In an exclusive report, Indian Autos Blog can reveal that Husqvarna will venture into lower displacement models and develop motorcycles based on the smaller KTM products, i.e. in the 125 cc and 250 cc space. The Swedish motorcycle company will enter the Indian market in 2020.
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Husqvarna will introduce supermoto, enduro, explorer and naked roadster range of motorcycles. The supermoto, enduro and naked roadster models will be available in three forms – 125, 250 and 401. The explorer or the adventure tourer, on the other hand, will be available in the 250 and 401 versions. The product strategy is very similar to KTM's.
The 125, 250 and the 401 Husqvarna models will use the KTM 125, 250 and 390 series derived engines respectively. They will be pitched as premium offerings, and thus they will carry higher prices than the KTM models. The performance numbers on the KTM and Husqvarna branded products are likely to be identical. The current 124.71 cc (Euro-IV) motor used in the KTM range makes 15.2 PS of peak power and maximum torque of 12 Nm at 8,000 rpm. The 248.8 cc engine, on the other hand, develops 30 PS and 24 Nm
The production of the Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401 will be transferred to Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant in December this year. Similar to the KTM series, the smaller displacement Husqvarna models, too, could be manufactured in India. The new models will most likely be reserved for exports. We recently reported that KTM Industries plans to manufacture more than 2 lakh motorcycles (KTM and Husqvarna) in India by 2022.
Styling cues will be derived from the bigger Husqvarna models. The Swedish brand has a comprehensive list of enduro and supermoto models in its portfolio, and the lower displacement motorcycles should carry similar design cues. The explorer or the adventure motorcycle, on the other hand, may feature 701 Nomad Adventure derived aesthetics. Do note that the company is also working on its 501 series that will be based on KTM’s upcoming 490 range.
Hardware specifications, similar to the KTM range of products, will include inverted from forks and rear monoshock – most likely to be sourced from WP, disc brakes on both wheels, full LED lighting (market-specific), and a digital instrument console.
Also Read: Bajaj Chetak electric to be sold via KTM outlets initially
The unveiling/launch details are scarce at the moment. We hope to hear some details about the upcoming range at the EICMA motorcycle show.
