Author Topic: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today (Husqvarna Vitpilen 401)  (Read 2316 times)

Offline bettythebear

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Bought a Bike With a Chain Today (Husqvarna Vitpilen 401)
« on: July 23, 2021, 09:37:53 PM »
I ended up bringing home a brand new Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 on a whim after work today. It's pretty darn awesome.

« Last Edit: July 27, 2021, 11:27:08 AM by bettythebear »
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2021, 09:40:02 PM »
I ended up bringing home a brand new Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 on a whim after work today. It's pretty darn awesome.



Congratulations!  Looking forward to your real world review as you build up the miles. 
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Offline Scout63

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2021, 09:45:30 PM »
That bike is sex on a stick. Please post details and a ride report.  I just love the new thumpers.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline TalbotMatra

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2021, 02:16:07 AM »
Looks cool, but ergonomics?  :shocked:

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2021, 02:16:07 AM »

Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2021, 04:35:36 AM »
Now if you want to make it al most as simple as a shaft drive bike add a continuous chain oil like a Scott oiler. Drip rate of 1 drop every 90 seconds and the bike, chain and sprockets will stay clean and the chain and sprockets will last 3 to 5x longer than traditional topical chain lubes. All you need to top up the reseveiour ever 1500 to 2000 miles with a couple ounces of ATF.
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Offline bettythebear

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2021, 07:22:50 AM »
Initial thoughts:

The ergos are a bit challenging for me, but I'm not used to clip on bars at all, so I'll give it some time. Worst case scenario, I do a bar swap to something higher and wider.

This little motor is awesome, exactly what I wanted, something I can brap around town WOT and not worry much. Kind of like my Fiat Spider.

I also rode the Duke 390, which has the same engine, but is so much uglier in my opinion. Also, the Duke is a bit over $1k more out the door than the Vitpilen was, and sure you get a fancy color dash, but you don't get the adjustable forks.
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Offline ozarquebus

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2021, 08:02:49 AM »
Super Nice bike. You can be a FSSNOCer now. Must have been a powerful whim.
John

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #7 on: July 24, 2021, 08:45:37 AM »
CONGRATULATIONS.
Been eyeing the 701 Svartpilen.
Yes, give further ride impressions as they impress themselves upon you!
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Offline JJ

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #8 on: July 24, 2021, 09:17:31 AM »
CONGRATULATIONS!!   :thumb: :thumb: :boozing: :cool:

With today's modern technology regarding motorcycle chains...no issues, IMHO! :wink: :smiley: :smiley:
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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #9 on: July 24, 2021, 09:26:44 AM »
Initial thoughts:

The ergos are a bit challenging for me, but I'm not used to clip on bars at all, so I'll give it some time. Worst case scenario, I do a bar swap to something higher and wider.

This little motor is awesome, exactly what I wanted, something I can brap around town WOT and not worry much. Kind of like my Fiat Spider.

I also rode the Duke 390, which has the same engine, but is so much uglier in my opinion. Also, the Duke is a bit over $1k more out the door than the Vitpilen was, and sure you get a fancy color dash, but you don't get the adjustable forks.

Congrats on the new purchase.  I've got a 690 Duke and an 790cc DR 650.  I love the light weight of both.  The Duke has so much power at every RPM, one has to be careful.

I've been thinking a 390 Duke or 401 Vitpilen would be a lot of fun......
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Offline Guzzistajohn

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #10 on: July 24, 2021, 09:35:50 AM »
CONGRATULATIONS!!   :thumb: :thumb: :boozing: :cool:

With today's modern technology regarding motorcycle chains...no issues, IMHO! :wink: :smiley: :smiley:

YES :thumb:
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #11 on: July 24, 2021, 10:00:27 AM »
CONGRATULATIONS!!   :thumb: :thumb: :boozing: :cool:

With today's modern technology regarding motorcycle chains...no issues, IMHO! :wink: :smiley: :smiley:

True with a quality chain.  Some OEM chains are budget oriented.  I've had properly cared for OEM chains last 15,000 miles, and the replacement last 30,000 miles. 

I don't think the chain on my Van Van will make it to even 10,000 miles because of stretch. 
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Offline JJ

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #12 on: July 24, 2021, 10:02:28 AM »
True with a quality chain.  Some OEM chains are budget oriented.  I've had properly cared for OEM chains last 15,000 miles, and the replacement last 30,000 miles. 

I don't think the chain on my Van Van will make it to even 10,000 miles because of stretch.

A new replacement chain after 10,000 miles is a "cheap fix", IMHO... :wink: :thumb: :cool:
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #13 on: July 24, 2021, 11:05:19 AM »
A new replacement chain after 10,000 miles is a "cheap fix", IMHO... :wink: :thumb: :cool:

It is.  But you should never replace a chain without replacing sprockets.  And while you have the chain off, you might as well pull the swingarm and inspect and lube the bearings.  So, a little job always ends up turning into a larger job.   :laugh:

Dealing with a cheap OEM chain can be a PITA.  I should just change the Van Van chain and sprockets, and be done with it, but I just hate changing out items prematurely.  I just have to make sure I have my tools with me to make adjustments as needed when I am out exploring.

