How do you define a product’s potential, especially for a market as fickle as India, involves considering various factors. Is it the looks, features, technology, performance, economy, or comfort? Is it accessibility or exclusivity, or a combination of both? Or is it none of the above, or all of the above with a dash of competitive pricing? The bike you see on these pages fulfills all these criteria as did its predecessor, but that wasn’t quite the success logic dictated it to be. The reason for that was the motorcycle stood out—a bit too much. The new-generation Husqvarna Vitpilen 250 brings forth new updates and adds conformity to the mix, making it more palatable for the finicky customer.
The new look, thanks to the generational update, is a complete redesign from the ground up. Where the previous Vitpilen was a compact motorcycle, the new one has grown. It gets a larger fuel tank and a longer wheelbase, but more importantly, the ergonomics have been improved with a lower seat height and a more comfortable one-piece handlebar instead of the clip-ons its predecessor came with. The edgy styling too has been dropped in favor of a more muscular look, especially seen in the new fuel tank, new radiator shrouds, front mudguard, and alloy wheels.
Of course, the trademark Scandinavian styling continues. It still features the signature round headlamp and minimalistic two-piece bodywork that helps make the Vitpilen 250 a clean-looking motorcycle. In fact, the 2024 Vitpilen 250 goes a step further with a conventionally mounted tail lamp and a new underslung exhaust which admittedly dials down the grunge factor but adds to the minimalistic look. If I were to nitpick, I would say the headlamp looks disproportionately larger compared to the rest of the bodywork. The styling is subjective—you either love it or loathe it, but one thing is for certain, the Vitpilen 250 stands out in a crowd as its predecessor did. As for conformity, the switch from cafe racer to a roadster format opens up a larger audience for the Swedish motorcycle.
Like previous modern Husqvarnas that share their platform with KTMs, the Vitpilen 250 shares its platform with the new KTM 250 and as an extension, new features such as ride-by-wire, traction control, quickshifter, and a Supermoto ABS mode that deactivates ABS on the rear wheel. Unlike the larger Husqvarna Svartpilen 401, this one misses out on the cool-looking 5-inch color TFT screen and makes do with a simpler 5-inch LCD layout while also missing out on Bluetooth connectivity. That said, this unit is well laid out and the important information is quite easy to read on the go thanks to the large fonts. It is quite informative too, with data easily accessible through the four-way switch cube shared with the KTM Dukes. Overall, the Vitpilen 250 looks like an expensive motorcycle and feels like one too.
The new 249cc engine is new and while many among us complained that the previous 250cc didn’t match the aggressive demeanor of the Vitpilen, the new one does! This new liquid-cooled SOHC motor puts out 31PS and 25Nm on paper but more importantly, the performance is easier to access than before. While you do have to rev the motor past 5,000rpm to eke out performance, it is an enjoyable affair thanks to the quick-revving motor and short-ratio gearbox. You can also ride it gently if you want to, without experiencing any jerkiness, unlike the previous motor. Ride-by-wire now offers more precise fuel delivery which seems to have helped here. The short gearing too helps you ride the motorcycle in higher gear in the city with ease.
Another highlight is the bi-directional quickshifter. It really elevates the riding experience if you are in the mood to go fast, offering smooth and rapid upshifts and downshifts. Riding fast is also rewarded with a rorty exhaust note.
A part of the update also focuses on accessibility and comfort. While the fuel tank shrouds now have more usable knee recesses, the seat height has now dropped to 820mm. The seat itself is wide and long, offering room to find a sweet riding spot. While it features firm cushioning, longer rides on this motorcycle should be relatively comfortable.
The Vitpilen handles like the new-generation KTM Dukes—fast, precise, and fun! That’s a given, with the Vitpilen sharing its frame (sans subframe) and cycle parts with the new 250 Duke. It especially impresses with its braking—the 320mm front disc with sintered pads and 240mm disc provide phenomenal stopping power with lots of feel. The 43mm WP Apex upside-down forks and side-mounted monoshock offer a fine balance between ride and handling.
The Vitpilen 250’s trump card remains unchanged. It not only offers a more left-field alternative to the KTMs but also an affordable one. Priced at ₹2.19 lakh ex-showroom, the Vitpilen 250 is ₹21,000 more affordable than the KTM 250 Duke. While the previous-generation Vitpilen held the same USP, it was unable to capitalize on it due to its left-field emphasis that leaned a bit too… left.
The switch to roadster format improves the new Vitpilen 250’s appeal as does the more comfortable ergonomics and performance. In fact, it is better than its predecessor in all aspects. This time Husqvarna has colored inside the lines and created a masterpiece.
