The Husqvarna 250s (Vitpilen and Svartpilen) are based on the KTM Duke 250. There are still some differences and here’s how the KTM Duke 250 vs Husqvarna 250s fare against each other.
The India Bike Week 2019 saw another motorcycle manufacturer enter our Indian market. Husqvarna has finally started their India innings with the Svartpilen 250 and the Vitpilen 250. It was expected that Husqvarna would bring first the 401 twins to India, but instead they decided to go with the smaller 250 twins. Just like the 401 twins are based on the KTM Duke 390, the 250 twins are based on the Duke 250. So if you were confused who to choose between the Austrians or the Swedes, (KTM Duke 250 vs Husqvarna 250s) here are the primary differences which sets these motorcycles apart.
Design
This is where KTM 250 vs the Husqvarna 250s differ the most. While the Duke 250 has been designed as a naked streetfighter, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 is a cafe racer and the Svartpilen 250 is a scrambler styled motorcycle. The Duke 250 is also a very sharp looking motorcycle with well sculpted out body panels. The orange trellis frame obviously gives out that this is a KTM.
The Husky twins on the other hand have a very different styling approach. The boy panels are bare minimal and it almost looks like the motorcycle has just one block of body panel, still very stylistically executed. The riding ergonomics are also quite different. The KTM features high set handlebars and rear set foot pegs. The Vitpilen 250, being a cafe racer, gets lower-set handlebars while the Svartpilen 250 comes equipped with slightly raised handlebars.
Engine
All three bikes – the KTM Duke 250, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and the Svartpilen 250 – are powered by the same 248.8cc single-cylinder motor that makes 30bhp and 24Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. However, it is not known yet if Husqvarna has tuned the engine any differently from KTM. We will know that once we have ridden the Husky twins.
Also Read : KTM 790 Adventure Showcased at the India Bike Week 2019!
Underpinnings
Here again, both the KTM Duke 250 and Husqvarna 250, use the same suspension and brake setup. All the motorcycles come with a 43mm USD fork while the rear features a preload-adjustable monoshock. Braking duties are taken care by 300mm disc up front and a 230mm disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS offered as standard. However, when you compare the weight of these motorcycles, it is the KTM that has the slight edge. The KTM Duke 250 weighs 146kg(dry), whereas the Vitpilen 250 weighs 153kg and the Svartpilen 250 (154kg) is the heaviest of the lot.
Also Read : BS-6 Yamaha R15 V3 Launched; Price Starts From Rs 1.45 Lakhs
Pricing
This is where the KTM Duke 250 vs Husqvarna 250s fight get really interesting. Husqvarna has positioned the 250s as a premium alternative compared to the other quarter-litre motorcycles. This premiumness will certainly come at a price. The KTM 250 Duke retails at Rs 1.97 lakh and the Husky twins are expected the retail for Rs 2.3 lakh (Svartpilen 250) and Rs 2.5 lakh (Vitpilen 250).
