Views on the husqvarna 701?
 

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?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c63b4f0703.png

For Mollydog :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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.

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.

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''

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.

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!

Views on the husqvarna 701?
 

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?

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/

Thanks Tremens - i will definitely try if i am getting close to buying.

I discounted the 500 exc as i don't want a race bike with short service intervals.

I love my xt660z too, proper off roading aside. But i am in the fortunate position of having an xt1200z too which i use as my pure road touring bike (european stuff) so the 660 is caught a bit in no mans land for me as i am not sure it would be right for me on the TET and TAT. As my Freeride is not either that would mean a 4th bike, which might prove a little hard to justify.....

I think if you are really into your events you will be better off a dedicated event bike.
As I get older a light bike becomes more important.

The 701 I rode was the first model; prob 2015. Unbearable at 100kph.
Yes, tank size was dead handy; amazingly economical for the power.

Nicely put ;-) I detest that look and connotation and associate it (rightly or otherwise) with young punks doing wheelies and jumps on wasteland and not adhering diligently to service and maintenance schedules. As pictured below, in fact ;-).

Too slow on the KLX – sold.

https://adventuremotorcyclinghandboo...s185.jpg?w=444

There was a good 500EXC in Hackney on ebay which had been tastefully oranged down. Looked great. Should have bought it and stored it but really need to ride one of these things first.

Look up the rolling hobo. Hardcore off road travel/long event? rider who switched from 690 to 500 and has done a meticulous conversion.

I wonder if these short oil intervals are partly dependent on how hard you ride it?
I think Hobo came up with a good strategy on that front.
Unless you're a pro, I can't see there being space/places in the UK to ride a 500 properly which again, makes me assume these sort of big enduros end up being neglected toys which get through lots of owners in a short mileage.

Don't know of anything dirtworthy on the twin front.
Isn't there talk of a KTM 500 twin - or is is 7-800?

DRZ 400? Hard to find one with few owners and not covered in Monster stickers.
A modern efi DRZ4 would be great.

when not racing intervals are not that bad, around 2k km.
xt1200z is IMO way too heavy. On xt660z I can do mostly
all kinda off-road I do on exc but at much slower tempo.
Plus on road small tenere give me over 500 km on tank, it's
great DS bike but for physically fit riders :)

Loncin reveals 650cc adventure bike | Visordown
The Chinese are here! Just one of several ADV style twins coming along from China. NO IDEA how they actually are to ride ... but Loncin had a long standing relationship with BMW. Not sure if that's a positive or negative! :innocent:
Hopefully reliable long term.

But design wise looks promising, IMO.

Yes, I think it's a 700 or 800 parallel twin? But where is it? We've seen mock ups and Spy Shots of this bike over 2 years now. Speculators claim it will be TOO HEAVY and TOO Expensive. I believe it. IMO, KTM are pushing their luck, may be headed off a cliff.

Is the KLX450 you speak of a "new" model? UK only? Road legal? I have not heard of this one and it's for sure not in USA. Would be a great addition to the KLX dual sport line. Here we only get the KX450/KX250 Motocross race bikes. Also the long suffering KLX250S, KLR650 ... all long in the tooth, overdue for revision.

The Husky would not be my choice as a "Do It All" bike.
On the subject of vibration. I've been following the KTM 690 Duke. In 2016 KTM revised the engine in a major way. I can only assume this new Engine has migrated in part or whole over to the Husky?

Reviews rave about how SMOOTH the new 2016 690 Duke engine is. 100% of UTubes and mag reviews agree just how much nicer this new smoother engine is ... plus, gets a couple more HP. Way nicer than earlier iterations ... so reviews say, I've not ridden a 690 Duke since 2010. Lots of vibes on that one.
bier

Well spotted with the Loncin, not my cup of tea but here they come.
Wonder what their 500 twin is like.

I'm sure you know the KLX450R - been making them for years and still do here, but in the US discontinued after 2010. Like a WR450F and all that sort of thing.

Fyi, next year the US KLX250S comes back as efi (as we've had here for years). I still don't get why that bike never caught on the way the CRF-L has.
It can only be better marketing. Suspension is way better and the rest is the same. Its 10kg lighter too.
Ran a carb one last year in the US - as good as my CRF all round.

Maybe I'l get a chance to try a newer 701. Some bloke was setting off RTW on one; can't be the same motor I tried.

You will probably see more Chinese bikes in the UK/EU than we will in USA. Whole moto industry is very slow now, so existing dealers may not want to take on new random, unknown bikes. Dunno. :innocent:

Many have taken on Taiwanese Kymco scooters and done just "OK". (which are excellent!) .... not sure on new bikes from China. Could be a tough sell. We DO have quite a few China scooters here but very few of the latest ADV style motos.

Ah yes, I do know this bike. I somehow thought it was a new road going version. Guess not.

