Motorjournals by PSN Jr.: August 2025

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: This One Made Me Fall in Love with the Idea of Scrambling!

There are motorcycles that you ride, enjoy, park, and forget about. And then there are motorcycles that seem to whisper something into your ears every time you saddle up - a suggestion, a dare, a promise of adventure where none existed before. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, for me, was very much the latter. After spending a solid week with this motorcycle through dusty trails, congested city lanes, and open highway stretches, I can confidently say: this one made me fall in love with the idea of scrambling.

First Impressions: Neo-Retro with a Twist

At first sight, the Svartpilen 401 doesn’t try to look like your typical retro scrambler. Husqvarna has gone bold with a neo-retro-meets-futurism language. The lines are sharp and geometric, with a single round LED headlamp that’s wrapped in a modern DRL ring. The tiny tank shrouds, slim tail section, and matte paint finishes give it an almost concept-bike vibe. Where a Ducati Scrambler looks playful and nostalgic, the Svartpilen looks purposeful and urban - almost architectural.

In photographs, the proportions sometimes spark debates, but in person, the visuals make sense: it’s compact, full of details, and extremely well-finished for its segment. It’s not just a pretty face either - the upright handlebar, dual-purpose tires, and tall-ish stance whisper scrambler intentions without trying too hard.

Ergonomics: The "Get Up and Go" Posture

Swinging a leg over, the Svartpilen 401 immediately felt different. Unlike low-slung café-style bikes, this one puts you in a ready-for-anything riding stance: upright, slightly commanding, with wide handlebars offering confidence in tight traffic or loose gravel alike. The seat is narrow and a little firm at first, but after several hours, I realized it encourages the kind of active riding a scrambler thrives on.

The seat height might feel a bit tall (around 820mm), but once you’re on the move, it feels natural. Riders under 5’8” might need to get used to tip-toeing (I’m 5’6”), but the payoff is an excellent view of the road and commanding control. It feels nimble enough for darting through city congestion yet tall and rugged enough to tempt you into dirt tracks you’d typically avoid on a regular commuter.

Engine and Performance: KTM DNA, Husky Character

Underneath the Swedish-inspired bodywork beats an Austrian heart: the familiar 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine derived from the KTM Duke 390. On paper, it makes around 46 horsepower and 39 Nm of torque, and on the road, those numbers translate into pure joy.

What struck me first was the linearity of power delivery. The Svartpilen pulls cleanly from low revs, making it forgiving in city stop-go traffic. Past 5,000 rpm, it really wakes up, and by 7,000 rpm, it feels eager, even mischievous, pushing you towards its near-10,000-rpm redline with a raspy exhaust note that is far throatier than most singles in this class.

In urban conditions, the clutch feel is light (thanks to the slipper-assist clutch), and the gearshifts are smooth enough. Out on the highway, the bike cruises comfortably at 100–110 km/h, still leaving a decent margin for quick overtakes. The vibrations - common to high-revving singles - are contained well, only making themselves felt in the higher reaches of the rev band.

Take it off the tarmac, and the torque delivery at low-to-mid rpm really shines. Whether climbing a gravel incline or sliding a little through loose sand, the bike feels tractable and responsive. The gearing is well-judged for mixed conditions - usable in the city, exciting on the highway, and playful off-road.

Ride and Handling: Agile but Engaging

The real magic of the Svartpilen 401 lies in its chassis and suspension package. The trellis frame, adjustable WP Apex USD forks, and monoshock - all borrowed from KTM but tuned differently - give it a slightly different flavor. Compared to the Duke, the Svartpilen feels less frantic, more composed.

On Tarmac: It flicks into corners with eagerness, holds lines confidently, and inspires trust even for intermediate riders. The wide handlebars let you place the bike exactly where you want it, whether cutting through traffic or carving a twisty stretch of road. It’s not razor-sharp like a supersport, but it’s nimble and forgiving - qualities that make you look forward to exploring more roads.
Off the Beaten Path: Here’s where the scrambler personality shows up. Thanks to its upright geometry and dual-purpose Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires (Although Husqvarna now offers the motorcycle with Apollo Tramplr XR, the test-ride unit I got was shod with Pirellis on both ends), the Svartpilen doesn’t panic on gravel or dirt trails. The suspension, while firm for sporty road manners, carries enough compliance to let you play around on rougher surfaces. Small jumps and trail undulations? Handled. Extended rocky trails? It’ll do it, though you’ll be more comfortable if you stand on the pegs, which the ergonomics fully allow.
Braking Performance: The ByBre brakes provide good progression and bite, paired with Bosch dual-channel ABS. Interestingly, the rear ABS can be switched off - a subtle but significant feature for trail riding, allowing controlled slides and a more authentic scrambler experience.

