Husqvarna VITPILEN 401 2020 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL 2020
VITPILEN 401
Art. no. 3402397en

DEAR HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES CUSTOMER
*3402397en*
3402397en
03/2020
DEAR HUSQVARNA MOT ORCYCLES CUSTOMER
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a Husqvarna motorcycle. You are now the owner of a state-of-
the-art sports vehicle that will continue giving you pleasure for a long time if you maintain it properly.
We wish you good and safe riding at all times!
Enter the serial numbers of your vehicle below.
Vehicle identification number ( p. 24) Dealer's stamp
Engine number ( p. 25)
Key number ( p. 25)
The Owner's Manual contained the latest information for this model series at the time of going to print. How-
ever, minor differences due to further developments in design cannot be ruled out completely.
All specifications contained herein are non-binding. Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH specifically reserves the
right to modify or delete technical specifications, prices, colors, forms, materials, services, designs, equipment,
etc., without prior notice and without specifying reasons, to adapt these to local conditions, as well as to stop
production of a particular model without prior notice. Husqvarna Motorcycles accepts no liability for delivery
options, deviations from illustrations and descriptions, as well as misprints and other errors. The models por-
trayed partly contain special equipment that does not belong to the regular scope of supply.
© 2020 Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH, Mattighofen Austria
All rights reserved

DEAR HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES CUSTOMER
2
Reproduction, even in part, as well as copying of all kinds, is permitted only with the express written permission
of the copyright owner.
ISO 9001(12 100 6061)
Husqvarna Motorcycles applies quality assurance processes that lead to the highest possible
product quality as defined in the ISO 9001 international quality management standard.
Issued by: TÜV-Management Service
Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH
Stallhofnerstraße 3
5230 Mattighofen, Austria
This document is valid for the following models:
VITPILEN 401 EU (F1303T1)
VITPILEN 401 B.D. EU (F1303T2, F1303T2L)
VITPILEN 401 AU (F1360T1)
VITPILEN 401 JP (F1386T1)
VITPILEN 401 AR (F1342T1)
VITPILEN 401 CN (F1387T1)
VITPILEN 401 CO (F1341T1)
VITPILEN 401 PH (F1382T1)
VITPILEN 401 TH (F1383T2)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 MEANS OF REPRESENTATION........................ 9
1.1 Symbols used ....................................... 9
1.2 Formats used...................................... 10
2 SAFETY ADVICE ............................................. 11
2.1 Use definition –intended use ............. 11
2.2 Misuse................................................. 11
2.3 Safety advice ...................................... 11
2.4 Degrees of risk and symbols .............. 12
2.5 Tampering warning ............................. 13
2.6 Safe operation..................................... 14
2.7 Protective clothing.............................. 15
2.8 Work rules........................................... 15
2.9 Environment........................................ 16
2.10 Owner's Manual.................................. 16
3 IMPORTANT NOTES....................................... 17
3.1 Manufacturer and implied warranty.... 17
3.2 Fuel, auxiliary substances................... 17
3.3 Spare parts, accessories .................... 17
3.4 Service ................................................ 18
3.5 Figures ................................................ 18
3.6 Customer service................................ 19
4 VIEW OF VEHICLE .......................................... 20
4.1 View of vehicle, front left (example) .... 20
4.2 View of vehicle, rear right
(example)............................................. 22
5 SERIAL NUMBERS.......................................... 24
5.1 Vehicle identification number.............. 24
5.2 Type label............................................ 24
5.3 Key number......................................... 25
5.4 Engine number.................................... 25
5.5 Fork article number............................. 26
5.6 Shock absorber article number .......... 26
6 CONTROLS ..................................................... 27
6.1 Clutch lever......................................... 27
6.2 Hand brake lever................................. 27
6.3 Throttle grip......................................... 28
6.4 Switches on the left side of the
handlebar............................................ 28
6.4.1 High beam flasher button............... 28
6.4.2 Light switch .................................... 29
6.4.3 Turn signal switch .......................... 29
6.4.4 Horn button .................................... 30

