u/tippycanoe87

I was on here a little while ago looking for input on a Vitpilen 401 vs 701 before buying. Despite knowing it’s completely impractical for my situation, I went with the 701 (thanks Redditors for the affirmation of an impractical choice!).

But I figured y’all would laugh at the response of Gemini as I was getting AI’s take on the 701 decision too: “A hilarious, completely unnecessary, and absolute beast of a choice.”

Hi all, new to this group. As the title indicates, I’m trying to decide between a 2020 Vitpilen 701, or a 2020-2023 401 and would appreciate any owners’ thoughts.

I am coming back to riding after a decade away, when my prior bikes were a CBR600 and an Aprilia Shiver (750). Today the bike will be used almost solely for my commute, which is only 5 miles round-trip of town driving (couple stoplights/signs), a couple days a week, in the summer.

I am already set on the last-generation Vitpilen - for the price, I think it’s the best-looking bike out there and, as noted, my actual riding requirements are close to nil. But I can’t decide which one.

I think the 2020 701 in blue is the pinnacle of the design, and I also love the idea of a super-unique bike (my daily driver is a ’90 Tracker convertible with 90s paint). From what I’ve read, the size might be better for me (6’1, 170lbs) and it has some electronic safety features the 401 doesn’t. And again, it’s breathtaking. But I know it’s overkill for my needs. I can get a low-miles one in the area for $6-$6500, which I don’t believe is overpriced but is 2x the 401. And maybe that much power for a couple blocks‘ driving is unnecessarily dangerous.

The 401 is also a beautiful bike, but doesn’t stun in quite the same way. And I have no idea, but may be a bit cramped. I can get a low miles one, 2020 or 2023, for $3-3500. I’m sure I’d be very happy with it, and it’s easier to justify although neither really is for my limited needs.

Any thoughts? On the one hand, for my limited town riding the 401 is probably practically the better choice, and certainly cheaper. But the 701 is uniquely perfect, and frankly I am fortunate that I can spend the extra $3k so long as I’m not simply wasting it. And maybe the 701 will hold some value if I barely put miles on it. (At the same time, there has to be a limit otherwise I’d make the same justification and just get a brutale or even a bimota tesi). Or maybe not.