In November 2014, a year after the relaunch of the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand and subsequent move to Austria, Husqvarna further emphasised its return to the street motorcycle segment by presenting two concept bikes at the EICMA motorcycle expo: the Vitpilen 401 and the Svartpilen 401.

The Vitpilen (Swedish for “White Arrow”), much like the iconic Silverpilen in 1955, opened up a new segment for Husqvarna Motorcycles along with the Svartpilen (Swedish for “Black Arrow”), which shares the same design approach, but with distinctive colour differences and slightly more rugged styling.

“The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 is like a breath of fresh air that is about to breeze through the motorcycle world,” says Fred Fensham, brand manager of Husqvarna Motorcycles.

“This refreshingly simple, yet progressive, new urban street motorcycle concept strips away all of the unnecessary bells, whistles and gadgets and leaves behind only what is truly required for a raw and authentic riding experience. Modern, yet minimalistic in approach, it offers a wider range of new riders an enticing gateway into motorcycle culture.”

He says the Svartpilen has a high focus on functionality, so it comes with rugged knobbly tyres, a practical tank rack and more robust protection, including a protective skid-plate and exhaust protector. The riding position on the Svartpilen 401 is also more upright because of its higher and straighter bars.

“The VITPILEN 701 is Husqvarna Motorcycles’ next visionary step in their return to the street. It is a modern and innovative naked bike with a sophisticated single-cylinder 4-stroke motor. Minimalistic in layout and design, it was created to provide a raw, exhilarating and authentic riding experience.”

Fensham says the Vitpilen 701 marks the next logical step in Husqvarna’s return to street motorcycling and reveals the potential of Husqvarna Motorcycles’ future vision.

“Functionality, simplicity and practicality were central to the basic idea and formed the main inspiration behind this bike. Its designers strongly believed that something fresh was long overdue in the motorcycling world, so they set out to create a bike that better captures the timeless thrill of the ride. The VITPILEN 701 was created to reflect the progressive attitude and styling of a more modern and free-thinking breed of rider.”

The Vitpilen 701 has a ride-by-wire throttle, switchable ABS and a slipper clutch.

The go with the Pilen road bikes, Husqvarna also introduced what it calls its Functional Clothing range. This includes the Pilen helmet, Progress jacket, Progress jeans, Restless Mind gloves and Urban Playground shoes.

Technically speaking: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Engine: 375cc, single-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves, liquid cooled

Power: 32kW @ 9 000rpm / 37Nm @ 7 000rpm

Gears: 6 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 9,5 litres

Seat height: 835mm

Tyres: 110/70/17 front, 150/60/17 rear

Brakes: 4-piston 300mm single disk (front); single-piston 230mm single disk (rear)

Dry weight: 150kg

Price: R89 699

Technically speaking: Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

Engine: 693cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves, liquid cooled

Power: 55kW @ 8 500rpm / 71Nm @ 6 750rpm

Gears: 6 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 12 litres

Seat height: 835mm

Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 160/60/17 rear

Brakes: 4-piston 320mm single disk (front); single-piston 240mm single disk (rear)

Dry weight: 157kg

Price: R147 699