Swedish motorcycle brand Husqvarna is rejecting the swing toward autonomous vehicles and emphasizing the interactive with its futuristic but driver-focused new Vitpilen and Svartpilen motorcycles.
Husqvarna built its consumer reputation with off-road machines: dirt bikes and endurance racers. But the more than 100-year-old brand has established itself as an expert in road-ready machines as well, and the new models prove the brand is more than capable of building a furious two-wheeled street ride.
Designed to bring in new motorcycle enthusiasts, the Vitpilen and Svartpilen offer modern, futuristic styling paired with a visceral riding experience. The Vitpilen is a cafe-racer-style, stripped-back build, while the Svartpilen takes inspiration from desert racers, and features a rugged aesthetic and knobby tires.
Both beautiful new bikes boast the same Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame and sub-frame, in addition to the same suspension style. However, they diverge when it comes to brakes: the Svartpilen boasts ByBre brakes and the Vitpilen gets Brembos.
Drivers can choose between two engines for either bike, including a fledgling-oriented 375cc single-cylinder build making 43 hp, and a more aggressive 693cc single-cylinder engine that produces 75. The latter is a better fit for more seasoned riders.
Husqvarna hasn’t announced details about pricing, but the two new bikes are slated to make it to U.S. shores by the end of the year.