The production-spec versions of the India-bound Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are finally out. For starters, the 2020 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and 2020 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 carry a new bolt-on sub-frame that has been extended by 40 mm to improve passenger comfort. In comparison, the 2019 model carried a welded sub-frame.
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Regular followers would know that the Husqvarna 401 twins are based on the KTM 390 Duke. The Austrian naked roadster started using a bolted sub-frame from 2017 onwards (Euro-IV/BS-IV models). The Husqvarna 401 bikes would feature the same setup. The engine specifications, too, are similar to the KTM 390 Duke. Thus, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 use a 373 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC motor that pumps out 32 kW or 44 hp of peak power and a maximum torque of 37 Nm. The single-cylinder mill is linked to a six-speed gearbox.
The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 also share the exact same suspension and braking setup. The shock absorption tasks are handled by inverted forks at the front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at the back. One would expect that the Scrambler style Svartpilen 401 will carry a longer travel than the café-racer-inspired Vitpilen 401. However, both bikes carry the same 142 mm front and 150 mm rear suspension travel.
The anchoring department, which is governed by Bosch 9MB dual-channel ABS, comprises a 320 mm disc with a four-piston radial fixed calliper at the front and a 230 mm rotor with a single-piston floating calliper at the back. Unlike the several test mules that were seen in India, the production-spec bikes, similar to their concept counterparts, feature wire-spoke wheels. The wheel setup adds a retro charm to the Husqvarna 401 duo. Other key features that are common on both motorcycles include full LED lighting and a digital display. Bluetooth connectivity is not available on either bike.
While the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 carry the same frame, suspension, brake and engine specifications, the two motorcycles are distinguished by their respective styling. As mentioned, the Vitpilen 401 draws inspiration from café-racer style motorcycle, and thus comes equipped with clip-on style handlebars and road-spec tyres. The scrambler style Svartpilen 401, on the other hand, features a tall and wide handlebar, rugged styling and off-road focused tyres with knobby design.
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The motorcycles would be manufactured at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant near Pune, India, and sold via the KTM outlets throughout the country. The Husqvarna models are expected to carry a price premium over the KTM 390 Duke, although the ex-showroom tag will most likely remain well under INR 3 lakh. The Husqvarna bikes will ride into the Indian market in 2020.
