Created for beloved Husqvarna by Kiska, the Austrian company that gave birth to the KTM X-Bow, these two motorbikes, named Vit Pilen (White Arrow) and Svart Pilen (Black Arrow), were actually inspired by the Silver Pilen, one of the lightest and fastest bikes of the ’50s.
The Vit Pilen is more road-focused, embracing the stripped-down cafe racer vibe, adorning it with a clean, ovoid exhaust, bronze and yellow detailing, a swept-back seat, and semi-slick tires.
The Svart Pilen adds knobby, street-legal rubber, an incredibly trick high-mounted exhaust, dirt bars, skid plates, and a pair of racks – one on the tank and another on the tail – to strap down some gear before tackling the trails.
But both concepts weigh in at 297 pounds and use an exposed trellis frame, combined with upside-down TP forks, and 17-inch wheels, are based on the compact KTM, and that includes the 43-hp, 373cc single cylinder engine.
About Husqvarna: The company began producing motorcycles in 1903 at Huskvarna, Sweden, as a subsidiary of the Husqvarna armament firm. The first “Husky” motorcycles used imported engines, and it wasn’t until 1918 that Husqvarna began producing machines built entirely in-house. Around that time they secured a contract with the Swedish Army and began entering cross-country and long-distance motorcycle racing events. In 1920, Husqvarna established its own engine factory and the first engine to be designed was a 550 cc four-stroke 50-degree side-valve V-twin engine, similar to those made by companies like Harley-Davidson and Indian. Although they once made motorcycles for street use, and raced at road circuits such as the Isle of Man TT prior to World War II, they are better known for producing world championship winning motocross and enduro bikes.On 31 January 2013 BMW Group announced that Pierer Industrie AG has bought full stake in Husqvarna AG for an undisclosed amount. The company is headed by Stefan Pierer, current CEO of KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG. On 1 October 2013, Husqvarna AG was renamed to Husqvarna Sportmotorcycle GmbH. It was announced that the company will be based at Mattighofen in Austria where production started on 11 October 2013.
