FLEET FOOTED & FUN

Review: Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 and the Svartpilen 250

- P. Tharyan

The two motorcycles, Vitpilen 250 and the Svartpilen 250 are more like the Karan and Arjun of the Indian motorcycle world. They look similar, they are priced just the same, they both are handsome and they have a great single parent who goes by the name of Husqvarna.

Husqvarna is an iconic Swedish brand. Many years ago Bajaj Auto went brand shopping and bought a 48 per cent equity stake in KTM AG. KTM AG owns brands like KTM motorcycle, Husqvarna motorcycles and GasGas motorcycle. GasGas makes performance offroad motorcycles. More than 51 per cent of KTM AG is owned by Seffan Pierer controlled Pierer Mobility AG.

Though Husqvarna is now owned by KTM, it was earlier owned by BMW Motorrad and before that by MV Agusta. Husqvarna motorcycles are sold in India by Bajaj along with KTM bikes through KTM showrooms. Vitpilen, which means white arrow and Svartpilen which means black arrow, are priced at Rs 1.85 lakh ex-showroom approximately.

These motorcycles basically fall under the lifestyle segment and unlike the Royal Enfields and Jawas of the world these are high tech, high-performance motorcycles. While the KTM 250 Duke (the engine powering the Vitpilen and Svartpilen are sourced from that of KTM 250 Duke) is more of a sporty kind of bike, these are meant for young urban riders who have a style of their own.

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE 248.76cc Single Cylinder, 4-stroke, 4 V DOHC Engine

TRANSMISSION 6-speed

MAX POWER 29.63@9000rpm

PEAK TORQUE 24Nm@7500rpm

SUSPENSION Front: WP APEX - USD 43mm, Rear: WP APEX - Monoshock

TYRES Front-110/70-R17,54H Rear- 150/60-R17,66H

PRICE ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)