I love my GS, but I found that I was doing more and more dirt riding and pushing the GS to it's limits on dirt, so I bit the bullet and bought a Husqvarna 701 Enduro. OMG What a contrast to ride!
Having just completed a multi day ADV ride on my 2021 KTM690 I can tell you that if you asked any of the people who were riding with me that's swear I it was me narrating your video. It's like you said, I could not have imagined riding on dirt could be this much fun, until I spent time on the 690!
Your explanation of why you changed was like taking the words out of my mouth. After nearly 4 years on the GS I just bought the 701, a modest fall late last year sealed my decision. Have done three rides and everything is easier, its light in the bitumen twisties, hits rocks like they're hardly there and I no longer worried about dropping it, just need a better seat (which is on the way) Awesome bike...
I've always liked Huskies, no idea why tho. Never owned or ridden one just remember as a kid how mental the big singles were in the 70's. Have the same unexplainable yearn for a Trumpy. That drone footage is fabulous and to think it was autonomous is freaky, if you were to try and create that exact flight path would take some creative imagination and wicked flying skills. Bit scary really. As a helicopter pilot I'm a tad envious of that drone.
Great video, congrats on the new bike. The drone you are using is amazing….far better than watching a video from a camera strapped to a handlebar or on a person…
My tips for making the 701 a comfortable adv bike, buy lower pegs as the seating to peg position is cramped. Buy an aftermarket comfort seat, buy an MCCRUISE cruise control unit it's fantastic! BRP dampening bar risers and a Scotts steering stabilizer. Motoz tranctionator tyres and your laughing.
Thanks Brent for the review. Ive paid for mine now and pick up soon and while the 1200 has taken us all over its time for a change..... cant wait. ..... plus you dont look 103Kg :) David
After owning over 30 bikes just brought myself a new GS1250 HP but will never take it off-road to heavy and expensive, I brought it for 2 up tourer with the misses very comfortable bike, I love riding off-road that’s why I brought a HondaCRF300l nice and light and nimble for my 58 year old body and mind
Excellent choice! I have been on several long distance adventures on a 690 including the TAT and quite honestly now the new 690/701engine is totally vibe free it is totally viable for RTW use. When people talk about lightweight adventure bikes they often overlook the fact that the likes of Honda 300/450 are almost the same weight with less than half the power and no better fuel economy. I have gone over every alternative but in the end I always come back to the 690/701, it really is the only genuine all round bike at 140KG with 76 plus BHP (with a desmog and a pipe ). Now fitted with genuine competition suspension and the best off-road ABS/TC out there with the option to switch off both. I tried a T700 but found it sluggish in comparison and with an extra 45 KG, still far too heavy and with mediocre suspension and brakes plus terrible fuel economy. Why spend a fortune modifying a bike when you can just buy the best out there to start with? 690/701 represent pure class.
Hey James, I totally agree with your comment. Although I would say that it does stake some additional upgrades to really turn the bike into a long distance adventure bike. I just got back from an 8-day trip through the Flinders Ranges and the bike was perfect! I even did a 10-hour 750km leg on the last day... But to make that comfortable I needed a fairing of some sort (I had Lynx), also a more comfortable seat at a minimum. I also had cruise control, steering stabiliser and heated grips... and I used all of those things on my trip to make it very comfortable. The 701 IS my Unicorn bike.
@@brentbat Sure but with exception of the Lynx fairing which is a fairly cheap addition, all those other things are swapped on all other bikes anyway in the same price bracket, however the expensive fundamentals like suspension and brakes do not need to be touched on a 690/701.
5 years on a ktm 1190 r and last year I got a new 2020 ktm 690. I didn't ride the 1190 once last year as the 690 is a awesome bike and did everything I wanted with it last year. Just sold the 1190 it was a sad day but the right choice and watching this video makes me realize I made the right decision for me👍👍👍
Yes, I know how you feel. I sold my GS and missed that bike... it was great. But I'm LOVING the Husky. I'm about to head out for a 9-day solo ride to the Flinders Ranges.... and I know that the 701 is going to be a weapon out there.... I'll be doing some technical tracks that the Husky will devour.
YOu will LOVE the 701.. I was out riding on it again yesterday and it is just a wonderful bike.... especially when you get it set up properly. I don't miss my 1250GS at all, because even on the road, now that I have the fairing, cruise control etc. The 701 is great. I just need to get the seat upgraded and then I'll be DONE. It is my Unicorn bike. I'm doing a 2 day camping trip coming up this weekend which I can't wait for..
@@brentbat Hey that’s awesome to hear! I haven’t ridden it very much yet, but I’m after a new seat as well, a taller one. Have watched so many 701 vids the past few days, so can’t remember: did you install an aftermarket exhaust?
