[czar6502]

Hello memebers ! I am excited to announce to you all that I have purchased a Husqvarna Vitpilen 250. The one I purchased was manufactured in October 2024, but I bought it in February 2025 as the showroom did not have any recently manufactured models. I’m creating this thread as there is no specific thread for a review of the Vitpilen 250. Mods, kindly merge this with an existing thread if one exists.

TLDR: The Vitpilen 250 is a great motorcycle for city and highway use. However, there is a squeaky noise from the rear wheel, which increases in frequency with speed. Any help regarding its cause and fix will be appreciated.

How I Ended Up Buying a Vitpilen

I used to own a Hunter 350 before. I bought it in May 2023. Over time, I got bored of it and its quirks. The poor suspension, inability to hold high speeds stably, and okayish acceleration created a void in me that could only be filled by something orange (or white). I decided that I would do something about it, but buying a new motorcycle was not on my mind at all!

I thought of getting Hitchcock’s parts and replacing them with the stock ones. But I did not want to deal with the aftermath of any technical or mechanical issues. Moreover, swapping suspension parts alters the dynamics of the motorcycle, which I wasn’t willing to risk.

Thus began my search to figure out what I wanted to do to get a faster ride. I visited the KTM showroom in HRBR Layout to get a feel of the Dukes. I came across an advert for the 250 Duke which mentioned a discount of ₹20,000. I really liked how the motorcycle looked in the stealth black color, and that TFT display was swanky. But they did not have a test ride model, so they asked me to try the 390 Duke instead.

I think the model they gave me had some issues because there was too much vibration. Or maybe that’s how it usually is, as that was my first time riding a KTM. Anyway, after the test ride, I was convinced to buy the 250 Duke. But now there was a problem.

Convincing My Parents

At home, the excuse I gave for wanting a new motorcycle was that the Hunter was giving me backache and that I could not afford its maintenance. So, I wanted something with better comfort, a smaller engine, and cheaper maintenance. The perfect candidate was the 250 Duke.

But I was sure that my parents wouldn’t believe me because the Duke 250 looked like it wouldn’t tick any of my boxes. To them, the Duke looked uncomfortable, unnecessarily powerful, and high-maintenance. I had to think of a solution — how to get a Duke without getting a Duke.

Enter Husqvarna

I asked the dealership to find me a Vitpilen for a test ride. Meanwhile, I did my research about the motorcycle on social media and this forum too (Link for the Thread: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor...upgrade-3.html (Leaving the Hunter 350: Is the KTM 250 Duke the Right Upgrade?). I realized that it’s basically a 250 Duke in Husqvarna clothing. And I felt that it was quite a looker. The minimalistic panels and lines appealed to me and I was convinced.

Selling My Hunter

I posted ads for my Hunter on a few forums, including TBHP classifieds. I availed of the services of Beepkart and Drivex, but both didn’t offer what I expected. Meanwhile, the KTM dealership kept following up about when I would make my booking. I told them I was still waiting to sell my motorcycle.

A senior manager from KTM eventually called me and asked about my expectations for my motorcycle’s price. We had a conversation, and after that, I decided to exchange my Hunter with the KTM dealership itself. I asked them for a week to arrange my finances and made the booking on the same day.

The Buying Experience

The next Monday, I went to do the PDI and make the payment. I took my parents along as I wanted them to see the motorcycle. Both of them sat on it, found it comfortable, and gave me the go-ahead. I was thrilled about the purchase!
Attaching some photos I captured during the PDI







As part of the deal, I was given a free SMK helmet with ECE 22.05 certification, which was a nice bonus.

I anxiously waited for a week to get my motorcycle. The following Saturday, we went to collect it. The delivery process was quick, and within 30 minutes, I was out. The folks at KTM HRBR are decent, but during delivery, there were a few things that could have been better:

1. The motorcycle was dirty near the area where our thighs go. When I pointed it out, they said it would be taken care of during the first service.
2. The clutch lever had excessive play, which caused it to vibrate at certain RPMs and produce a grinding noise.

I was a bit disappointed. I hope I did not miss any obvious signs. Fellow members, please assure me that these are not indicative of major wear or any mechanical issues.

