Husqvarna is name that many of us are familiar with, but possibly don’t know too much about.

We’re aware it’s a motorcycle brand, that they are perhaps best known for off-road machines and that they sound Scandinavian – or is it Nordic (I’ve never known the difference)?

Well, like many motorcycle, bicycle and car manufacturers over the years, Husqvarna started out making arms – specifically muskets.

Look closely at the firm’s logo – still used today – and you’ll see it actually represents the sights of a rifle as you look down the barrel.

Husqvarna Logo

The firm was founded way back in 1689 near the town of Huskvarna, in southern Sweden.

Originally a royal company, in the mid-18th century it moved into private ownership, but continued to supply arms to the Swedish and Norwegian armies.

In 1870, for example, it manufactured 10,000 rifles.

Later, the firm moved into the production of sewing machines and bicycles.

The first motorcycles were produced in 1903, using imported engines until 1918, when they were first created entirely in-house.

The first motor to be built was a 550cc four-stroke V-twin.

Vitpilen 701

During the 1930s, Husqvarna competed with some success in Grand Prix road racing and also produced its first two-stroke engined bike.

In the 1960s and 1970s, lightweight two-stroke “Huskys” dominated off-road racing, winning 14 Motocross World Championships and 24 Enduro World Championships.

In 1987, the firm’s motorbike division was sold to Italian manufacturer Cagiva, part of MV Agusta and then, in 2007, to BMW.

But, just six years later, in 2013, the brand was again sold and became part of Austria-based KTM.

Now, to add to its range of motocross and enduro machines, the firm has introduced three street bikes for 2018.

Vitpilen 401 on the move

First up is the Vitpilen 401, which uses an A2 licence-compliant 375cc single-cylinder four-stroke motor.

The folk at Husqvarna told Mirror Motorcycling the approach was to make “simple but progressive” machines “reduced of unnecessary excess”.

Detail on the Vitpilen 401

It certainly looks distinctive – all pared down and narrow, with sleek, flat lines, and seat “floating” above the rear wheel

Features include clip-on bars, a round, digital clock, WP suspension, spoked, anodised wheels and LED lights, front and rear.

Svartpilen 401

The Svartpilen 401 is essentially the same bike given a more rugged, off-road style overhaul.

It features higher bars, knobbly tyres, a skid plate, exhaust protector, tank luggage rack and more substantial footrests.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 401

Both bikes retail at a very reasonable £5,599.

Vitpilen 701 on the road

The Vitpilen 701 employs a 693cc motor, featuring traction control and ride-by-wire.

It has Brembo callipers and a Bosch ABS system, with adjustable suspension by WP.

Again, it’s pared-down and minimalistic, with a trellis frame, floating seat and some nice detail touches, including the black-coated silencer.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 701

The 701 is £8,899.

Mirror Biker is looking forward to a first ride on the new Huskys – so watch this space.

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