Two Issues to Know About the Svartpilen 401 

Hi malt, greetings from Italy. I have a svartpilen 401 from 2018 and honestly, for the engine shutdown problem ... it's a very common thing for single cylinder engines, when you have a low RPM. Low gears, open throttle :) It is really normal for a single cylinder. As you certainly know, a mono 400 or a mono 600 is more difficult to drive than a mono 125cc. However, also this summer, I will go on vacation for the third time with my svart for a walk around Italy, and I assure you that fun is guaranteed. Ah! Some cold shutdowns are just as common. It also happened to me TWICE that I have turned off the bike after a refueling of fuel ... perhaps for that thing you said not to fill the tank to the maximum of its capacity. It could be and I will pay more attention next time. But I would say that TWO times in FOUR years ... I can also survive, eh eh eh. I am really in love with my svart, which was my fourth bike, having had three (very good) suzukis. A big hello from Italy and ... forgive my not perfect English, I wrote this thing thanks to google translate :)

Thanks for posting this. I have a 2018 Svart and the issue has been persistent since I got the bike, and for years I thought I was the only one or that I was crazy. Now I know it’s a common and documented issue. The cold weather is the culprit, with the downshift mis matched rpm’s. I now always let the bike warm up for 3-5 minutes before a ride and ride slow to start, keeping the engine at a higher rpm for the first 5-10 minutes of a ride to, again, warm up the motorcycle. Not a huge deal but as a beginner rider, I would have loved to know this before I had to find out via trial and error! Cheers

Here in Spain, there is a lot of models of tyres you can mount in both wheels. Anyway, the issue with the engine shutdown is really easy to solve. Just make some gas hits in neutral when you are barely stoped.

I only have 230mi on mine, and I originally tried driving it in low RPMs like my car, and I experienced the stall several times while downshifting on approach to a light. I’ve learned to treat it a little more like a 2-stroke engine and keeping the revs a little higher and it hasn’t happened again since.

Hiya, My 2019 used to cut out, think it is the fact that it is set to run very lean, not done it since passing 8000 miles, on 11000 now. Only get 4000 out of a rear tyre just changed the front. Awesome bike but I have had to replace battery, indicators, number plate light, brake discs.service it myself (Covid) changed chain and sprockets at 7000,oil changes and it's ready for checking valve clearances now, but it puts a smile on my face every time I ride 😀

I guess it does make sense. I always rev-match (or let the system rev match for me when using the quickshifter) when I downshift every gear except from 2nd to 1st. I will have to take a closer look at my rpm range next time this happens. Thanks!

Hi Malt, just picked up my bike and only place I could find it was near Macon, GA. I live near Lake Wylie, so when I saw your video, I noticed the area you were riding. I have only 1 mile on my bike at this time so have to break it in. Just subscribed so will be on the lookout for more videos.

I had the same issue with my 401 (2019)... It is not a big deal. After a couple hundreds miles you learn how to do downshifts propperly. Those bikes have a slipper clutch , in combination with the nature of a single cylinder and the fact that the 401 engine run reeeeeeeally lean the bike stalls. Solution? Wen going down, don't try to rev match just release the clutch more aggressively and let the slipper clutch do its work. On the other hand when going up form a stand try to be more aggressive with the revs until you get going. Trust me I thought there was something wrong with my bike, there is not. Its just that some bikes require you to adjust your traditional knowledge on hoe to ride.

I am looking for my first bike and I really like Svart 401, but now you are giving me second thoughts.

I did notice the same "cold, down shift, shutdown" of the bike (2019 Vitpilen 401), and I have to admit, almost everytime it happened, the bike only was started a few minutes earlier (so still cold). It also happened a lot less when i rode in hot weather, with all of this pointing to what your dealer told you about. I guess i'll try to experiment in order to confirm this though ^^

I installed a Fuel-X Lite and solved most of the stalling problems at low revs. The installation is plug-and-play and requires a T-27 and some zip-ties, done in an hour.

I own a 2021 svart 401 and my bike stalls whenever I rev match on a downshift. Never have an issue if I dont do that. Thanks for the video!