@@JohannesDalenMC Yes, I definitely put an aftermarket exhaust on it. The stock one is terrible... it runs so hot that it will melt luggage, and it freaks me out in case it lands on my leg, I don't want to be burnt by exhaust. I fitted a wings exhaust (which is half the weight, sounds great and runs cool), and I also fitted the wings carbon fibre heat shield on the header pipe. I've had bikes land on me a few times, and I can't think of anything worse than being pinned under a bike and it's burning you. But my new setup totally protects me from the heat, and the exhaust doesn't get hot like stock.
@@JohannesDalenMC No, I haven't seen the need. I did a fair bit of research and I think everybody just slipped the Wings on and off they went. I'm not actually sure how "tunable" these bikes are. I'm pretty sure the ECU's are locked so that they can't be tuned like enduro bikes etc. I think you can put a Powercommander on, but that is about it. I was running an O2 dongle for a while which I loved, but there is a 25% hit to fuel economy, so I just took it off for my long trip.
Well, let me tell you, I’ve been on a 1200GS for years, mines got 85,000 trouble free miles on it now. I also have a 2017 Husqvarna 701 I bought new. I love the GS, even took my wife to the Arctic with me, camping and cooking gear included. But, I’m 72 now, not quite as strong and sharp as I once was. I’m considering making my 701 an ADV bike, I have metal panniers on it but the lack of fuel range and no fuel gage/tachometer/gear indicator leaves much to be desired. However the weight is 200 pounds less then the GS and I can pick it up. I thought about a Yamaha T7, KTM 890, Husqvarna 901 Norden but the 701 is still much lighter. So, I’m still getting this though out.
Hey Blackdog.... First of all, congrats for getting your wife on the back to the Arctic. Great job!!! Yes, I'm turning the 701 into my main adv bike in Aus... I'm doing a fairly extensive build, but I'm loving it. The weight and power are what I love. I've put heated grips, cruise control on it and a Lynx fairing... so it cruises on the road nicely now. But when I get offroad, I can just ride with so much more confidence now and have fun throwing the lighter bike around.
I’ve had 3 GS”s over the past 9 years and enjoyed all of them, great bikes. Off road they are ridiculously heavy and for me were a constant struggle. I now have a 2022 701 enduro……. It’s the best bike I’ve ever owned, I love it!!! Lots of power, lightweight and superb both on and off road. My only criticism is that it eats rear tyres quicker than the GS….. 600 miles per tyre. Wheelies galore, a brilliant bike that should never be compared to a GS, it’s not in the same class. GS’s are not off road bikes…. They will go off road and are callable of taking the punishment but you need to be super strong to spend a day in the saddle over rough terrain. Fall off and break stuff, BMW are more than happy to empty your bank account, parts are an absolute rip off and they don’t pair anything, it’s new parts. Electronic suspension failure (which is common) is going to cost you 2k.
Mark I agree with everything you have written. I don't know if you have seen my Flinders videos, but I did an 8 day solo ride camping off my 701 and even did a 10 hour 750km stretch in one go. So now I have made my Husky a great tourer, it's never going to be a GS on the road, but it's comfortable for me, but when I get on dirt... there is NO COMPARISON... Funnily enough I was on a ride on a GS in the US this week and I damaged the GS (split the engine case). I think all my adventure riding is going to be on the 701 from now on. I'm going to sell my GS in Texas and buy a second Husky for doing the BDR's over here.
Nice choice of bike Brent, loosing all that weight will really make a difference off road, much less drama. I was impressed by the stuff your crew rode on the GSAs but there's better tools for that job and you found one. Congratulations. Looking forward to more of your vids. You're playing with fire when flying around the wires, I know you realize that. Glad to see there wasn't any collisions.
Hey Ridefreak, Yes, I realise I'm playing with fire and it wasn't my intention to tempt fate. I generally had the drone following me on the closest range near the power lines, which means it normally never gets high enough to flirt with the wires. But, as I'm sure you have found out, if the drone gets "stuck" behind obstacles and falls behind the beacon, the AI tends to tell it to fly high to catch up.... so THAT is what took it up to the level of the wires. I'm just glad that it spotted the wires and avoided them.
@@brentbat I've got caught near wires just like that also, I'm glad to see you realize the risk and take that seriously. It's surprising how many don't heed that part of their warning. What often happens is just like your situation, it rises up to avoid something causing it to go into an area the pilot didn't have it programmed for. Great video Brent.
Like the new Husky. I want one too. The Multistrada and GS 1250 are made for tarmac and L1 graded dirt roads. When you drop one they break things like pegs and gear shifters and in some terrain impossible for one person to pick up. So it would be unwise to ride alone. Just goes to prove everyone needs two bikes. Maybe 3.
