Views on the husqvarna 701?

[Temporaryescapee]

I would like to go from 2 off road/dual sport bikes to 1 and am wondering if the Husqvarna 701 is the answer. This would mean a bike i can ride on the TET, TAT and other 'off the beaten track' travel. What are your thoughts?

I currently ride a KTM Freeride 350 on 'green lanes' and events in the UK. Here's a typical event for me https://youtu.be/PYlA0YPyinc (skip through to 11 mins to get a feel for the terrain). The Freeride is perfect for me on this type of event but the limited tank range (55-60miles) means its has a limited range of usefulness.

I also have an XT660z in South Africa which i used for a Cape to Nairobi last year and will use for a week long South Africa tour at Christmas. However import rules mean i can't get this back to the UK.

I am considering selling both and getting the Husqvarna. I am about to turn 48, am 6ft, 100kgs and reasonably fit, and am a decidedly average dirt bike rider (at best). The XT (on K60s) was too much (too heavy) for me in the the tricky stuff in Africa. The Freeride (on MT43s) makes it so easy everywhere i feel like I am cheating (amazing for my confidence).

Pretty sure the Husky would do well in lieu of the XT660z but wonder if it would be way too much for me in lieu of the Freeride.

Thoughts?

[Temporaryescapee]

For Mollydog :-)


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[Chris Scott]

I rented one for a week in Morocco and must admit I was not impressed at all, primarily due to the vibration. There was nothing wrong with the low-miler other than possibly worn out MT21s or similar.
But you'll be running similar tyres. And they say it's less hardcore than the 690...
I suppose I've gone soft (same size/skill-level as you); but briefly getting back on a clapped-out 100,000km old XR250 was like sinking into a bath of warm cream - heavenly!

https://adventure-motorcycling.com/2...-quick-review/

Other than that, the Picasso look is not to my taste ;-)
So make sure you have a good try before you buy.

I must say I have finally gone off big singles.

[mossproof]

I had high hopes for the CCM GP450, and nearly bought an ex demo one to take the place of my TTR250 on the trails and TDM 850 on the road. The lack of turning circle compared to the TTR was the only downside for me off road, but I've seen a few with various fuelling issues most likely to do with the over complicated fuel tank system, and I really wanted to rip off all that rallyesque fairing and put on a raised front mudguard to make it the trail version (that the factory tried, then hid away quickly for some reason.
So little choice in this area of the market. KLX450R? Build your own CRF500L twin? Orange?
I'm with you Chris - Picasso's ironing board is not to my taste either.

[Chris Scott]

Never got round to trying a CCM but funnily enough I'm checking out a KLX450R later this week as an alternative to Orange. Anyone ever owned one?

Looking for a bike for Algeria – a supported tour not a travel bike.
After years of faffing about with do-it-all machines (a bit like the OP is trying to do) I am loath to buy such a purposeful racing machine only to have to sell it again right after as it's good for nothing else (for me). But they say it's the least purposeful in its class and actually quite easy to ride. I suspect that is all relative though.
I bet there's a mile-long thread on advrider on Adventurizing KLX450Rs.

i agree with the OP the XT660Z is a tank with a high CoG (weighs more than my XSR7) but tbh, if you've got the space, a TTR and a TDM sounds like a good combo.
Fyi one of the guys coming to Algeria is developing a 350 barrel for TTRs - he hopes to bring it with.

This the bit where I say: ''CRF450L, svp''

[tremens]

been riding ktm 690 enduro r and didn't like bike geometry, for my height 6.1
riding position and handling didn't feel right. Husky 701 is very similar bike I believe with small, cosmetic changes so I would say test it first.

Have you thought about ktm 500 exc and getting bigger tank? IMO it has potential for replacing other bikes and be the one, although for longer trips
I still prefer heavier, more stable bikes and my tenere is perfect for that.

[Tomek]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

Looking for a bike for Algeria – a supported tour not a travel bike.

Try XR650R.
Light, powerfull, bulletproof and cheap in comparison to 701/690.

[Temporaryescapee]

Originally Posted by mossproof

So little choice in this area of the market. KLX450R? Build your own CRF500L twin? Orange?

I'd not really thought about the KLX450R So will have a read. Be interested to hear how Chris gets on if he goes for it.

The real appeal of the husky is the sensible tank size (13 litres) and service interval (6000 miles). The 20 hour interval on my KTM Is not really a travel friendly feature.....

On the twin front is there anything out there that is sensibly light for proper off road?

[Temporaryescapee]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

I rented one for a week in Morocco and must admit I was not impressed at all, primarily due to the vibration.

Thanks Chris. Do you know whether it was the 2017 model? I gather they have added a second balancer shaft for 2017 and i've seen reviews suggesting that this has made it much smoother than the previous version.

Completely with you on the graphics - hate that on my KTM too. Sadly 'understated' is not really part of the dirt biking world design lingo so we are consigned to be middle aged men looking like 12 year old skate boarding wanadees!

