Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 spotted on test - India launch soon
With a number of upcoming motorcycles being spotted on test i.e the KTM 390 Adventure and the KTM RC 125, yet another Austrian motorcycle has been spotted on test. This time around it is the naked cafe-racer - Husqvarna Vitpilen 401.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is based on the same platform as the previous generation KTM 390 Duke. Along with the platform, the Vitpilen 401 seems to share most of its cycle parts with the 390 Duke such as the alloy wheels and the suspension setup. The bike also shares the brake setup seen on the 390 Duke. We believe, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 will have a 320mm disc in the front with a 230mm disc brake in the rear equipped with ABS (antilock braking system).
Indianisation
There are some key elements that make this bike differ from the international spec Husqvarna Vitpilen 401. The radiator has a plastic guard which seems to be an offering for the Indian market. The seat is split into two unlike the single piece banana seat on the international model. The test bike is shod with chunky MRF tyres unlike the Metzeler tyres on the international spec bike.
Engine
The engine is expected to be the same 373.5cc block from the KTM 390 Duke producing similar power figures. That said, the engine could be BSVI compliant adhering to the stringent emission norms which will be regulated from April 1, 2020. Although the engine components are expected to be the same the bike spots a different exhaust - we can expect a different exhaust note from the KTM's signature symphony.
Features
Some key features such as adjustable clutch and brake levers will be on offer. However, the bike will not sport the TFT screen we see on the 390 Duke and will get the back-lit LCD instrument cluster. The DRL and the headlamp are expected to be LED units.
Pricing and Rivals
Standardising cycle parts will allow the Husqvarna to price the motorcycle aggressively and the bike could be placed between Rs 2.2 and Rs 2.5 lakh mark ex-showroom India. The Vitpilen 401 will rival the KTM 390 Duke and the BMW G310R. It could eat into the market space of the TVS Apache RR310 as well.
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