My Svartpilen 125 is in for its first service as I write this. Another hour and I’ll be back on it, looking forward to feeling the difference. Like you, next year I’m going to do my full bike license. 401 or 701 in sight. Keep up the good work with your videos 👍🏻
Hi. Just wanted to add, you are absolutely right, the difference is really huge. I Just Got mine back from the First service(Svartpilen 125) and it runs much better, more smoothly I should say. About the RW mirrors: I too could not see much in those things, so I decided to replace them with ones that are mounted on the sides of the handle barr (btw, they were expensive as hell!) They are a bit smaller than the previous ones, But the rear vision is much better. Anyway, thanks for the video, it's great. Have a Nice ride, every one!
@@damjandjordjevic2604 I’ve been so impressed since Saturday afternoon getting the bike back from the service. I am delighted with it. Also, totally agree regarding the mirrors. I done the same thing 👍🏻
There’s definitely a difference but not by much. Let me put it this way, the stock exhaust sound is not the highlight of this bike ;) you’ll definitely have to invest in some aftermarket exhaust if the sound is what you’re after.
Thanks for this video. I'm having the exact same thoughts (and fears) about my 2021 svart125! Not all to keen on the 2022 iteration. But swapping it for a 2021 401... After seeing this? Yeah. Most deffo! My big dreamgirl is still the 2019 svart701, but that's a future thing. Again. Thank you for the incredible video. And if there's anymore. Just point me in the right direction my good sir! 🎉🎉🎉
@@vanyer401 I'll deffo have to do that! See if I can find the correct video you've mentioned. Thanks for the quick reply, for the support and the suggestion! Ride Safe!
Great videos. Would you recommend passing CBT and spending 6-12months on a 125 before doing DAS? I can’t decide whether to dive straight into DAS having never ridden before, or if this is risky? Any advice please? 😊
I could have never passed my exam without first riding for a year the 125. My situation was exactly like yours, never ridden before. I did my CBT mainly to see how hard it is and oh boy, it was overwhelming. I passed by pure luck and this made me realise that a couple of days of intense training were not going to be enough. Not only for obtaining the license but also for achieving the necessary skill level that I was aiming for. During my DAS exams I’ve witnessed a 90% failure and after some questioning, my suspicions were confirmed. Almost all of the candidates that failed were 1st timers while the rest already knew how to ride. Some even said to me that the financial burden of having to retake the exam was making them think of quit trying but for most, it was just disheartening and nothing more. Thinking of the “journey” in general, I believe that it is for the best to start with a 125 and then transition to a larger bike IF needed. Who knows, you might find the 125 more than enough :) The CBT doesn’t cost much and it will help you get an idea of what it is to ride, so give it try. I hope this helps :)
@@vanyer401 thanks so much for taking the time to provide such a comprehensive reply! 😊 you’ve confirmed what I thought and I think financially it makes sense to start with CBT, less commitment. And if I do buy a 125 it seems like most bikes (if looked after) hold a lot of their value, certainly after 12months of use anyway. Thanks again for the advice and the great content!
@@timinno The Svartpilens hold a lot of their value indeed! Just be careful when you wash her :( check out my #25 video and you’ll see why… Remember to keep me updated when you buy your 1st bike and also when you take your CBT. Good luck!
I was planning to be very mature about it! So, I was planning to test also the Honda CB500 and the Ducati Scrambler, you know, the usual suspects. It is about being objective after all. I failed…
Do you think, you’d eventually go for the 701 or are you happy with this especially on motorways ? Also if you are considering your next bike or dream bike, what is it ?
This one is perfect tbh. Motorways are no issue at all. In all honesty I can’t see any reason to go for the 701. They must do something really great in order to even start considering the new 701 (or 801 maybe?). I think the 401 is perfect for me. This is my dream bike ;)
@@Josh-bp1km :) I wish I could say “because that’s how much I liked the 401” but in reality it’s because of the channel’s url. Vanyer was already taken so it’s vanyer401 now :(
Try the 250 cc if you can get your hands on it. It has smoother transitions and i haven't experienced the jumpiness at start. It is quick when you want it to be. Cruise is really smooth. It has a wider sweet spot between clutch and acceleration. Suspension is also great for riding over pot holes. Subjective experience, of course, but i would recommend it to a beginner.
