As an owner of a 2.5yrs, 50tkm run 701 I can confirn nearly everything said. Honeymoon is over, and daily life has set in. It's my only bike and I use it for nearly daily commute, even in winter as long as there is no ice. Reliability: zero, really no issues until now (touch wood!). Usability on road: good for me, seat suits my butt up to 700km per day. Usability offroad: a different sprocket (14 instead of 15 teeth) seems reasonable. I am struggling a little with the standing position and have twisted the handle a bit to the front as I want to have a more crouched position - I'm 183cms tall but have long legs. As for the built, it's all lightness. A heavy duty brake pedal from RadeGarage, but no Rally tower (2kgs!), just an LED light, rally pegs, a minimalistic GPS holder and soft luggage (2x12l Enduristan Blizzards). Camping and light gear eventually goes in a roll bag, but usually the 24l of the Blizzards are sufficient. As gas reserve I have 2x1l bottles attached to the Blizzards - never needed them until now, but that's because I'm in Europe. And a strong but light plastic bashplate protecting everything back to the rear wheel. And that's well scratched already, but it's a question of trails you choose. Sardiny and Southern France can be scratchy... What is the real gamechanger? A second set of wheels! One for the road, with slick tyres for speed and rain (Conti TrailAttack3) for the summer and proven reliability (Heidenau K60 Ranger) for the cold season. And for the offroad wheels, the sturdiest tyres I could find: Metzeler SixDays Extreme medium soft. That gives you practically two different bikes within a quarter of an hour! Would I like to have a lighter platform for offroad travelling? Sure I do, the lighter the better. Would I like to have a more comfoftable platform for commuting and asphalt travelling? You bet I do! And do I want an even speedier platform for carving the mountain roads? Absolutely! But as long as this is not all in one bike, the 701 is my personal unicorn and I try to learn exhaustively to use all it's abilities. And the best part: as I started offroading only 2 years ago, the bike took some serious punishment. Some little bends and scratches, but nothing broken or punctured. This thing is sturdy as hell!
I like this. I have an older 2007 690 sm. It looks more like a sport bike but I've considered if I replace it in the future getting a dual sport and just swapping rims/tires for versatility.
@@mandreachefai We just came back from our 6th day of Enduro Training in an Italian Enduropark (Borilli near Trento). Over Easter 3 days and now another 3 days, with 2 hours per day with an instructor and the rest was free practice. Yes, we definitely had the heaviest bikes on the hard Enduro trails, but we managed to be not too much of a rolling obstacle. And on day 5 and 6 we managed to do even the green (intermediate) and a few red (hard) sections. The 701 is definitely a handful, but with the right skills it's quite astonishing what you can achieve. Where the lighter bikes have grip problems and need full throttle, the 701 with it's bigger torque and weight (and excellent knobby tires) just plows through. Starting on a 50% incline? Doable! Stopping on the same track downhill? Yes, although it needs a lot of courage on the front brake. Taking off like a rocket in mud or sand or on rocks? Just turn the right hand, as long as the bike points in the right direction it is very stable in my opinion. The only challenge are slippery curves, but that's the law of physics. A 100kg sport enduro will always turn faster than a 160kg one. Is it to be recommended for beginners in Offroading? It depends. I came from a KTM 790 Adventure, and then the 701 is light. If you come from a Sport Enduro bike, the 701 feels heavy. That's at least what the other people who tried the bike in the offroad park told me.
@@mandreachefai Overheating is no problem. Just patch a thick piece of leather on the inner side of the trousers at knee height. Especially the left side gets easily burned.
I love my 690, and the 640 before that, and the 620 before that. I've bounced around between lighter 450 class and heavier twin Adv bikes, but I always come back to the LC4. It's a compromise, but less of a compromise than a heavier or a lighter bike.
