The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 has been snapped
testing in a camouflaged state, pics courtesy of Motohive. A report last week
suggested that Bajaj Auto will launch the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen
401 in India in FY2019-20.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 test mule seems to be
an early prototype as the bike uses the KTM 390 Duke's wheels, and engine belly
cover, while it bears KTM branding on the engine. That said, the test mule
features the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires at front and back and the
precisely similar bodywork. The Svartpilen 401 is based on the KTM 390 Duke
platform and is a modern day rendition of a neo-classic scrambler. The is the
first time the motorcycle is spotted in India with camouflage.
On 27 June that Bajaj-KTM would
shift the production of the Husqvarna 401 twins to Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant by
early 2019. That said, KTM currently manufactures the 401 twins at its
Mattighofen factory in Austria, since October 2017. According to S Ravikumar,
Bajaj Auto’s President (Business Development), the company expects the
Husqvarna 401s to overshadow the KTM 390 Duke and RC 390 in India. In the next
phase, Bajaj-KTM plans to manufacture 2 lakh units per year in India.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 features minimalist
styling with a bodywork that extends from the fuel tank to the tail section.
The motorcycle gets round LED headlamps, upright seating posture, wide
handlebar, and knobby tires. The Svartpilen 401 comes with a compact
all-digital instrument cluster, and minimalist fenders. The motorcycle features
a rear grab rail and a tire hugger with indicators and number plate holder.
The Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 employs the 373.2 cc,
single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that powers the KTM 390 Duke and the RC
390. The fuel-injected engine is capable of producing 43 bhp of maximum power
along with a peak torque of 37 Nm, while it is mated to a 6-speed transmission
with an anti-hopping slipper clutch as standard. Unlike the test mule, the
production Svartpilen 401 features 17-inch wire-spoke wheels with tube tires.
The motorcycle comes with LED lightings all around, rider by wire throttle, USD
front forks, and an adjustable rear mono-shock.
Anchorage comes from 320 mm front rotor and 230 mm
rear disc brakes with radial mounted callipers and standard switchable
dual-channel ABS. KTM will position the Husqvarna 401s as niche offerings above
the 390 Duke and are likely to cost around INR 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom) in
India.