The 250 is not available in Europe I’m afraid (at least I cannot find her anywhere). Very interesting feedback on your behalf. I wish I could test her to be honest.
@@AjayKumar-hh6hx well the 125 is there because it doesn’t require a license or to put it better, it requires a CBT which is a basic test or course. The 701 makes no sense to me tbh but that’s on paper. Never tested it so I might be unfair.
I still want one. It was my dream as I tried to get my licence in the middle of lockdown. At the point I started my DAS they were selling for £4295, could even get one for a few hundred less if previous years model. Then prices started going up and up as I waited for test slots. I ended up looking at more and more expensive bikes and spending £8500 on a tiger 660. I still want one though 😉 and if I had a garage and was single I'd already have one 😂
@@vanyer401 😀 it would be a different bike for a different experience... It's still a dream, and isn't going to happen... 😥 Hope you're enjoying the new bike to the max.
@@BillyHey72 That’s so sad to hear mate :( maybe you can still test ride one and see how it goes? It always starts with a test ride ;) it’s free after all! (Imagine this advice as a little devil whispering over you shoulder)…
The manual is our friend :) It gives a really ample range. Upshifting from 2200rpm and above. Downshifting from 7700rpm and below. So practically everywhere? Depending if you want to downshift or upshift you just make sure you’re within the stated rev ranges and you change gear without the clutch. Just use your foot only. It is really easy. Please try it and let me know how it goes.
I really am considering this bike. Based on a review I saw, is it true that the mud guard doesn't serve its purpose, as the rider's back still gets wet?
To be honest I was lucky to ride only on light rain as of yet but I did not get wet. I will definitely test this as soon as possible. IF my assumption that the shape is the same as the 125 that I previously owned, then I can definitely say that the guards are working as intended. I rode the 125 in all conditions except snow and I never got wet because of a mud guard design failure. The bike as of today is awesome!
I really hope they’ll dramatically change it before production. I really, really hate it. The faceted lines of the tank protrusions and the elongated back seat make it look very unbalanced in my opinion. I understand they have to change the design after all these years but it looks very KTM if you ask me. For some reasons many comments are positive though? After further investigation (a single Reddit post :) ) there’s no redesign. The test bikes use the same shape for years now. We’ll have to wait and see.
The 401? Well, speed is such a relative thing. Especially if you come from the 125! To me it was a huge upgrade but I understand that if you compare it from a 700cc category point of view it must feel very slow. As of today, it allowed me to go farther than my 125 and I felt no need to be faster. Said that, the high rev part of your comment is important because the same comment was repeating on the top speed video of the 125. After the first service I’ll definitely do some testing and report back.
I knew you would love her! 💕
So cute how you try to stay objective in the beginning 😂
I actually love the new color scheme.
Ikr? It was so hard :) I tried but I failed. It is a new different world. Objectivity in reality is not a thing with this one :(
After seeing how gutless the 125 is it's nice to see a pov ride on the 401 and it's in my home town!
Your home town is gorgeous tbh. Except that roundabout…. What’s that about? I’m curious on what locals think about it?
@@vanyer401 We all hate it but it does keep the traffic down as people actively avoid it
@@Gibbo919 hahahahahhaha yeah I can understand that. When I first took my 125 I was terrified of it and I did everything I could to avoid it :)
My Svartpilen 125 is in for its first service as I write this. Another hour and I’ll be back on it, looking forward to feeling the difference. Like you, next year I’m going to do my full bike license. 401 or 701 in sight. Keep up the good work with your videos 👍🏻
Thank you Paul. The difference is huge, you’ll see!