I rode my 701 for 14.000km of TransEuroTrail, France, Greece. It came after 45.000km with an AfricaTwin Crf1000dct. Now riding a KTM 500EXCF. The point is, as I get older, now 67, weight matters, especially as I 'm 1,78cm tall . I fully agree on your review of the 701. But my 500 better suits my program, bike on a trailer to reach the European country where I want to ride the TET. Next stop : Portugal in June, Spain in August. In the mean time, road riding my 890R. Thank you for your comprehensive review ✌
Thanks for the review. In the last five years I have gone down from a Ducati Multistrada Enduro, to a Triumph Tiger Rally Pro to my new Husky 701. I put copious road miles on the big bikes. In that area, they were great. That said, I have a 64 year old (55 riding) surgically repaired back and love riding off-road. The woods run and mud bogging in your vid were the best I have seen showing the capabilities of the 701 and showed exactly why I went to the 701. My big ADV bikes created some anxiety in the dirt because they are heavy and if (when) you crash they are far more expensive to fix…oh yeah…and harder to clean up. The Husky fuel capacity is definitely a negative. Not so much when I am alone riding things like the BDR here in Washington, but for longer trips or rides with your big ADV mates it is an issue. I definitely get eye rolls from them when I need to stop for fuel…. “AGAIN”! I am still looking at my options to increase capacity. Thanks for the “warts and all” review!
I absolutely agree. I have had a Safari 14 l front tank which solved the fuel range issue, see profile picture. In the past months I rode my 890 R some 21.000 km in South America and cursed every single kilo compared to my 690 in the tricky sections. I am seriously considering to sell it. But I own a 2010 690 R with the long travel suspension. The bike has clocked about 72.000 km and is running fine. Last winter I got a comprehensive overhaul of the suspension and upgraded the fork with the closed cartridge. What a difference. My plan is to keep this bike forever and overhaul the engine whenever needed. I just love the raw and no compromise style of the first generation 690 R.
I like the approach you took on modifications to keep the weight of the bike down. So often you see people adding heavy towers, rack systems, huge bash plates, crash bars, tanks etc. Just takes away from one of the bike's biggest strengths which is it's low weight for an ADV bike.
Spot on review and insights on the 690/701 platform. A wider ratio gearbox would really add to the versatility of this bike both on and off-road. Thanks for sharing.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV After a 160kmh blast (we can get away with that in Portugal ) .. I suddenly remembered it had tubes ! (Normally I’m on a R1300GS ) …. Shit ! The tyres were very hot to touch !
I just recently purchased a used 2019 701 enduro with 2,000 miles for $7500 USD, great deal imo. I'm absolutely in love with it. It's such a fun machine. I haven't had it for long but I definitely agree on the issues with fuel range. I hope to fit a rade fuel tank soon. I think it's also worth pointing out the clutch slave issues for pre-2021 models. The clutch slave and the sidestand switch seem to be the most consistent issues these bikes have. Both are easy fixes. I'm in the position where I can only have one bike at a time, and I do not have a truck or towing capable vehicle. I'm still in my honeymoon phase but the 701 is really showing itself to be the perfect do-everything bike.
@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV fair enough. Coming from my DR650 with an oversized tank, I really want to have 200+ miles of fuel range. There's upsides and downsides. I really love the flexibility for the 701/690 platform
Bought a used 2020 701 last year. Had the Mosko bags, Madstadt shield and other stuff. Sold all that right away. Keep the bike light as others have mentioned. Regarding the RG fuel tank. A friend has one and regrets buying it. Quality is meh... and going from a large filter to a small one is not ideal either.
I bought a used 690 enduro with the stock windscreen. I sucked with the wind to the shoulders you mentioned as well as to the helmet. I took the screen off, and it's MUCH better for me. My son had the same experience on another bike. Sometimes, a screen focuses the wind too much, and it's better to have the wind hit you without the screen.