Ha!!! Glad you posted these issues. I’ve 6k miles on my 2020 and have experienced both the low speed stalls and tire choice issues already. In fact, I also had the Shinko 705 installed, and subsequently removed! The low speed stalls always occur when slowing to a stop. Thank goodness the bike is a lightweight, peashooter and not my 600 lb Super Tenere (ask me how I know) when it decides to have it’s brief bout of narcolepsy! I’ve learned to live with it to date, as it seems a design issue with the computer mapping may be the culprit? Finally, I noticed immediately in your video you were at 10 Cycles, where I recently took my bike, after the fork seals began leaking @ 3k miles, which of course, wasn’t covered under warranty. They replaced ($250) the seals and all appeared A-ok. However, less than a year later, left fork is leaking again. Not about to haul my bike down from Boone to revisit 10C, so I’ll have Stamey up here service them, hopefully for the last time. If anyone else has issues with the Apex forks leaking on their 401’s, please post.

Thanks a ton for posting this Malt! I've been looking at the Svartpilen 401 as my first bike for a few months now. All thanks to our lord and savior Yammie Noob. It's great to know I should budget a little more for replacing tires down the road. Thanks again!

Simply put, the engine should not have this problem. It's a fueling issue. Too lean likely.

I've had the bike a year and down shift, it has never stalled , hope you get it sorted.

I've got a 20 svart and it only dies if you let the RPM get too low. If on a long trip and trying to get distance between fillups you can fill above the bottom of the filler neck and it will register a full tank. Great bike, only issue I had was the nut on the side stand came loose and the sensor moved causing the computer to kill the engine. Put loctite on that one to keep it in place.

Mine kept stalling as well. Remedy 1 you can easily fill with too much oil due to the fiddly sight glass. 2 need correct chain tension. Dont be pulling away in 2nd gear. 3 clutch cable can snag causing stalls (🤷‍♂️yeah I know) nearly wore out cable due to bad positioning from dealer. On a side note if you are commuting with this wonderful machine... it tends to run hot and lean (ever notice yours is the only bike at the light with the fan on?) Like a 390 Duke. Start changing the oil every 2.5k to 3k intervals

Big problem with stalling: No brake light comes on, just like regenerative braking on e-car. Stalling is probably more related to emissions controls placed on manufacturers (to lean out EFI to meet EPA/EURO smog regs). Speak to dealer about software updates.

Same issue with my 2021 vitpilen. It’s definitely the low rpms around 2nd gear that causes the problem. I can go days without it stalling so I think it makes sense that It’s something I am doing that causes it. Recently I’ve been letting the bike warm up to 3 bars before riding and the stalling has become less frequent. 👍🏼

I'm in the US and there's plenty of tires, but you have to look online. I could choose from at least 5 options and have them delivered to home or to a Revzilla store nearby and have them installed by them.

Have 22 model with less than 4k on and had a handful of stalls in 1k I put on. Called a dealer here in Canada - no updates, no fixes, no idea of it happening. It is a great little bike with some proper tech on, but my first Husky. There is a Dunlop tire out in Scotland (Europe) that is more road oriented for those more leaning to that side of riding, but Pirelli is a very decent tire (stock tire on Yamaha T7) which does well in all terrains. The only down side may be its low life (on my Africa Twin it lasted less than 10K). I think it is a good fit for the bike and performs well, especially with lower pressure.

I have a Vitpilen 401 and a Honda Grom. Both bikes are single cylinder bikes. At times, my Vitpilen does stall at downshifting out of second gear if not given enough throttle while down shifting. I never experienced that problem with the Honda Grom. It is just a KTM 373 engine issue. They all suffer from it including the KTM Duke 390 for a few years now. There are even a few RU-vid videos that have been posted as far back as 5 years ago on this issue. KTM, Husqvarna and their dealerships just don’t want to acknowledge the issue even up today. Just because we have learned to live with it still does not make it right.

Hello from Argentina, I bought the svartpilen 401 four months ago and what you mentioned happened to me: it turns off at low rpm when I downshift, the dealership gave the same excuses. Solution: at low RPP do not fully squeeze the clutch. I agree that for a new biker it is dangerous (especially when turning a corner or passing between stopped cars).

In its KTM sisters, the engine is reported to stall due to running very lean. It's something that will probably be becoming more common on new motorcycles as emission standards increase. I haven't seen any ECU tunes for any of them yet, but if true that would take care of the problem.

I was looking at this and the Versys X300 for a daily. 2 different bikes, but similar in the fact they’re light and budget friendly. Ended up going with the Versys, but damn that 401 has the looks.

