Husqvarna also fondly referred to as Huskies is known around the world for its elusive cool factor off-road tradition, however, the company is now turning its focus to road-going motorbikes. Now that cool factor has just gone up a notch higher. Husqvarna which was acquired by KTM in 2013 is set to release two street-legal, emission-friendly single-cylinder motorbikes in 2017.
Husqvarna 401 concepts to be 2017 production models
Vitpilen 401 and Svartpinel 401
Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 uses the frame and engine from KTM’s Duke and RC 390.The Vitpilen 401 was first displayed as a concept last year alongside a knobbly-tired Svartpilen 401.Vitpilen is a Swedish term meaning white arrow while Svartpilen translates to black arrow. The concept behind these two models is inspired by the Husqarna Silverpilen or silver arrow. According to the company, the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are set to hit the showrooms in the spring of 2017.
401 Vitpilen
This is a shouty, all-caps style modern take café racer based on the 1953 Silverpilen road bike. While Husqvarna has not given many details about the bike, this is definitely not a wild fantasy as the bike is a reskinned version of an existing street-legal production model.
401 Vitpilen specs include:
- 43.5 hp, 25.8lb 400cc water-cooled, single-cylinder engine
- 17-inch wheels with modern rubber
- Integrated headlight holder
401 Svartpilen
The 401 Svartpilen or Black Arrow model is based on old scramblers. Its styling is certainly divisive but there is no doubt it is instantly recognizable. Just like its counterpart, the Vitpilen, the Black Arrow has some similarities with the company’s earlier model, KTM Duke 390.
401 Svartpilen specs:
- 43.5 hp, 25.8lb 400cc water-cooled, single-cylinder engine
- 17-inch wheels with modern rubber
- Solo seat
- Upright riding position with wide band and grippy pegs
Reinhold Zens, one of the company’s two managing directors says that the two models are set to be on sale in 2017. Zens told Bike, a Swedish magazine that the two models may not look the same since a concept after all is a designer’s dream but a finished model must abide by rules and regulations, however the models will have the same style. Currently, Husqvarna has not indicated how much each of the bikes is likely to cost, but the company says they are likely to be fairly priced.
