Husqvarna Motorcycles have managed to sell 410 units of their maiden products, Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250, in India during the month of March. However, bear in mind that these are wholesale numbers, as in they indicate the number of units sold to dealers across India. Dealers usually buy what they expect to sell and on the basis of confirmed bookings. These numbers look encouraging for the brand that began sales a few weeks before the national lockdown came into effect.
Husqvarna made its India debut December 2019, during the India Bike Week in Goa. The company introduced the Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 at the event and these motorcycles have garnered a lot of interest ever since.
Both bikes are based on the KTM 250 Duke and share the frame, suspension and engine (30hp/24Nm). Where these motorcycles differ is in their unique design that's unlike anything we've seen so far in India. The Vitpilen is a café racer-styled bike, while the Svartpilen is a scrambler. Not only do they look attractive, they also retail at a pretty aggressive price point. At Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the introductory price undercuts the KTM 250 Duke by Rs 20,000.
The COVID-19 crisis has slammed the brakes on reviews, but we expect to get our hands on both these Husqvarnas as soon as the Government relaxes the lockdown. Stay tuned, as we will bring you a comprehensive road test.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
Ved Janve
