[Shumi_21]

While all of us have our eyes peeled out for the KTM Adventure 390, Husqvarna has unveiled the Svartpilen and Vitpilen twins at IBW. The surprising news is that Husqvarna has decided to enter the Indian market with a 250cc Svartpilen based on the Duke 250 rather than the 401 twins based off the Duke 390's engine!

Source: ZIGWHEELS

Swedish bike maker Husqvarna has finally entered the Indian motorcycling segment with the Svartpilen and Vitpilen twins. However, these two motorcycles will be offered in India initially as 250cc models and not as the 401s sold abroad. This is similar to the strategy that KTM had when it made its debut in India in 2012 with the 200 Duke and followed it up with the 390 Duke.

The Svartpilen and Vitpilen 250s will be India-specific models and not sold elsewhere in the world. While the bikes have been unveiled at India Bike Week 2019, we will have to wait until early 2020 to know their launch details.

Much like the 401 twins, both the Svartpilen 250 and the Vitpilen 250 are based on a KTM motorcycle, in this case, the 250 Duke. Hence, you will find the same split trellis frame housing the 248.8cc single-cylinder engine which makes roughly 30PS of power and 24Nm. The six-speed transmission does feature a slip-and-assist clutch.

You also find the same suspension and brake units as the 250 Duke. Hence, the front gets the 43mm USD fork while the rear diecast aluminium swingarm features a preload-adjustable monoshock. A 300mm disc with a Bybre four-pot radial caliper is found on the front wheel, while the rear features a 230mm rotor with a single-piston caliper. Dual-channel ABS comes as standard.

One of the major changes on the 250s to their 401 counterparts are the alloy rims. The 401s used a 17-inch spoke wheel setup, which when fitted with tubes inside will be a cause for concern in India. With alloy rims, Husqvarna are offering a more practical and convenient solution.

We expect the prices for the Husqvarna 250s to start from Rs 2.3 lakh onwards

WALKAROUND VIDEO HERE

[itisravi]

That was one stealth move!

One of the major changes on the 250s to their 401 counterparts are the alloy rims. The 401s used a 17-inch spoke wheel setup, which when fitted with tubes inside will be a cause for concern in India

What exactly is the concern here? Puncture? The alloy rims spoil the modern-retro look in my opinion.

[timuseravan]

We expect the prices for the Husqvarna 250s to start from Rs 2.3 lakh onwards.

As far as I could find, the Husqvarna 250 is the same bike as Duke 250 with a different design. Why would anyone buy this over the far superior Duke 390 at slightly more money? Just for the looks?

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by timuseravan

As far as I could find, the Husqvarna 250 is the same bike as Duke 250 with a different design. Why would anyone buy this over the far superior Duke 390 at slightly more money? Just for the looks?

It is a stylish alternative to those who want a 250cc motorcycle but not the baggage of the KTM brand which is more tailored to the youth. It is likely to be priced at a premium over the capable KTM 250. The Husky 401s are similar offering based on the Duke 390, as are the Husky 701s with the Duke 690.

[itisravi]

Came across the Husqvarna India official youtube channel. Thought I might share it here in case folks want to watch the couple of videos that have been uploaded on it.

[OPMaurya]

Originally Posted by itisravi

Came across the Husqvarna India official Youtube channel. Thought I might share it here in case folks want to watch the couple of videos that have been uploaded on it.

Thanks for sharing YouTube channel
Anyone having idea of the helmet the rider is wearing in this image? Seems like custom made for Husqvarna...

[ashwinprakas]

Originally Posted by timuseravan

As far as I could find, the Husqvarna 250 is the same bike as Duke 250 with a different design. Why would anyone buy this over the far superior Duke 390 at slightly more money? Just for the looks?

This is India.

Exclusively is the name of the game, though why the diaspora favours mass produced offerings is still beyond me.

[payeng]

Originally Posted by timuseravan

As far as I could find, the Husqvarna 250 is the same bike as Duke 250 with a different design. Why would anyone buy this over the far superior Duke 390 at slightly more money? Just for the looks?

Sat on the bikes at IBW Goa... It's Not Just Cosmetic Change i guess.

1. The Suspension on the Svartpilen for starters is "Plush".. unlike the Dukes /RC and also the Vitpilen

2. Riding positions of these two bikes differ too.
The Svartpilen is more upright like the Dukes and relaxed than the RC/Vitpilen

3. The rear tyres on the Svartpilen allso has deeper grooves and On/Off type than the KTMs and the Vitpilen

4. Bikes were reasonably light.. the saddle height on the Svartpilen felt like the current 250/390 Duke, with the Vitpilen slightly taller

Styling according to me can be termed as "Neo Retro". Nice Options i would say for those who won't buy a Duke/RC.. but probably though not for everyone. Would need an evolved taste to appreciate the styling.

[payeng]

Svartpilen.. the "Neo Retro Scrambler"

Loved the Plush Suspension, Upright Ergonomics and On/Off Road Tyres

[timuseravan]

Originally Posted by payeng

1. The Suspension on the Svartpilen for starters is "Plush".. unlike the Dukes /RC and also the Vitpilen

2. Riding positions of these two bikes differ too.
The Svartpilen is more upright like the Dukes and relaxed than the RC/Vitpilen

If this is indeed the case, it might makes sense to pay more for comfort. However all I could find online was that is it just a styling exercise for the Duke.

Originally Posted by payeng

Styling according to me can be termed as "Neo Retro". Nice Options i would say for those who won't buy a Duke/RC.. but probably though not for everyone. Would need an evolved taste to appreciate the styling.

I think the Svartpilen looks way better than the insectoid Dukes

[payeng]

Originally Posted by timuseravan

If this is indeed the case, it might makes sense to pay more for comfort. However all I could find online was that is it just a styling exercise for the Duke.

If the Suspension is and tyres on the Final Production Svartpilen 250 is kept as on the bikes on the show.. it's Different enough for me.

All online reviews are of the 401 not the "Indian" 250

[Animesh]

I am personally disappointed that the 401s haven't been launched. Looks like yet another long wait after an already long wait.

[payeng]

Originally Posted by Animesh

I am personally disappointed that the 401s haven't been launched. Looks like yet another long wait after an already long wait.

For me, the 250 is a very good choice for India.

Hits the Sweet Spot of Performance, Fuel Efficiency, Price.

[Animesh]

Originally Posted by payeng

For me, the 250 is a very good choice for India.

Hits the Sweet Spot of Performance, Fuel Efficiency, Price.

And hence I said "personally". Had they launched a 150 version, then it would have done even better in terms of Sales numbers, etc. All I cared about was the same sweet package that the rest of the world gets, but no. We would have the poorer version of everything.

[girishv]

Pssss, please do not talk loud, somebody is listening to you already.

https://www.motorbeam.com/husqvarna-...d-on-duke-200/

Husqvarna is coming up with their smallest capacity street category motorcycle – Svartpilen 200. The bike has been leaked which reveals a lot of details. It is based on the KTM Duke 200. The 200cc Svartpilen looks very similar to the Svartpilen 401. The only visual differences you would notice are the alloy wheels on the 200, underbelly exhaust and 200 badging on the bike.

Originally Posted by Animesh

And hence I said "personally". Had they launched a 150 version, then it would have done even better in terms of Sales numbers, etc. All I cared about was the same sweet package that the rest of the world gets, but no. We would have the poorer version of everything.