Agreed David. Although I did have the GS protected pretty well and use to take it on places it probably shouldn't go. I dropped it a lot but the protection meant I didn't break stuff. But I love my Husky and will likely sell my GS in Australia. I currently have 5 bikes which the Missus thinks is too many.... I don't think you can ever have too many ;-)
Good onya Brent, now I'm back to the 850 or 1250 GS debate, currently have F700GS. Just when I had decided I was probably going to pull the trigger and buy your 1250 GS it goes from under my nose and I'm back to where I was a few months ago. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Ya gota laugh, all the best.
Ahhh... you're the Mick from Wagga. I think it really depends on what type of riding you want to do. I love my GS, and I'm sad to sell it, but for the type of riding I'm finding myself doing now (more technical riding that pushes the GS out of it's comfort zone),... the Husky is definitely a better weapon for me (not sure if you saw this video I did of my new build ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zT6uS2sSnE0.html) So, I'm not sure what type of riding you want to do, but I might well end up getting another GS as I get older, but for me... I want to tackle more adventurous rides while my body can still do it (Cape York etc.). and I don't want to get stopped by tracks that I know I will struggle on with the GS.
Hey Willy, great choice, have you modified yours for Adv riding or left it largely stock? I've done a lot of customisation to make it a great long distance tourer while still being able to handle pretty technical offroad touring as well.
@@brentbat Hy Brent! No it s already original..only windshield usb port and phone port I send u some pictures from our country i f u wont Email? Best greetings Willy If u wont i send u some pictures
Great review and drone work, keep us updated on the build, I have a 1190 but am now finder it too heavy so looki at the 701 all LR models have sold out in the U.K. it will be interesting to know Daves thoughts between his 690 and 701
That is exactly what l plan now.l had GS 1200 since 10 Year s n plan to jump to 701.was not sure at all.but now sure that it will be all better with HUSQY:)
Yes, I'm getting ready to do a 9-day ride in the Flinders Ranges on the 701 and I think it is going to be perfect. I've got another video on this channel where I show how I've modified the 701 for more longer distance adventure riding. Enjoy.
There is a saying in the adventure world “light is right” for a rookie in the adv sports and owning a 25hp@150kg CRF250L I was amaze I was keeping up or over taking the big boys on big bikes on the gravel twistie dirt roads and challenging up hill in rough terrains. Now one by one my fellow group of riders are moving to a lighter bikes. 😎
No argument from me Tony on light bikes on dirt. Unfortunately a lot of the adventure riding I do also has some long distance components where comfort are important. I spoke to somebody who did the ride out to Broken Hill on a mid-sized bike and he said the vibrations "shook the crap out of him", while I found it extremely comfortable on the GS. So it is all about finding the right mix. I think the 701 is going to be my unicorn for the type of riding I do.
I have a 2016 701SM, and got a new 2021 701E yesterday. Chalk and cheese. I like the 701E more than I expected to. It feels really light to ride compared to the SM. Only Issue with the SM so far, and with over 26,000 ks on the clock. I had to change the fuel filters a few weeks ago, no biggy, took about an hour and cost $130.00 for the filters, delivered to my door. The 2021 engine is a lot smooth, that's the chalk and cheese. The 2021 E is silky smooth in comparison, the 2021, or 2017 up on the Husky, and 2019 in the KTM, have the updated engine with the double balanced crank.
Excited to see this new adventure pan out. I'm not sure the dream unicorn do everything adventure bike really exists, but if Dave's got this it must be close! That said the 701 is a theory I've had, yet haven't tried out yet. My experience from a dirt dedicated Tiger 800xca (Which I miss) embarrassing the average dirt bike, through to a dual ownership of a WR450F and a GSA1250 both specifically great at what they do. Just not perfect for everything, although the GSA is the closest I've found yet.
Looking forward to seeing how your new bike develops. Considering this as an adventure option also because of the weight. I wonder whether the 701 is what the DR 650 could have been. Drone is amazing!
Thanks Jason, not sure if you saw the post I did on this a couple of days ago..... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zT6uS2sSnE0.html It is coming along nicely... Now I just wish I could get out of lockdown and ride it.
@@brentbat Yes found the update video. Looking great with the Lynx setup. Hoping the lockdown ends soon for you soon so you can rack up some kilometers 👍
What’s funny is that the group I’m a part of on FB has adventure rides constantly and 40 to 45 GSs, Tiger 1200s show up. 50/50 dirt and street. Just giant day Loops. Stops for fuel and lunch. No one shows up on a dualsport, NO ONE. Especially when it makes way more sense to really lol. Can’t wait to get my 690 enduro.