Marketing! You got it! Kawi USA has not spent a dime promoting this bike.
It's funny ... Kawi could dominate the 250 dual sport niche with a few simple upgrades to their current bike:
1. Make it 300cc single, hot it up a bit, more compression et al.
2. Firm up suspension just a bit ... USA riders are fatties.
3. Do a ADV Dakar/Baja version similar to what Honda's done with their Rally.
4. Keep it LIGHT.
5. Hire a few guys like you ... and PAY THEM to ride the bikes around Africa
and get it well covered in print and internet.

Could be a winner if they promote it the way Honda have done with their Rally.
They've crushed Kawi in this segment. But both Husky and KTM are way ahead
(not sales wise) with their 350 bikes. ($10,000 USD before fees/taxes)

If you run across a link for his Ride Report, I'd like to have a look.

bier

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 :Dbier

Funny thing about Kawa and overlanding.
In Europe long unknown and unused; saw one in Syria once but never in the Sahara. Yamaha and Honda have long 'dominated' there, I presume helped by Dakar wins.
The KLX650 is of course the 'Tenere' of North America in terms of RTW reputation, but you get the feeling Kawa are sort of embarrassed/annoyed/indifferent to that. Suzuki the same with DRs.
Maybe ZXRs and GSXRs etc make them more money.

RTW 701s
Ride Must Go On – Globetrotting since 2014
The start of a 5 year adventure • MotoMorgana
Lately in Colombia and Cape Town

Being lent one again next week it seems; they've run out of XRs ;-(

Views on the husqvarna 701?
 

Fab - fingers crossed its a 2017 one.

Hopefully its a good experience for you; assuming you report back (please) it'll definitely be an insightful one for me :-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pretty sure it'll be the same old jackhammer, but will report back if it feels any different.

Yes, no doubt!
But Honda and Yamaha haven't been dominate in Dakar in years ... not since Peterhansel's 9 wins on Yamaha going back 20 years or more. In last 10 years in S.America it's been a KTM show, but at least Yam and Honda are competing.

I think you mean KLR650, not KLX650. The KLX was only in production 2 years or so mid 1990's. True disaster for Kawi due to batch of bad engines. The KLR hasn't really changed much since 1985!!! ('84 KLR600, then KLR650, minor upgrade in 2008 ... that's IT! :rofl: )

Kawi have awakened from 20 year slumber, now using KLR's RTW reputation to market it a bit ... A bit. The amazing thing is that the KLR still passes USA emissions testing ... as does the DR650 and Honda XR650L.
All super Dinosaurs with carbs!

Suzuki are no longer embarassed by their DR650! :thumbup1: At a press intro I was told the DR is one of their top 10 best selling bikes! :eek3: DR650 had a nice sales spike in 2007 up to about 2012. Leveled off now, very quiet with only Husky and KTM showing strong sales.

Quite a few tasty H701 kits out from all over the globe to transform the H701 into a reliable long distance touring and rally bike as life is too short to own and ride boring bikes!!!

https://www.hardkits.com
https://kit701.com
http://www.aurora-rally.com
http://www.radegarage.com
http://omegafibre.net
https://www.nomad-adv.com
http://www.bikerswarehouse.co.za

Xr650r
 

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

XR650R hard to find in the UK or expensive.
They were never really a hit here (as travel bikes)
Got myself a nice XR4 for DZ.

On my tours the novelty of the 701 soon wore off over the cushier Tornados, but we don't ride hard.

I met some Belgian desert pros (690, DR650, 701) doing long, hard days and the guy with the 701 said he really rates his over former DR and X-Ch following an inexpensive fork upgrade (prog' springs; thinner oil, lower-friction seals). Plus a €150 seat and a small screen.

There are road legal (Kitted) XR650R's for sale around here everyday. They go from about $2500 up to about $4500 depending on condition and mods done.

Most guys here using it as dual sport bike with emphasis on Desert work. Tight trails not great on XR650R. It's very tall, bit top heavy. But robust and stable at 70mph powering through rocks. Remember, Honda's XR650R won many many Baja 1000 races for YEARS ... then Honda went to the CRF450 class bikes ... XR650R was put out to pasture.

A great bike overall for dirt riding but takes quite a bit to set it up for travel with luggage and stuff. Only ever seen ONE set up for travel.

XR400R?
Assume you mean the old Honda XR400R? Great bike, wish it had "the button", but if you get your kick starting technique down it's OK, reliable, plenty of power with gearing that allows reasonable highway speeds.

BTW, the XR400R is still, TODAY, one of the favorites of the Baja tour companies for their client bikes. Below pic shows mix of bikes but a LOT of XR400's in there along with a few CRF250's.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...bhPGqgs-XL.jpg

Surprised you rate the Tornado over the 701 Husky. For novice riders I get it, but for more experienced guys (like the "pros" you met) in tough conditions, riding at speed, I'm thinking I'd prefer the 701.

I'm sure it needs set up for rider weight/ability but the potential is clearly there to be exploited ... where as the Tornado, as good as it is overall, is limited if the pace picks up and terrain worsens.

