The India-spec Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 modern cafe
racer has been caught testing in India once again, courtesy PowerDrift. Unlike the global-spec version
that features wire-spoke wheels, the India-spec Husqvarna Vitpilen test
prototype gets orange alloy wheels from the KTM 390 Duke and an additional rear
grab rail. The Vitpilen 401 incorporates a radical 'modern cafe racer' design
philosophy with clip-on handlebars, round LED headlight, higher set footpegs
and minimalist body panels.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 will share a few
components with the KTM 390 Duke, which includes the steel trellis chassis,
suspension setup, engine, switchgear and disc brakes. Other parts like
instrument cluster, wire-spoke wheels, body panels and much more will be
procured locally. Rakesh Sharma, Director, Bajaj Auto revealed on 7 February that the
Husqvarna 401 twins will be launched in India in Q2 (July-September) of FY2019.
A report from November last year hinted that the 401 twins will initially be
imported in India as CBUs.
Rajiv Bajaj has hinted that
the Husqvarna brand could have as much as 6 offerings eventually. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 will
source power from a 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel-injected motor that is
paired with a 6-speed gearbox, while a PASC slipper clutch is standard. The
4-valve engine develops 44 PS of maximum output and 37 Nm of peak torque.
Electronic wizardry includes a ride-by-wire throttle system, which should
provide linear power delivery.
The Husqvarna 401 twins will be positioned above the
KTM 390 Duke and we expect a price tag of around INR 2.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
The motorcycle will rival the recently launched Honda CB300R and the Royal
Enfield Continental GT 650.
