke. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (45 hp, 165 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 390 Duke?: The KTM 390 Duke is cheaper at €6,299 list, €50 less than the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 at €6,349.
Which is better for shorter riders?: Neither has an advantage on paper: both seats sit at 820 mm. Weight is the tiebreaker, and the KTM 390 Duke is lighter.
Which has better technology, the Svartpilen 401 or the 390 Duke?: The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, which scores 9 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control, a standard quickshifter and phone connectivity. The KTM 390 Duke counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity.
Which goes further on a tank?: The KTM 390 Duke: 429 km from its 15 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 371 km for the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401.
Which bike wins overall?: The KTM 390 Duke, scoring 66.6 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

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 specs and score KTM 390 Duke specs and score Svartpilen 401 maintenance costs 390 Duke maintenance costs All naked bikes

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