Hey Jool.... Don't get me wrong, I love my GS. But I'm definitely finding I'm preferring more "adventuresome" rides... deeper sand, steeper hills etc. So my riding patterns have evolved to suit the Husky more.
@@brentbat yep and the 701/690 makes the most sense if you still do street. I LOVE the GS/GSA but I just don’t take long trips to justify buying one at the moment 😀. You made a GREAT choice.
I kept my GS and bought a 701. I am currently adding some of the rally stuff, power module, intake mod and better tires. Still no better adventure bike IMHO than the 701. I had the KTM 1290 SAR which was amazing but none of the big adventure bikes are worth crashing and paying for along with the fact that they are just too heavy. The 890 is cool but still too heavy. The only bike I would consider over the 701 would be the T7 but it does not have the adjustable suspension and it simply is not as good off road. There is nothing that does it all well which is why I have both.
I hear you Chris, I considered a T7, but they are still 50kg heavier than a 701. Also a mate of mine just bent his forks on his T7 and he's a very good rider who doesn't flog the bike.... So I like that the 701 has a meatier suspension on it.
Excellent video! I did one better- I went from my GSA to a Husky FE 350 S ! The weight savings, agility and ease of self rescue sealed the deal for me. Like you I find myself doing increasing amounts of off road trail riding and the Husky makes the job easy and fun. I equipped mine with an Aceribis 15 liter tank, Mosko 80l rackless system with an Mosko tank bag. I also added a Nomad ADV fairing and light set up, which are great!. I can carry as much kit as the GSA and just completed a 7 day solo trip on it with out any problems. The average speed on the trail is the same and to get to the great riding, I put it in the back of my truck and enjoy the ride to the trails instead of boring hours on the slab. Its a win win.
You certainly did go one better (or even two or three). That is quite the contrast from Big Adventure to Full-on Enduro. I've also put a Mosko 80L reckless system on my 701. I LOVE Mosko gear, it is just so well designed and manufactured. I've got my first 3-day trip coming up at the end of the month, can't wait. I just need to get the seat sorted on my bike and I'll be laughing.
@@brentbat I put a Seat Concepts seat on almost immediatley. I'd like to say it was a huge improvement, but I didnt ride with the stock seat long enough to judge the difference. Its a comfortable seat, well made and I'm good for the first 100 miles easily, but after that I stop and take breaks. So far about 250 miles has been my max distance day. Thanks for your videos, especially your tutorials on setting up the GoPro's, wha kind of drone do you use by the way?
Well this happend to me also. Bought KTM 1290 SAR to take on long journeys and to go offroad on these journeys. Even though I managed to do that this season with 1290, last week I bought 690 Enduro R. I need lighter bike. Mostly I travel alone, and the weight is important. Can't wait for 2022 so I can test 690 properly on dirt traks.
Hey Jefta88, Congrats on your 690... you will love it. Especially if you put some of the upgrades on to make it a great adventure bike. Not sure if you saw my later video on the buildout I did with the husky, but that will give you a few ideas. Enjoy.
@@brentbat for now I got Rade Garage K5 tower and Rade Garage Storage box with air filter. Seat concepts comfort XL seat, Rally footpegs, Acrebis handguards, Heated grips, and a bunch of Vanache and Rottweiler add ons. Next thing on the list is the BRP dampener with Scotts stabilizer.
Nice bike! I hope it works out for you turning it into an ADV bike. I had a 2019 KTM 690 Enduro R and put about 5k miles on it. I loved the bike for off-road but honestly didn't care for it on long distance trips (like UTBDR). Riding on the highway at 60mph I had some pretty bad handlebar vibes that were bothersome after a few hours. Tried lots of stuff and couldn't rid of them. I rode a newer 690 and it felt exactly the same as mine so I came to the conclusion that it's just the bike and there was nothing wrong with mine. I have a dirtbike for tearing it up off-road and a Tiger 900 for longer distance trips and easier off-road stuff. Sadly I sold the 690.
Well, thank you for that push that I needed to go to the dark side. I have a GS but thinking to turn that one into a touring bike, and been looking for a smaller ADV bike. I was a bit hesitant, but after watching your other videos, that besides the excellent production and narration, it showed that the 701 is a very versatile and fun bike. Have a question, is the drone the DJI 2S? Also, looking for a drone that is more intelligent than the pilot :) Best regards from the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Hi there... I LOVE my 701. I've just fitted Rally tanks to it, and I'm getting ready for a big 14 day adventure including a desert crossing. Regarding the drone... it was the Skydio 2... you can check it out here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mv5xLzg5W7Q.html
@@brentbat Thank you for the link, just finished watching both of your videos, amazing drone, it is in another level compared to DJI, you really put it through its paces. Goodspeed on your next ride and safe return. I will be looking forward for the video for when you post it.
