EICMA 2014: Husqvarna show something special for the street with the 401 and 701
21 Corso Vercelli, Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Husqvarna - Strong with the 401
Husqvarna has had a turbulent history of late. Acquired by BMW in 2007, things we going well. The Baja concept, shown at EICMA in 2012, was one of the stars of the show and all signs were that it would make production until... It was sold again in 2013.
Husqvarna Baja 650 front
It was purchased by Stefan Pierer, better known as the CEO of KTM. It was even moved to Mattighofen, where KTM are headquartered.
EICMA 2013 saw a good, solid showing, but mainly focused on the off-road segment as it was placed alongside KTM.
But at EICMA 2014, things took a slightly different focus. Sales have been good, and there is still plenty of off-road here, but the unveiling of the 701 Supermoto and the 401 concept vehicles was the centerpiece and promises another new chapter for Husky.
The 701 Supermoto is a production bike. it's perhaps an easy move to make as supermotos are generally just dirt bikes for the street, but Husqvarna look to have done this right. 67 horsepower is delivered from a KTM 690cc engine on a package that weighs less than 145kg wet. Performance is smoothed by the ride by wire throttle and the slipped clutch will help you slide that back end like a pro. Engine maps come as standard, as does ABS.
Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
The 401 on the other hand is a concept only at this stage that you could call a scrambler. it pays homage to the old Silver Arrow (silverpilen) from 1953. It's a stripped back to basics kind of machine, of which there are more than a few at this years show, but that's no bad thing.
Husqvarna Vitpilen - A thing of beauty
The 401 is shown in two models - Vitpilen (white arrow) is more road oriented, while the Svartpilen (black arrow) is more about the dirt. The ethos behind them is essentially the same - "if it doesn't improve the riding experience, it doesn't belong on the 401".
Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen - Love the lights
Husqvarna Vitpilen - Tidy rear end
The light is a particularly striking feature. LED based, it conveys at once a futuristic experience. Simple lines from flat body work contribute to the overall beauty of the bike. As you can see from the some of the sketches, it's changed a few times.
401 Sketches 1
401 Sketches 2
401 Sketches 3
While it's not a production specification, both bikes are listed as 46hp and weighing in at 135kg.
Husqvarna Vitpilen - Another KTM engine?
Unlike the Vitpilen, the Svartpilen is single seat only, with integrated luggage racks and an exhaust tucked neatly underneath. Off road details, such as the footpegs and engine guard are also in evidence.
Husqvarna Svartpilen
Husqvarna Svartpilen
Husqvarna Svartpilen
Husqvarna Svartpilen
If it does make it to production, we can only hope they choose components such as mirrors and signals wisely. It would be a shame to spoil the lines on the 401.
Like most concepts, there's no timeline on availability or price, and I'm sure some of the specs would change - but hopefully not too much.