Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 spied
Near-finished version of 390 Duke-based concept seen on test
HERE’S the best look so far at the final production version of Husqvarna’s forthcoming Vitpilen 401, spotted being tested on the road ahead of its official launch.
Like the Vitpilen 125 and 701, which have also captured in new spy shots, it’s based on a KTM Duke model, this one the 390.
That means it’s got the 390 Duke’s steel trellis frame and 43.5hp, 373cc single-cylinder engine, and should be priced not too much high than the KTM’s £4,549.
Our picture shows it’s also got the alloy swing-arm of the 390 Duke and what looks like the same upside-down WP fork.
The front brake has changed, now featuring a floating disc, possibly slightly bigger than the current one. It retains radial-mounted calipers and, we can assume, Bosh ABS.
The styling meanwhile has been completely revised, making a fresh new future-retro look in coming with the rest of the Vitpilen family. The slim-line bodywork, tank and seat are all new, and the bars look lower than the 390 Duke’s, creating a sportier riding position.
First revealed as a concept in 2014, the near production-ready Vitpilen 401 was spotted being tested alongside what we think is a new Duke 800 and an updated Duke 125.
Expect to see the finished product at shows this autumn and launched next year.
We should also expect to see the finished Svartpilen 401 - a more scrambler-esque edition also revealed as a concept back in 2014 – in the not-too-distant future.
