What To Expect From Husqvarna In 2020

Swedish bikemaker Husqvarna is all set to finally enter the Indian market in 2020. So let’s take a look at what motorcycles the brand plans to bring to our shores, how much they might cost, and where you can buy one

Vitpilen 250 & Svartpilen 250:

We were waiting with bated breath for the 401 range to be launched in India, but Husqvarna threw us a curveball at IBW 2019, unveiling 250cc models instead. The Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 shown in Goa are based on the KTM 250 Duke, and will be launched in India early next year. The 248.8cc powerplant produces 29.91PS and 24Nm and this motor is the most docile of the lot in KTM’s current lineup and doesn’t feel quite as manic as the 200cc or 390cc units. 

This is good news, since the Huskies aren’t supposed to be out-and-out performance machines anyway. The Vitpilen is a modern take on a cafe racer while the Svartpilen is styled to be a scrambler. Both bikes will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant, so expect prices for the two models to be in the range of Rs 2.3 - 2.5 lakh once launched.

Vitpilen 401 & Svartpilen 401:

Though delayed, the plan to bring the 401s to India certainly hasn’t been cancelled. At a recent Husqvarna investors’ meet, it was confirmed that production of the 401s will be shifted to Chakan and the bikes will be launched in India in 2020.

The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are based on the KTM 390 Duke and powered by the same 373.2cc motor. This means a peak output of 43.5PS and 37Nm along with a slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox. This motor will be BS6-compliant and will also make its way into the BS6 390 Duke. Styling is almost identical to that seen on the 250 range. Local production should help Husqvarna price the 401s in the range of Rs 3.1 - 3.3 lakh once launched.

Svartpilen 200

Considering that the Huskies are basically redesigned Dukes, it isn’t surprising that there are plans for a Svartpilen 200 as well. The bike broke cover recently and is expected to make its way to our shores in Q3, 2020. Based on the 200 Duke, it is powered by the same 199.5cc motor producing 25.1PS and 19.2Nm.

Also read: Husqvarna Is Working On An All-electric Scooter!

It uses a steel trellis frame like the bike it is based on, but the sub-frame on the Svartpilen gets a bolt-on design, while on the Duke it is welded on. Design is very similar to that of the larger Svartpilens as well. Expect local production and a price of around Rs 1.85 lakh for the Svartpilen 200. Though we haven’t seen one yet, it wouldn’t be unwise to expect a Vitpilen 200 as well. 

Dealerships

Husqvarna falls under the ProBiking group in India which means its bikes will be sold alongside the KTM lineup through the same showrooms. Existing KTM showrooms will be upgraded in a phased manner to accommodate Husky products as well.

The plan is to have 125 Husqvarna-KTM dealerships by February next year, with the number growing to 379 by July.