I've had my 701enduro for just over a year now, I live in South Africa. I've only had flat rear tires, nothing else. Absolutely the best bike I've ever had
Great review. I had a 701 which i sold to go the 500 route, didn't really like it on the road so just bought a 690 - should never have sold the 701! I'll keep the 500 for proper off road
Thank you for sharing. First review I've watched on the 701 and it certainly appears to be a better option for me compared to the T7 when I decide to continue my transition: road & trailbike (Past) > trailbke only (Current) > trail inspired adventure bike (Future) > no bike (The end of the adventure).. Cheers
Great review Dave! I added WP Pro 6500 Cartridge (works fab for me) and the soft grips of the 450 Rallye model - big improvement for me. Happy to see your 450MT review soon! Thanks and #adventureharder! 🕺🤘
Nice! That is a great bike. I understand your frustration with the forks. What really works for me with the explor forks are flexx bars. Had them on my 690, currently use them on my TE250. That plus a proper suspension upgrade make them very good.
Great review Dave, I think the ktm690/Husqvarna 701 has got a lot going for it when it comes to versatility and compromise! I think the only bike that can match or exceed it in its class of being a unicorn bike would have to be AJP PR7 just a pity there dealership support/parts and service department let it down!
It amuses me how people and other YTers keeping on crapping on about “oooh we need a manufacturer to build a unicorn” KTM have been building one for years - the 690/701/ES700.
Best channel on You Tube by a country mile imo. Super informative, honest and very entertaining. Your Tropical Punch series is the reason i settled on the Husky 701, and I haven't been disappointed. It really does do it all very well, and the fun factor is 10 out of 10. Like any bike if you do regular maintenance and servicing, it will serve you well in return. All the best and keep the adventure dream alive.
Great video Dave. Can’t get the husqvarna here or I’d be tempted. Looking forward to clubby in the Philippines (where I live) and the 450MT. I can see me picking one of those up if it performs.
Interestung Dave, I have one. Mine has the Omega raly kit on it and fuel capacity issues are gone with that. Dealer response to issues, yours is the exception and you are lucky to avoid the clutch slave cylinder issue that they took a long time to address. Yes the forks are rubbish, a trip to Clive. Biggest bug bear with the platform is the gearing. With roots in the Duke, the engine has its gears spaced too close together and results in first gear being way too high. Its not a problem in the open but a real problem in the tight. Yes 14t front is mandatory if any rough hills are involved. Then there is the false neutrals in 4th 5th 6th,, cmon KTM fix this! I ended up getting the Poskit wide ratio gearbox. Insanely expensive but boy what a difference. How the bike should be. I would also call out KTM on oil pressure issues and what appears to be cam hard facing material issues. I suspect certain batches of engines had defects in them regarding the oil relief valve and the cam materials. It can take a long time for them to gain oil pressure when hot. Unfortunately they fall in the area of 'lasts well enough to exceed warranty period' but certainly an expensive repair waiting. I would not be waiting 10,000km to change the oil as some engines are known to use oil. Overall your comments are valid. As a one bike fit, yes it is bloody good as the overall compromise. Like you say, they just get the job done. I particularly like its capacity. It can take a load or a pillion if need be. Carry fuel for the Canning, it will do it, its just that kind of bike. They just shine in the desert. Twins are fine until it turns a bit shitty. But hen again we are talking about the compromise that suits us all as an individual.
I have a Vstrom 1000 for daily commute or long distance road travel and a 690 for everything else. Its a modern-day XR650L with tons of power and an absolute blast when the tarmac ends. Those two bikes, along with a dedicated 2stroke dirtbike covers anything I'd want to do.
Roper River fuel anxiety.., been there done that, and know the feeling. During a solo around Australia trip I fueled up at Borroloola on the Savanna way, turning off into the Limmen N.P. I was hoping to eventually refuel eventually at other end of the Limmen at Roper Bar . My fuel anxiety kicked in a good 100 km before I even made it to to Roper Bar, only to find once I made it there, the Roper Bar fuel station was no longer operational. I then had no other option to try and get another 60 km to the Aboriginal settlement of Nggukur. I rode about 50klph all the way (on fumes lol) in major efforts to conserve my fuel and I just made it by running out of fuel 100 meters before the Ngukurr fuel stop/ general store, where I pushed my bike the last little bit.