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6.5 Switches on the right side of the
handlebar............................................ 30
6.5.1 Emergency OFF switch .................. 30
6.5.2 Start button .................................... 31
6.6 Ignition and steering lock.................... 31
6.7 Locking the steering ........................... 32
6.8 Unlocking the steering........................ 33
6.9 Opening fuel tank filler cap................. 33
6.10 Closing the fuel tank filler cap............. 35
6.11 Seat lock ............................................. 36
6.12 Tool set ............................................... 36
6.13 Grab handle ........................................ 37
6.14 Passenger foot pegs........................... 37
6.15 Shift lever ............................................ 38
6.16 Foot brake lever.................................. 39
6.17 Side stand........................................... 39
7 COMBINATION INSTRUMENT ....................... 41
7.1 Combination instrument ..................... 41
7.2 Activation and test.............................. 42
7.3 Warnings............................................. 43
7.4 Indicator lamps ................................... 48
7.5 Shift warning light ............................... 50
7.6 Display ................................................ 52
7.7 Fuel level display................................. 53
7.8 Coolant temperature indicator............ 54
7.9 Function buttons................................. 55
7.10 ABS display......................................... 56
7.11 Info display.......................................... 56
7.12 ODO display........................................ 57
7.12.1 Fuel Range ..................................... 58
7.12.2 Service............................................ 59
7.13 TRIP 1 display..................................... 60
7.13.1 Time Trip 1 ..................................... 61
7.13.2 Average Speed Trip1...................... 62
7.13.3 Avg F.C. Trip 1 ............................... 63
7.14 TRIP 2 display..................................... 64
7.14.1 Time Trip 2 ..................................... 64
7.14.2 Average Speed Trip2...................... 65
7.14.3 Avg F.C. Trip 2 ............................... 66
7.15 Adjusting ABS mode........................... 67
7.16 Setting the units.................................. 68
7.17 Setting the clock................................. 69
7.18 Adjusting the shift speed RPM1 ......... 70
7.19 Adjusting the shift speed RPM2 ......... 71
8 PREPARING FOR USE.................................... 73
8.1 Advice on preparing for first use......... 73
8.2 Running in the engine ......................... 75
8.3 Loading the vehicle............................. 75

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9 RIDING INSTRUCTIONS ................................. 78
9.1 Checks and maintenance measures
when preparing for use....................... 78
9.2 Starting ............................................... 79
9.3 Starting off .......................................... 81
9.4 Easy Shift............................................ 82
9.5 Shifting, riding..................................... 83
9.6 Applying the brakes............................ 89
9.7 Stopping, parking ............................... 91
9.8 Transport............................................. 93
9.9 Refueling............................................. 94
10 SERVICE SCHEDULE...................................... 97
10.1 Additional information......................... 97
10.2 Required work..................................... 97
10.3 Recommended work......................... 100
11 TUNING THE CHASSIS................................. 101
11.1 Fork/shock absorber (Option:
Ajustable chassis) ............................. 101
11.2 Adjusting the compression
damping of the fork (Option:
Ajustable chassis) ............................. 101
11.3 Adjusting the rebound damping of
the fork (Option: Ajustable
chassis) ............................................. 103
11.4 Adjusting the rebound damping of
the shock absorber (Option:
Ajustable chassis) ............................. 104
11.5 Adjusting the spring preload of the
shock absorber (Option:
Ajustable chassis) ............................. 106
12 SERVICE WORK ON THE CHASSIS ............. 108
12.1 Raising the motorcycle with the
rear lifting gear.................................. 108
12.2 Removing the rear of the
motorcycle from the lifting gear........ 110
12.3 Lifting the motorcycle with the
front lifting gear................................. 112
12.4 Taking the motorcycle off the front
lifting gear ......................................... 113
12.5 Cleaning the dust boots of the fork
legs ................................................... 115
12.6 Removing the seat............................ 116
12.7 Mounting the seat............................. 117
12.8 Removing the left side cover ........ 117
12.9 Installing the left side cover .......... 120