Hi. Just wanted to add, you are absolutely right, the difference is really huge. I Just Got mine back from the First service(Svartpilen 125) and it runs much better, more smoothly I should say. About the RW mirrors: I too could not see much in those things, so I decided to replace them with ones that are mounted on the sides of the handle barr (btw, they were expensive as hell!) They are a bit smaller than the previous ones, But the rear vision is much better. Anyway, thanks for the video, it's great. Have a Nice ride, every one!
@@damjandjordjevic2604 I’ve been so impressed since Saturday afternoon getting the bike back from the service. I am delighted with it.
Also, totally agree regarding the mirrors. I done the same thing 👍🏻
That’s so good to hear. Check my 1st service video, I realised that it is a different better bike too!
Nice video, thank you! The sound is similar to your old Svartpilen 125. Is the difference more obvious in real life? Thank you!
There’s definitely a difference but not by much. Let me put it this way, the stock exhaust sound is not the highlight of this bike ;) you’ll definitely have to invest in some aftermarket exhaust if the sound is what you’re after.
Thanks for this video. I'm having the exact same thoughts (and fears) about my 2021 svart125!
Not all to keen on the 2022 iteration. But swapping it for a 2021 401... After seeing this? Yeah. Most deffo!
My big dreamgirl is still the 2019 svart701, but that's a future thing.
Again. Thank you for the incredible video. And if there's anymore. Just point me in the right direction my good sir! 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you so much for your kind words. In the end I bought the 401 :) Check the videos on how that went before you buy the 2021 please!
@@vanyer401 I'll deffo have to do that! See if I can find the correct video you've mentioned. Thanks for the quick reply, for the support and the suggestion! Ride Safe!
@@danielprustlopez1074 please start with video 28 onwards :)
m.th-cam.com/video/G8aCXPMVKIk/w-d-xo.html
Great videos. Would you recommend passing CBT and spending 6-12months on a 125 before doing DAS? I can’t decide whether to dive straight into DAS having never ridden before, or if this is risky? Any advice please? 😊
I could have never passed my exam without first riding for a year the 125. My situation was exactly like yours, never ridden before. I did my CBT mainly to see how hard it is and oh boy, it was overwhelming. I passed by pure luck and this made me realise that a couple of days of intense training were not going to be enough. Not only for obtaining the license but also for achieving the necessary skill level that I was aiming for.
During my DAS exams I’ve witnessed a 90% failure and after some questioning, my suspicions were confirmed. Almost all of the candidates that failed were 1st timers while the rest already knew how to ride. Some even said to me that the financial burden of having to retake the exam was making them think of quit trying but for most, it was just disheartening and nothing more. Thinking of the “journey” in general, I believe that it is for the best to start with a 125 and then transition to a larger bike IF needed. Who knows, you might find the 125 more than enough :)
The CBT doesn’t cost much and it will help you get an idea of what it is to ride, so give it try. I hope this helps :)
@@vanyer401 thanks so much for taking the time to provide such a comprehensive reply! 😊 you’ve confirmed what I thought and I think financially it makes sense to start with CBT, less commitment. And if I do buy a 125 it seems like most bikes (if looked after) hold a lot of their value, certainly after 12months of use anyway.
Thanks again for the advice and the great content!
@@timinno The Svartpilens hold a lot of their value indeed! Just be careful when you wash her :( check out my #25 video and you’ll see why… Remember to keep me updated when you buy your 1st bike and also when you take your CBT. Good luck!
Are you also test driving other bikes or just the 401?
I was planning to be very mature about it! So, I was planning to test also the Honda CB500 and the Ducati Scrambler, you know, the usual suspects. It is about being objective after all.
I failed…
Do you think, you’d eventually go for the 701 or are you happy with this especially on motorways ? Also if you are considering your next bike or dream bike, what is it ?
This one is perfect tbh. Motorways are no issue at all. In all honesty I can’t see any reason to go for the 701. They must do something really great in order to even start considering the new 701 (or 801 maybe?). I think the 401 is perfect for me. This is my dream bike ;)
@@vanyer401 did you add 401 to your TH-cam handle 😆. Thanks so much for the quick replies man.
