Husqvarna Svartpilen And Vitpilen 501 To Be Made In India?

Late last year, KTM’S Stefan Pierer confirmed that the Austrian company will bring out its 490 series starting 2022. The 490 platform will spawn new bikes like the 490 Duke and 490 Adventure. Lest we forget, a new range of Huskies too. 

Now, a product portfolio presentation from Husqvarna confirms that its upcoming offerings will also include the Svartpilen 501 and Vitpilen 501. The 500cc motor, based on KTM’s 490cc platform, will be developed at Bajaj’s R&D centre. Thankfully, it’ll retain the same power attributes as the 390s or even the 890s. However, what’s uncertain is where the engine will be made. 

Pierer has always maintained that the first KTM based on the new platform would arrive by 2022. However, this could be delayed due to the pandemic and Bajaj’s plans to set up a new plant in Chakan, where it will be producing KTMs, Huskies, and even the small-capacity Triumphs. Consequently, the launch of the Svartpilen and Vitpilen 501 could be delayed as well, and we expect them to arrive only by late 2022 or early 2023.

That said, it is good news for enthusiasts in India as we will have a new range of accessible motorcycles to choose from. The 500cc range would help KTM and Husqvarna cement their positions in the mid-displacement segment, currently occupied by Kawasaki, Benelli, and Honda. Besides, these bikes are likely to be priced competitively. 

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Husqvarna has plans to expand its product portfolio in India with the launch of the Husky 401s and possibly the 801s. The company has also tapped into the electric segment with its new Vektorr and E-Pilen concepts, both looking almost production-ready. Considering the burgeoning demand for EVs in India and KTM's commitment to the country, it's pretty likely that both these two-wheelers will be launched here someday.