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12.10 Removing the right side cover ...... 122
12.11 Installing the right side cover ........ 124
12.12 Removing the license plate
bracket.............................................. 126
12.13 Installing the license plate bracket ... 129
12.14 Removing the front spoiler................ 134
12.15 Fitting front spoiler............................ 135
12.16 Checking for chain dirt
accumulation .................................... 136
12.17 Cleaning the chain ............................ 136
12.18 Checking the chain tension .............. 138
12.19 Adjusting the chain tension............... 139
12.20 Checking the chain, rear sprocket,
and engine sprocket ......................... 141
12.21 Adjusting the basic position of the
clutch lever........................................ 144
13 BRAKE SYSTEM ........................................... 145
13.1 Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ........ 145
13.2 Adjusting the basic position of the
hand brake lever ............................... 147
13.3 Checking the brake discs ................. 148
13.4 Checking the front brake fluid
level................................................... 149
13.5 Adding front brake fluid ................ 150
13.6 Checking the front brake linings....... 153
13.7 Checking the rear brake fluid level ... 154
13.8 Adding rear brake fluid .................. 155
13.9 Checking the rear brake linings ........ 159
13.10 Checking the free travel of the foot
brake lever ........................................ 160
13.11 Adjusting the free travel of the foot
brake lever .................................... 161
14 WHEELS, TIRES............................................ 163
14.1 Removing the front wheel ............. 163
14.2 Installing the front wheel ............... 164
14.3 Removing the rear wheel .............. 167
14.4 Installing the rear wheel ................ 169
14.5 Checking the rear hub damping
rubber pieces ................................ 172
14.6 Checking the tire condition............... 173
14.7 Checking tire pressure...................... 176
14.8 Checking spoke tension ................... 177
14.9 Using tire repair spray....................... 178
15 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.................................. 179
15.1 Removing the 12-V battery ........... 179
15.2 Installing the 12-V battery ............. 182
15.3 Charging the 12-V battery ............. 184

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15.4 Changing the main fuse.................... 187
15.5 Changing the ABS fuses................... 189
15.6 Changing the fuses of individual
power consumers ............................. 192
15.7 Checking the headlight setting ......... 195
15.8 Adjusting the headlight range........... 196
15.9 Diagnostics connector...................... 197
15.10 Front ACC1 and ACC2 ..................... 198
15.11 ACC2 rear ......................................... 198
16 COOLING SYSTEM....................................... 199
16.1 Cooling system ................................. 199
16.2 Checking the antifreeze and
coolant level...................................... 200
16.3 Checking the coolant level................ 203
16.4 Draining the coolant ...................... 205
16.5 Filling/bleeding the cooling
system ........................................... 206
16.6 Changing the coolant .................... 209
17 TUNING THE ENGINE................................... 213
17.1 Checking the clutch lever play.......... 213
17.2 Adjusting play in the clutch
lever ............................................... 214
17.3 Checking the basic position of the
shift lever........................................... 215
17.4 Adjusting the basic position of the
shift lever........................................... 215
18 SERVICE WORK ON THE ENGINE ............... 217
18.1 Checking the engine oil level ............ 217
18.2 Changing the engine oil and oil
filter, cleaning the oil screens ....... 218
18.3 Adding engine oil .............................. 222
19 CLEANING, CARE......................................... 224
19.1 Cleaning the motorcycle................... 224
19.2 Checks and maintenance steps for
winter operation................................ 227
20 STORAGE...................................................... 229
20.1 Storage ............................................. 229
20.2 Preparing for use after storage......... 231
21 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................... 232
22 TECHNICAL DATA ........................................ 235
22.1 Engine ............................................... 235
22.2 Engine tightening torques................. 236

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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22.3 Capacities ......................................... 241
22.3.1 Engine oil...................................... 241
22.3.2 Coolant......................................... 241
22.3.3 Fuel............................................... 241
22.4 Chassis ............................................. 242
22.5 Electrical system............................... 243
22.6 Tires .................................................. 244
22.7 Fork................................................... 245
22.8 Shock absorber ................................ 246
22.9 Chassis tightening torques ............... 247
23 SUBSTANCES............................................... 254
24 AUXILIARY SUBSTANCES............................ 258
25 STANDARDS ................................................. 260
26 INDEX OF SPECIAL TERMS ......................... 261
27 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................ 262
28 LIST OF SYMBOLS ....................................... 263
28.1 Yellow and orange symbols.............. 263
28.2 Green and blue symbols................... 263
INDEX .................................................................... 264

MEANS OF REPRESENTATION 1
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1.1 Symbols used
The meaning of specific symbols is described below.
Indicates an expected reaction (e.g. of a work step or a function).
Indicates an unexpected reaction (e.g. of a work step or a function).
All work marked with this symbol requires specialist knowledge and technical understand-
ing. In the interests of your own safety, have these jobs performed by an authorized Husq-
varna Motorcycles workshop. There, your motorcycle will be optimally cared for by specially
trained experts using the specialist tools required.
Indicates a page reference (more information is provided on the specified page).
Indicates information with more details or tips.
Indicates the result of a testing step.

