Husqvarna Reinvents the Vitpilen and Svartpilen With Biggest Changes Since 2018

3 months, 1 week ago - 18 January 2024, autoevolution
Husqvarna Reinvents the Vitpilen and Svartpilen With Biggest Changes Since 2018
Back in 2018 Austrian bike maker Husqvarna decided to give itself a boost of public appeal and reach and brought into the world a series of new motorcycles meant to draw in more people to the brand.

The two bikes have become known since as the Vitpilen and Svartpilen, which more or less translate to White Arrow and Black Arrow.

The two motorcycles have been constantly updated since, but none of the previous incarnations are so radically different as the ones presented this week. As per the company itself, the range of 2024 bikes brings about the biggest technical updates since their introduction in 2018.

Before we get into it, it's important to know what that range is, exactly. There will be, just like before, two Vitpilens (401 and 125) and three Svartpilens (401, 250, and 125) to be had this year, all sharing most of the components but just different enough to appeal to a different type of rider.

Regardless of what bike we're discussing, all have been treated to a completely new steel trellis frame. The hardware works in conjunction with an aluminum swingarm and WP suspension system of the off-center variety at the rear.

The frame helps the bikes achieve a slightly longer wheelbase (Husqvarna doesn't specify by how much) and allows for the installation of a seat with a revised height, which works with the new handlebars to "offer reduced weight for highly responsive steering."

The engines powering each of the five bikes have been completely revised as well, and they work with reworked transmissions.

The smallest displacement engines are offered on the Svartpilen 125 and Vitpilen 125. The number in their name is there to point to the 125cc engine that can deliver just 15 horsepower.

In the middle of the pack sits the Svartpilen 250, whose larger 250cc engine cranks out 31 horsepower.

At the top of the food chain is the 399cc fitted in the frames of the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401. This one is the most potent of the bunch, being rated at 45 horsepower.

No matter what bike we're talking about the rides offer everything a rider would want from a modern-day two-wheeler, including riding modes, clutchless gear changes, and TFT displays. The wheel choice for the range is limited to 17-inch hardware in spoked design.

Husqvarna did not release the pricing for the 2024 model year Vitpilen and Svartpilen, but the bikes are already listed on most of the company's configurators, so we expect more details on that momentarily (you'll get a much better chance at learning more about pricing by contacting your local dealer).

All the bikes in these two families will become available at Husqvarna dealers next month.

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