For Husqvarna, the EICMA 2016 is all about re-entering the street bike space. The Vitplien 401 and Svartpilen 401 would be playing a crucial role in the KTM-owned Swedish brand’s future global operations. So, it’s hardly surprising that the company is wasting no time in suggesting possible variant extensions and customizing options.
In addition to the Vitpilen 401, Svartpilen 401 and Vitplien Aero concept, Husqvarna is also exhibiting an accessorized version of the Vitpilen 401 at the ongoing expo in Milan. Considering that Vitpilen and Svartpilen are Swedish for white arrow and black arrow respectively, the accessorized dual-tone version could be described as a black-and-white arrow.
In addition to the black-white color combination, the Vitplien 401 custom also features white pillion seat cover, cafe racer style rear view mirrors and a fluorescent green filter for the headlight. The rear tyre hugger has been done away with to render a raw appeal. Other aspects remain true to the regular Vitpilen.
Husqvarna’s latest product is essentially the KTM Duke 390 in an entirely different attire. The racy single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, trellis frame, and WP suspension system are common to both motorcycles.
The production-spec Husqvarna Vitpilen 401’s 375 cc motor is paired to a 6-speed gearbox and Bosch ECM. The final power and torque figures are still under wraps. We expect the powertrain to have a slightly different state of tune compared to the Duke.
Considering that India is the sole production base for KTM’s family of compact displacement motorcycles, the closely related Vitpilen and Svartpilen are also most likely to be made in the same Bajaj-owned facility at Chakan, near Pune. Global sales are expected to commence in the first half of 2017.
It’s only a matter of time before we see more engine variants for the new Huskies corresponding to those of the Dukes.