HUSQVARNA has really been sharpening their arrows in 2021, it seems - following wraps being pulled on the E-pilen electric motorcycle, Vektorr electric scooter, Svartpilen 125cc model… they are now looking at making use of the KTM 490 platform for an updated 501 Vitpilen & Svartpilen range.
You’ll know that the original Swedish Husky brand found themselves an Austrian home in the KTM group, itself owned by Bajaj, and the Indian giant will be manufacturing the KTM 490 range with the help of their new production facility in Pune, India.
What’s more, RideApart report that the 501 range see a departure from the distinctive single-cylinder motors you’ll often find in these motorcycles. It’s thought that a parallel-twin may make an unlikely appearance in the Vitpilen & Svartpilen 501 - which would be intriguing, to say the least!
Husqvarna 501 Svartpilen and 501 Vitpilen in development?
For the cafe racer style of the white arrow (Vitpilen in Swedish) and the versatile scrambler-esque black arrow (Svartpilen in Swedish), an update would likely keep both models firmly in the same quiver - but perhaps a bit more power across the rev range with a touch more pulling force.
It’ll be a truly versatile platform if it’s the starting point for two Huskies, plus the 490 Duke, 490 Adventure & RC 490 for KTM - we wonder what the Husqvarna designers will have put together.
Whatever happens, like the toxophilite’s that we are (googled it, it’s a ‘lover of archery’) we’ll keep an ear to the ground and listen out for a single or twin cylinder thump in the distance - and tell you when we figure out which one it is.
