Following swiftly on from the launch of the most recent technology KTM 390 Duke, Husqvarna’s requested us to fly South and throw a leg over it’s up to date pair of fashionable roadsters.
The Duke has rightly earned its place within the hallowed halls of the Bare Bike Corridor of Fame. The vary continues to promote exceptionally properly to discerning bikers of all sizes and shapes; from fresh-faced learners who’ve simply handed their assessments to tremendous skilled quick lads (and lasses) who’re tempted by the bonkers energy and upright, roomy journey.
And with Husky owned by the identical mother or father firm (Pierer), it is smart that they’d use that successful platform for themselves. And that’s precisely what they’ve performed – constructing on the Austrian 390 and 125 base to replace and create two distinctive fashions; the Svartpilen and Vitpilen.
Get pleasure from all the pieces Extra Bikes by studying the month-to-month newspaper, Learn FREE On-line.
There are literally a good few similarities between the 2 latest Husky’s. Greater than there was earlier than. Beforehand, the Vitpilen was far more targeted – with a sportier using place. However that’s been modified for 2024 – and now they’re far more carefully matched. Away from just a few selection equipment (specifically a rear seize rail, tank rack, skid plate and barely extra upright bars for the Svartpilen), the massive distinction is the wheels and tyres. The scrambler-style Svartpilen will get a set of spoked 17” wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber – and the Vitpilen will get some solid 17″ wheels fitted with Michelin Energy 6 hoops.
I do know the outdated mannequin fairly properly; having ran a Vitpilen 401 as a long run check bike when it first arrived on the scene. And I do know the outdated motor fairly properly too, spending a very good few months operating round on a KTM 390 Journey. It was a stunning factor, tractable and rewarding to get essentially the most out of. There’s an all new engine for 2024 although – a extra highly effective 399cc, 45hp, single-cylinder quantity. That’s not the one change, there’s a brand new body and swingarm (which contributes to a decrease 820mm seat top), up to date adjustable suspension (which is offset on the rear), a brand new TFT sprint, rider modes, cornering ABS, switchable traction management, a quickshifter as normal, and a dominant new entrance headlight. They’re over 90% totally different to the outgoing fashions, which is fairly severe overhaul in anybody’s books. The one factor that’s not likely modified is the ByBre brakes. They’ve moved sides, however are the identical as earlier than.
It was a little bit of a grim begin right here in Malaga; heading alongside the notorious Ronda street we had been battered by the wind and rain. It’s not been ideally suited for seeing what the Husky’s are fabricated from – however it has highlighted that they’re comfy (nonetheless a bit of compact, however larger than earlier than) and able to being pretty docile when crucial. They’d make nice commuters. It’d have been good if the aftermarket heated grips had been fitted although…
You’ll be able to inform they wish to go although, even when took us till the top of the day to get an opportunity to essentially open them up. Some tighter twisties up within the hills helped to spotlight how agile, gentle and flickable they’re, and a quick, flowing stretch of bends again to our digs for the evening proved that they’re steady at velocity too.
I’ve been impressed with the tyres too; that they had a tough job this morning, however the Michelin Energy 6’s on the Vitpilen and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR’s on the Svartpilen have supplied dependable grip all through. I felt extra assured within the Pirelli’s within the rain – braking later and pushing tougher. However the dry-ish roads had been good for the Vitpilen’s Michelins. The ByBre brakes are good too. They’re reassuringly succesful, with loads of really feel and loads of chew – and even on drenched, slippery roads the Cornering ABS and traction management haven’t been known as into motion. That’s proper; there’s a decent suite of electronics to play with, with street and rain rider modes, switchable traction management, and Supermoto ABS (which lets you go full teenage hooligan and lock up the again wheel on command). They’re straightforward to navigate too, utilizing a pleasant new TFT sprint which has the identical software program because the top-spec Norden 901.
The suspension works properly and gives loads of adjustment too. The funky off-centre WP rear shock has rebound and preload adjustment, whereas the WP Apex 43mm open cartridge forks have compression and rebound adjustment. And Husqvarna have made it straightforward to do, with simply 5 clicks between mushy and onerous.
There’s a dial fof rebound on proper leg, a dial for compression on the left leg – and also you solely want a flathead screwdriver to high quality tune the rear.
The motor’s nice too. The outdated 401/390 motor stunned me with simply how succesful it was of gathering velocity, and the brand new one carries on that custom. It likes to be revved and it’ll decide up rapidly, cruise at motorway speeds and prime out in extra of 100mph. From a 399cc motor, that’s spectacular.You’d most likely anticipate a single to be pretty vibey, and though there’s a bit of bit by the pegs and mirrors, it’s not intrusive.
There’s an terrible lot to love in regards to the two new A2-legal Husky’s. They appear sharp, go very properly, are remarkably properly geared up for ‘small bikes’ and at £5599 are marginally cheaper than the much-loved KTM 390 Duke.
If you would like the total lowdown on these two learner-friendly lovelies, you should definitely snag your self a duplicate of Motorbike Sport and Leisure journal.
Phrases and photographs: Ross Mowbray
Get pleasure from all the pieces Extra Bikes by studying the MoreBikes month-to-month newspaper. Click on right here to subscribe, or Learn FREE On-line.
Signal-up to the Extra Bikes Publication
Enter your e-mail handle beneath and get common updates straight to your inbox…
You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time.
The post FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 appeared first on lickscycles.com.
source https://lickscycles.com/first-impressions-husqvarna-svartpilen-and-vitpilen-401/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=first-impressions-husqvarna-svartpilen-and-vitpilen-401
No comments:
Post a Comment