Accessories Purchased

I also purchased a paddock stand from Grand Pitstop for ₹3,200. It felt sturdy and has been very useful for cleaning and lubing the chain.

Initial Impressions & Ride Experience

Other than these minor issues, the motorcycle has been mostly trouble-free. I had to get used to the light clutch and lesser torque, as I stalled quite a few times in traffic — coming from the Hunter.

The only ride I went on was to Ghati Subrahmanya. I found the Vitpilen to be more comfortable and confidence-inspiring than my Hunter 350. It returned 34 kmpl during the ride. In the city, I got 29-30 kmpl. In a month, we finished 1000 km, and it was due for service.

First Service and Squeaky Noise

Around this time, I experienced another issue. The motorcycle started making a squeaky noise from the rear wheel, and the noise became faster as the speed increased. I immediately booked a service for the next day and took it in.

I explained all the issues to the advisor there. They cleaned the motorcycle well and tightened the clutch. They also replaced the following:

• Oil: (Motul 20W 50 Synthetic)
• Oil Filter
• Regular chain cleaning and lubing with Teflon coating

Total Cost: ₹2,016

The motorcycle seemed great after the service, and the RPMs above 7.5k were unlocked. That’s when I realized what it actually felt like to own a KTM (Husqvarna). The aural experience was great! But then, the squeaky noise returned, putting an end to my hopes of owning a niggle-free motorcycle.
Post Service

The Persistent Squeaky Noise

I am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to mechanical devices. I like to keep them in their best shape at all times, and the squeaky noise is just annoying me.

I want to try solving it on my own if it doesn’t involve a complicated fix. Some people suggested that it could be from the brakes. I just hope the noise is not from worn-out wheel bearings, as that would indicate that the motorcycle was used before I bought it.

Request for Suggestions

Fellow members, kindly pitch in if you know what it could be or if you have dealt with this before. I will try to keep this thread updated with info about the Vitpilen 250.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Both my cats seem to approve the motorcycle.

[BullettuPaandi]

Congrats on your purchase, czar6502!

As for the squeaky noise issue, it could be brake pad debris on the rotor, if you haven't gone through the bedding procedure while breaking in. No worries though; it's not a big deal. Visually inspect the rotor; if it has black circles around with varying darkness, it indicates the same. Wipe it down and clean the rotor, and see if it fixes the noise. Avoid hard braking for a while, and progressively brake after reaching a certain speed to evenly bed the brakes. Repeat till you see black lines on the rotor that are evenly dark throughout.

Worn out brake pads can cause squeaking too, but I suppose it is not likely on such a new bike. Worth looking though, so check out the notch on the brake pads. Refer the manual for what the minimum depth should be.

There can be other causes too, like dust or grime on the mono-shock, mud guard rubbing against the tyre, chain slack, etc. Have a friend ride pillion and listen for specifically where the noise comes from, to isolate the issue. Or have them ride and you listen for the source of noise.

Looking forward to read a lot from this thread. Best wishes.

[doomketu]

Congrats on your new bike czar6502. Coming from a Hunter i am sure you must love the ergonomics. The design of the Vitpilen is rather polarizing from the get go. Having seen one up close at workplace i can say i am 60% of the way there in loving the looks.
Coming from a low end torque machine, how long did it take for your senses to get used to the new normal. Looking forward to more updates from you.

[czar6502]

Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi

Congrats on your purchase, czar6502!

As for the squeaky noise issue, it could be brake pad debris on the rotor, if you haven't gone through the bedding procedure while breaking in. No worries though; it's not a big deal. Visually inspect the rotor; if it has black circles around with varying darkness, it indicates the same. Wipe it down and clean the rotor, and see if it fixes the noise. Avoid hard braking for a while, and progressively brake after reaching a certain speed to evenly bed the brakes. Repeat till you see black lines on the rotor that are evenly dark throughout.

Worn out brake pads can cause squeaking too, but I suppose it is not likely on such a new bike. Worth looking though, so check out the notch on the brake pads. Refer the manual for what the minimum depth should be.

There can be other causes too, like dust or grime on the mono-shock, mud guard rubbing against the tyre, chain slack, etc. Have a friend ride pillion and listen for specifically where the noise comes from, to isolate the issue. Or have them ride and you listen for the source of noise.

