Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, Vitpilen 401 Spotted Testing In India
- The Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 are based on the KTM 390 Duke
- They share the frame and the engine with the 390 Duke
- Bajaj and KTM will launch the bikes in India in 2020
Bajaj and KTM had announced in mid-2017 that they will be launching Husqvarna bikes in India in early 2018. While that deadline has already passed and KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirming that Husqvarna launch timeline has been pushed back to 2020, eagle-eyed enthusiasts have spotted the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and the Vitpilen 401 testing in Pune. The Swedish company will start manufacturing bikes in India towards the end of 2019 (for exports) and be launched in India in 2020. From what we understand, KTM and Husqvarna will have a symbiotic relationship and upon Husqvarna's launch in India. Currently, the Svartpilen 401 and the Vitpilen 401 are manufactured only at KTM's Mattighofen plant in Austria.
Also Read: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 To Be Manufactured In India
With the 401 duos spotted testing in Pune, we could make an educated guess about the company trying to touch base with prospective buyers and existing KTM customers and getting an initial feedback of sorts. This is because the Vitpilen and the Svartpilen 401 are based on the 390 Duke platform meaning they use the same suspended trellis frame along with 43 mm WP suspension up front and a WP monoshock at the rear. The bikes of course look way different than the 390 Duke. The Svartpilen (Black Arrow) carries a scrambler-esque design with flat handlebars, knobbly tyres and megaphone exhaust while the Vitpilen (White Arrow) is more of a modern classic café racer.
Also Read: Bajaj, KTM To Roll Out Husqvarna Bikes In 2018
Both bikes use the same 373 cc single-cylinder engine which makes 43 bhp and 37 Nm of peak torque and mated to a six-speed gearbox. Husqvarna will also offer Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones on these bikes along with dual-channel ABS, ride-by-wire and slipper clutch. Currently, the KTM 390 Duke sells at Rs. 2.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the 401 twins will surely carry a premium of Rs. 30,000 or more when they are finally launched in India.
Photo Courtesy: Motoroids
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