Husqvarna to have three model lineup initially with the Vitpilen 401 (based on KTM Duke) and a 125 model (based on 125 Duke) are arriving very soon
The reborn Husqvarna brand will see three models launching later in the year. The Kiska Design in Austria has been responsible for the styling developments of KTMs over the last two decades and the same design house is taking charge in terms of designing in order to achieve the ambitious plan of becoming the third biggest selling brand in Europe.
The family of roadsters will spawn the production versions of the Vitpilen 401 and entry-level market targeting 125 range. Understandably, the Vitpilen 401 will share underpinnings with the KTM 390 Duke while the 125’s will be based on the same capacity displacing Duke.
They will be followed by the visually stunning Vitpilen 701 as the immensely attractive motorcycle stays true to the concept design and loads of positive influences from the design study have been implemented straight to the road-going version. Unlike the usual practice, when the production-spec bike doesn’t give a clue about the concept post the launch, Kiska Design has kept the reality and imagination at balance.
The Vitpilen 701 will be utilizing single-cylinder engine from the KTM 690 Duke and will be introduced a year after the 401 and the 125. The studio images are said to be in almost-finished form as they resemble the concept largely to the concept bike revealed first in 2013.
MCN had direct access to the design studio of Kiska and the Chief Designer of the project Maxime Thouvenin said the architecture has been reduced to the minimum by leaving just the engine, tailpiece, wheels and fuel tank. He confirmed that the distinctive line known as “The Split” will be kept for production.
He further stated that “the concept you see here is what the bike will look like” besides necessary legal items like indicators and license plate. The 401 will be tidy and progressive while the 701 will look more mechanical said the designer. The open air filter seen on the concept will be offered as accessory as it cannot pass legalization while the internally fluted exhaust is being worked on to make into production.
The Vitpilen will be considered as the perfect alternative in the booming retro category with a simpler design and not-so aggressive mechanical bits according to Maxime. The history-steeped company will make its presence felt from 125 cc to 1,301 cc categories with everything shared between KTM. A 390 cc single cylinder, 800 cc parallel twin and range-topping 1,301 cc bike are under development for future.
Source: MCN