You are spot on. The seat is a torture device and will be upgraded. There are several after market options that I'm investigating. But it is a DEFINITE.
Really appreciate your videos Brent - thank you! Re-watching this as part of my research for next bike. Have pretty much settled on a 701 or 690. Is there any reason you went for the 701 over the 690? I appreciate they're very similar, was it to do with the availability of accessories? Thanks, Tim.
Hi Tim Actually what originally drew me to the Husky was the LR model (which was not available on the KTM). But it turned out they stopped making these after 1 year, so I couldn't get it anyway. They are essentially the same bike, the plastics are slightly different between the bikes. Probably the biggest thing that drew me to the 701 was the colour. I am not a big fan of orange... that is literally it. I think the 701 might be very slightly taller than the 690 as well. But they are both great bikes.
Hey Eric, I'll be making a video on it as soon as I get out of quarantine. I'm not putting a fully rally tower on it, but I am putting a Lynx fairing on with adjustable windshield, dashboard and improved lighting. I'm also putting cruise control and heated grips on because I'm spoilt from the GS and I'm getting rid of my GS. But I'll be showing all of hte upgrades that I'm putting on.... probably 3 or 4 weeks away.
I have absolutely no regrets. I tend to ride in more technical environments and it is so good knowing you have such an off-road capable bike that also cruises nicely on the road. In my last adventure I rode 750km in one day on it and I felt fine.
If you ride in the dirt, low weight is No 1,2, and 3 on the list. I’ve gone even further, highly modified excf500. Best dirt bike ever and incredibly reliable.
Hey DKW... Yeah my son has an EXC400 and they are incredibly fun and light weight to ride. The main thing that put me off was the shorter maintenance cycles compared to the 701.
@@brentbat common complaint but for moderate usage riders are running 2-3000km no problems for oil changes. As for reliability, common to hear of 500-800 hrs with no major issues. Extreme example, Kiwi rider recently took his 500 140,000 km round the world with no mechanical disasters. Your 701 is very reliable, and very well set up. How does it go on highway runs? Handlebar vibes an issue?
@@MrEtnorb I find the 701 pretty good on highway. When I put the barkbusters on I added end-weights to reduce vibration (recommended by some 690 riders that have been giving me advice). I also added the Lynx fairing which has great wind protection. The only issue is the hard seat. I have a seat concepts XL Comort seat on order, but it is likely to be another month or two. I'm thinking bout an 8 or 9 day trip to SA to Flinders Ranges in a couple of months, so that will be my first 7 day + trip.
@@brentbat I rebuild my own seats now. Bought an industrial sewing machine, learnt to sew via RU-vid and have done seats on a DR, Vstrom 1000 and the 500. I have also made my own luggage and other bits and pieces. Very satisfying not paying full retail for these things.
I did the same sold my 1200gs and got a 2019 690 Enduro r, I think that for me riding the gs was like riding on an elephant, and the 690 is like riding on a horse, it's just more fun for my type of riding
If it were just me on the bike then No way id have a 1250 gs but today my wife and i rode 3 hours of dirt and about 2 of tar and tomorrow ill go out for a solo early ride but then at xmas we will be 4 weeks in Tasmania. Hard to beat a GS for us.
Hahaha. I bought a 2021 model yesterday, new from Adam in Seaford, wouldn't be surprised if I got the last one in Vic. Dave's video's played a part in my decision as well lol I already had the 701SM. After riding the 701E, I'm more impressed than I expected to be. The 2016 SM is nothing like the 2021 E to ride. The SM doesn't need pollution gear, has no rider aids, and is just a beast. The E is a big pussy cat, smooth as silk in comparison, the SM just tries to spit me off the back, but, It's a blast to ride. The T-7 being 1K less, was a big hurdle for me, paying more for less kinda sux lol Anyway, I'm extremely happy. I'll be going with the LR tank, Rade Garage Nav tower and screen, plus the Rade Garage storage box and filter. Wings silencer of course.
So you are going to buy the LR tank? When I investigated it was $3K + installation. Sounds like you are kitting the bike up nicely. You will love it... the more time I spend in the saddle, the more I love it.
@@brentbat Yeah, 3.3K for the tank kit. But, 500ks range. That has to be liberating. I'll do the install myself. I just did all the fuel filters on my 701SM, wasn't a big deal, took about an hour.
@@dropbear9526 Good luck with the install. It think you must be handier with a spanner than I am :-). Although I am finding the 701 pretty easy to work on. There are so many youtube videos which show most installations and standard maintenance items etc. Also the Repair manual is very detailed. Enjoy your ride, maybe our paths will cross one day on the trails.
