Husqvarna, one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world is making a foray into the Indian market with their all-new Vitpilen250 and Svartpilen 250. More popularly known for producing high-performance machines with outstanding build quality, the Swedish automotive company is looking to tap into a new generation of riders with their latest offerings.

According to the company, both the Svartpilen and Vitpilen are painstakingly crafted to deliver high performance in a svelte package. The company is looking to offer dynamic performance and unique Scandinavian design.

Both machines are equipped with a fuel-injected, liquidcooled, single-cylinder 250cc engine that produces 24 Nm torque and promises a high level of engine refinement.

They also get WP suspension along with other premium components to deliver a fun-filled riding experience.

Husqvarna is using a compact chassis design on the new machines which is aimed at offering riders an agile and dynamic performance in the city.

The Swedish company is looking to attract urban riders seeking a performance lifestyle machine without compromising on the design.

While both motorcycles share the same components like engine and underpinnings, they are designed for different riding styles. The Vitpilen 250 is a cafe racer while the Svartpilen is a scrambler. Both machines are based on the KTM 250 and will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan factory.

Let’s compare the two.

Firstly, the Vitpilen 250 has a sportier design and gets lowset clip-on handlebars which means the riding position is forward-leaning. This means this is the one to get if you like to go have fun on twisty roads. On the other hand, the Svartpilen is designed for mild offroading and gets dual-purpose tyres, raised handlebar and you sit upright.

While both motorcycles look similar at first glance, there are subtle differences. The Vitpilen gets a white fuel tank with a grey tail section and silver accents while the Svartpilen 250 comes with a grey fuel tank with white accents.

The Svartpilen 250 also features a flatter seat for the rider to move around while riding off-road and a tank rack to carry luggage.

To aid cornering, Husqvarna has paired the Viplen with MRF Revz FC 1 tyres while the scrambler Svartpilen 250 gets dual-purpose MRF Revz FD tyres.

The Vitpilen 250 is the lighter of the two, weighing in at just 153kg while the Svartpilen weighs 154kg. Both machines produce 31HP @ 9,000 rpm and 24 Nm @ 7,250 rpm and get a 6-speed gearbox.

Both motorcycles will get disc brakes on the front and rear with dual-channel ABS as standard. Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and Svartpilen 250 shares the same trellis frame which is made from high strength chromium-molybdenum steel using hydroformed tubes and robot welding. Suspension duties are handled by upside-down forks with 142mm travel at the front and a monoshock at the rear with 150mm travel. Both motorcycles get 17-inch cast aluminium wheels. Even the headlight and taillight on both motorcycles are identical LED units and they share the same digital instrument cluster as well.

With Husqvarna positioning themselves as a more premium option over KTM, it is expected to be more costly than the current KTM lineup.

The Husqvarna Vitpilen will start retailing from February 2020 onwards in India with no plans for a launch in Nepal confirmed as yet.