Honest, solid review. The Rade accessory tank adds 1.5G US, which is ample range for my American outback adventures. I keep coming back to the 701 being a smaller, shorter guy who favors lightweight dual sports. As a Ducati owner, I am also hopeful Bologna drops the new 698 mono into an ADV chassis. Either way, it's a good time to be alive as an ADV moto dude!
While I bought the version of this bike that your friend Nugget just got rid of (701LR). I bought mine 6 months before you bought yours, and I don't see me getting (or wanting) another bike for a long time to come. Just the best ride I've had, and I love getting it out in the dirt. Thx for the video.
Great informative video. Thanks! I had a 2009 KTM 690r and eventually sold it and went for a KTM 500 EXC. After that various multi-cylinder adventure bikes, a Husky FE501, and am now back to a 2023 KTM 690r. It fits the bill as a great on/off road all arounder. It feels like the suspension is a bit more compliant than what you are describing. Maybe they adjusted it in later models. I am also avoiding anything that adds weight to the bike. I added an AXP skid plate but that is pretty light. I run Mosko Moto Reckless 10 bags which is a good compromise for me. Anyway, I agree that this 690r/701 is the go-to all arounder for street and trail!
Great review. I have a 2023 701 in pretty much stock form. I’ve found the fuel range to be quite good so far. I’m riding a 690 in the US (which inspired the 701 purchase) in the summer for a major trek of 4,000 miles having considered my alternatives. Last year a few days’ shakedown had it returning 3.75 litres per 100km. With its Rade Garage rage extender tank that gave a potential of over 500 km or 450 km with some wriggle room. Ok, many factors are at play but that was impressive. On our ride and with more confidence that will worsen but I was pretty impressed. It also has a smaller front sprocket which we’ve gone back to stock as more suitable for the gravel trails which we’ll be doing. Is your a Euro5? I ask because I’m trying to fix that dreadful small throttle opening stutter. Did you use a fuel dongle? Many thanks, Ian
I totally agree with you! I am very happy with my Husky 701 enduro, many tracks traveled with 350's and 450's motorcycles as well as trail motorcycles, Impressively versatile machine!! excellent review of the 701!
I've got a 2017 690 that's built up similarly to your 690, just with a Safari Tank and Yenkro fairing vs the Rally Raid stuff. I really like it, although I envy my riding partners T7 when we're on the freeway. Conversely I'm much happier on my ~100lb lighter 690 off road, as helping him pick up his T7 is no fun at all. I can't handle the stock seat for more than an hour, it's like sitting on a plank of wood. This is my only moto, I use it for everything, no problems with reliability at all and I do all my own work. As much as I covet an Aprilia Toureg, I know I don't want the additional weight off road. If something happened to my 690, I'd try and find a 701 Long Range to replace it...
Hi there, thank you for the videos they are superb! You would know better than anything. What the differences between the Husqvarna 701 and the KTM Enduro 690 R? Thank you for help! John
Driving mine since >2 years. Only bike. Also drive in winter. Can not complain about anything. Only modifications I have are the LR additional fuel tank in the front and planning to get grip heating. It's my first enduro bike and I took it to Icelands rugged highland roads twice. So far no issues. Fell twice, but that was my mistake and neither me nor the bike were damaged in the process. I never was even close to risking a drowned engine while multiple "bigger" adventure bikes (super tenere, bmw's) had to turn around at deeper rivers. The high air intake and exhaust give you tons of room to work with. I would not blame the clutch if it gave soon (because it saw some punishment on deep sand), so will ask my dealer to have a look and potentially replace it preemptively because I would not fancy it burning out 200km from the nearest road.