@@brentbat Been riding since I was 4, did a small engines apprenticeship at Top Gear Motorcycles in Frankston Vic back in the day when I was a kid. Helped out at another shop that was sponsoring me in MX as well. Never had a father, so always did my own work on everything. I enjoy it, good therapy. I'll be staying in Vic until the border madness ends. But, might bump into each other one day. Take care.
Hey William I used a Skydio 2 drone. If you want to see it more in action, here's where I tested it ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mv5xLzg5W7Q.html And if you want to see what it can really do, check out my IdahoBDR ride that I did last month, it features the drone footage heavily.
@@COLTAR45 That’s a shout.KTM still supplying parts I believe. Too many motorcycle companies making too heavy a bike with too many gimmicks to sell for too much money.
Hey Brent I’ve been watching all your 701 videos all week. I got myself one end of last year. With covid and everything going on, haven’t had a chance to ride it offen. Just wondering what ks your getting on a tank?
Hi Paul, without the fuel dongle I'm averaging about 280km / tank. I fitted a fuel dongle in the early days but it ran too rich so I pulled it off, but the guy has sent me a leaner one that I have just installed, so I don't have data on that yet. I'm planning to add the Rade 6L underseat tank in a few months time, so that should increase my range to around 400km which is great.
I saw on your GS and a later vid on the Husky, how you mount the drone case to the tail of the bike. Think you and Neil of Backcountry do it the same. How do you mount the case when you travel and are on a rental bike (like with Neil on the IDBDR)?
So the only bikes I ever rent are via Neil at Backcountry. I actually shared with him the idea of using the mosko moto wedge and he adopted exactly the same approach. So now when I ride BDR's on his bike (I'm doing colorado later this year), he just has the same setup on my bike as he does for his bike.... and it works perfectly.
Very interested in how you find the bike once you add weight back on with gear for traveling etc. It's never going to be GS heavy, but does it get to a point where it's main advantage is taken away... time will tell I guess :-)
Hey Richard, yes, that will be interesting, I'm doing a 7 day camping trip in November, but I do think as long as I set the suspension preload properly it will still be a lot more fun to ride than a loaded GS.
I rode the same single tracks on my 701 as I ride on my RM144. No luggage, but, I'd have no trouble taking the 701 on a ST ride day with my mates on their enduro bikes, most of them ride 250 2T's. I plan to add a lot of after market parts, luggage etc, It'll still be the best option as an all rounder IMO. I ride by myself, I have to be able to muscle the bike out of trouble myself. I'm getting weaker, not stronger. Thinking I could muscle the T-7 out of trouble, was getting my ambitions mixed up with my ability. Sad, but true. Took me a long time to choose between the T-7 and 701. I reckon I made the right choice. At this point lol I already own a 2016 701SM. The 701E is nothing like it to ride. Other than the seat, and bars being familiar, It feels like a completely different bike.
hello, found great your video. I share the same opinion and believe GS1200 is out of time. Heavy motorcycles should have to move away to give the space to light and fast motorcycles to reduce danger, consume and impact. BTW didn´t see if you mention already as there is a lot of comments, sorry for this but, please let us know whats your drone! Is unbelievable how it resolves the route in between the trees when follows you. I have my Mavic2 PRO and cannot handle issues on following as yours. Please, let us know! Congratulations for the video!! regards!
Hey Daniel The drone I used was the Skydio 2. Check out this video for more info on it. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mv5xLzg5W7Q.html
@@brentbat thanks Brent. I saw your video you did before with the GS where you open the case end show the drone brand. I checked already. Oh my God. Found increadibly. Is it everything it seems to be?
I am following the same path, though I ma considering to keep the GS and have the Husky as a second bike... Then the challenge is to avoid the question before each trip: wich bike shall i take... J'ai un problème de riche...
Really enjoy your content Brent. Both adventure bike and video editing. A buddy and I have three BDR’s under our belts, CO, UT and NM. All on loaded GS’s. Smaller more nimble bikes are always a main topic of conversation on those trips. Although day rides would be amazing, camping out the majority of the time on a BDR type adventure doesn’t seem possible on a 700. I cuss all the gear every trip but tools, water, camping gear, clothes, food and video gear etc. are a necessity. Have you done any overnighters yet on the Husky? Added panniers?