As a travel bike for long road sections I would still choose a DR650 over a Husky 701. More comfort, better reliability, very low maintenance vs. Husky.

The DR is rarely set up correctly but if it IS set up right, it's quite surprising how good it can be off road, even loaded up for travel. Bang for Buck is, IMO,
pretty much off the scale.
bier

Views on the husqvarna 701?
 

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



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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

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. :innocent: (I feel a real dyno run would indicate true HP of about 62 at best. Plenty for me. :D

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. bier

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.'

:thumbup1::thumbup1::mchappy:

Hi Riel,
Which model year is your 701 ? I'm guessing it's a 15/16 ?
Thanks.

I only asked what you paid in Canadian dollars ... not MSRP. I can figure conversion from CA dollars to US. Here we have lots add on fees and tax ... so price goes WAY up above MSRP. maybe same in Canada?

Good to hear. Yes, most bikes are pretty smooth riding dirt. So you never rode your Husky cross country on highway for long day rides? Maybe test that out before going RTW on it? :innocent:

Wow! 10K km between oil changes is great! Is that what Husky/KTM recommend in the factory service book?

I don't even go that far on my 10 year old Suzuki DR650! I usually try to change at around 4K miles or so (6K km). So far, made it to 62,000 miles with NO engine work. Just lucky I guess? :helpsmilie:

I'm sure you'll do just fine. Even with the DR you have to order parts from abroad. Most Suzuki dealer outside USA/Canada would not stock Suzuki DR parts. So same as Husky ... order and wait a month.

Question is ... which engine will break first? doh

Great travel stories! Thanks for the links! :thumbup1:


Spot on! But I'd rather actually RIDE than simply "think" about riding:rofl:

... and I don't see the bike when I'm riding it. The main thing is that it starts up and keeps going ... everyday ... for 10 years ... without even ONE repair.

I raced AMA Enduro, dist. 36, B rider, for eight years. So I know how to go fast in the dirt and I know what a fast dirt bike is.

For travel (for me) I'd don't need the fastest or best handling ... or even the best looking bike for long distance travel.

Most times I'm on highways anyway, so a "True Dual Sport" is of paramount importance. Being able to ride 10 hours a day, day after day at 75 MPH is a good test of the engine.

All the best! bier

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? :eek3:

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

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

@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 :mchappy:

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.

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! :helpsmilie: :blushing:

bier

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.

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

Well, I’m in. The Freeride went today, the XT660z is up for sale in South Africa and the 701 arrives next week.

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 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.

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?

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

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.

No, I did manage to squeeze 300 kms (180 miles) out of a tank by taking a wrong turning on to a motorway with no exit for the next 25km (fuel light was already on when I took the wrong turning). But to be honest, with the stock seat you are more than ready for a break before emptying the tank.

Some sort of larger tank or rotopax is on my upgrade list.

I'm currently living in Belgium (must update my bio) but occasionally back in Bristol so I will look you up next time I'm there.

I had Motoz tyres front and back. Whilst they last really well and performed great off road on the tarmac they are really noisy.

Good point correlating seat comfort with fuel range.
It sure worked on my CRF250L – 120 miles before I pulled over to top up from a can. Never got sore.

Not sure if this has been posted before, here's a review of the 701 of a Dutch guy who rode it from Amsterdam to Cape Town. He had quite a few issues with it. Also some nice insights in to the dealer network.



https://twowheeledwayfarer.com/10k-r...husqvarna-701/

Sorry :offtopic: Chris what did you do to your seat

Update from me on this one.

I took the 701 trail riding (in the UK) for the first time yesterday. I am riding a long distance trial next week on it so have it shod in Pirelli MT43 trials tyres. I took it up lots of muddy lanes and rock slab hill climbs. I feel like a wreck today, but the bike was great - a good purchase for me.

As others have said this is a dual sport with a big emphasis on off road ability. It was much harder work that the 99kg trail bike i’ve been using off road for the last 6 years, but it did it all with ease in a way a road bike would not, and with 175 mile tank range, heated grips, powered GPS etc it is a bike i’d be happy to travel on. A couple of weekends ago i did 450 miles on paved roads (on the standard TKC80 tyres and it was a pleasure, albeit a sore arsed one!)

It will not be replacing my 800 Tiger for European road touring just yet (the Tiger is a way better bike for that), but for harder unpaved riding this is a bike that will do that (in a way the Tiger would not) so it ticks my ‘travel bike’ boxes.

Planning to ride the TAT on it in 2020 so will report back after that.

Sorry, did not see reply. I got off the bike every 120 miles to fill up.
Small tanks save sore arses.

Wrt 701 - some may know there a 701 LR out now with 25 litres of fuel (below).
That will really be a crippling range ;-)
All it needs is a decent fairing and we have a new 640 Adventure!

Tried a 2nd gen 701 on Morocco the other month.
Much smoother than the 1st gen jackhammer I rode.

I was in Kelowna in September or October and they had one of these at $10,000 cdn. They really wanted to get rid of it. It seems to me it is an increible deal.