1 MEANS OF REPRESENTATION
10
Indicates a voltage measurement.
Indicates a current measurement.
Indicates the end of an activity, including potential rework.
1.2 Formats used
The typographical formats used in this document are explained below.
Proprietary name Indicates a proprietary name.
Name®Indicates a protected name.
Brand™ Indicates a brand available on the open market.
Underlined terms Refer to technical details of the vehicle or indicate technical terms, which
are explained in the glossary.

SAFETY ADVICE 2
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2.1 Use definition –intended use
This vehicle has been designed and built to withstand the normal stresses and strains of road use.
This vehicle is not suitable for use on race tracks or offroad.
Info
This vehicle is only authorized for operation on public roads in its homologated version.
2.2 Misuse
The vehicle must only be used as intended.
Dangers can arise for people, property and the environment through use not as intended.
Any use of the vehicle beyond the intended and defined use constitutes misuse.
Misuse also includes the use of operating and auxiliary fluids which do not meet the required specification for
the respective use.
2.3 Safety advice
A number of safety instructions need to be followed to operate the product described safely. Therefore read
this instruction and all further instructions included carefully. The safety instructions are highlighted in the text
and are referred to at the relevant passages.

2 SAFETY ADVICE
12
Info
Various information and warning labels are attached in prominent locations on the product described.
Do not remove any information or warning labels. If they are missing, you or others may not recognize
dangers and may therefore be injured.
2.4 Degrees of risk and symbols
Danger
Identifies a danger that will immediately and invariably lead to fatal or serious permanent injury if the
appropriate measures are not taken.
Warning
Identifies a danger that is likely to lead to fatal or serious injury if the appropriate measures are not
taken.
Caution
Identifies a danger that may lead to minor injuries if the appropriate measures are not taken.
Note
Identifies a danger that will lead to considerable machine and material damage if the appropriate measures are
not taken.
Note
Indicates a danger that will lead to environmental damage if the appropriate measures are not taken.

SAFETY ADVICE 2
13
2.5 Tampering warning
Tampering with the noise control system is prohibited. Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing
thereof:
1 The removal or rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes of servicing, repair, or replace-
ment, of any device or element of design incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise control
prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use, or
2 the use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been removed or rendered inoperative by
any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are the acts listed below:
1 Removal or puncturing of the main silencers, baffles, header pipes or any other components which conduct
exhaust gases.
2 Removal or puncturing of parts of the intake system.
3 Lack of proper maintenance.
4 Replacing moving parts of the vehicle, or parts of the exhaust system or intake system, with parts other
than those specified by the manufacturer.

2 SAFETY ADVICE
14
2.6 Safe operation
Danger
Danger of accidents A rider who is not fit to ride poses a danger to him or herself and others.
–Do not operate the vehicle if you are not fit to ride due to alcohol, drugs or medication.
–Do not operate the vehicle if you are physically or mentally impaired.
Danger
Danger of poisoning Exhaust gases are toxic and inhaling them may result in unconsciousness and
death.
–Always make sure there is sufficient ventilation when running the engine.
–Use effective exhaust extraction when starting or running the engine in an enclosed space.
Warning
Danger of burns Some vehicle components become very hot when the vehicle is operated.
–Do not touch any parts such as the exhaust system, radiator, engine, shock absorber, or brake sys-
tem before the vehicle parts have cooled down.
–Let the vehicle parts cool down before you perform any work on the vehicle.
Only operate the vehicle when it is in perfect technical condition, in accordance with its intended use, and in a
safe and environmentally compatible manner.
An appropriate driver's license is needed to drive the vehicle on public roads.
Have malfunctions that impair safety immediately eliminated by an authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles work-
shop.
Adhere to the information and warning labels on the vehicle.

