EICMA 2016: Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Svartpilen 401 based on KTM 390 Duke platform unveiled

Swedish motorcycle manufacturer Husqvarna has unveiled the production spec Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 at the EIMCA show in Milan. Husqvarna is owned by KTM in which Bajaj Auto has a stake. Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are based on the KTM 390 Duke platform and have been carved out of the Vitpilen 401 concept that the company unveiled at the EICMA show in 2014.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 do justice to the 401 Vitpilen concept. The neo-retro motorcycle gets an exposed stance with highlighted by round shaped LED headlamp outlined with daytime running lamps. Both the motorcycles feature contemporary street fighter looks. Husqvarna claims that Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are focused on providing a pure riding experience and features a technologically advanced single-cylinder 375cc engine housed in a stripped down steel-trellis frame. Both the engine and the frame are borrowed from the KTM 390 Duke. The mill will develop 43bhp of power and 37Nm of torque mated to six-speed transmission.

Vitpilen 401 will be draped in white shade, while Svartpilen will come in black shade. Vitpilen 401 comes with steel-aluminium exhaust, while Svartpilen 401's exhaust is fitted with robust protector in dark shade. Vitpilen 401 will come with clip-on handle bars and street-focused Metzeler M5 tyres, while Svartpilen 401 will sport off-road style handlebar and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. Both the motorcycles will come with 9.5-litre fuel tank, WP suspension, slipper clutch and Bosch 9.11MB two channels ABS system.

In addition to these bikes, Husqvarna also showcased Vitpilen 401 Aero concept. Aero adds an aerodynamic fairing and little windscreen and a fancy little tail piece to Vitpilen 401. The new motorcycles are expected to hit market from early 2017.

Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant in Pune currently serves as the global production hub for KTM Duke and RC range of motorcycles. The Husqvarna motorcycle will also be manufactured at this facility. As per reports, Husqvarna is planning to enter India in 2017. Hence, Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401's India launch is expected soon.