Practicality: Not Just a Style Statement

For a motorcycle that looks like a piece of industrial design, the Svartpilen 401 is surprisingly livable. Fuel economy hovers around 26–30 km/l, depending on how spiritedly you ride. With its 13.5-liter tank, real-world range touches 300–350 km, which is respectable for weekend getaways.

The LED lighting setup, informative coloured TFT display (borrowed from KTM), and even the small luggage rack built into the tank cover add touches of practicality. It’s not aimed to be a touring mule like an adventure bike, nor a daily commuter for absolute comfort, but as a do-it-all motorcycle with attitude, it manages to tick many boxes.

The Scrambler Experience: More Than Just Riding

The keyword for me was always “scrambling.” Scramblers historically weren’t about hardcore off-road performance, but about versatility and spirit: a road bike modified to handle dirt tracks, a two-wheeled tool for chasing freedom.

The Svartpilen 401 embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s not a 200-kg ADV with long-travel suspension and rally pedigree. Instead, it’s light, engaging, and willing to explore detours. A patch of unpaved road ceases to be an inconvenience - it becomes an invitation. That shift in mindset, that sense of possibility, is what made me fall in love.

Suddenly, commutes became mini-adventures. Riding home from work, I’d willingly take a dirt shortcut just because I could. Weekend trips included detours onto trails I’d never have considered with a fully road-biased bike. There’s an inherent playfulness to the Svartpilen 401 - it makes you approach motorcycling differently.

Pros and Cons

What I Loved

Distinctive neo-retro design that stands out.
Engaging performance with strong mid-range and thrilling top-end.
Agile, confidence-inspiring handling.
Capability to dabble in off-road conditions.
Switchable ABS for scrambler-style fun.
Impressive attention to detail and premium feel.

What Could Be Better

A firm seat may tire some riders on long rides.
Heat management in slow traffic can be noticeable in summer.
Small pillion perch - basically a “just-there” token.
At its price and positioning, it competes with bigger-displacement rivals, which could deter some buyers.

Final Verdict: Falling in Love with Scrambling

Motorcycling, at its best, is less about numbers and more about emotions. And the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is an emotional motorcycle. It doesn’t just take you from point A to B; it nudges you to explore point C, D, and E along the way - especially if those happen to lie off the main road.

It marries urban cool with genuine versatility. It doesn’t pretend to be a hardcore adventure bike, yet it feels far more capable than a pure roadster when the surface gets loose. And in doing so, it channels the true scrambler ethos - freedom to ride wherever the path leads.

After my time with it, I can confidently say: the Svartpilen 401 didn’t just impress me - it recalibrated my idea of what everyday motorcycling can feel like. And yes, it made me fall in love with scrambling, with all its detours, dirt, and delightful unpredictability.

BSA Bantam 350 vs Jawa 42 FJ: "Two Shades of the Same Grey or Cousins with Distinct Personalities?" — My Opinion

I’ll admit, viewing the BSA Bantam 350 and Jawa 42 FJ together feels like judging a pair of twins at their first family reunion. On paper, they share nearly everything - engine, chassis, even the parent company that manufactured them. So which story is more accurate: are these bikes mere clones clad in slightly different costumes, or do they actually reveal their own personalities once you crank the starter?

A Brief Backstory: Classic Names, Modern Engines

Both BSA and Jawa are legendary brands, known for stirring the souls of generations past. The BSA Bantam first flew the Union Jack in 1948, while Jawa’s Czech roots have long infused Indian roads with a sense of European flair. Fast-forward to 2025, and both names have been rebooted for young, style-savvy motorcyclists, especially in India and Europe. But this time, their mechanical DNA runs almost identical: both are crafted by Classic Legends, a Mahindra-owned revival factory that seeks to blend the old and new.