Had it happen a couple of times, I think my rpms were too low I think sub 4k. Hasn't happened since I been running 5k and up for each gear

The rear tire tube in my Vitpilen was defective, and it blew mid ride the dealer did comp the labor and only charged for the tube, but then my brake caliper bolt was over torqued and crushed the copper washer so I rode to work with no front brake and they also said they were waiting on the washer, been waiting 8 months now lol no call yet

I about the downshifting stall, the fuel gauge never filling up and the intermittent ABS CAN FAILURE messages it's a software issue, KTM (Husqvarna) should got it fixed by now, Next time you go into the service ask for a ECU flash or a ECU update. That should fix does 2 issues (I think)

I have just moved from a 1050cc to a Svartpilen 401. It's a fun nippy commuter that can be used for light weekend type touring and a some green laning. I'm in Ireland and this goes like shite off a shovel. Really good fun and decent value.

Great video!

I live in Western NC around the Blue Ridge mountains. My work commute is around 40 min, including 25 minutes of mountain highway driving ( down hill one direction, up the other ). Can this bike maintain 70-75+ mph on a highway trending up hill?

2022 Svart owner here. Never had a stalling issue. I've heard of people not using high oc fuel and having that issue. Seems to be a wide variety of experiences with this machine.

Hi, owner of a svart 401 2020 model for 5 months now. I noticed that whenever I stall, it was because of my mismatch in rev while downshifting. And the rattling somewhere near the engine slightly bothers me when I have my visors up, but it's not really an issue with the performamce of the bike.

You don't have a fuel controller on the bike yet? That'll do it... also how many miles do you get out of the scorpion front a rear I'm thinking of putting them on my duke 390

Hii i need help. My vit 401 is stalling and bike restarts during cruising speed. No clutch was pressed. It just restarted like i off and on the bike with the key. Dash restarted. It keeps happening. Bike fully restarted while cruising. Fuel x was installed about 1 year ago. Battery is all good. Air filter is cleaned. No recent mods were made to cause the issue. Has anybody experienced this before please help...

If the engine is stalling out during downshift, change your clutch shift sensor on the handlebar assembly. Seriously. After weeks of headaches, switched it out and haven't stalled once in the last 2000 miles.

What’s the difference in price between the Shinkp and the Perrelli? Does shinko make one now in ‘22?

Thinking to buy one next year

They lower the fuel air mixture for emissions and if you used an ecu to increase it then it should stop.

Happens a lot on my old 2007 Ninja 636, that was a four banger, and it was brand new :D, never did figure out what was up with it, I think it is related to emissions, I just blip on downshifts to prevent it at that time. It eventually got fixed when I installed fuel controller, but by that time I got use to blip every downshift, I got paranoid, so I blip anyways :D

For issue #1 this bike is not meant for crossing the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia - it is meant for tackling some gravel roads - the Factory Pirelli Scorpion tires are perfect for that. For issue #2 learn to adjust your clutch and pay specific attention to the clutch cable routing. If it is stalling when you have the bars turned in one direction or the other it is more than likely the clutch cable is getting too taught. Check out the Svartpilen Super Marauder: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rccHU6rSg0k.html

my svartpilan 400 did it randomly when bliping down, engine would randomly cut out. blame euro 4 and really lean fuel. i traded mine in after the dealer coudln’t fix it after the 3rd time. euro bikes.. never again.

You sound like my previous coworker when i was in Richmond VA 😁

I've had the to full gas stall on a 2014 Harley. So it's a real thing, 💯

Would a simple booster plug work?

Hi Malt, I liked your video. I see that you are also in NC, where were you able to find a svartpilen 401 in the area? I would like to purchase one as my starter bike. Would you recommend?

I have a 2019 with the same stalling issue...I read on a vitpilen forum that they released an ECU patch to solve the problem. Haven't had the chance to bring it in and ask about it yet! Ever considered getting a piggyback to try and make it better?

Did you happen to see the heidenau k73 tyres? No idea about US access/price, but I think they look pretty awesome for the Svart.

Hi Guys, Just thought this MAY HELP, There IS an PowerTRONICK ECU Upgrade [Similar to the Honda CRF250/300] That gives an 25% Power Increase AND Tunes OUT the stalling as it DOES run very Lean on LOW Revs..

How much is the stock rear tire in USD?

I am not sure if its only me..considering I am ill informed about these things but is the speedometer oddly positioned? It seems like you have to make an effort t look at the guage?

