KTM-Bajaj has started exporting the Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen motorcycles manufactured at the KTM-Bajaj manufacturing facility at Chakan, Pune. The Husqvarna motorcycles were scheduled to be produced at the Chakan facility from December 2019 and it is being reported that over 100 units of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 have already been exported by the company.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401 were expected to be showcased at the India Bike Week 2019 held in December 2019 but the brand, to everyone’s surprise, unveiled the Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250. The Husqvarna motorcycles manufactured in India shares its mechanical hardware and engine parts with KTM motorcycles enabling the company to streamline its production.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are powered by a 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine that generates a maximum output of 43 hp mated to a 6-speed transmission and Bosch Engine Management System. In terms of its hardware, the Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 feature a Chrome-moly tubular space frame that rides on WP APEX 43mm upside-down front fork and a WP APEX monoshock at the back. Stopping power comes from 300mm single disc with four-piston radial fixed calliper on the front and 230mm single disc with single-piston floating calliper equipped with a dual channel ABS system.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 that were showcased in India are expected to be launched this month and the quarter-litre motorcycle is expected to be powered by a BS6 compliant 248.8cc, single-cylinder, 4-Valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC engine that produces 30 hp of power @ 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm of torque @ 7,500 rpm coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist & slipper clutch.
The company has upgraded the existing KTM dealerships which will now be selling the Husqvarna motorcycles. Presently there are 125 such KTM-Husqvarna dealerships and Bajaj Auto plans to increase the number to 350 in the coming months. Select KTM-Husqvarna dealerships have also started to accept pre-bookings on the quarter-litre motorcycle. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and the Svartpilen 250 are expected to be priced at a premium as compared to the corresponding KTM models.
