KTM owned Swedish bike maker Husqvarna revealed the production ready versions of the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 and Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 at EICMA 2016 in Milan, Italy. The bikes are expected to be launched in Europe and other global markets by the end of 2017. Recently, we were at the launch of the 2017 KTM RC 390 & RC 200, where Rajiv Bajaj revealed to us that Husqvarna bikes will not be launched in India. When probed further, he revealed that few components for the bikes will be manufactured at its Chakan plant while the bikes will be assembled at KTM’s factory in Mattighofen, Austria. Also Read - Huawei Nova 6 5G renders surface online with dual selfie cameras and a punch-hole display

Confirming this news, Mr. Oliver Goering – Managing director, Husqvarna, said that the company will manufacture the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 & Svartpilen 401 in Austria to give it a premium feel as compared to the KTMs. He also revealed that the Husqvarna bike will be completely different to the KTM Duke and RC range of motorcycles. He said, “At the end of the day what Husqvarna offers is a unique styling concept for urban riders. We don’t have the slogan ‘ready to race’ that forces us to do aggressive things. We can focus on other exciting motorcycle styles and that separates us from KTM.” Also Read: KTM Duke 250 & RC 250 won’t be launched in India

Husqvarna sold a total of 21,500 motorcycles in 2016, while the company has set a target of 30,000 units for 2017. These numbers are for the off-road and enduro Husqvarna motorcycles, and with the launch of the Vitpilen 401 & Svartpilen 401 the company expects to sell a total of 60,000 bikes in the coming years. Speaking about the sales target, Mr. Goering said, “I think we will grow to 35,000 in off-road sales before hitting a plateau and so 25-40,000 road bikes I would say. The new 401s will not be our only road bikes. We will increase the 701 range and in years to come produce bigger bikes.” Also Read: 2017 KTM Duke 200, KTM Duke 390 to launch in India in early February 2017

Mr. Oliver Goering also revealed that the company does not plan to introduce any bikes lower that the 401s. He reasoned that the company has to maintain its brand image as premium bike manufacturer. So, people waiting for a 125 cc Husqvarna will be disappointed as the company has no such plans. This is what he had to say when asked about the lower capacity Husky, “It is an open secret that we have many motor platforms in the KTM group and of course Husqvarna has free access to these. But we will do it in step by step, first the 401, then the 701 and then we will see where we go…”

Source: Pistonheads