Which is faster, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 or the Triumph Speed 400?

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (45 hp, 169 kg wet) against 0.24 hp per kilo for the Triumph Speed 400 (40 hp, 170 kg).

Is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 cheaper than the Triumph Speed 400?

The Triumph Speed 400 is cheaper at €5,745 list, €604 less than the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 at €6,349.

Which is better for shorter riders?

The Triumph Speed 400. Its 790 mm seat is 30 mm lower than the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, and at 170 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.

Which has better technology, the Svartpilen 401 or the Speed 400?

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 Triumph Speed 400 counters with traction control.

Which goes further on a tank?

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: 371 km from its 13 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 371 km for the Triumph Speed 400.

Which bike wins overall?

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, scoring 57.4 of 100 against 48.7 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 vs Triumph Speed 400

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

Winner

Triumph

Speed 400

48.7

/ 100

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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 Triumph Speed 400
Spec	HusqvarnaSvartpilen 401	TriumphSpeed 400
Engine
Engine	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	398.7 cc	398.2 cc
Power	45 hp at 8,500 rpm	40 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque	39 Nm at 7,000 rpm	37.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight	0.27 hp/kg	0.24 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	169 kg	170 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 150 mm	43 mm big piston fork, 140 mm
Front adjustability	Compression and rebound	Non-adjustable
Rear suspension	WP APEX monoshock, 150 mm	Monoshock, 130 mm
Rear adjustability	Preload and rebound	Preload only
Front brake	320 mm, radial 4-piston	300 mm, radial 4-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS	Standard ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	820 mm	790 mm
Wheelbase	1368 mm	1377 mm
Fuel capacity	13 L	13 L
Claimed consumption	3.5 L/100 km	3.5 L/100 km
Fuel range	371 km	371 km
Ownership
Price	€6,349	€5,745
Service interval	10,000 km	16,000 km
Valve check	20,000 km	32,000 km
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Equipment
Dash	TFT	LCD
Ride modes	Yes	No
Traction control	Yes	Yes
Quickshifter	Standard	Not available
Cruise control	Not available	Not available
Connectivity	Yes	No

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Verdict

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 wins this comparison clearly, 57.4 points to 48.7.

The gap of 8.7 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the Svartpilen 401 takes 12 points out of the Speed 400. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the Svartpilen 401 is the quicker machine: 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 169 kg, against 40 hp and 37.5 Nm moving 170 kg for the Speed 400. That is 0.27 hp per kilo playing 0.24.

The Speed 400 costs €5,745, which leaves €604 in your pocket against the Svartpilen 401 at €6,349. Service intervals run 16,000 km on the Speed 400 and 10,000 km on the Svartpilen 401.

Better for city and commuting

Triumph Speed 400

A 790 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

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

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

371 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 Triumph Speed 400?: The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. It carries 0.27 hp per kilo (45 hp, 169 kg wet) against 0.24 hp per kilo for the Triumph Speed 400 (40 hp, 170 kg).
Is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 cheaper than the Triumph Speed 400?: The Triumph Speed 400 is cheaper at €5,745 list, €604 less than the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 at €6,349.
Which is better for shorter riders?: The Triumph Speed 400. Its 790 mm seat is 30 mm lower than the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, and at 170 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the Svartpilen 401 or the Speed 400?: 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 Triumph Speed 400 counters with traction control.
Which goes further on a tank?: The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: 371 km from its 13 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 371 km for the Triumph Speed 400.
Which bike wins overall?: The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, scoring 57.4 of 100 against 48.7 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 Triumph Speed 400 specs and score Svartpilen 401 maintenance costs Speed 400 maintenance costs All naked bikes

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