SAFETY ADVICE 2
15
2.7 Protective clothing
Warning
Risk of injury Missing or poor protective clothing presents an increased safety risk.
–Wear appropriate protective clothing such as helmet, boots, gloves as well as trousers and a jacket
with protectors on all rides.
–Always wear protective clothing that is in good condition and meets the legal regulations.
In the interest of your own safety, Husqvarna Motorcycles recommends that you only operate the vehicle while
wearing protective clothing.
2.8 Work rules
Unless specified otherwise, the ignition must be turned off during all work (models with ignition lock, models
with remote key) or the engine must be at a standstill (models without ignition lock or remote key).
Special tools are necessary for certain tasks. The tools are not a component of the vehicle, but can be ordered
using the number in parentheses. Example: bearing puller (15112017000)
During assembly, use new parts to replace parts which cannot be reused (e.g. self-locking screws and nuts,
expansion screws, seals, sealing rings, O-rings, pins, and lock washers).
In the case of certain screws, a screw adhesive (e.g. Loctite®) is required. Observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
If thread locker (e.g., Precote®) has already been applied to a new part, do not apply any additional thread
locker.
After disassembly, clean the parts that are to be reused and check them for damage and wear. Change dam-
aged or worn parts.
After completing a repair or service work, check the operating safety of the vehicle.

2 SAFETY ADVICE
16
2.9 Environment
If you use your motorcycle responsibly, you can ensure that problems and conflicts do not occur. To protect
the future of the motorcycle sport, make sure that you use your motorcycle legally, be environmentally aware,
and respect the rights of others.
When disposing of used oil, other operating and auxiliary fluids, used components, and, if applicable, the end-
of-life motorcycle, comply with the respective laws and regulations of the respective country.
2.10 Owner's Manual
It is important that you read this Owner's Manual carefully and completely before making your first trip. The
Owner's Manual contains useful information and many tips on how to operate, handle, and service your motor-
cycle. Only then will you find out how to customize the vehicle ideally for your own use and how you can pro-
tect yourself from injury.
Keep the Owner's Manual in an accessible place to enable you to refer to it as needed.
If you would like to know more about the vehicle or have questions on the material you read, please contact an
authorized Husqvarna dealer.
The Owner's Manual is an important component of the vehicle and must be handed over to the new owner if
the vehicle is sold.
The Owner's Manual is also available for download from your authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer and on
the Husqvarna Motorcycles website.
International Husqvarna Motorcycles website: www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

IMPORTANT NOTES 3
17
3.1 Manufacturer and implied warranty
The work prescribed in the service schedule must only be carried out in an authorized Husqvarna Motorcy-
cles workshop and confirmed in the Husqvarna Motorcycles Dealer.net, as otherwise all warranty claims will
be void. Damage or secondary damage caused by tampering with and/or conversions on the vehicle are not
covered by the manufacturer warranty.
3.2 Fuel, auxiliary substances
Note
Environmental hazard Improper handling of fuel is a danger to the environment.
–Do not allow fuel to enter the groundwater, the soil, or the sewage system.
Use fuels and auxiliary substances in accordance with the Owner's Manual and specification.
3.3 Spare parts, accessories
For your own safety, only use spare parts and accessory products that are approved and/or recommended by
Husqvarna Motorcycles and have them installed by an authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles workshop. Husq-
varna Motorcycles accepts no liability for other products and any resulting damage or loss.
Certain spare parts and accessory products are specified in parentheses in the descriptions. Your authorized
Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer will be glad to advise you.

3 IMPORTANT NOTES
18
The current Husqvarna Motorcycles accessories for your vehicle can be found on the Husqvarna Motorcy-
cles website.
International Husqvarna Motorcycles website: www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com
3.4 Service
A prerequisite for perfect operation and prevention of premature wear is that the service, care, and tuning work
on the engine and chassis is properly carried out as described in the Owner's Manual. An incorrect suspension
setting can lead to damage and breakage of chassis components.
Use of the vehicle under difficult conditions, such as dusty environments, heavy rain, high heat or with a heavy
load, can lead to considerably more rapid wear of components such as the air filter, drive train, brake system,
or suspension components. For this reason, it may be necessary to inspect or replace parts before the next
scheduled service.
It is imperative that you adhere to the stipulated run-in times and service intervals. If you observe these exactly,
you will ensure a much longer service life for your motorcycle.
The relevant mileage or time interval is whichever occurs first.
3.5 Figures
The figures contained in the manual may depict special equipment.
In the interest of clarity, some components may be shown disassembled or may not be shown at all. It is not
always necessary to disassemble the component to perform the activity in question. Please follow the instruc-
tions in the text.