Positioning-wise, Husqvarna bikes to be positioned above KTM and the former will be relatively easier to ride.
Bajaj recently announced that it will be bringing in the Husqvarna brand of bikes to India starting off with the Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401. Bajaj is of the opinion that Husqvarna bikes will be relatively easy to ride than the KTMs which would make Husqvarna bikes appeal to a wider range of customers.
Bajaj-KTM recently confirmed that the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will be sold globally by 2018 with production initially happening in Europe but will be later be shifted to the Chakan plant in India. The Chakan plant will be catering to the Indian as well as international markets.
The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will come powered by a Duke 390 derived engine and mechanical underpinnings. Both the bikes will be powered by a single-cylinder 373.2cc engine that churns out 43 BHP of power and 37 NM of torque. The liquid-cooled powertrain is matched to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. While the Vitpilen 401 is suited to a street and city friendly riding, the Svartpilen 401 will have an off-road biased design with rugged tyres, etc.
Husqvarna brand of bikes will be positioned above KTM motorcycles and will have no direct competition in India. Bajaj also reveals that Husqvarna bikes will not have a clash with either the Dominar or KTM motorcycles but will actually complement the existing Bajaj and KTM offerings.
The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, as well as the Svartpilen 401, will be priced under Rs. 3 lakhs.
Husqvarna Bikes Positioning
– Husqvarna motorcycles will be rolled out globally from 2018
– Husqvarna motorcycles production will be shifting from Europe to Bajaj’s Chakan facility
– Husqvarna brand of motorcycles will be positioned above KTM