[TBR-China]

H701E (2018) will own one in the future as on the very short list of bikes I have got a real interest in, most probably with a HARD Kits Australia setup, somewhere ~ just not in China as got the right bike for exploring around the motherland (KTM450EXC 2016) and the H701E currently not available as legal PRC import anyways....

https://www.hardkits.com
https://www.facebook.com/HARDkitsRR/

[gipsyrider]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

I rented one for a week in Morocco and must admit I was not impressed at all, primarily due to the vibration. There was nothing wrong with the low-miler other than possibly worn out MT21s or similar.
But you'll be running similar tyres. And they say it's less hardcore than the 690...
.

i use a 690 enduro, no vibrations from engine; Of course, when it reaches 100 kmh with cranked tires, the handlebar vibrates, but with any motorcycle more or less

husky 701 could be my next choice for desert riding

[Temporaryescapee]

Currently in RSA revisiting this thread. Decision time (keep or sell) on my XT660z having finished my short trip here (for now).

I took a one day, one to one training day on the XT660z before setting off. It transformed my experience of riding it (fixing a few minor things in my technique gave me so much more confidence on it) . As a result I am leaning towards keeping it, doing another trip or two here and then shipping it to the US to do the TAT in a couple of years.

When back in the UK i will try and test ride the 701 while the XT is fresh in my head just to test that decision.

Decidedly off topic but a few clips of some cracking riding in RSA here if of interest. http://youtu.be/JqWxZeLh3Fw



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[Riel]

If you are still fence sitting may i suggest

Husqvarna 701 Super Moto and Enduro! | Adventure Rider

for feedback on specifics on the 701.

I've been riding my 701 for a couple years and for my style of riding, 50/50, i love it.

It handles hours of slab without problems and keeps up to my 450 offroad with equal ease.

As any bike it required ergo modifications, im 6'2", and travel mods such as pannier racks etc are all easily available.

The power to weight ratio is excellent as is the fuel economy.
And, you can easily pick it up yourself when the inevitable get off occurs

IMO this is a true dual purpose bike.

Good luck

[mollydog]

I hope you don't expect us to read all 900 pages of that ADV Thread! :smarts:

Maybe you could give us a short review of your own ... perhaps a couple paragraphs of specifics?

I'm guessing you have the "Enduro" version as you mention it's the perfect Dual Sport bike.

Couple questions:
What is current MSRP? Full OUT THE DOOR cost (on the road).

Have you ridden a 2016 or 2017 KTM Duke 690? I recently bought a near new
'17 Duke for a song. It's pretty smooth at highway speed (65 to 75 mph).
Nicer than earlier Dukes, IMO but no Triumph 1050 (glass smooth triple)

Wonder how if the Husky motor is the same as the new generation 690 used in my KTM Duke 690?

KTM claim the Duke makes like 72 HP. (I feel a real dyno run would indicate true HP of about 62 at best. Plenty for me.

Good handling bike (but can't match my Ducati Hyperstrada), fair brakes, very fun to ride. Can't match my DR650 or Ducati for long distance. Thoughts?

How does the Husky 701 compare to KTM 690 off road in more technical C and B Enduro trails?

How about reliability? Surely in 900 pages someone has put more than 3000 miles on one? Thoughts of long term reliability? IE: would your ride one to S. America or cross Mongolia?

How much fuel does it hold in stock form? Aftermarket tanks? How much?

Cost of maintenance? Can you do ALL regular maintenance yourself or do you
need a dealer? Hard or easy?

Has anyone done any significant cross continent traveling on the 701?

Thanks, love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

[Riel]

Mollydog, unsure if I can do your interest level into the 701, or your time investment in your post, justice and answer all your questions but I can share the following:

I show 12,000 km on the clock and issues so far are an intermittent horn which was replaced under warranty.

For MSRP I recommend contacting your local dealer. I live in Canada and these bikes can be difficult to find, likely less so in the US I understand.

IMO vibrations are relative to the rider and I find them non-existant on my 701, but then I have ridden mainly dirt on dirt bikes - to me the 701 is carpet smooth.

Yes, I do my own maintenance. 10,000km oil change intervals.

Would I ride it rtw - yes.
Are parts as plentiful as the DR's etc - highly unlikely.
Would that stop me - no...in fact that is why I purchased the bike.

Check out Tom and Caroline as they ride their 701's rtw for a list of improvements and challenges encountered:

About us • MotoMorgana

Or Check out Dave's RR taking his 701 from Tucson to AK for breakfast.

Riding to Alaska for breakfast on a dirt bike | Page 4 | Adventure Rider

But what it really comes down to, for my riding style and interests, is the smile this bike puts on my face every time I ride it or even 'think' about riding it.

And as Mr. Chris Scott points out in the AMH: '...don't forget the value of a machine that, even after weeks on the road, still gives you a thrill to look at as you crawl out of your tent each morning.'