In November 2014, a year after the re-launch of the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand and subsequent move to Austria, Husqvarna further emphasised its return to the street motorcycle segment presenting two concept bikes at EICMA: the Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401. Two years on, at EICMA 2016, Husqvarna Motorcycles has presented both machines as production ready models.

The concept of the bikes is typically Husqvarna; high quality, inspired by the brand’s heritage, yet created using modern technology and a progressive design approach. Advanced engineering meets authentic, pure design to deliver a modern, uncompromised and authentic street riding experience. This is the main attribute that differentiates these bikes from any “retro” or “classic” motorcycles being offered by many other manufacturers.

The Husqvarna Vitpilen (Swedish for White Arrow) much like the iconic Silverpilen in 1955 opens up a new segment for Husqvarna Motorcycles along with the Svartpilen (Swedish for Black Arrow”) which shares the same design approach, but with distinctive colour differences and slightly more rugged styling. The overall design concept for both production bikes is strikingly simple, yet ground-breaking in its own right.

Husqvarna likes to think the two machines aren’t defined as streetbikes, nakedbikes, café racers, street fighters, light-commuters, scramblers, sports-tourers or cruisers – it simply calls them ‘Real Street’. Much like the modern and forward-thinking urban riders that they’re designed for, these bikes are a progressive design concept that delivers modern technology in a trimmed-down package that is fully focused on the functions and feelings needed for an authentic ride.

Source: Supplied.

The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is a sleek, refreshingly simple and progressive new urban street motorcycle, which provides a new gateway into motorcycle culture for a wider range of potential riders. The Svartpilen 401 is a modern day interpretation of a rugged street explorer offering a progressive new way for potential riders to access and experience motorcycling.

Both bikes feature a modern full LED headlight with a distinctive circular running light and two reflectors for high/low beam. Besides the added safety of the bright LEDs and saving energy, the headlight is a design feature that contributes to the unique style. The taillight is also full red LED and through the design, seems to hover above the rear wheel. The Svartpilen 401 gets a protective cage structure on the front headlight.

The lightweight steel-trellis frame is made from high strength chromium molybdenum steel using hydro formed tubes and robot welding. Designed with specific flex characteristics, the frame works in conjunction with the WP suspension to offer a comfortable and confident feel and combined with a tight turning circle for ease of use in urban environments.

The exhaust has been specifically designed to work with the 375cc engine and remain an aesthetically pleasing element. Made from a combination of steel and aluminium, the exhaust system is integral for ensuring Euro 4 regulations are met. Comprising of two parts, the pre-silencer is made from steel while the final silencer is made from aluminium. The final silencer is finished off with a raw aluminium look and the iconic Husqvarna logo.

The ‘Real Street’ range features a simple and progressive, multifunctional display unit with all the relevant riding information – set in a round, character-defining design. The bodywork is the same throughout the range, but differs in colour and in the perception of the proportions. The Vitpilen 401 bodywork is white; the Svartpilen 401 bodywork is black.

The seats are different on the Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401. High quality foam forms the base of both seats, but a long single piece, two-seater features on the Vitpilen 401, whereas the Svartpilen 401 features two single seats with different fabric from the Vitpilen 401. There will be options to remove the rear seat and fit a technical accessory on the Svartpilen 401.

Source: Supplied.

The ‘Real Street’ range has a 375cc, 32kW, single-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine that only weighs 36kg, thanks to its compact modern design. The latest materials and production technologies deliver the bike’s ample torque and useful acceleration at all engine speeds, but also give it good manners in everyday use, with outstanding fuel economy.

The engine delivers 37Nm of torque from low down in the RPM range, perfect for urban riding. Additionally, by implementing a counter-balancer shaft, vibration is kept to a minimum delivering a smooth and comfortable ride. By using electronic fuel injection and a 46mm throttle body operated by a ride-by-wire system, the engine delivers a sharp but refined and very controllable power delivery.

The ‘Real Street’ range is equipped with hydraulic brakes – the 320mm front disc with four-piston calipers, while the 230mm rear has a single piston, floating calliper to clamp on to. Additionally, a state-of-the-art Bosch 2-channel ABS system is fitted. The WP units on the 401s provides smooth handling, consistency and predictability. The 43mm upside down forks guarantee the highest levels of stability and precision.

The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are fitted with a slipper clutch. The slipper clutch works by allowing the clutch to slip under heavy braking when torque levels get too high from downshifts. This prevents the rear wheel from hopping or sliding and a more controlled deceleration. The Vitpilen 401 has clip-on handlebars while the Svartpilen 401 has raised off-road style centrally mounted handlebars.

The tank on the ‘Real Street’ range 401s holds 9.5 litres. The Svartpilen 401 also features a tank rack that can be used to strap additional items onto if needed. The tyres on the Svartpilen are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs while the Vitpilen wheels are fitted with Metzeler M5s. Arrival of the two models in Australia hasn’t been announced, but information regarding final specifications and pricing expected in the coming weeks.