Which is faster, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 or the KTM 990 Duke?

The KTM 990 Duke. It carries 0.63 hp per kilo (123 hp, 194 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 990 Duke?

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is cheaper at €6,349 list, €6,650 less than the KTM 990 Duke at €12,999.

Which is better for shorter riders?

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. Its 820 mm seat is 5 mm lower than the KTM 990 Duke, and at 169 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.

Which has better technology, the Svartpilen 401 or the 990 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 990 Duke counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control 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 315 km for the KTM 990 Duke.

Which bike wins overall?

The KTM 990 Duke, scoring 60.8 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 990 Duke

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

KTM

990 Duke

60.8

/ 100

Winner

Advertisement728 x 90

Advertisement320 x 100

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 990 Duke
Spec	HusqvarnaSvartpilen 401	KTM990 Duke
Engine
Engine	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC	LC8c parallel twin, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	398.7 cc	947 cc
Power	45 hp at 8,500 rpm	123 hp at 9,500 rpm
Torque	39 Nm at 7,000 rpm	103 Nm at 6,750 rpm
Power to weight	0.27 hp/kg	0.63 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	169 kg	194 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mm	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 140 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	300 mm, radial 4-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS	Cornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	820 mm	825 mm
Wheelbase	1368 mm	1476 mm
Fuel capacity	13 L	14.8 L
Claimed consumption	3.5 L/100 km	4.7 L/100 km
Fuel range	371 km	315 km
Ownership
Price	€6,349	€12,999
Service interval	10,000 km	15,000 km
Valve check	20,000 km	30,000 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	Optional
Connectivity	Yes	Yes

Advertisement336 x 280

Verdict

The KTM 990 Duke wins this comparison clearly, 60.8 points to 57.4.

The gap of 3.4 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the 990 Duke takes 13.4 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 990 Duke is the quicker machine: 123 hp and 103 Nm moving 194 kg, against 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 169 kg for the Svartpilen 401. That is 0.63 hp per kilo playing 0.27.

The Svartpilen 401 costs €6,349, which leaves €6,650 in your pocket against the 990 Duke at €12,999. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the Svartpilen 401 and 15,000 km on the 990 Duke.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 990 Duke

A 825 mm seat, 315 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

45 hp pushing 169 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 990 Duke

315 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 990 Duke?: The KTM 990 Duke. It carries 0.63 hp per kilo (123 hp, 194 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 990 Duke?: The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is cheaper at €6,349 list, €6,650 less than the KTM 990 Duke at €12,999.
Which is better for shorter riders?: The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. Its 820 mm seat is 5 mm lower than the KTM 990 Duke, and at 169 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the Svartpilen 401 or the 990 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 990 Duke counters with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control 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 315 km for the KTM 990 Duke.
Which bike wins overall?: The KTM 990 Duke, scoring 60.8 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 990 Duke specs and score Svartpilen 401 maintenance costs 990 Duke maintenance costs All naked bikes

More comparisons

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401vsKTM 390 Duke

45 hp vs 45 hp / 169 kg vs 165 kg

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401vsTriumph Speed 400

45 hp vs 40 hp / 169 kg vs 170 kg

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401vsYamaha MT-03

45 hp vs 42 hp / 169 kg vs 167 kg

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401vsYamaha MT-07

45 hp vs 73.4 hp / 169 kg vs 184 kg

Honda CB750 HornetvsHusqvarna Svartpilen 401

91.8 hp vs 45 hp / 190 kg vs 169 kg

KTM 1390 Super Duke RvsKTM 990 Duke

190 hp vs 123 hp / 212 kg vs 194 kg