Dave, I have the whole stable now to fit the job. Just picked up a 2023 Husky 701 to go along with my KTM 500exc-f and the gravel road king the 2020KTM 790S. Planning on doing the Canada to mexico via the Pacific route. Cascades and the Sierra Nevada range on the 701. Also doing the new Northern Ca.BDR they just completed making. Both will be the 701. That 790 is just to big/scary for my old body. The older you get the lighter the bike should get I'm thinking. Just did 1,400 mile ride on the 500exc. Tecate to Cabo. As much dirt I could handle in 7 days. Trucked the bike back up and flew in a 737 jet to ride across the border. The organizer state nothing larger than a 500 exc to be taken. He was right. Tough guy ride. Firm: GPS Kevin. We had a chase truck so only tools for on the trail were carried.
After many years on KTM 1050, Africa Twin CRF1000L, KTM 790 Adv R and latest Husky 901, I have downscaled last fall to a 701 that is by now quite "adventurized". Sadly I could not ride it a lot and had no chance all for a multi-day trip, before winter came to Sweden. But now spring is just behind the horizon and I am really looking forward for the Easter weekend when we will probably do the first overnight trip! The few times I rode the bike gave me a good first impression: it's sooooo nice to ride a light bike! :-)
love my 701 but for easy travelling around country I prefer the CRF300 Rally wich do everything far less brutally, less hot exhaust. excellent bike but not for travelling.
Fantastic video! I’m about to trade my norden 901 for the 690/701. I noticed you have both but you prefer the husky! Is there a particular reason since they’re essentially the same?
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Haha, true. I scored the last one in Australia. It has definitely come in handy in the outback. I also managed to ride with you and Nugget on the QLD Husky Trek, which was awesome! Cheers
Any fueling mods? The 701 runs too lean with a different exhaust. My 701 Rally wiith open airbox, exhaust and pc5 runs so much better than stock. The stock fueling is way too lean. Also much nicer to ride with a 48 rear sprocket.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTVit doesnt really affect fuel economy(maybe a little bit), but running the bike without the proper fueling is not wise, its just runs so lean already from the factory. Also the throttle response and power is so much nicer when its not running so lean. It feels like 10% of power is added everywhere.
mostly you aussies just call it husky, which is okay, but compared to the americans who call it huskavarna which sounds really bad, its huuuuuuuuuuuuskvarna, pronounce the uuuuuuu's. :D
Watching from Portugal.. where our trails look bloody similar to “Victoria high country “ !! 😂 Dave… you deserve more subscribers. ps I utterly love my 701. I can’t stop thinking about it !
I’m putting a rade garage tower on mine ! Why ? I’m doing lots of tarmac .. (Portugal-Morocco etc ) so need the Nav location and the wind protection. Like you, I bloody love the quickshifter !
My build is pretty close to yours, I used the Husky handguards from their powersports catalog, some of the fitting of other brands was super annoying. This is my 2nd 701, my 2018 was my trusted companion on many remote loops all over the USA. In the awful soft stuff it is one of the best bikes to ride just a dream in that harder stuff. I recently did the Idaho BDR on my 1090 adventure R, I actually found that on the highway home to the truck (a lot of miles of highway) that the 701 would have been fine. The 701's map switch (my 2018 did not have that) is so nice, I do have the dongle to keep settings, after pictures in the dirt and the ABS is back on is just so unsafe to me. The range part of the video, this 2023 I have had for a year now, seems to get better range than my 18, but where I live in Wyoming there is always ethanol free fuel, your point on octane and blends is probably the most accurate reason. My fuel light is coming on at an indicated 150 miles, I am pretty sure it was 120~130 on the 18 but that was in Arizona/Cali/Utah. The key thing, one of my buddies came over and test road mine all setup (he had a 2016 690 years ago and talked about vibration, I mentioned the counterbalancer added he was interested), I told him before anything get that gas cap, mine is a metal one it is really nice 40 dollars and not calling for help is a cheap investment. Your point on the exhaust, I have a scar on my left hand from hitting it when stuck hitting the exhaust (was on the 18) quite a burn. Told him get an exhaust, mine is a Yoshimura, get anything just don't ride with that