Looking forward to read a lot from this thread. Best wishes.

Thank you for your help, I will definitely follow through all the ideas. I will keep this thread updated. One thing I want to know is the sound is not the doing of wheel bearings right?

Originally Posted by doomketu

Congrats on your new bike czar6502. Coming from a Hunter i am sure you must love the ergonomics. The design of the Vitpilen is rather polarizing from the get go. Having seen one up close at workplace i can say i am 60% of the way there in loving the looks.
Coming from a low end torque machine, how long did it take for your senses to get used to the new normal. Looking forward to more updates from you.

Thank you! The ergonomics are great on this bike. I am someone who likes minimalism and this one really appealed to me in that aspect. The change from hunter to this was pretty pronounced. The Vitpilen's clutch had to be babied through tight traffic and speed breakers. I stalled it multiple times in the first week. But after that I got used to it. Now I know its limits and I shift down before hand.

Another thing that I forgot to mention in the review was the quick shifter. It works great but one must ensure to stay above 4k RPM before using it.

[BullettuPaandi]

Originally Posted by czar6502

One thing I want to know is the sound is not the doing of wheel bearings right?

Most welcome. As far as I know, wheel bearings only make kind of a grinding noise; and that too only when they're worn off or dislodged by an accident or something. Not likely with a new bike; and you'd feel it in the handling too if it were the bearings. Don't think you need to be that worried as of now. The above mentioned ones are more likely to be the case.

[TheHelix0202]

If your bike is running ceramic/sintered pads, they could be causing the noise too.

As for the “post-service-7.5k-unlock” statement, what do you mean? I hope you completed the run-in properly and introduced the bike to higher RPMs (linearly) every now and then…

[czar6502]

Originally Posted by TheHelix0202

If your bike is running ceramic/sintered pads, they could be causing the noise too.

As for the “post-service-7.5k-unlock” statement, what do you mean? I hope you completed the run-in properly and introduced the bike to higher RPMs (linearly) every now and then…

Thanks I think it comes with sintered pads.

What I meant was, the bike comes programmed to flash the shift lights at 7.5k rpm until first service or crossing of 1000km. Then the shift lights are reprogrammed to flash at around 8-9k rpm. For the run-in, I did not really go past 8k. After the first service was done, I slowly introduced myself to the other side if the tachometer.

[czar6502]

Originally Posted by BullettuPaandi

Most welcome. As far as I know, wheel bearings only make kind of a grinding noise; and that too only when they're worn off or dislodged by an accident or something. Not likely with a new bike; and you'd feel it in the handling too if it were the bearings. Don't think you need to be that worried as of now. The above mentioned ones are more likely to be the case.

I am so relieved to hear that, An update on the sound. I cleaned the rotors with a micro-fiber cloth and found some dirt on the cloth. Post that I have not heard the noise. I even rode a little in the rain today and there was no squeaking. Went on a 140km round trip in the morning and even then there was no noise. Thanks for your analysis!

[TheHelix0202]

Originally Posted by czar6502

What I meant was, the bike comes programmed to flash the shift lights at 7.5k rpm until first service or crossing of 1000km. Then the shift lights are reprogrammed to flash at around 8-9k rpm. For the run-in, I did not really go past 8k. After the first service was done, I slowly introduced myself to the other side if the tachometer.

Ah, I figured as much. You can safely take the bike up to Redline-1000 RPM in a higher gear (for less aggressive engine behavior) once for every 0.5km out of 10km of low rpm-low load riding, making sure the throttle roll on/off is smooth.

[after]

Originally Posted by czar6502

One thing I want to know is the sound is not the doing of wheel bearings right?

I doubt that's the case, especially on a new motorcycle. I've had the (dis)pleasure of riding on a motorcycle with wheel bearings that were shot. More than a squeaking noise, it sounded like two metal pieces rubbing together (because it is exactly that). It's a much more harsh sound than a simple squeak. Cosest approximation is fingernails on a chalkboard, both sounds made me feel equally uncomfortable.

https://youtu.be/oF6rxpHOcTQ

[sapien]

Originally Posted by czar6502

Initial Impressions & Ride Experience

Other than these minor issues, the motorcycle has been mostly trouble-free. I had to get used to the light clutch and lesser torque, as I stalled quite a few times in traffic — coming from the Hunter.