2018, never had an issue with stalling. Yes, the rear is short lived and the Pirelli is Uber expensive. You should not fill past the metal plate, what only puts the fuel gauge at 3/4's full at the most?!? Still having a ton of fun and replacing the tires at the end of the year.

It looks good but got issues..

Wish I had the same good experience with the dealer where I bought my KTM

Thanks

Still an issue on 22s?

You didn't go up "one aspect ratio" on the tire if you got a tire that that is both wider and higher ratio. The one you ordered is wayyyy taller than the stock tire.

Did you experience mis shifts?

Thanks for video. Where did mirror you buy?

So There Is Notting to do about It (engine cutting) ?? I'm new to motorcycle, I own a 2021 brand new svartpilen 401

zero issues on my stock 2019 401

Ecu flash or a dyna jet

Could something like the "Rekluse Radius X" clutch kit they offer for the KTM/Husqvarna series do the trick and "fix" the engine stalling issue? Seems fairly expensive to solve an issue it shouldn't have, but between that, the elusive neutral I keep hearing about, and not worrying about the clutch at low speeds... Might be worthed :D

I own a svartpilen 401 from 2018 and never had these issues, perhaps since 2019 they started producing them in India instead of Austria..

About the stallong dame issue with my svartpilen 401, IT happens when I downshift to second gear

My 21 Svartpillen stalled in a turn….ugly. Found that there was debri in the side stand switch gear. The bike was stalling as the electrics believed the stand was down….

You have the older model fella; no more of those problems with the new ones.

Hi, I'm thinking if I will buy it or not, what I have to do or what I have to do not to have this problem, here from argentinaaa

So basically you're saying that the tires for that bike have to be imported?

My tire popped on my Vitpilen 401 randomly when I was riding, no reason why, i didn’t hit anything, and the dealer was the last one to fill the air on it

Wally👍

You and your installer are incorrect. I am running 150-70-17s TKC80s you just need to get a new chain - 1 extra link for me was sufficient - and move your tire back on the guides. Tighten tension on chain accordingly, and voila you have a new tire, have fun.

Should i get this bike? Im thinking this or the vitpilet.. i had the r6 before and i dont like the bend riding pos.

What mirrors are those?

If any of you Svart owners are still experiencing the cold shutdown problem, would you indulge me for a bit? In cooler weather where the problem is likely to occur, bring the bike up to normal operating temperature. Shut off the bike. Restart the bike and let it idle for at least 30 seconds and *DO NOT TOUCH THE THROTTLE* Shut off the bike. Start and ride as normal. This is a common re-learn procedure for EFI dirt bikes, since the system isn’t very “smart.” The Svart might have a more advanced EFI setup, and it might just be overly aggressive fuel cut, but eh. Worth a shot.

can you take it off road ?

Hi there. Decat, keep the original exhaust, bmc air filter and 98 octane fuel. The sttaling goes away. Vitpilen 401 here from Portugal. Cheers...

I'm not an expert on tyres but if there's a cheaper brand, I'm wondering why. If the cheaper brand also lasts longer... it's a harder rubber compound and will not offer the same level of grip/traction. This harder longer lasting rubber will be fine if all you do is ride in fields. On tarmac roads, you need the best grip you can get, unless all you do is ride in straight lines, never leaning the bike around corners. Don't cheap out on tyres! Don't get me wrong either. In most other categories of road bikes, sport touring tyres will allow competent riders to lean around on the road just as much as sport tyres would, and the sport touring tyres will last longer. But don't buy a cheap set. Tyres are your only contact with the road. You need them to be good, not cheap! Especially here with knobbly, semi off-road tyres. This design of tyres has less surface area, making contact with the road... do you really think it's wise to reduce your grip even further by getting a cheap set?!

This guy talks like the diamond city radio host on fallout 4

this is strictly road bike. Dual sport is just marketing bullshit. So take Michelin Road 5 set and go all-weather

Tyres-Dunlop mutants-great… still look good , stick like shit

Conclusion: Get a Honda CB500

you modern men dont half make a meal of everything, if a tyre has longlevity issue why dont you wait until its worn out , everything is so good today , when we used to ride crap maybe better to learn how to ride a bike , i see this every where tech issues blah blah blah boring as fuck , from same kind of guys , I had it on mountain bikes , £3000 bikes with techy twats I piss by them on £500 bike which is totally fine rides well , same on old BMW R80 I piss by sport bikes with crap riders funy that , its just boring and a bit girly to be honest a touch gay