thing on there. I got a friction lock on mine, highly suggest for when you're on freeway. Wind is interesting on this bike but it just part of the game with a lighter bike, it is a hoot passing semis on this enormous dirt bike when our speed limits are 80mph, the speeds this bike can do are just awesome. I use the reckless 80L bags, suggested my buddy get the 40L, mine are just overly large for how I like to travel. Just get a tent that has really good small poles, my wife got me a sweet one that is expensive but goes up in seconds and is stupid small, did OK in the rain too. My dilemma is the tank bag, I just can't find one I like, I think I will try yours out. My Wolfman bag hurts my knees from standing after a day or two due to the buckle location. Seat, I am 52 and on my 2018 I put a same profile as stock Seatconcepts on there, this one I did wider Seatconcepts, I think that was a mistake to do the wider but it is comfy, we'll see this summer, they are expensive so I am going to just roll with it. Quickshifter, my buddy talked about how you liked the Quickshifter, and I said that I do not, I do on the highway but offroad in stuff I sometimes just tap very lightly the shifter and oops I am a gear lower. It isn't the end of the world but it surprises me, but on the highway wow is it nice especially when my hands are cold and the fingers just want a break. The thing about the 701 for me is how I look at it as a trusted old friend, who has just worked perfectly. I am not scared when I see a terrible trail or hill climb, where as with my 1090 I would go, alright lets do this, with pucker factor worrying about speed or shoot are those settings saved?! I forgot to turn my 1090 into offroad doing a stream crossing and on the side of the stream going up suddenly it just stopped and it fell over, was darn near instant, I understand why we have safety stuff but it is really weird how some of the systems work. Guy's I trust about the truth on their bikes say the 890 is way better sorted than my 1090 was. My buddy got the OK from his wife to buy a 701 so now we will have identical range, identical tools, identical baggage and straps which is also a REALLY nice thing. Can't wait for this summer, cannot wait... Love your videos and insight, thanks for doing them, they do help me quite a bit for motivation and gear selection.
Dave, as always, solid review. May I ask your thoughts re abs? Long story short, I have had a 501 mini adv, more recently crf300l. The abs sucked on gravel in the crf and obviously zero abs on the 501. I am torn between either going back to a 500/501 or try a 701 because ABS on the road is a huge advantage for those moments something pops up and sometimes a bit of panic brake sets in. Keen to hear your thoughts re ABS on the 701 on and off road
The abs and traction control on the 701 is extremely sophisticated and excellent for on road. Some riders even like it off road but most I know prefer au naturale. CRF300 abs in the dirt is just plain scary.
Australians talking about tough terrain. Does it even ever get cold down there? Drive often in snow and on ice? Freezing toes? Rain ALL day in 3C? Mud and water every where? Just checking. 😅
A different type of tough. Extremely tough on engines. We have some of the finest dust in the world. The world is a big place there's tough everywhere. .
A fuel remap deffo worth exploring. Try doing slow figure of 8s with no clutch, it’s all jerky. Smooth after a remap, makes it a treat in the gnagery stuff. Same complaint about the first 30mm of fork travel. Want to hear what you do about that!
Dave, just back from my US Pacific Divide ride on my 701. It was the bike to have on this trip. GPS ride in mostly dirt with paved back roads. 2700 miles 2 weeks with chase truck and hotels every night. To get to stage 1 hotel is was a 5 hour freeway ride from Seattle Washington, Check. Seat concept seat that had the 1" more form option, yes tall but I'm 6"1.5" tall so no issues. Bar risers, Rade Garage Aux tank, bigger rear spring, Tusk saddle bags smaller size for tools. Used Zumo XT GPS for route. Wings exhaust. 49 tooth rear sprocket. It was just a big dirt bike. Perfect bike like you said.
I’m with you Dave, my 701 is hands down winner for what I do. I’m contemplating reverting the LR back to original. It’s so bloody handy but the really bike comes alive when the front tank is empty and I reckon I could manage with bladders or raid tank. Thanks for video✌️
Yeeeeaaaahhh, I've ridden with them on a Norden 901 they were fantastic. I think I can get what I want without spending that much money. Ktech ORVS is what I have on the 501 and I'm happy with that.
