It’s been a while since we’ve had a new Husqvarna motorcycle confirmed for production, but that’s about to change.
The recent spy shots suggest Husqvarna is working on an updated 401 platform.
While these additions will continue to build on the Swedish marque’s success in the shadow of its KTM sister brand, they don’t come as a big surprise.
The Huskies have been trailed without much fanfare, and spy shots have been hitting the Interwebs for months now.
What Husky will end up doing with the platform is anyone’s guess. But as of this week, it appears that Husqvarna has moved beyond speculation and prototypes and is now testing a new 401 model on city streets.
Officially, we have no information regarding this prototype model. So we could be looking at the Vitpilen 401, Svartpilen 401, Norden 401, or something entirely different.
But one thing is sure: this looks like a practical street motorcycle that doesn’t try too hard.
What to expect?
A new sub-400cc engine is expected to remain a single-cylinder producing around 44 horsepower and 37 Newton-meters (or 27.29 pound-feet) of torque.
According to the source, Husqvarna wants to bring the Crossover 401 to market by 2022 or 2023. It’s also suggested that a fully-faired version could be offered as an off-road only machine.
The upcoming new model looks more like a Crossover which is what customers have been asking.
Husqvarna’s approach is to deliver the same or similar technology, performance and styling of its motorcycles into these new vehicles.
We have here is the first of what will likely be many prototypes for Husqvarna’s 400 series bikes.
The form shown here appears to be that of a Svartpilen 401. Whether this will mean that the design of the final bike will take cues from this prototype remains to be seen.
Whatever changes you may see on future prototypes, one thing is assured.
There will be significant differences in look compared to what we see here today. And with any luck, even more improvements under the skin to go with it. Stay tuned!
Spyshot images : Rideapart
