Slip, sliding away

Husqvarna Thailand recently staged the inaugural "Flat Track – Flat White" club meeting in Thailand where participants learned how to slide and drift their motorbikes on dirt surfaces under the supervision of Husqvarna expert Sumatee Trakulchai.

Held under a coffee and camping theme, the event featured fine cuisine from Windtaste Café and Firebull Bar and Bistro from Rücker Park Minburi.

But the highlight was the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 flagship model from the 117-year-old Swedish motorcycle manufacturer.

Members of the media and clients were offered a chance to get a feel of the bike as well as learn riding techniques in the form of a slide school on a flat track, a new riding trend that is gaining popularity worldwide.

The Svartpilen 401 blends classic and contemporary characteristics in an ideal manner. It is primarily geared for paved surfaces, but comes with little extra settings for off-road terrain.

Offering a tracker-like riding experience that is adaptable to all road conditions (whether on or off the road), the Svartpilen 401 is easy to manoeuvre.

While the opportunity to slide and drift on the flat track was a remarkable experience, this is still a stock motorcycle from the showroom that comes with on-road rather than off-road tyres (which are offered in other markets).

Nevertheless, the 373cc engine is a perfect match for the Svartpilen 401. The high-performance single-cylinder power plant delivers loads of torque and power, creating an entertaining and engaging experience without excessive pace. This type of sliding school may become the trend in 2023.

HUSQVARNA SVARTPILEN 401 SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine: 373cc, SOHC, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled
• Max power: 44hp@9,000rpm
• Max torque: 37Nm@7,000rpm
• Weight: 154kg
• Seat height: 835mm