Apologies in advance by replying twice. I'm referring to the $1,300 kit made specifically for the 701 and 690. not the more expensive cone valve forks.
Recently traded my 2017 701 SM, in for an ex-Husky Trek 2023 701 Enduro. I tried the light adventure bike route with my 23 Sherco SEF 500 and although it handled a 1500km trip ok, its not overly comfortable, hence the 701 E. The 500 has returned to been a bush bike. the 690/701 is a great adv platform.
Awesome review! I'm in Colorado and find that my 701 is the perfect exploration bike. Tuned it with an O2 sensor delete and mapped PC6 to richen the fueling and trimmed the airbox snorkel way back to help flow. Along with a Yosh R-77 exhaust, these mods released a remarkable amount of low end and mid power, to the point I felt comfortable gearing it up 16/45, which puts it on par with a SMC-R's stock gearing. This engine pulls hard if fed properly. The extra fuel use from the tuning is offset by the gearing it seems. as I'm averaging 135 miles in mixed use before the low fuel light comes on, and 170 miles is pushing it, but within reach. Colorado's thin air helps I suppose. It cruises nicely at high speeds, which is good because I do spend quite a bit of time at 70 MPH traveling to the good stuff. I don't use it in super tough conditions, but to venture to high elevations, one of my trails takes me above the tree line to 12,000 feet, even with the taller gearing it is OK for what I use it for. I can always slap the 15T on there if I plan a tougher ride as well. Curious about the K-Tech fork mod. I dropped .65 springs in it as the stockers were too soft and unbalanced with the rear. The forks are "OK" now, but better is always better 😆
I am just in the process of deciding to get the 701, or the KTM 790 Adventure. Love both bikes, but tend to lean more toward the 701. And your video is another push to go for the 701! 😃 Plan is to ride around the world for 3 to 4 years, and do as many km away from tarmac as possible. Just watched your Magadan videos this afternoon - that is also on my list of great rides to do. I did already about 200,000 km of traveling on bikes to many parts of the world, and what I have figured out is: the lighter, the better. I traveled the last 80tkm on my Triumph Tiger 800 - I love the smooth engine, and I am very satisfied with the reliability, but it is just too (top) heavy for me. Specially in South America were several rides I wanted to do, but then decided against it due to the weight of the bike. Great videos - thanks!
I've had a few SXV550sm bikes probably my favorite bike for exhilaration. although the maintenance is a killer, but possibly the best SM ever made, I realize your riding adventure bikes but it is a twin and high hp and at 278 lbs.
I own a 701 SM (brilliant bike for urban terrorism and track) and my argument against the LR version is very simple... A couple extra PET bottles with fuel will do the job just as fine.
You know what, I've been riding my crf1000 over south America the last 5 months and I thought I'd ride more Offroad here but I still find myself turning away because I just can't risk all of these things alone.. especially at 170cm 😅
As an owner of a T700 you are right, if you are going to swim in the mud NEVER buy something close to 200 kg, I totally avoid mud, I just pass over small puddles of mud or whatever, but never through water mud, The lighter the better. I chose the T700 because I needed a 50/50 bike with good average speed, reliable, comfortable and capable of doing medium enduro, for hard enduro you need a 701 or whatever in that range. Good choice
I've added Rally pegs to my 701 and that's it. I don't feel the stock seat is that bad then again I'm not trying to sell aftermarket seats. I will add different mirrors since all I see is my shoulders when I try to look behind me. I had a 2018 KTM 1290 SAR with a bunch of extras added but this time I'm trying to keep it simple. Thanks.
Excellent video. Couldn't agree with you more...the 701 hits the sweet spot for long distance more aggressive off road adventure riding. No tower for me either. Considering WP Xplor Pro 6500 front forks. Need another Tropical Punch - possibly one of my favorite YT adventure travel series.
We do need another Tropical Punch. Something is inthe winds for August. I've ridden a Norden wirh those 6500 forks. They were amazing. Having said that the ORVS that I've got on my 501 is excellent and probably a lot less.
