Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 vs KTM 390 Duke vs Honda CB300R: Thoughts From Cycleworld

While we’re awaiting the new Husqvarna 401 duo in India, folks at Cycleworld have pitted the Vitpilen 401 against its Austrian cousin, the KTM 390 Duke. The third contender in the comparison was a Japanese product that recently made its way into the international market, the Honda CB300R.

Also read: India-made Special Edition KTM Duke 390 showcased in the Philippines

Visually, comments the road tester, the KTM’s sharp edges and flashy pumpkin colours will attract the teenage racers while the cafe-racer style Vitpilen 401, with its elegant design, will command attention. The CB300R is said to be understated, but still handsome and easy to live without raising too much attention. All three motorcycles feature a LED lighting that is getting more common with new product launches.

The Vitpilen 401 and the KTM 390 Duke share the 373.3cc single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine that puts out 44.1 PS of maximum power and 37 Nm of peak torque. The Honda roadster, on the other hand, uses a 286 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that delivers 31 hp of maximum power and 27.5 Nm of peak torque. The trio, as written in the road test report, feature smooth-shifting six-speed gearboxes and feather-light and easy-to-manage clutches.

All the motorcycles are near perfect in their way, and the choice boils down to personal preference. The road test report concluded:

At the end of the day, we’d be happy to go home with any of these three bikes. Each offer a unique take in motorcycling as well as statement of the person behind the handlebar.

As we reported on September 12, the Husqvarna 401 duo will be launched in the Indian market likely in the second half of 2019, most likely ahead of the festive season. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will share their underpinning with the KTM 390 Duke. However, both motorcycles get utterly different styling. Both motorcycles will receive wire-spoke wheels that add a more rugged look to the Svartpilen 401 and somehow a retro character to the Vitpilen 401.

Also read: 5 things to know about the upcoming Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 & Svartpilen 401

Apart from the underpinning, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will also share their engine with the 390 Duke. Stopping power will be provided by the same 320 mm single disc with a four-piston calliper at the front and 230 mm single disc with a single-piston calliper at the rear. The safety net of ABS will come as standard on both the models.

[Source: Cycleworld.com]