It is the Husky yet again! Yes, the India-bound cafe racer has been spotted testing ahead of its official launch in September 2019. The India-spec Vitpilen test mule has been seen sporting an additional rear grab rail along with the trademark KTM 390 Duke’s orange wheels, unlike the international Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 models fitted with wire-spoke wheels. With minimal bodywork, high-positioned footpegs, circular LED headlamp and clip-on handlebars, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 motorcycle embodies a progressive, modern cafe racer style and design language.
The Swedish-Austrian origin brand will equip the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 with some parts borrowed from the KTM 390 Duke motorcycle, for example, the disc brakes, engine, steel trellis chassis, suspension unit and switchgear. Whereas, other components will be sourced locally such as body panels, metre console and wire-spoke wheels etc. Once launched, the Husqvarna motorcycle CBUs will be imported to India, only for the initial period, as per a November report.
The current KTM outlets and service centres throughout India will take care of the retail and after sales service of the Husqvarna bikes.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 cafe racer bike will be powered by a 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel-injected engine, which is mated to a six-speed gearbox, with a standard PASC slipper clutch. The 4-valve motor churns 44 PS of peak power and 37 Nm of maximum torque. The electronic system features a ride-by-wire throttle unit to allow linear power flow. It was disclosed by Bajaj Auto last week that the launch of the Husqvarna 401 twins in India will tentatively take place between July to September 2019 in Q2.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 price in India is expected to be at Rs. 2.60 lakhs (ex-showroom), as it will be offered on retail higher than the range of the KTM 390 Duke. The Vitpilen 401 bike will be pitted against the newly arrived Honda CB300R sport-naked bike and the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycle. After a period of time, the Husqvarna brand may roll out six products, as hinted by Baja Auto’s Rajiv Bajaj.
Image source: Powerdrift