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Offline bettythebear

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #14 on: July 24, 2021, 03:41:54 PM »
Been riding it around a bunch today.

The engine is super noisy in a sewing machine kind of way, and the stock exhaust is too quiet.

Finding neutral is kind of a pain, BUT it has a factory quick shifter which is amazing. No clutch needed up or down once rolling.

I wanted a bike that would remind me of my old RD350, riding around WOT and not getting in trouble. This is definitely it.
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Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #15 on: July 24, 2021, 04:35:03 PM »
A new replacement chain after 10,000 miles is a "cheap fix", IMHO... :wink: :thumb: :cool:

But with a little passive care and about $6 in ATF the chain can easily last 30K to 50K and the sprockets 25K+
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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #16 on: July 24, 2021, 05:09:56 PM »
Good on you!
I  love these things especially in white!
If I was able to have a second bike it would be the 701, but can see that the 401 would be perfect round town..
Enjoy, but pretty sure you will.
Cheers Guzzler

Offline pete mcgee

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #17 on: July 24, 2021, 06:41:32 PM »
Been riding it around a bunch today.

The engine is super noisy in a sewing machine kind of way, and the stock exhaust is too quiet.

Finding neutral is kind of a pain, BUT it has a factory quick shifter which is amazing. No clutch needed up or down once rolling.

I wanted a bike that would remind me of my old RD350, riding around WOT and not getting in trouble. This is definitely it.
Give it 10,000 km and let it wear in.
Noise? Wear earplugs or go and ride an old lemans without ear plugs, truely some awesome noises in there albeit mutted by the brillant exhaust bark for comparison.
Chain oilers have a look at Tutoro chain oilers.
Go and ride
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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #18 on: July 24, 2021, 06:52:22 PM »
Been riding it around a bunch today.

The engine is super noisy in a sewing machine kind of way, and the stock exhaust is too quiet.

Finding neutral is kind of a pain, BUT it has a factory quick shifter which is amazing. No clutch needed up or down once rolling.

I wanted a bike that would remind me of my old RD350, riding around WOT and not getting in trouble. This is definitely it.

Goooood choice!  Light weight street bikes these days are a very small herd.  I saw one of those a couple weeks ago and when I was looking at it, the owner came out and we talked.  He loves it!

He had an Akropovic exhaust on it, which was bit loud for my tastes.  If you want it louder I would start out with the time tested drilling of holes before going with an aftermarket.

Or if you have a mid-pipe catalytic convertor, you could try replacing that with a straight thru pipe.

Enjoy, the toys that can bring back the 70's are great things indeed.
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Offline SmithSwede

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #19 on: July 24, 2021, 07:31:07 PM »

I wanted a bike that would remind me of my old RD350, riding around WOT and not getting in trouble.

I don’t understand that comment.  Back in the day I rode my RD400 all around at WOT, and got into a LOT of trouble. 

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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #20 on: July 26, 2021, 07:02:18 AM »
I don’t understand that comment.  Back in the day I rode my RD400 all around at WOT, and got into a LOT of trouble. 

 :grin:

A little searching came up with both the RD400 and vitpilen 401 having 0 - 60 times in the low 5 seconds.

The 701 0 - 60 is around 3.5 seconds, and just beats out the Yamaha XSR700 in a drag race. 





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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #21 on: July 26, 2021, 08:23:09 AM »
Zero to 60 mph times mean little unless the rider can handle drag race type hole shots...How many guys here can or are willing to drop the clutch lever at high RPM and wide open throttle ?  I would think 30 to 75 mph is a better test of acceleration for the average rider.

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #22 on: July 26, 2021, 08:53:09 AM »
 Yes, though pretty cool data point...
Scrappy little things these Vitpilens. :thumb:
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #23 on: July 26, 2021, 09:02:35 AM »
 :huh:
Zero to 60 mph times mean little unless the rider can handle drag race type hole shots...How many guys here can or are willing to drop the clutch lever at high RPM and wide open throttle ?  I would think 30 to 75 mph is a better test of acceleration for the average rider.

It is a data point for comparing motorcycles.  It is not an indication of how one rides a bike. 

Just like HP and Torque numbers mean nothing since most riders never rev to the peak RPMs, but they also are another data point to compare motorcycles. 

Top speed on the other hand is critical information for those that have to have a bike that can maintain interstate speeds but want the lightest bike possible.
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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #24 on: July 26, 2021, 09:48:11 AM »
Had to look up the specs but  that is a really impressive bike. :thumb: Congratulations!

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #25 on: July 26, 2021, 10:29:10 AM »
:huh:
It is a data point for comparing motorcycles.  It is not an indication of how one rides a bike. 

Just like HP and Torque numbers mean nothing since most riders never rev to the peak RPMs, but they also are another data point to compare motorcycles. 