Hey Steve, I haven't yet camped out on my 701, mainly because of Covid lockdown here in Australia, but I certainly will. I'm planning to sell my GS in Australia and make my 701 my primary adventure bike. I've already fitted a mini fairing (with adjustable windshield), Cruise control, heated grips, Zumo XT GPS. I'm still in a a quandry on paniers, either I'll move my Mosko Moto Backcountry panniers over and put a rack on, or I'll buy their Reckless 80 system. You can absolutely camp off these bikes. Check out these two videos as examples (if you want to watch great Australian pretty wild adventures, you should watch the series). ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YppzzbTHRaM.html And here's another ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2yc3bfbMkDc.html Both videos they are out on very long and very wild adventure trips with full camping gear. Bikes are 701s and 690s.
I just did the entire Washington BDR (south to north) on my 701. I have done other multiple day trips with full camping gear, tools, clothes etc…. No problem. They are extremely capable bikes for long camping trips 🤙
@@JS-ny8sn Hey JS, Yes, my bike is coming along well ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zT6uS2sSnE0.html I just ordered the Mosko Reckless system for rackless luggage. We are in lockdown here in Sydney, but as soon as I'm out I'm planning to load the bike and hit the bush.
I'm waiting to get the Seat Concepts seat, they do'nt make them for the 21 Euro model yet. Apparently it has as different seat pan. There are a few differences between the 21 Euro model and the 21 US model. So it is on my list. :-)
@@brentbat I also just heard about the Fisher seats as well but you have to send in your stock seat. I am sure there are people in Europe/UK that do the same. Mine is 2017 so more parts seem to be out there on the older Husky's.
@@chrisvantassel8867 Yes, I've found an Australian vendor that will do what Seat Concepts does. But I do have to send in my seat to them and it will take a couple of weeks. I was getting ready to do this, but now they are releasing us out of lockdown in NSW, so I'm going to ride, ride, ride and I'll send my seat off when I next travel overseas to have it recovered then. That is the plan.
Amazing footage! Congrats on the new bike. I am thinking of the 690 or 701 at a later stage, how is the torque at low rev? It seems the latest engine was improved in that area as from some past reviews, some riders don’t get used to the higher rev power. Looking forward for your next review/adventure with the 701. Cheers
Hey Ozyfran, based on my first two outings, the slow speed handling is OK and there seems to be enough torque, although I did have to feather the clutch a bit. I'm going to fit a Rekluse auto clutch on the strong recommendation of a 690 rider who is raving about the Rekluse.
JFYI. You can't put the LR tank on a 690. I personally liked the look of the KTM 690 more, but, want to put the 12 litre Husky LR fuel tank on the bike. 500ks fuel capacity is peace of mind lol Mind you, the LR kit is 3.3K. Bit rich IMO. Any wonder they discontinued the 701LR. But, what do ya do
Hi, I am thinking that you made good decision to change GS for lighter bike when you are doing more technical tracks. But I can't understand the fenomen of 701/690 becasue this engines are like tiking bomb. You don't know when the engine gona die, there are so many parts inside made form poor materials. Maybe when it's new it's impressive bike. I'm thinking of long travelling on this bike in middle of nowhere and what if the engine blow of. Friend of mine has had this situation in Africa and when he bring bike back to home he sell it immediately. I'm not a hater I was also considering buying 701LR and almost made it. But I choose 500 Exc.
Hey there, thanks for your comment. 500EXC is a great bike, but the maintenance intervals are too short on it for my liking. I disagree with the comment on the engine being a ticking bomb, I know quite a few people who have the 601/790 bike and not had a single thing go wrong. I guess time will tell, but for me, this is the best bike I've ever had by far. I'm getting ready to do a 9-day solo ride in the Flinders Ranges (South Australian outback) and I have tremendous confidence in the bike's reliability.
2:27 in this video. Is the settings 1/125 24fps Wide angle lens 4:3 4k ISO 100-400 Hypersmooth on? Looks amazing! And congrats to a beast bike 👌🏼👌🏼 Had 701sm 690 enduro before. Now im on 500exc 😊
Yes correct. They were my settings. I think I had an ND16 filter on the camera.... But just to clarify, I set my shutter to Auto, but knowing that it will be around 1/125 sec due to the correct ND filter.
Hey Charles It's a bit hard to answer the question without knowing what your day to day riding is like, or also what sort of adventure riding you do. I heard Dave from MAD TV differentiate adventure riding the other day... he said there is Adventure Touring and Adventure Exploring. If you are into Adventure touring, then the twin cylinder bikes are awesome (but heavier), but if you are into Adventure exploring, then the Husky is "a dream". I've realised that I am into Adventure Exploring. I just got back from a 3-day ride down in Deua National Park, and the terrain got pretty technical in places, we had several river crossings and the Husky just ate it up. I couldn't have done it on a bigger bike. I have also done some long trips on it (see my 3-day Flinders ride where I talk about the bike on long trips including a 10-hour 750km leg primarily on bitumen). For me, the Husky is my dream adventure bike. The way I have it set up with the adjustable windshield, comfy seat, cruise control, heated grips.... it's wonderful. And SO MUCH FUN on the dirt.