The only ride I went on was to Ghati Subrahmanya. I found the Vitpilen to be more comfortable and confidence-inspiring than my Hunter 350. It returned 34 kmpl during the ride. In the city, I got 29-30 kmpl. In a month, we finished 1000 km, and it was due for service.

Congratulations czar!
Vitpilen looks like what it literally means - White Arrow You have got a cool machine.

Specific questions since you are coming from Hunter and comfort was one of reason for change -

• How is the ride quality.
• Isn't the seating more committed i.e. you have to hunch little forward.
• Any practical insights on seating position of Svartpilen in case one is open for a 400cc bike.
• Did you try Classic 350 / Bullet from RE which have relaxed ergonomics - how would you compare this.

Best wishes for a long ride.

[czar6502]

Originally Posted by sapien

Congratulations czar!
Specific questions since you are coming from Hunter and comfort was one of reason for change -

• How is the ride quality.
• Isn't the seating more committed i.e. you have to hunch little forward.
• Any practical insights on seating position of Svartpilen in case one is open for a 400cc bike.
• Did you try Classic 350 / Bullet from RE which have relaxed ergonomics - how would you compare this.

Best wishes for a long ride.

Thank you Sapien!

To answer your questions.

• How is the ride quality.
  The ride quality is great! The suspension is much better than the Hunter. It is very comfortable even with a pillion. The dynamics are very sorted. There are some vibrations however in higher revs but all single cylinder bikes vibrate.
  
• Isn't the seating more committed i.e. you have to hunch little forward.
  The seating is fairly upright. Foot-pegs are a little more rear set but it is not a very committed position. In-fact, it is quite similar to the Hunter.
  
• Any practical insights on seating position of Svartpilen in case one is open for a 400cc bike.
  The seating position is almost similar between the Vit and Svart, It is comfortable for short or long rides. The Svart has got split seats whereas the vit has a single seat, but that makes very little difference when it comes to seating position. The Svartpilen is a great package overall. It should definitely be considered if one is looking at 400cc and upwards market.
  
• Did you try Classic 350 / Bullet from RE which have relaxed ergonomics - how would you compare this.
  I have ridden the classic and bullet, and they definitely have more relaxed ergonomics but I was willing to sacrifice the ergonomic advantage for performance. Although the Vitpilen has great ergonomics, it is not as plush as the classic/bullet. But I don't think I sacrificed much in terms of comfort.

[sapien]

Originally Posted by czar6502

[*]Isn't the seating more committed i.e. you have to hunch little forward.
The seating is fairly upright. Foot-pegs are a little more rear set but it is not a very committed position. In-fact, it is quite similar to the Hunter.


[*]Did you try Classic 350 / Bullet from RE which have relaxed ergonomics - how would you compare this.
I have ridden the classic and bullet, and they definitely have more relaxed ergonomics but I was willing to sacrifice the ergonomic advantage for performance. Although the Vitpilen has great ergonomics, it is not as plush as the classic/bullet. But I don't think I sacrificed much in terms of comfort. [/list]

This is exactly where I had doubts, when I had done a short test ride on Hunter, immediately I felt seating position is likely to cause back issues for my body frame in longer run. In comparison when I rode Honda highness 350 or RE Classic, they were supremely comfortable in terms of seating. Vitpilen being similar to Hunter in terms of seating is a great insight - thanks.

I am going to follow your thread for updates, best wishes..

[czar6502]

Originally Posted by sapien

This is exactly where I had doubts, when I had done a short test ride on Hunter, immediately I felt seating position is likely to cause back issues for my body frame in longer run. In comparison when I rode Honda highness 350 or RE Classic, they were supremely comfortable in terms of seating. Vitpilen being similar to Hunter in terms of seating is a great insight - thanks.

I am going to follow your thread for updates, best wishes..

If comfort is what you are going for, try test riding the meteor 350 once too.

You are welcome! My wishes for you to find the bike you are looking for!