Top speed on the other hand is critical information for those that have to have a bike that can maintain interstate speeds but want the lightest bike possible.
As I said ,in my opinion, it's not all that useful. I used to drag race, I can take my 750 Triumph and come out of the hole like a madman and smoke many bikes with twice the HP up to 35-40 mph because the have no experience with doing hole shots...Bur then they just walk away from me...
 Top speed? my 650 Triumph land speed racer has been officially timed at 133 mph. It is not a pure race bike , it can and has been ridden on the street...Weighs 340 pounds, you think it would be a smoothie at 85 mph? I believe cruising speed is mostly a function of engine vibration levels at high way speeds...








Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #26 on: July 26, 2021, 11:29:17 AM »
As I said ,in my opinion, it's not all that useful. I used to drag race, I can take my 750 Triumph and come out of the hole like a madman and smoke many bikes with twice the HP up to 35-40 mph because the have no experience with doing hole shots...Bur then they just walk away from me...
 Top speed? my 650 Triumph land speed racer has been officially timed at 133 mph. It is not a pure race bike , it can and has been ridden on the street...Weighs 340 pounds, you think it would be a smoothie at 85 mph? I believe cruising speed is mostly a function of engine vibration levels at high way speeds...

You are focused on comparing riders. There are metrics out there to compare bikes as they come from the factory to help a potential buyer make a purchasing decision.

Weight, HP, Torque, acceleration, top speed, range, suspension components, brakes, Maintenance intervals, etc.

At least one of these factors is important to every new motorcycle buyer.

When I only bought used motorcycles, and could only have one, I bought value for my $$. 
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Offline bettythebear

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today
« Reply #27 on: July 27, 2021, 10:32:22 AM »
I've been able to rack the mileage up to a whopping 108 since Fri evening. It's already shifting nicer, and neutral is easier to find. It is definitely a hoot, even if I haven't been able to really rev it up high yet because of the break in period. So far I'm doing ok with the ergos, and am trying to sit up by engaging my core instead of putting so much weight on my wrists.

I sold the 2015 Zero SR I had bought last year to fund this purchase. I really enjoyed the Zero for lots of reasons, but I really didn't like the feel of the front end at all after a while. It just felt too light, for lack of a better word. It also came with it's own ergo issues, like the fact that the seat slanted forward, crushing me boys. At least the seat on the Vit is flat. Everything about the Vit just feels solid, and up to the task so far.

Some changes I will probably make to it as time goes on:
-replace the huge incandescent US spec signals for something led and better suited to the style
-bar end mirrors to replace the Mickey Mouse ears
-Every bike I've ever had has had at least one bag of some kind, and I'm just not used to being able to ride without any carrying capacity, so I think this is just what the doctor ordered: https://www.unitgarage.com/special_parts/bags_and_accessories/side_pannier_canvas_left_subframe_husqvarna_401_2020_until_now_1

I like the look of the stock exhaust, but it is a little too muffled. I will probably keep the muffler, but get rid of the huge bread box "pre-muffler" hiding between the tire and swingarm. The cat is closer to the engine. It looks like this combo will give a slightly deeper tone while retaining/improving the look, and not changing anything for the bike's computer.

It looks like most people rip off that rear hugger, and do a "tail tidy", but I am in what must be the minority of people who actually like the rear hugger. I think it gives the bike some it's retro/future vibes.
   

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2020 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Offline bettythebear

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today (Husqvarna Vitpilen 401)
« Reply #28 on: August 06, 2021, 08:10:06 AM »
I finally took it for a proper little fun ride last night. I found some slightly curvy roads (this is TX after all), and it felt great on this little bike. I am super anxious to try to plow through another 400 miles so I can get the first service done, and feel safer revving the motor out to it's full capacity.

The ergos are tough in town, I found myself taking any opportunity to sit up straight at red lights. I may splurge someday on the Rekluse clutch they make for it, as I think it sounds great to have for around town. Once moving 45mph or more though, the wind keeping my chest up is super comfortable, and I could ride like that until the tiny little tank starts to go empty.

It's only been about 200 miles, and the chain has definitely become loose, so I'll look into that procedure this weekend. I did order a paddock stand to try and make that maintenance easier. With this bike and KTM's there's a spot marked on the bottom of the swingarm, and you push the bottom of the chain up against that. It is supposed to be a distance of 5-7mm away from the swingarm while pushing up, any more/less and adjustment required. Do chains have an initial period where they stretch a bit when new? Or will I be adjusting more often due to my not so light weight? The only chain bikes I've ever had were an RD350 which I never rode much at all, and the old KLR. I just never adjusted the chain on the KLR (did grease it once in a while), and got 20k miles out of it. Twice.
2011 MG v7 Classic
2020 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

Offline pete mcgee

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Re: Bought a Bike With a Chain Today (Husqvarna Vitpilen 401)
« Reply #29 on: August 06, 2021, 04:20:52 PM »
Ive had a chain again for a year after 34 years with shafts.
To me chains seem to require a break in period as well, the shop adjusted it at the first service. Been adjusted at 10 and 20 thou km, along with tyre change at those servings
Now got 30,000 km on it, needs adjusting on next weeks service.
Modern chains are pretty good.
Pete (no not the Bungendore one)


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