@@brentbat that answers it all. The Husky seems to be the ideal for adventure exploring over “day trips” and “multi day trips”. It does seem like some mods help complete the package though it seems like a beast. Reminds me of my 250 tpi though for long distance Offroad.
@@charlesosterlund7303 Yes, absolutely... you need to budget some $$ to take the stock bike to a good place... From memory I put on the following: New foot pegs Bash plate Lynx fairing Seat Comfort Seat New fuel cap Bark Busters Brake lever Gear lever More optional stuff includes Heated grips Cruise control Extra fuel capacity
@@brentbat - for me in the Dominican Republic I need "cooling grips" haha though will keep note of all these. Saw few bikes set up here in the DR and will take note of other ideas from abroad.
Hey Jon, I actually wanted the LR, but Husky have discontinued it. I heard they stopped making it because of EU emissions regulations. You can buy the LR kit, but it is ridiculously expensive ($3K+installation). So I'm probably going to put the Rade Garage fuel tank under the seat and replace the air box.
@@brentbat okay I understand. Good there is a fix for it. Put out a video with the new extra fuel tank when you have installed it. Would be appreciated. Thanks for for your reply.
Great choice well done. I just got a 2021 KTM 690 last month, for exactly the same reasons. All of the big heavy twins get pretty scary when the track gets rough, especially riding solo. I think the 690 and 701 are almost identical apart from colour? My wife suggested I "get the orange one" so that was the basis for my choice. Happy to give up a little road comfort for amazing dirt capability. Suspension on the 690 is fantastic and almost matches my Husky FE501. Love riding from home instead of using the trailer for the 501. Looking forward to seeing Dave and Nugget's (Mad TV), trip from Cairns to Darwin on their 701's.
Hey Gloss Black Sounds like we are definitely two peas in a pod. Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing Dave and Nuggets Darwin escapades on their 701s. Should be quite the adventure.
(New Subscriber) Good choice mate :-) Looking at the 701 LR myself...Interesting drone footage :-) Looking forward to your continuing videos and the upgrades you do to the bike :-)
James, I have no regrets at all. Not sure if you have seen my other video on how I have turned this into an Adventure bike (fairing, cruise control, heated grips etc.). but I sold my GS and have zero regrets. BUT... and this is the key thing... Most of my adventure riding is on dirt. So I ride a bit of tarmac to get to the dirt tracks, but then I can usually put together huge adventure rides that are predominantly off road, and that is when the Husky shines. When I am sitting on 110kmh, the Husky is quite comfortable (except the seat which I am going to upgrade) but it is NOT as comfortable on road as the GS.
Thanks for your reply! My wife is a hard NO on selling the GS and I think since all of the riding I use the GS for is no-road (usually I have a second off-road bike) i’d likely miss the comfort, handling and carrying capacity of the GS. I am going to keep an eye out for a good value 701 though for next winter’s off-road season. Might be pushing a little outside the budget but will be watching! That drone you use looks amazing! The Mavic Air is nowhere close in terms of tracking. Safe riding!
@@jamesb1412 Makes sense. Godo luck.. yes, the Mavic is a great drone for manually flying, but for autonomous flying the Skydio is still hands-down better.
It's a Skydio 2. If you want to see more about the drone and how I stress tested it, check this out.... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Mv5xLzg5W7Q.html
Only trouble so far is that my face hurts from smiling so much. Bike has been rock solid. I just did an 8-day adventure ride in The Flinders Ranges solo and the bike was PERFECT.
Brent, just picked up my 701 last week for same reason. As soon as Dave and nugget said they bought one I placed a deposit down. Looking forward to more content. Syd based, so might see you on the trails.
Nope. They don’t sell the LR any more. You can buy a kit but it is ridiculously expensive. If I need the extra range I will fit the Rade tank. Otherwise I’ll carry bladders on long haul. But I discovered that LR has a few problems like access to air filter.
Thanks, but I'm not after a "hard on".... I'm looking for a bike that I can do long distance offroad adventure rides on. I'm leaving on Friday for a 9-day trip through the Flinders Ranges (fully loaded with camping gear etc.). I would NOT want to do that on a 2-stroke. Doing a 540km leg from Adelaide to Wilpena Pound on a 2-stroke would not be fun, but I'm pretty sure the 701 is going to eat it up. By the way, I've taken the GS On some pretty wild offroad riding, so while it is big and heavy, it is more capable than most people give it credit for. Sure, it's not a 2-stroke Enduro beast, but for stuff like the BDRs it's perfect.
