Bajaj has just revealed the prices for the Husqvarna twins - the Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 that were showcased at the India Bike Week a few months ago. Both the bikes are priced at ₹ 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Husqvarnas will be sold exclusively at the KTM Probiking showrooms that have been modified to accommodate the Swedish motorcycle brand, beginning from March 2020.
The Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 follow the neo-retro design theme. TheSvartpilen 250 is a scrambler inspired motorcycle, however it gets alloys instead of spoked rims while the Vitpilen 250 is more along the lines of a cafe racer. The Vitpilen has a Clip-On handlebar whereas the Svartpilen gets a straight handlebar. The Huskies come with a circular-digital console which gets a minimalist design. The Huskies have LED headlights and taillights and get high-quality components and technology. Both the bikes have a lot in common with their Austrian cousin, the 250 Duke, starting with the 248cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine delivering 29.5bhp and 24 Nm. Even the hardware, right from the split steel-trellis frame to 43mm WP Apex USD front forks and rear WP Apex mono-shock suspension and ByBre-sourced four-piston calliper with a 320mm disc on the front wheel and a single-piston calliper on a 230 mm disc on the rear is straight off the 250 Duke. TheSvartpilen weighs nearly 154 kg whereas the Vitpilen is a kilo lighter. For perspective, the 250 Duke weighs 169kg. However, instead of the 13.5-litre tank on the 250 Duke, the Huskies pack a smaller, 9.5-litre tank. The bikes come equipped with dual-purpose MRF Revz-D tyres that can be used best for on-road riding as well as for light off-roading.
At Rs 1.80 lakh, the Husky twins are a whole Rs 20,000 cheaper than the 250 Duke, despite offering the same equipment. Bajaj also looks to capitalise on the already existing KTM network to help it grow the Husqvarna brand in India and intends to expand to over 400 outlets, across 275 towns.
Addressing the media on the occasion Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd.said "The premium motorcycle segment has seen strong growth in India over the last five years of almost 19% CAGR, with two broad classes of motorcycles - sporty high-performance motorcycles and lifestyle motorcycles with limited performance. The Husqvarna twins are superbly crafted and will be a game-changer in the lifestyle performance segment. They offer a great package of superior dynamic performance and a unique Swedish design language. The Husqvarnas are meant for progressive riders who have an evolved taste, a strong appreciation for style and don't want a compromise between performance and elegant design. We look forward to seeing Husqvarna replicate the success of KTM motorcycles by targeting a different and complementary consumer segment."