Scrambler 400X vs Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
This year, Triumph launched their 400 singles, and the more rugged of the two, the Scrambler 400X, well, I reckon it’s really quite good.
But thing is, there are other options out there on the market, and Husqvrana’s Svartpilen 401, which was updated for the new model year is certainly a good one.
But the question is, which one’s better, and therefore, which one should you buy?
we’ll go through all of the major categories, score them blow by blow, and then at the end, declare a winner.
Engine Comparison
So let’s start with the engines and both get a single cylinder up around the 400 cc mark, and both are made out in India by the same manufacturer, Bajaj.
On paper, they do sound pretty similar with around 40 horsepower and 40 newton meters of peak torque, although it is worth pointing out that the Husqvarna does have an ever so slight advantage.
In reality, though, out on the road, they really do feel quite different, and the Triumph has a lot more bottom end to it, which feels much more usable at lower speeds such as riding in town traffic.
Now, both are of the price and stature and capacity that they’d be ideal for commuting.
But in my experience, the Triumph certainly has the more appropriate power delivery for that setting.
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The Husky, on the other hand, gets a bit bogged down if you don’t keep on top of the gears and has this annoying habit of cutting out from time to time when you come to a stop.
But the thing is, the rewards are there if you can keep it spinning up with a more lively and engaging feel in the half of the rev range where the Triumph does run out of steam a bit.
Vibrations and Smoothness
Another thing to consider as well is the vibrations, which are typical of a single, but the Triumph feels smoother in the low revs, yet becomes a touch more irritating at motorway speeds.
Converse Mostly, the Husky starts off a bit shaky, but then it smooths out when the engine is spinning quicker. They basically do the opposite of one another well.
But I think in this category, I’d have to go for the Triumph for the more satisfying, meaty feel to the engine and because of what I’d expect to use a bike of this nature for.
Exhaust Note
On top of that, they certainly know what they’re doing when it comes to a pleasing note at the exhaust, even if they do have to meet stricter and stricter emissions regulations.
Whereas the Husky is a bit acoustically thin, and that’s even with the fairly expensive with Remus accessory silencer.
To be honest, what’s a bit annoying about both bikes is that they have the image of a scrambler, but neither is really properly built for scrambling.
Off-Road and Handling
Tires and Wheels
The Svartpilen is possibly the worst offender with the super blocky Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, yet at the same time, a very low slung stance and a 17-inch wheel at the front.
The Triumph, well, you could get away with some gravel riding, and it does get a more roomy ergonomic plus the 19-inch front wheel, But realistically, it’s a bit short on suspension travel to really take it on some serious trails.
The result is a bike that’s neither exceptional on the road in terms of handling nor an exceptional off-roader.
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Most people, I’d expect, though, will be buying either of these bikes for road use.
And so I think we have to give the points here to the Husky because it gets great suspension from their in-house WP brand and a lower slung stance that means it corners quite nicely, although things could be improved still further by swapping out the tires or even going for the Vitpilen and equivalent with the cast wheels and sporty rubber.
Off-Road Capability
There is, though, a hidden benefit to the Triumphs off-road pretenses, and that’s with the riding position.
You see a tall, wide handlebar, big, chunky foot pegs, and plenty of room down to them from the saddle is typical of a scrambler bike, and that’s exactly what you get here.
Comfort and Ergonomics
For taller riders, it’ll easily be the most comfortable of the two. But even for a rider who’s vertically middling, It does feel capacious in a very enjoyable way, especially considering what you’d normally expect for a 400.
The Svartpilen is a fairly neutral bike, perhaps a slightly more sporty peg position than I was expecting, but it isn’t specifically uncomfortable.
It’s just not as roomy and the saddle is a bit firmer, and so points here go to the scrambler.
Technology and Features
As for technology, well, this might not be a big concern for everyone, but if it is for you, then it’s a walkover for the Svartpilen.
There’s a full-colour TFT display that’s really nicely laid out.
Good switch gear, a couple of riding modes, phone connectivity, a USB port, and even a speed limiter, which I guess might come in handy if you’re racking up the points on your license and are especially keen to play it safe.
The Triumph cockpit, on the other hand, well, it suits its more traditional image well with an analog speedo that sets a small LCD display within.
And you do have some little options like switching off the ABS on the rear if you want to slide it off road.
There is a USB port, too, but we are scoring on proper tech here, and so there’s no question on which bike gets the point.
Design and Build Quality
Now, both are rugged-looking machines with the blocky tires and slightly utilitarian looks, but I will say they do it in their own different ways.
The Husky gets their signature blend of new and old with a big round headlight and spoke wheels set against the chiseled Angular bodywork, almost entirely finished in mat.
The Scrambler 400X takes its cues from the Scrambler 900 and the Scrambler 1200, which in turn take theirs from the Triumph Scramblers of old.
And so it looks a bit more like a bike of the ’60s or ’70s just built in the modern day.
This category is always somewhat subjective, but I think the Triumph is going to be more to the taste of more people.
And despite the fact that the build has been outsourced for both to the exact same manufacturer, the one with the Triumph badge on the tank feels a little better finished.
Price and Value
Price, on the other hand, is a simple and definite category, and the Husqvarna undercuts the Triumph by about 200 quid.
On top of that, when you consider all the extra techy gadgetry you get, and the standard quick shifter, and the really good suspension, it really does look like a relatively good deal.
That, I’m well aware, makes it three points a piece, which is going to be an unsatisfying climax for you there at home.
Conclusion : My Final Word
But here’s the thing, which bike would I personally choose if I had the best part of six grand in my pocket?
Well, the answer to that, I think, is neither, because the Triumph Speed 400 is possibly the best of both worlds.
It’s got some of the finish and style of the scrambler with the generally nicer engine, but then also the lower center of mass and the flickier handling of the Husky.