/ News
Would the Husqvarna Vitpilen 125 make the perfect beginner bike?
Big style, small performance.
Even after several years, the motorcycle community can’t seem to get enough of modern-retro bikes. Coming in all shapes and sizes, these bikes feature thoroughly modern tech, while boasting design cues inspired by bikes of yesteryears. For instance, bikes like the Yamaha XSR900, Honda CB650R, as well as the entire fleet of Royal Enfield motorcycles are loved by many thanks to their charming retro looks.
Just recently, we were introduced to yet another duo of modern-retro bikes in the form of the Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401. Sharing the same platform as the hotshot streetfighter KTM 390 Duke, the Huskies do away with the sharp and angular body work, and instead, don a more svelte attire. When placed side by side with the KTM platform, it’s easy to think that the Husqvarnas were built off a completely separate platform, with their round headlight and flowing lines doing a good job of catching the eye.
In particular, the Vitpilen 401 is considered to be the sportier of the duo. Designed as a sharp café racer, the Vitpilen employs aggressive ergonomics and a punchy 373cc single-cylinder engine. But what if you’re new to motorcycling and want that retro aesthetic, but find the 401’s performance figures to be too overbearing? Then perhaps, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 125 is for you.
Initially breaking cover in Europe as an A1-compliant learner motorcycle, the Husqvarna Vitpilen 125 joins the already existing Svartpilen 125 in the Swedish manufacturer’s arsenal of beginner machines. This beginner bike shares the same chassis, dimensions, and overall design as its bigger sibling, albeit keeps the power at bay, making for a friendly yet aggressive-looking bike. Equipped with a 125cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, the baby Vitpilen pumps out a decent 15 horsepower—enough to provide a true motorcycling experience, but not enough to get you into too much trouble.
In the local market, we have the Husqvarna Svartpilen 200 as a gateway drug into the bigger Huskies. It isn’t clear just yet as to whether or not KTM Philippines will bring in the 125 range. Perhaps they’ll go right ahead and launch a Vitpilen 200 specifically for the Philippine market. Nonetheless, it’s pretty cool that manufacturers are beginning to put more attention towards their entry-level offerings, as this makes it even more exciting for beginners to get into the two-wheeled lifestyle.
Tagged Under
Related Articles
-
Have you seen the 2024 Honda CBR500R? / News
Honda has just launched the 2024 CBR500R, a beginner-friendly sportbike with design inspirations from the CBR1000RR.
-
CFMOTO unveils the all-new 450CL-C cruiser in China / News
CFMOTO has pulled the covers off the 450CL-C in the Chinese market, marking its entrance into the popular entry-level cruiser segment.
-
CFMOTO 450 NK now in the Philippines at P262,800 / News
CFMOTO has pulled the covers off the new 450 NK in the Philippines at a price tag of just P262,800.
-
Moto Morini gives a glimpse of its future V-twin-powered models / News
Moto Morini is reportedly working on a wide spread of models powered by V-twin engines, according to multiple international publications.
-
Benelli unveils the all-new TRK 700 and TRK 700X in Europe for the equivalent of P471,000 / News
Benelli’s new TRK 700 and TRK 700X, which have just been launched in Europe, look like really exciting new options in the middleweight ADV scene.
Latest News
-
CFMOTO unveils the new 675SR-R / News
CFMOTO has launched the 675SR-R, a high-performance sportbike with a three-cylinder engine.
-
Feast your eyes on the new MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro / News
MV Agusta has released the new Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro of which only 500 will be produced. Could any of them land in the Philippines?
-
India's Ola Electric is getting ready to unveil its first electric motorcycle / News
Ola Electric has unveiled four concept electric motorcycles which are expected to launch sometime between 2025 and 2026.