Husqvarna gears up for Svartpilen 401 launch on Jan 21, a next-gen model from the new 390 Duke platform, creating buzz since testing in India last year
The Countdown Begins
Mark your calendars for January 21 as Husqvarna has hinted at a significant event. The motorcycle manufacturer has informed its dealers about an upcoming launch, and all signs point to the next-gen Svartpilen 401 taking the spotlight. Spotted numerous times during testing in India, this model showcases India-specific features like a saree guard.
Expanding the Horizon
Our sources within dealership circles reveal that Bajaj, encouraged by the influx of new models in the 400-450cc segment, is gearing up to expand the Husqvarna range in India. This expansion is aimed at catering to the growing demand for motorcycles in this price and displacement range.
Power and Performance
The Svartpilen 401, built on the new KTM 390 Duke platform, is expected to house a robust 399cc engine pushing the power output towards an impressive 45hp.
Drawing inspiration from the KTM, the chassis package is likely to feature a new trellis frame and an offset monoshock. This not only enhances performance but also adjusts the seat height and ground clearance, akin to the Duke.
Price Predictions
Considering the 250cc models from Husqvarna and the KTM 250 Duke, we can estimate the pricing strategy for the Svartpilen 401. The Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250, presently priced at Rs 2.25 lakh, offer a more budget-friendly option compared to the Rs 2.39 lakh KTM 250 Duke.
Although the Husqvarna models are based on the previous-gen 250cc platform, the upcoming Svartpilen 401 is expected to be competitively priced, possibly closer to the Rs 3 lakh mark, undercutting its KTM counterpart.
Possible Updates
Husqvarna might consider updating the existing Svartpilen and Vitpilen 250 models in India. Aligning them with the new 250 Duke platform could bring features like an offset monoshock and the latest chassis package. The engine, however, would adopt the new 250cc motor from the latest 250 Duke, promising a refreshing riding experience.