After months of being spotted while testing, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and the Svartpilen 401 have been launched in India, priced at Rs 2.19 lakh for the former and Rs 2.92 lakh for the latter. This marks a generation change for the Huskies and now both bikes are based on the corresponding current-gen KTMs. One big complaint with the earlier models was that they were quite small yet tall and the company seems to have addressed those concerns with this generation.
- 401 powered by 46hp, 39Nm engine; rolls on Pirelli rubber
- Svartpilen 401 gets TFT dash
- 250 gets traction control, bidirectional quickshifter
Husqvarna Vitpilen 250: 250 Duke’s roadster cousin
Unlike the earlier Vitpilen, which had more of a cafe racer aesthetic with clip-on handlebars and a tall, narrow seat, this generation is more of a roadster. The 2024 Vitpilen 250 gets a curved handlebar that still seats you in a bit of a sporty position, but it doesn’t seem to be as committed as the outgoing bike.
Husqvarna also seems to have addressed the space constraints that plagued the older bikes. The length of the seat has been increased by 100mm, which should give the rider and pillion more room to be seated comfortably. More importantly the seat height has been reduced by 22mm to 820mm now. This change is also seen on the Svartpilen 401. Both bikes seem to be longer, wider and larger in general than the models they replace.
Powering the Vitpilen 250 is the same liquid-cooled, 249cc, single-cylinder mill from the KTM 250 Duke that’s rated for 31hp at 9,500rpm and 25Nm at 7,500rpm. While the peak output figures are the same as the KTM, they are made 250rpm higher in the rev band on the Husqvarna. The main frame, suspension and braking hardware have all been carried over largely unchanged. What has changed is the 13.5-litre fuel capacity on the Vitpilen compared to the 15-litre tank on the 250 Duke. Despite that, the Husqvarna counterpart weighs 1kg more. Tyre sizes are the same at 110/70-R17 (front) and 150/60-R17 (rear) but the compound has changed to the MRF Revz rubber from the MRF Steel Brace units on the KTM.
The Vitpilen gets a 5-inch LCD dash with switchgear borrowed from its KTM cousin and in addition to all the electronics found on the 250 Duke, it also adds a traction control system to the mix. All -LED lighting is standard.
At Rs 2.19 lakh, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 is Rs 20,000 more affordable than the KTM 250 Duke, while packing in largely the same underpinnings and electronic features. And for those who don’t prefer the rather outlandish design the KTMs sport, the more traditional design of the Husqvarna should appeal to them. At its asking price, the Vitpilen is, in fact, more affordable than the top variant of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and is nearly on par with the CB350 DLX Pro and the new Jawa 350 (Rs 2.15 lakh), while being more sporty and tech-laden.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401: Scrambler based on 390 Duke
For 2024, Husqvarna has also launched the larger Svartpilen 401 that's based on the Gen 3 390 Duke. All the updates that have been made to the Vitpilen have also made their way to the Svartpilen and the bike now seems to be roomier than before. The 399cc single-cylinder engine is rated for the same 46hp and 39Nm as in the KTM and the main frame and cycle parts have also been carried over largely unchanged.
There are a few key differences, however. For starters, the Svartpilen 401 rolls on 17-inch tubed wire-spoke wheels shod with premium Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber. Fuel capacity is also lower than the 390 Duke at 13.5 litres, but the Svartpilen weighs 3kg more. Seat height stays the same as the Vitpilen 250 at 820mm and ground clearance for both bikes is now 177mm.
Just like its comparable KTM cousin, the Svartpilen 401 gets a TFT dash, although the layout and graphics have been changed considerably. The electronic aids continue to stay largely the same with cornering ABS and Traction control, both switchable, as well as a bidirectional quickshifter. However, there is no mention of the 401 getting riding modes like its KTM counterpart does.
At Rs 2.92 lakh, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 undercuts the KTM 390 Duke by Rs 19,000, while offering most of the features and performance of the Austrian bike.