Husqvarna Vitpilen, Svartpilen 401, based on KTM 390 Duke to be launched in India in early 2017

Swedish bike maker Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH owned by KTM in which Bajaj Auto has a stake, showcased production-spec versions of the Vitpilen 401 concepts at the EICMA show in Milan. Emerging reports indicates Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will be launched in India in early 2017.

Husqvarna is not a brand currently operating in India. But it won't be a herculean task for Bajaj-KTM to launch the brand in India. Firstly, Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are based on the KTM 390 Duke, hence Bajaj Auto can produce both Husqvarna bikes from Pune plant without much additional investment. Secondly, it needs minor rework for the Bajaj Auto to sell Husqvarna bike via already established Pro-Biking dealerships that sell KTM and Kawasaki models under one roof.

It was reported that during annual general meeting Rajiv Bajaj announced that Husqvarna will debut in the Indian market in January, 2017. With Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 premiered, India may be one of the first markets to get the motorcycles.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 do justice to the 401 Vitpilen concept. The neo-retro motorcycle gets an exposed stance with a 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 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.