Husqvarna's street bikes, the Svartpilen and Vitpilen, have been around since 2018 and they're due for an update. These spy shots show what is likely to be the new Svartpilen 401.

Husqvarna's Street Bikes Due For Renewal

Husqvarna became part of the KTM empire back in 2013, when it was bought from BMW. By 2016, the first fruits of the partnership were being shown and, by 2018, the Svartpilen and Vitpilen had been launched to wide acclaim.

The Svartpilen was the 'scrambler' and the Vitpilen was the cafe racer in style. Both were available in either 401 or 701, referring to the engine capacity: 401 used the single-cylinder engine out of the KTM 390 Duke and the 701 used the 690cc single as used in various KTM models.

Both models were startlingly modern in appearance, with styling unlike any other motorbike. Now, for the 2023 model year, the bikes are due a thorough overhaul and these spy shots give a few clues as to what changes we might expect.

The styling looks to have been evolved, with the side elements of the tank moved forward so that the forward edge is nearly in line with the fork legs. New panels cover the sides of the radiator and the tank-top rack has been redesigned.

The seat unit looks to be new, losing the integrated-with-the-tank look of the old design. The subframe is clearly visible now where before it was hidden by extension panels from the seat unit. At the back, the licence plate hanger now hangs from the subframe rather than being mounted on the swing arm.

The chassis frame looks to be all-new. It's still a steel trellis design but a completely new design and the swing arm is completely new also. In fact, the frame and swing arm look exactly the same as those spied on KTM 390 Duke prototypes spied testing recently.

As for the engine, well, it's a bit of a mystery. It's still a single cylinder unit but it seems to share no outward similarities with the current KTM 390/Husky 401 engine. It looks like a prototype engine and a similar-looking engine has been seen in the prototype KTM 390. Will it retain the same 373cc capacity or will it grow a little?

The prototype on test here certainly looks a lot more production-ready than the recent KTM 390 Enduro we reported on a few days ago. We could expect it to break cover at the end of 2022 in time for the 2023 model year, presumably with a Vitpilen cafe racer version.