Husqvarna Bikes Coming Next Year, To Be Sold Through Bajaj Pro-Biking Network

Husqvarna, a Swedish bike manufacturer will enter Indian markets next year. They are collaborating with Bajaj Auto to manufacture their small capacity motorcycles at Bajaj’s Chakan plant and will be selling their bikes through the Bajaj Pro-Biking outlets similar to the one’s currently selling Kawasaki and KTM bikes. The bikes will come out from the first half of 2017 at the Chakan plant of Bajaj Auto located in Pune in a separate facility generated for Husqvarna. However, the company will push their initial production lot towards the export markets.

 

 

The initial bikes coming to India would be the 401 Vitpilen or the 401 Svartpilen. They would be positioned at a slightly higher premium than the KTM 390 Duke. 

The 401 Vitpilen and the 401 Svartpilen were showcased at the 2016 EICMA motorcycle show. The 401 Vitpilen is a Cafe-racer while the 401 Svartpilen is a Scrambler. Both bikes use high-quality components and have a futuristic minimalist styling. Both bikes use the KTM frame and is powered by the KTM’s 373cc motor which makes 44PS and 35Nm fed through a six speed gearbox. Suspension bits are the same WP components while brakes are the 320mm front and 230mm rear disc clamped by Bybre calipers. ABS and slipper clutch should be standard fitment. The minimalist styling means the kerb weight could be less than the KTM 390 Duke’s 154 kilos. 

 

 

Husqvarna is a well known brand globally for its dirt bikes and aggressive styled nakeds. It however remains to be seen how well the Indian audience accepts the brand here.