KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has just confirmed the launch timelines of the Husqvarna retro bikes in India. Production of both bikes will begin at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan factory from the end of 2019. The bikes will be launched in the Indian market in early 2020. The Husqvarna Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401 will feature retro-styling and will be positioned against Royal Enfield’s range of retro motorcycles.
Here is the KTM CEO’s exact statement on the launch timelines of the small capacity Husqvarnas,
It has been agreed upon and they (Husqvarna bikes) should be launched in India by 2020. That means by the end of 2019 the manufacturing should begin at Chakan. This year we are already touching 1 lakh units with KTM programme. With Husqvarna, we want to double it to 2 lakh units.
The Husqvarna bikes will not only be sold in India but also exported to international markets around the world. KTM follows the same strategy with small capacity RC and Duke range of sportsbikes that it manufactures in India. This strategy gives KTM hefty profits as the cost of high-quality labour is quite cheap in India when compared to western countries. Sourcing parts is also cheaper here.
Coming to the bikes, the Vitpilen is a cafe-racer styled bike with clip ontion. z handle-bars and an aggressive riding position. On the other hand, the Svartpilen is a scrambler-style street bike meant to handle both smooth and bad roads equally well.
Both bikes will use the chassis, suspension and engine from the Duke 390. The liquid cooled, fuel injected 373cc, single cylinder engine will produce around 44 Bhp and 37 Nm on both these bikes. Pricing of these bikes is expected to be similar to that of the KTM Duke 390, well under Rs. 3 lakhs. We expect performance and fuel efficiency figures to also be similar to that of the Duke 390.
Via FinancialExpress