Exclusive: Husqvarna 401 models' production to be relocated to India in December
Apart from the new KTM 390 Adventure, the Husqvarna 401 models will also enter production in India from December this year. The launch and deliveries of the new Husqvarna motorcycles, the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401, is likely to happen in early 2020.
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Indian Autos Blog learns that the production of the Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 is being transferred to the Chakan plant in India, and the standard operating procedure will start from December 2019. The Husqvarna 401 twins will retail at a premium price tag than the 390 Duke, which retails for INR 2.44 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Swedish products will be sold through the KTM outlets in the country, although the bikes will most likely be available in select cities in the initial phase. A report from last month claimed that KTM India will upgrade its dealerships across the country to accommodate new models.
The Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 will arrive with a BS-VI compliant engine that it will share with the 390 Duke (with latest emission norm compliance). The displacement on the BS-VI compliant is not likely to change, and we expect to see a 373.2 cc single-cylinder, DOHC, 4-Valve, liquid-cooled engine. The performance number will most likely remain in the same range as the current (BS-IV) model. The motor, in its current guise, pumps out 43.5 hp at 9,500 rpm and 35 Nm at 7,250 rpm on the 390 Duke.
Apart from the engine, the Husqvarna twins will also share their underpinnings with the 390 Duke. Thus, the Svartpilen 401 and the Vitpilen 401 will be built around a trellis frame with a bolted sub-frame and an aluminium swingarm. Other components that the Swedish products share with the 390 Duke include the suspension (preload-adjustable rear monoshock and upside-down front forks), and the disc brakes.
While the bikes use KTM 390 Duke’s platform, they feature completely different styling. The Svartpilen 401 is a Scrambler type product while the Vitpilen 401 carries a café-racer-inspired style. The Husqvarna twins also feature a compact, retro-style instrument console.
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The Husqvarna twins will be among several products that are lined-up for the Indian market. KTM India confirmed that the brand will concentrate on the 200-390 cc portfolio over the next year. The displacement range will witness the arrival of updated (Duke and RC range) and new products (Adventure and Husqvarna twins) in our market.