Husqvarna Vitpilen caught on test
Retro version of KTM Duke spied in Duke-like disguise
HUSQVARNA’S return to road bikes looks like it’s on schedule with the first spy pictures of the forthcoming Vitpilen 401 having been caught in Spain.
The bike is a production version of the concept machine shown last year alongside the more scrambler-style Svartpilen. We revealed they were headed for production in January. Given Husky’s recent takeover by KTM’s parent firm, it’s no surprise that the two were both effectively re-clothed versions of the Duke 390. And the production machine will also be near-identical to the Duke when it comes to engine and chassis.
In fact, both the 390 and a Duke 125-derived Vitpilen prototype were spotted on test, suggesting there will be a whole range of machines.
Given the bikes’ Duke origins, the addition of KTM lights and orange wheels plus the usual KTM test bike camo means it would be easy to dismiss these as future KTM models, but the shape of the seat and tank closely resemble the Vitpilen concept, which has already been confirmed for production next year.
The Svartpilen is also likely to reach production.
In final form, the long, flat seat that gives this away as a Vitpilen will be accompanied by a retro-style round headlight instead of the KTM unit, plus new instruments and wire spoked wheels instead of the KTM alloys seen here.
We’re expecting to see the final production version of the Vitpilen at shows towards the end of this year. The 390-powered bike (confusingly actually 373cc) will use the 401 name to fit Husqvarna naming traditions, but the 125cc version is likely to be simply called the Vitpilen 125.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen caught on test