@@Josh-bp1km :) I wish I could say “because that’s how much I liked the 401” but in reality it’s because of the channel’s url. Vanyer was already taken so it’s vanyer401 now :(
Try the 250 cc if you can get your hands on it. It has smoother transitions and i haven't experienced the jumpiness at start. It is quick when you want it to be. Cruise is really smooth. It has a wider sweet spot between clutch and acceleration. Suspension is also great for riding over pot holes. Subjective experience, of course, but i would recommend it to a beginner.
The 250 is not available in Europe I’m afraid (at least I cannot find her anywhere). Very interesting feedback on your behalf. I wish I could test her to be honest.
@@vanyer401 That's sad! I hope future versions of 125 and 701 make major improvements. It must justify its price after all
@@AjayKumar-hh6hx well the 125 is there because it doesn’t require a license or to put it better, it requires a CBT which is a basic test or course. The 701 makes no sense to me tbh but that’s on paper. Never tested it so I might be unfair.
Did you take her on the motorway and some country roads during the test ride?
Yeap. Did the entire loop but of course the GoPro died… I really need a new camera…
Plenty power, right?
Such a great little bike.
@@Johnny-701 absolutely! Honestly it was a revelation not having the wind as an enemy… Stupid wind… now he’s irrelevant!
I still want one. It was my dream as I tried to get my licence in the middle of lockdown. At the point I started my DAS they were selling for £4295, could even get one for a few hundred less if previous years model. Then prices started going up and up as I waited for test slots. I ended up looking at more and more expensive bikes and spending £8500 on a tiger 660.
I still want one though 😉 and if I had a garage and was single I'd already have one 😂
Aren’t you scared that after your 660 you might get disappointed with the 401?
@@vanyer401 😀 it would be a different bike for a different experience... It's still a dream, and isn't going to happen... 😥
Hope you're enjoying the new bike to the max.
@@BillyHey72 That’s so sad to hear mate :( maybe you can still test ride one and see how it goes? It always starts with a test ride ;) it’s free after all! (Imagine this advice as a little devil whispering over you shoulder)…
I bought svartpilen 401 2022 model.
I don't know how to use quickshifter.Can we use it only at high revs or in any way?
The manual is our friend :) It gives a really ample range. Upshifting from 2200rpm and above. Downshifting from 7700rpm and below. So practically everywhere? Depending if you want to downshift or upshift you just make sure you’re within the stated rev ranges and you change gear without the clutch. Just use your foot only. It is really easy. Please try it and let me know how it goes.
@@vanyer401 thank you for the information you gave
@@hasankarabatak5866 glad to be of help :)
I really am considering this bike. Based on a review I saw, is it true that the mud guard doesn't serve its purpose, as the rider's back still gets wet?
To be honest I was lucky to ride only on light rain as of yet but I did not get wet. I will definitely test this as soon as possible. IF my assumption that the shape is the same as the 125 that I previously owned, then I can definitely say that the guards are working as intended. I rode the 125 in all conditions except snow and I never got wet because of a mud guard design failure.
The bike as of today is awesome!
very good bike, but it's not gonna be the same 😥, joking apart do u like the new svartpilen 125/401 2023? i dont like it
I really hope they’ll dramatically change it before production. I really, really hate it. The faceted lines of the tank protrusions and the elongated back seat make it look very unbalanced in my opinion. I understand they have to change the design after all these years but it looks very KTM if you ask me. For some reasons many comments are positive though? After further investigation (a single Reddit post :) ) there’s no redesign. The test bikes use the same shape for years now. We’ll have to wait and see.
its a slow underpowered one cylinder bike that makes up for how light and agile it is. no power till 4.5k RPM
The 401? Well, speed is such a relative thing. Especially if you come from the 125! To me it was a huge upgrade but I understand that if you compare it from a 700cc category point of view it must feel very slow. As of today, it allowed me to go farther than my 125 and I felt no need to be faster. Said that, the high rev part of your comment is important because the same comment was repeating on the top speed video of the 125. After the first service I’ll definitely do some testing and report back.
@@vanyer401 its not a bad bike that's why I still have it in my collection.