Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has been spotted testing yet again. The neo-cafe racer is going to be launched in India between September-November 2019.
At a press event in January, Bajaj confirmed that Husqvarna bikes will be launched in the next 6-9 months period, i.e, between September-November. Ahead of the launch, it has been spotted testing again under heavy camouflage.
The India-spec Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has been spotted testing near Chakan, Bajaj’s plant. The Husqvarna bikes will be manufactured from Bajaj’s plant, which manufactures KTM bikes as well.
Just like the earlier shots, this one is seen with the India-spec changes and cycle parts borrowed from Duke 390. KTM is the biggest promoter of the Swedish Husqvarna, which is owned by Bajaj Auto.
Also Read: Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen will be manufactured locally
The spotted Husqvarna Vitpilen gets split circular LED headlamps, 43mm USD forks, clip-on handlebars, single seat, a rear tire hugger and a pillion grabrail. The International-spec misses out on the long seat and pillion grabrail.
The orange coloured alloy wheels are also borrowed from KTM Duke 390. The international-spec uses spoked rims, which might increase the cost of the bikes in the Indian market.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is a neo-cafe racer, while Svartpilen 401 is a neo-scrambler. The neo-scrambler hasn’t been spotted yet in India.
Also Read: Bajaj-Triumph motorcycle for India delayed; possible launch by 2021
The Husqvarna bikes will use Duke 390’s engine, that is a 373cc liquid-cooled DOHC unit. The engine puts out 43 BHP and 37 Nm of peak torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
Earlier reports indicate that Bajaj Auto plans to bring it as a CBU in the earlier stages. Then, later the bikes will be locally assembled to lower down the prices for a stiffer competition.
Husqvarna bikes will be sold through the KTM dealerships across the country. They will be built for the Indian market at Bajaj’s Chakan plant. The smaller capacity Husqvarna bikes will be exported from Bajaj’s plant.
Also Read: New Bajaj Pulsar 250 under development; rumoured launch in 2020
In terms of pricing, we expect a premium over the KTM Duke 390, which is the most premium offering. Duke 390 is priced at Rs 2.44 Lakhs currently. So, the prices could be nearing the 3 Lakh range.
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