Husqvarna's naked Vittopiren and Svartopiren have undergone a complete change.
While the changes are similar to the base model, KTM's Duke 390/125, many unique features have been adopted to make it even more attractive.
It is likely to be released in Japan at about the same price as the current model!
Offering a unique worldview based on KTM's DUKE
Swedish-born Husqvarna is a historic brand that began producing motorcycles in 1903 and has been famous for its off-road products since the 1950s. After many twists and turns, Husqvarna has recently become a subsidiary of KTM and continues to offer original products with design and flavor based on the company's machines.
The naked Vitpilen and Svartpilen series are the core models. The new models are characterized by a chic design reminiscent of modern art and are available in three types, just like KTM's 390, 250, and 125 DUKE models.
The new model, like the 2024 DUKE, features a completely redesigned engine and chassis. The design has also been refined.
The Vitpilen 401 is on the right and the Svartpillen 401 is on the left. Both are based on the edgy KTM390DUKE but feature a subdued design.
[Vitpilen 401] Enhanced driving with electric brain and natural positioning.
The café racer Vittpillen 401 is based on the 390 DUKE. While maintaining the image of the previous model, the tank and side covers, which were previously one piece, were split to give the design a more speedy feel.
VITPILEN 401 [HUSQVARNA] As the name of the motorcycle means "white arrow," the minimalist and clean image has been brushed up as it is.
The tank cover and side covers are now separate, and the tail is longer than the previous model. The radiator cover has been enlarged.
All lights, including the symbolic ring position light, are LED. The design is subtly different, and the lights are brighter.
Conventional Vitpilen 401. It featured a unique design with integrated tank side covers and a short tail.
The liquid-cooled single-cylinder increased its stroke from 60 to 64 mm and displacement from 373 to 398.6 cc. Maximum output has been increased from 43.5 PS/9000 rpm to 44.9 PS/85000 rpm, and maximum torque from 3.77 kg-m/7000 rpm to 3.97 kg-m/7000 rpm.
Like the 390DUUKE, a new riding mode is available, with two selectable modes: street and rain. It also adds an IMU (inertia sunset), which is rare in this class, and gains traction control, cornering ABS, and even a quick shifter.
It is powered by a DOHC 4-valve 398.6cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder. It has an electric throttle and slipper clutch, and several electrics have been added. The cylinder is new and plasma-coated. It already complies with Euro 5+ emission regulations.
The tubular steel trellis frame and lightweight aluminum swingarm are also new.
A side-mounted WP rear shock is new. This has reduced the seat height from 835 to 820 mm and increased the fuel tank capacity from 9.5 to 13 liters.
The wheelbase has been lengthened from 1357mm to 1368±15.5mm. The minimum ground clearance was increased from 120 to 180 mm to achieve both stability and nimble cornering performance.
The handlebars have been changed from separate to bar handles. The major difference is that the previous model was characterized by an extreme forward lean, but this has been relaxed, resulting in a more neutral ride position.
The main frame and aluminum swingarm are new. The WP APEX rear shock mounted on the right side has adjustable preload and rebound damping force. The seat rail differs from the 390 in shape and appears to be an original design. The new Michelin Power 6 tires are used.
The F fork is a 43mm WP APEX inverted fork with adjustable rebound and compression damping. This is combined with 4-pod radial calipers made by Vibre. The wheels have been changed from wire spoke to cast wheels.
The handlebars have been changed from separate types to bar handlebars. The meter has been changed from a monochrome LCD to a 5-inch full-color LCD, and a new smartphone linkage function has been added.
Photo: 125
[VITPILEN 125] Compact engine with SOHC
Its younger brother, the Vittpillen 125, which shares the same frame and other components, is equipped with a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 125 cc. The previous model had a DOHC 4-valve head like the 125 DUKE, but the new model has a SOHC 4-valve head, resulting in a smaller and lighter engine.
Vitpilen 125 [Husqvarna] The appearance, body size, and dimensions are similar to those of the 401, but the 125 is named after the emblem on the tank cover.
While the maximum output remained unchanged at 15 PS, the rpm increased from 9,500 to 10,000 rpm. Maximum torque has increased from 1.22kg-m/7500rpm to 1.17kg-m/7750rpm.
Note that the electric brain such as cornering ABS used on the 401 is not employed. The WP APEX inverted fork omits the adjustment mechanism, and only the preload of the rear shock can be adjusted.
Like the 401, the meter is a 5-inch full-color TFT LCD.
This is a rare luxury feature for a 125.
[Svartpilen 401/125] Attractive off-taste, visor now standard.
The Svartpilen series shares the same basic engine and body structure but is more trucker-style.
Wire spoke wheels and block pattern tires, as well as a carrier on the tank and grab rails, are the main differences from the Vittpillen. The new model also features a square meter visor as standard.
Svartpilen 401 [Husqvarna] The motorcycle's name means "black arrow" and is characterized by its dark body color and off-taste.
The shape of the side covers under the seats is also different from that of the Vittpillen. The suspension is a combination of wire spoke wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR.
The meter is a 5-inch color LCD, similar to that of the Vitpillen. The carrier on the tank has been downsized. Bar handlebars are used as before.
The basic configuration of the 125 version is also similar to that of the Wittpillen 125, omitting the electric brain and front and rear suspension adjustment mechanisms.
Svartpilen 125 [Husqvarna] Although the decal on the shroud is the name of the motorcycle. The appearance is almost the same as the 401.
New 250 with excellent power and cost performance is also on standby
Vitpilen and Svartpilen will also be available in a 250 version. Svart is currently the only one with an official website. Currently, only the Svarto has an official website, but it is equipped with a single SOHC 4-valve 249.1cc liquid-cooled engine instead of the conventional DOHC. It produces a maximum output of 31 PS.
Other equipment is similar to the 125, and driving modes are not employed. However, it has no daylight in the headlight and a monochrome 5-inch square LCD meter.
Vitpilen 250 [Husqvarna]
Svartpilen 250 [Husqvarna]
Like the 250 DUKE, only the 250 features a monochrome LCD meter.
A new smartphone linkage function has been added.
The headlight is not equipped with daylight like the 390 and 125.
The price I'm wondering is unchanged - will it be within +/- tens of thousands of yen?
Delivery in Europe will begin in February 2024. The arrival date and price of the domestic version are unknown, but KTM's new 390DUKE, the base model of the 401 series, is priced at (approx.) 5329 USD in Japan. The conventional 390DUKE is priced at (approx.) 5167 USD, so the price is settled at 162 USD more.
The new 250 DUKE, the base of the Vitpilen/Svartpilen 250, was priced at (approx.) 4492 USD, unchanged from the previous model.
The existing 2023 Vittpillen 401 is priced at (approx.) 5329 USD, so if the price increase is kept at the same level as the DUKE, the new model will be priced at around 5403 USD. And since the 2023 Svartpiren 250 is priced at (approx.) 4627 USD, we expect the Vitpilen/Svartpilen 250 to be priced around the same level.
The conventional Svartpillen 401 was priced at (approx.) 5397 USD, the 250 at (approx.) 4627 USD, and the 125 at (approx.) 4356 USD. The Vitpilen lineup included only the 401.
KTM's new 390DUKE. Although based on the Svartpillen/Vitpillen, the design is completely different.