Looks: The First Hello

The BSA Bantam 350 wears its British heritage loudly. There’s a certain upright gravitas, teardrop tank, understated lines, and a single sweeping exhaust that instantly says “old-school, but proud.” The Bantam looks best in muted shades and seems to appeal to you if you prefer your classics more “museum” than “maverick.”

Parked next to it, the Jawa 42 FJ is the lively cousin who turns up with sneakers and a vintage helmet. Its paint is bolder, twin exhausts beg for visual attention, and there’s a sense of sportiness in its shorter stance. The Jawa has always been about blending Eastern European lineage with contemporary playfulness. In an era where retro-inspired bikes sometimes try too hard, the 42 FJ actually feels unforced - classic, but laid-back enough to pull up at a café without seeming overdressed.

On the Road: Similarities That Only Go So Far

It’s true, both machines are powered by the same 334cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine putting out 29hp and nearly 30Nm of torque, carried by a double cradle chassis, telescopic forks, and practically identical brakes and rubber. Whether you choose the Bantam or the Jawa, you’ll be greeted by an eager mid-range, smooth throttle response, and cruising speeds of up to 110km/h. Expect slick shifts, minimal vibrations from both in real-world riding.

But let’s talk about what’s different, and this is where my opinion shifts: character arises from detail. The Bantam’s exhaust, for one, will be lower-toned and a tad more “gentlemanly,” while the Jawa’s twin pipes are raspier, a throwback to those original Jawas that thundered down Indian boulevards decades ago. Ergonomically, the Bantam’s seat is slightly higher—great if you’re tall, and it makes highway commutes feel more “commanding.” The Jawa, being 10mm lower, will endear itself to shorter riders and city dwellers who want their feet flat at every traffic stop.

Living With Them: Beyond The Brochure

Practicality? Both these bikes are on the lighter side for their class (about 185kg wet for the Bantam, 184kg for the Jawa), feature manageable seat heights, and come with tank capacities that offer decent range.

But brand and dealership experience do matter in India. Jawa’s service network, while continually expanding, still has gaps compared to established players. BSA’s return is fresher, but with Classic Legends at the helm, the infrastructure for both overlaps in many places. The decision, then, is less about dealer proximity and more about which badge excites you each morning.

Style as a Deciding Factor?

Let’s be honest: in this price segment, specifications are rarely the ultimate decider. What you’re buying into is identity, and this is where the bikes clearly diverge:

BSA Bantam 350: For purists who respect legacy, value subdued styling, and want a talking point beyond “just another retro bike.” That extra litre of fuel capacity also edges up its touring potential, though only slightly.

Jawa 42 FJ: For urban romantics who want retro without abandoning fun. Lower seat, twin pipes, vibrant paintwork. It’s visually easier to make your own with custom touches.

There’s a palpable difference in how passersby react, too: the Bantam draws the traditionalists, older bikers who remember old-school British iron. The Jawa, meanwhile, attracts those who recall the brand’s earlier heyday.

Everyday Use: How Distinct Does It Feel Really?

If you’re looking for just “a motorcycle,” both will be a joy - quick, tractable, charismatic. But if you long for a connection, nostalgia, or just the feeling that you’ve picked your bike, personality counts for everything. The Bantam, with its slightly wider rear tire, marginally plusher ride, and distinctive British silhouette, will reward the contemplative rider who wants to glide, not race, through traffic.

The Jawa, with that scrutinizing eye for detail, encourages a little more posturing, corner dives, and urban playfulness. Even the seat padding feels a bit sportier.

That said, if you somehow swapped the tank badges and exhausts, would anyone on the street notice? For most, probably not. But for the rider, those small cues mean everything.

Verdict: Are They Really Different?

These are not just badge-engineered twins; that's what I believe. These are cousins, not clones. It’s like sharing DNA, but leading different lives in different cities. The shared platform brings reliability, parts support, and peace of mind - but the tuning, finishes, and, most importantly, the brands’ stories create distinct ownership experiences.

So, which should you buy? Pick the BSA if you wax nostalgic about the British classics or want understated cool. The Jawa’s your best friend if you chase retro fun, want a street presence with attitude, and like making bold choices - both on and off the road.

Every motorcycle is a reflection of its rider. In the case of the BSA Bantam 350 and Jawa 42 FJ, the reflection isn’t in the specs or the price, but in the personality you’re drawn to every morning. Neither is just grey; each shade is colored by how you ride, where you go, and what stories you want to tell.