New Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 spied in India for the first time

- Gets a revised design

- Same hardware as the next-gen 390 Duke

- Could be launched in India in the coming months

The next-generation Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 was recently spotted testing on Indian roads for the first time. The motorcycle boasts a host of major changes over its predecessor, which never made its way to our shores. This iteration, however, is likely to be launched here soon. 

As is the case with the existing Svartpilen 401, the new version too shares a majority of its components with the 390 Duke. Interestingly, the next-generation model of the latter too was spied testing in India recently. Now, the decipherable updates in the new Svartpilen 401 include a revised bodywork comprising an edgier fuel tank section, a larger pillion grab rail, and a split-type seat. Courtesy of the camouflage put on the bodywork, the visual changes are difficult to make out in detail. 

A more thorough overhaul has been given to its hardware package. The test mule was equipped with an offset monoshock and a gullwing swingarm, elements that are observed in the new 390 Duke as well. Similarly, the trellis frame and sub-frame may also have been borrowed from the Duke. A close look reveals that the sub-frame is longer than its predecessor helping the brand accommodate roomier seats. What’s different from the Duke is the presence of wire spoke wheels with block pattern tyres in the Svartpilen 401 which is in line with its scrambler theme. Lastly, the high-strung, single-cylinder motor should be the same as the next-gen 390 Duke. However, the nature of updates for this engine is not known yet. 

As of now, Husqvarna’s India portfolio comprises just the 250cc twins including the Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. In the coming days, we might see these bikes being joined by their bigger 400cc siblings which will amp up the competition in the 300-400cc segment. 

Image Source: Zigwheels