autoevolution
 

Husqvarna Prepares the 1301 Naked Beast, a KTM Super Duke R Spin-Off, but Why?

A new Husqvarna model was spied testing around the KTM plant in Austria. So far dubbed Husqvarna 1301, the new machine is largely based on the KTM Super Duke R. Some named it a power cruiser, but we failed to see any cruiser stuff in the bike.
The 1301 cc engine of the KTM Super Duke R that will power the Husqvarna 1301 1 photo
Photo: KTM
When KTM bought Husqvarna from BMW and started to put things in order to make it profitable again, there was no doubt that Mattighofen would infuse a hefty dose of their own technology in the old Swedish brand, at leats until it would become strong enough.

Even though diehard Husqvarna fans were not too happy with such an approach in the first place, it turned out that KTM has more than enough resources to craft a new future for Husky. While some of the off-road machines do indeed share a lot with KTM models, the brand is slowly taking off, especially with bikes such as the Vitpilen and Svartpilen "arrows."

The Husqvarna 1031 that was spied on is undoubtedly a sibling of the KTM "Beast," the 1290 Super Duke R. It appears that the new Husky will use the same engine, frame, swingarm, wheels, and brakes as the Super Duke R, with the overall attire and aesthetics being the one thing to set it apart.

We don't agree at all with the cruiser part some mentioned, because this machine literally has none of such thing, save for the fact that the mill is a V-twin one. We'd go with roadster or streetfighter any day.

As we saw in the few photos taken, the riding position is also a bit leaned forward, indicating a sporty style, and with a clip-on handlebar. Also it's not clear whether the Husqvarna 1301 will be a single-seater or a two-up machine. The mule was nowhere near revealing as to this matter.

The biggest question is, obviously, why would KTM make such a Husqvarna? Of course, fans of streetfighters that pack 170 or so horsepower with insane amounts of torque from the lower rpm range are not that hard to find, but that's what the Super Duke R is for, or at least we thought so.

It will be interesting to see how the Husqvarna 1301 will stack in the price range, as this might be a crucial point in the future of the model.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories