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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Michael Jordan, enjoying a meal at sunset, Zangskar Valley, India

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Michael Jordan
enjoying a meal at sunset,
Zangskar Valley, India



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  #31  
Old 8 Feb 2018
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The thread is about views on the 701...not the DR650 I think Mollydog.
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  #32  
Old 8 Feb 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mumbo68 View Post
The thread is about views on the 701...not the DR650 I think Mollydog.
Seems to me this thread has drifted through discussion of several bikes .. from
Yamahas, to Hondas to KTM and of course Husky's.

Really, only the last paragraph of my post is DR650 specific. And if you go back and actually read the thread you'll see the OP has apparently now decided to hang onto his XT660 Yamaha.

So Mumbo ... what's this thread about NOW?
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  #33  
Old 9 Feb 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mumbo68 View Post
Hi Riel,
Which model year is your 701 ? I'm guessing it's a 15/16 ?
Thanks.
Yes, that is correct Mumbo68, my 701 is a 2016 model - the first year of production.
In 2017 the 701 was outfitted with the new 690 Duke motor, which, courtesy of a second counter-balance shaft, has reduced vibes further, increased hp and it is also Euro 4 emissions compliant.

HTH,

Riel
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  #34  
Old 17 Feb 2018
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Hi Riel, thanks for the info there. Yes I'm aware of those 2017 updates it's those that have really sparked my interest in the 701, especially the 2nd balance shaft. I think service intervals have increased over the previous model too, now 6000 miles (UK) although I'm not sure what they were on the older bike.
It's kind of hard to get user info on them, I don't know anyone who has one and I haven't seen one on the road even "round here". I've read some good stuff about them and had a look over one on a shop floor but it's nice to hear from owners.
Have you changed much on yours to dial it in for you ?
I've seen the plethora of stuff that's becoming available for them too but like the bike it's nice to hear from people who have tried stuff.
Regards
Mumbo
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  #35  
Old 7 Mar 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mumbo68 View Post
Hi Riel, thanks for the info there...It's kind of hard to get user info on them, I don't know anyone who has one and I haven't seen one on the road even "round here". I've read some good stuff about them and had a look over one on a shop floor but it's nice to hear from owners.
Have you changed much on yours to dial it in for you ?
I've seen the plethora of stuff that's becoming available for them too but like the bike it's nice to hear from people who have tried stuff.
Regards
Mumbo
@Mumbo68, missed your post earlier.

Most of the aftermarket parts helped me deal with the bikes ergonomics.
I'd suggest the bike is setup for a rider at 5'10'ish.
I'm over 6', so had a number of changes required to keep my chiropractor at bay.

Here are some of the mods that I incorporated into my 701:

Lynx Fairing with upgraded light kit,
Handle bar risers,
Seat Concepts raised seat,
Perun deck rack,
Vanasche Pannier racks,
Knight dropped pegs,
Wings exhaust,
Ralley Raid Golan fuel filter,

I am still looking to upgrade the fuel tank size likely with a Rade tank, which, depending on riding style, will provide a riding range of at least 400km.

HTH,
if you have any other specific questions please feel free to pm me Mumbo.

Let us know if you take the plunge
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  #36  
Old 30 Aug 2018
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Nova WR trans

I recently got a 2018 701E and I like it except for the transmission. Has anyone used the Nova wide ratio trans? I contacted Lyndon Poskit and he thinks it will fit my bike. I then talked to the lead mechanic at my dealer and he is confident he could get it installed for about $1000. I think that would make the cost about $4500. I really don't like the stock CR trans but will learn to live with it if I have to. I also have a 501 for technical off road riding. But it sure would be nice to have a proper WR trans for my little adventure bike.
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  #37  
Old 30 Aug 2018
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Originally Posted by duggram View Post
I recently got a 2018 701E and I like it except for the transmission. Has anyone used the Nova wide ratio trans? I contacted Lyndon Poskit and he thinks it will fit my bike. I then talked to the lead mechanic at my dealer and he is confident he could get it installed for about $1000. I think that would make the cost about $4500. I really don't like the stock CR trans but will learn to live with it if I have to. I also have a 501 for technical off road riding. But it sure would be nice to have a proper WR trans for my little adventure bike.
I'm confused ... "installed for about $1000" .... "would make cost about $4500"???

I know that here in USA on the road (Out the Door) cost for an '18 701E is around $12,000 USD. (includes taxes, license, fees et al)

So are you adding $4500 onto the cost of you new bike? Or ...?

I'm surprised you did not test ride the bike before buying. This would have made the too short gearing obvious. But if you ride a lot "off road" would you not prefer lower gearing over a wide ratio trans?

You haven't listed your location so no idea where or how you intend to use your Husky. Trail bike? Dual sport travel bike? Desert bike? Travel bike?

If I was riding mostly paved roads I too would prefer wide ratio taller gearing.
IMO, no way is it worth to throw MORE money into a new $12 USD bike.

I'd sell it off and start over (buy YOUR perfect bike!) ... and next time ... do a long test ride before buying!

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  #38  
Old 30 Aug 2018
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
I'm confused ... "installed for about $1000" .... "would make cost about $4500"???

I know that here in USA on the road (Out the Door) cost for an '18 701E is around $12,000 USD. (includes taxes, license, fees et al)

So are you adding $4500 onto the cost of you new bike? Or ...?

I'm surprised you did not test ride the bike before buying. This would have made the too short gearing obvious. But if you ride a lot "off road" would you not prefer lower gearing over a wide ratio trans?

You haven't listed your location so no idea where or how you intend to use your Husky. Trail bike? Dual sport travel bike? Desert bike? Travel bike?

If I was riding mostly paved roads I too would prefer wide ratio taller gearing.
IMO, no way is it worth to throw MORE money into a new $12 USD bike.

I'd sell it off and start over (buy YOUR perfect bike!) ... and next time ... do a long test ride before buying!

Wow! What a reply. I'm in New Mexico. In my opinion the 701 is the best bike available at this time. Light weight, good suspension, and good aftermarket stuff. I also have a 501 for more technical offroad riding. But I did learn this summer that the 501 is not as good as the 701 for long, multi-day highway riding, although it was competent. So I got the 701.

The cost takes into account the price of the transmission and labor to install it.

So if I sold the 701 what would i replace it with? Please don't tell me a GS, KLR, or DR. And for sure I don't want an AT. I've owned an S10 and don't want to repeat that experience either.

And thank goodness I didn't pay 12K for my bike. Screwy Louie in Phoenix has some great deals on bikes. You just need to talk to him and ask for his best out the door price. It surprised me.
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  #39  
Old 26 Jan 2019
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Views on the husqvarna 701?

16 months after starting this thread, I finally got to test ride the 701 (albeit in SM format) this morning, back to back with a Honda CFR250 Rally.

Short version is while it was not perfect, I liked it overall and it is likely to make its way into my garage in 2019. Interestingly (at least to me), i test rode with a pal, swapping bikes, after which we independently made top 3 +/- lists. These lists turned out to be identical.

Husky 701

- Friendly power low down (rather than lairy right off the bottom of the throttle)
- Light weight (would be happy trail riding it)
- lots of top end grunt (really smooth at 70/75mph, with plenty left)

- Quite lumpy at low speed
- very fussy about you being in the right gear
- seat is a plank
- would need better wind protection for longer distance touring at speed

Conclusion: would enjoy trail riding AND touring on that

Honda CRF250 Rally

- very smooth engine through rev range
- Comfortable (seat and ergonomics)
- Good wind protection

- engine is gutless (couldn’t grunt you out of a tight spot on a trail)
- No top end (out of puff and getting vibey by 70mph)
- Cheap plastics

Conclusion: a really good bike that i have zero desire to own!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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  #40  
Old 3 Sep 2019
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Well, I’m in. The Freeride went today, the XT660z is up for sale in South Africa and the 701 arrives next week.
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  #41  
Old 4 Sep 2019
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I would suggest test the new 2019 models of husky 701 and ktm 690R,
they made number of improvements so maybe this weird gear ratio is fixed
as well geometry. I'm considering myself ktm 690 enduro R to replace or complement my xt660z. Another suggestion is with these bikes better have spare fuel pump
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  #42  
Old 4 Sep 2019
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I have just come back from a 3500 mile round trip to Romania, mostly tarmac but did do a little off road. I have previously ridden my 701 off road any chance I got, on the TET and at various meetups/events since buying the bike about 18 months ago (it's a 2018 model) here are my thoughts:

I have over done 6000 miles, only problem I have had is with the clutch. It's a common problem, and was repaired under warranty. Even on the trip to Romania I had no problems with the bike (apart from a flat battery but that was my fault for leaving the ignition on).

Vibration is barely noticeable, these engines have come along way in the last couple of years. I change the oil/filters every 2000 miles just because.

Before another long trip I would:
  • Get the suspension set up correctly. Stiffer spring in the rear for the extra weight, and maybe a remote preload adjuster.

    Get a new seat. A day is manageable but for any extended trip it becomes unbearable very quickly

    A screen would make cruising on the motorway much more comfortable.
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  #43  
Old 4 Sep 2019
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real pain in these bikes is fuel tank size, I mean they put bigger airbox then tank... For longer trips can be annoying. Neavey, did you have bigger tank installed?
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  #44  
Old 4 Sep 2019
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Thanks Neavey, really helpful insights. I did Romania in 2016 on my DL100 and loved it. What tyres did you use for your trip?

See you are in Bristol too - if you fancy chewing the fat over a coffee or brekkie at Fowlers some time we can swap notes!

Cheers
Andy
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  #45  
Old 4 Sep 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tremens View Post
I would suggest test the new 2019 models of husky 701 and ktm 690R,

they made number of improvements so maybe this weird gear ratio is fixed

as well geometry. I'm considering myself ktm 690 enduro R to replace or complement my xt660z. Another suggestion is with these bikes better have spare fuel pump


I tried the 2019 SM - felt ok. I guess I’ll find out the full picture now! Happy to report back if it is useful. I’ll be doing some trails with it in 2019 and have a bigger trip planned for 2020.
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