Husqvarna has made its foray in the retro motorcycle segment with the new Vitpilen 701 and Svartpilen 401 motorcycles. Both the motorcycles are based on single-cylinder KTM platforms, although they take a completely dofferent approach towards the styling.
While the Svartpilen, or the Black Arrow, has been styled to look like a scrambler, the Vitpilen, or the White Arrow, is a modern rendition of a cafe racer. The Svartpilen gets and upright seating position, straight handlebars, spoke wheels, dual-sport tyres and a blacked out look. The Vitpilen on the other hand, gets a sporty riding position, with clip-on handlebars, rear set footpegs and road-biased tyres.
The Svartpilen 401 is based on the KTM Duke 390 platform, and is powered by the same 373cc single-pot engine, which churns out 43bhp and 37Nm of torque. The Vitpilen 701 on the other hand, is based on the 690 Duke’s platform. The 692cc engine develops 75hp and 72Nm of torque. Both get a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch. Suspension setup has been sourced from WP. Brake setup on the Svartpilen 401 has been sourced from ByBre, while the Vitpilen 701 gets Brembo units.
KTM intends to launch the Husqvarna brand in India, starting with Svartpilen 401. This bike will be positioned as a lifestyle product, above the 390 Duke. The motorcycle will be manufactured in India, and will go on sale in the first half of 2018. As for the Vitpilen 701, we do expect it to be launched in India anytime soon.
