Both these motorcycles have been spotted in and around Pune on numerous occasions in the past. While we wait for the Husqvarna motorcycles to arrive in India, let us list five things that you need to know about the upcoming Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401.
Also read: India-bound Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 gets an ergonomic kit from ABM
Design
Unveiled at the 2016 EICMA show, the motorcycles will use the same underpinnings as the KTM 390 Duke but feature completely different styling. Developed as a cafe racer, the Vitipilen 401 features clip-on handlebars and retro styling. It even features wire-spoked wheels that add to the typical cafe racer theme of the motorcycle. Unlike the Svartpilen, the Vitipilen 401 gets Metzeler M5 tyres seen on the KTM 390 Duke. The Vitipilen 401 also gets a single piece saddle, unlike the Svartpilen’s split seat unit.
The Svartpilen 401, on the other hand, is a scrambler style motorcycle and thus comes with a rugged design. The bike features more upright ergonomics with its tall handlebar. The tall handlebar should also provide comfortable ergonomics while standing on the footpegs during off-roading. The wire-spoked wheels on the Svartpilen 401 further enhance its rugged styling and come wrapped in dual-purpose tyres with a knobby design. The scrambler style motorcycle also gets a large grab rail for the pillion and, unlike the cafe racer, gets a split seat setup.
Both the motorcycles share everything else, including the trellis frame, Ø 43 mm WP upside-down telescopic front forks, monoshock at the rear, and the compact, full-digital instrument console. The motorcycles will also use full LED headlights, something that is getting common with new launches. The rear of both the motorcycles will run clean lines as the single-side-mounted tyre hugger will also hold the indicators and the registration plate. Meanwhile, the key-slot on both the models will be placed on the fuel tank instead of the conventional position that is next to the instrument console.
The fuel carrying capacity stands at 9.5-litre. Without fuel, the Vitplen 401 weighs 148 kg while the Svartpilen 401 tips the scale at 150 kg.
Till now, both the motorcycles have been spotted with the same colour options. Thus, we do not expect to see any other paint schemes, at least at the launch. Remember, in its initial phase in the country, the KTM 390 Duke was only available in orange colour option. However, the white paint job, which was first reserved for the international market, was later introduced in India.
Engine
Apart from the underpinnings, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will also share their engine with the 390 Duke. The performance numbers would also be identical to the Austrian pocket-rocket. Thus, the Husqvarna duo would continue to draw 44.1 PS of maximum power and 37 Nm of peak torque from the 373.3cc single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine. The engine will be mated to a six-speed transmission.
The engine, as seen on the test mules, will feature the Husqvarna logo and a copper paint on the sides. The exhaust canister, too, will look far different and premium than the one that is seen on the 390 Duke.
Electronic Equipment
The new KTM 390 Duke gets loads of features for the segment, and the Husqvarna duo is expected to carry most of those when they arrive from the factory. Thus, expect to see a slipper clutch and ride-by-wire tech on the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401. The test mules that were spotted in the past did not feature a TFT display that is seen on the 390 Duke, and thus smartphone connectivity may not be available on the 401s.
Safety Net
New safety norms that are scheduled to come in effect from April 1, 2019 mandate the use of ABS on all motorcycles above the 150cc segment. The KTM 390 Duke already gets ABS as standard, and the Husqvarna duo will receive the same safety features. The Bosch 9M+ two-channel ABS on the upcoming Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401, similar to the 390 Duke, can be switched off.
Stopping power will be provided by the same 320 mm single disc with a four-piston calliper at the front and 230 mm single disc with a single-piston calliper at the rear.
Price
Both the motorcycles will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant in Pune, and thus they are expected to carry a competitive price tag. However, as reported in August 2017, the Husqvarna 401s will be positioned above the KTM 390 Duke in terms of pricing.
Also read: Localized Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 spotted testing in India for the first time
More details will emerge as the launch period comes closer.
