Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 appears to be the more interesting motorcycle out of the two with relaxed seating and go-anywhere capability…
Bajaj will be selling motorcycles under three different main brands in India, with the official debut of Husqvarna at the India Bike Week last Friday. Husqvarna is a Swedish brand which is owned by KTM, in which Bajaj has a near 48 percent share.
Husqvarna surprised everyone by revealing two quarter liter motorcycles which have never been seen before – Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. These unique looking motorcycles follow the same minimalist design philosophy of their elder siblings – Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 respectively. Both the motorcycles are based on the 250 Duke.
- Husqvarna Svartipilen 250 – This is the scrambler version in the lineup which gets knobby tyres, raised handlebar for a more upright seating posture.
- Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 – This is the cafe racer-like version which gets clip-on handlebar which lends it a more aggressive front leaning seating posture and road going tyres.
Both of them are equipped with KTM’s 248.8 cc single cylinder, fuel injected, 4-stroke, DOHC engine which is capable of producing 31 hp of peak power at 9000 rpm and 24 Nm of max torque at 7250 rpm. It is believed that these motorcycles are powered by the updated Bharat Stage VI compliant version of the Duke’s motor which means that there has been no reduction in its specs during this transition.
While the Svartpilen weighs 154 kg, the Vitpilen is lighter by a kg (without fuel). Both of them are also equipped with upside down WP suspension, and BOSCH sourced dual-channel ABS like the 250 Duke.
Further, both the machines come equipped with LED headlamps and tail lamps and 17 inch cast aluminium wheels. Owing to Indian regulations, our India-spec Huskys will come with saree guards and weird looking pillion grab rails. The motorcycles have very little bodywork with the tanks gleaming the model name (international models wear the Husqvarna badge here).
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While KTMs look all about firepower with sharp edgy designs, Huskys are a reincarnation on the same KTM’s platform and they look absolutely different.
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Bajaj says, Husqvarna is targeted at a progressive urban rider who seek a performance lifestyle motorcycle and has an evolved taste. In essence, the Swedish brand should appeal to those who want the firepower of KTMs but do not like their extremely aggressive styling of the Austrians. Price reveal and deliveries commencement has been announced for February 2020 onwards.
