SMALLER VITPILEN

Like its bigger 701 stablemate, the 401 Vitpilen looks fantastic. Purer and more purposeful than the Svartpilen, it will surely cut a dash carving through traffic on a weekday morning. And you can stand around, admiring the design cues for ages. The only important differences between the Svartpilen and Vitpilen are the riding position and tyres; Vitpilen rides on road pattern Metzelers, rather than the Scorpion Trails on the Svart’. The wrist heavy riding position makes sense when you’re out of town, with wind pressure to support your upper body, but in town it’s less comfortable than the Svart, adding wrist ache to the sore arse. But then, you’ve always had to suffer for art.