2024 Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 Spotted Testing In India

A test unit of the upcoming Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 has recently been seen on Indian roads. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has been spotted undergoing testing for over a year and this new iteration carries forward the same design updates. Visual upgrades include an updated headlight cover, new alloy wheels, and a redesigned tail section that positions the number plate on the tail. The main focus has been to make the new Vitpilen 250 a physically larger motorcycle as that was one of the feedbacks received by Bajaj and a key reason for its poor sales. Another big change is that the riding position of the neo-retro cafe racer looks more relaxed than the older bike. One can see the clip-on handlebars are more raised and the footpegs are lower on the test mule.

We think the test bike is the upcoming Vitpilen 250 because of the vertical positioning of the catalytic converter, which is similar to that of the KTM 250 Duke. The upcoming Vitpilen 250 is expected to use the same engine as the KTM Duke 250, a 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It's estimated to have 31 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque.

The non-visual changes will include a ride-by-wire throttle, a redesigned cylinder head, and a larger airbox and quick-shifter for the 6-speed gearbox. The chassis has undergone changes that introduce the side-mounted monoshock. This new frame is suspended on a non-adjustable USD fork. The fuel tank is rumoured to see a capacity increase from 11 to 13 litres.

The instrument cluster is expected to be updated to a connected one with an all-digital TFT screen. There will be smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and a USB-C port for charging as part of the tech upgrade. With an expected launch by mid-2024 and an estimated ex-showroom price tag of under ₹ 2.5 lakh, the Vitpilen 250 is set to compete with rivals such as the Bajaj Dominar 250, Suzuki Gixxer 250, and the KTM 250 Duke. But before we see the new Vitpilen 250, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 will be launched in our market by early 2024.

The vertical positioning of the catalytic converter suggests a connection with the KTM 250 Duke. These subtle details hint that the spied motorcycle is likely the anticipated Husqvarna Vitpilen 250.

The features of the bike, such as the vertical positioning of the catalytic converter, draw attention, suggesting a connection with the KTM 250 Duke. These subtle details hint that the spied motorcycle is likely the anticipated Husqvarna Vitpilen 250.

Image credits - Motorbeam