Hey! Is this the same version of the one you reviewed a couple of years back, just not LR? Asking as if I’m not mistaken you were quite happy with the suspensions on that model? Also the fuel economy on that bike seemed to be much better (think you mentioned 3.5 liters per 100km?)
Great video Dave! Can you tell me if the 701/690/700 is a good motorcycle for a beginner (me) that still has to gain experience driving off road? Thanks in advance
Hi Dave, thanks for very good reviews and videos as always! I have a 701 LR and I can only agree with you. This is the nearest a unicorn bike I ever get. Some modifications, but most just for fun. This is a bike I will hold on to for a very long time! Cheers from Sweden! 🍻😃
Im trying to decide on if I want to buy the 501 or the 701. A review of the 501 you had built would be awesome to see.Im looking to go down on weight for single track riding and I currently have the DR650s. Any advice on what to pick
Great review Dave. As you say, adventure riding is all about compromise. Where do you want to have the most fun and how long will you be in what conditions. I have my DR650 set up in a similar fashion as your 701. I'm never going to do round the world or even round the country trips. And I would probably get more joy from the Husky. But its what I've got and it allows me to do the riding I enjoy. I really enjoy the big powerful adventure and road bikes. But with all the speed cameras and our strict laws I'm finding it less fun to have a bike that can do 200 plus. I've just moved to the Hunter Valley from Vic and there is a whole lot of exploring for me to do. Thank you for the content. Entertaining and informative as always.
Dr650 for me, for adventure riding I can't justify paying literally twice the price for a bike that won't allow me to anything the dr650 doesn't already allow me to do, plus I like the simplicity of the dr650, I have a mate who owns a 690 and there is a slight inconvenience when you strap a bag to the back of the bike, you have to take it off whenever you need to refuel.
I've been riding just as long and am the same age. I have 3 motorcycles. But if I could only own one, the Husqvarna 701 would be the only one for me. 😅😅
Got to be a red one(Gas Gas),due to the huge price difference here...even salvage ones, only needing a lock set,are like £4500 at auction...bargain over the white and orange sisters!
I only have a road bike currently, a KTM 1290 sdr. However I have been daydreaming about having a 701 for many years, your great review just confirmed I have good taste. You Aussies have a fan bloody tastic back yard
Love mine and have been on some epic rides…but I am ready to move to a lighter bike. Unfortunately I am a 1 bike garage so maybe a 500/501 or the Honda 450.
Thinking of giving my vstrom 1050xt the flick, as a new dad the big trips aren’t going to happen for a while so smaller day trips are what I’m looking at. The strom is a great mile muncher and fine on the fire trails. Local husky dealer has a good rep to, so i can finally tell peter thieving to get farked also.
Thank you sir, excellent content. May I ask if your engine uses a lot oil? I used to have an old 690 about 8 years ago and I had to top up oil every 1000km or so.
Excellent video Dave, highlighted both goods and bads with this bike. On a side note - do you prefer the simplicity of a cable actuated clutch or the better feel of a hydraulic one?
Great review & I 100% agree with you about the 701/700/690 platform being the adventure bike Unicorn, I have a KTM1190, KTM 690 & Husky FE350 but the 690 is my go to bike 9/10 times. It is the only bike that you can ride from home & still do single track & narly stuff & ride it back home. One thing that I find a bit different too your review is fuel range I could get 320km from a tank when the bike was new stock , It ran super lean euro 5 , I have since had the ECU tuned by Yuri Mechanical & get around 270 km with hard riding & around 290 taking it easy but i am talking unloaded without camping gear. The bike now has close to 15,000 hard km & that side stand switch is the only real issue i,ve had.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV That is correct stock Euro 5 but the 690 holds 13.5 so its 23.5 kilometers per liter The 690 holds .5 of a litre more than the 701 . that was the deciding factor for me purchasing a 690 over a 701 . thats 10kms I don,t have to push
