HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO (2015 - on) Review
Highlights
- A fun, approachable enduro bike
- Potent single-cylinder engine
- Sophisticate suspension setup
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 67 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (35.0 in / 890 mm) |
Weight: | Low (320 lbs / 145 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesIn 2015, Husqvarna were back in business with the 701 Supermoto and Enduro, the resurgent firm’s first offering to the street bike market under KTM management.
As the 701 Supermoto is a version of the KTM 690 SMC R, the 701 Enduro is the KTM 690 Enduro.
It does away with the supermoto 17in wheels and gets a 21-incher up front and 18in rear with Continental TKC80s as standard. Husky has employed the 690 as a donor bike and made three major tweaks: to its engine maps, suspension and bodywork.
Husqvarna claim the changes steer the 701 away from KTM’s ‘ready to race’ mantra and make it more accessible, comfortable and enjoyable for the everyday rider. And Husqvarna have succeeded in their aim. By softening the suspension and making the throttle more predictable, the Enduro has become more usable, which in turn makes it more fun. It’s the ultimate big boy’s toy.
In 2021 a refresh was announced featuring small updates to the dashboard and headlight design, a Euro5-friendly engine and a fresh price tag of £8999.
There's also the Husqvarna 701LR models if you're after a longer-range bike.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Enduro gets a different front fork with 275mm of travel – it’s a closed-cartridge WP 4CS unit that’s lighter than a conventional USD fork and used by competition models. It’s softer than the supermoto fork but both bikes have easily adjustable rebound and compression damping and share the same rear monoshock with rebound, compression and preload adjustment.
The Enduro also swaps the fourpot front caliper for a twin-pot. The KTM 690 Enduro is an excellent and extremely capable off-roader and the Husqvarna is no different. It’s just as much of a weapon, except with smoother fuel maps and its new softer fork makes it easier to handle so you don’t need to be an off-road god to ride it.
Despite its long travel the front fork does a commendable job of stiffening under hard braking. The brakes are assisted by the latest Bosch 9.1 MP ABS, which can be disabled completely via a button on the dash. And the bodywork has been altered for comfort, with rubber-mounted handlebars, a more comfortable seat, and there’s an extra litre of fuel, taking the tank up to 13 litres.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityIt’s the same potent 690cc single-cylinder motor pumping out 67bhp and 50ftlb. The Husky gets three fuel maps: soft, advanced and standard (there’s also an A2-licence option). The maps are smoother and less aggressive than the 690’s with a less snappy throttle response.
Wrap your fingers round the throttle, tighten your knees on the grippy fairings and wind on the throttle – it’s impossible not to grin. The torquey engine is urgent and borderline brutal in such a lightweight chassis. It manically propels you forward, seemingly topping a ton in an instant.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe 701 comes with sweet finishing touches such as LED lights and smart branding. It’s cleverly thought out, the build quality looks spot on and overall it’s impressive.
Our Husqvarna 701 Enduro owners' reviews report a common problem with the clutch slave cylinder failure, that also affects the KTM 690 models.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThis is no everyday bike, it’s an impractical, yet excessively exciting toy, and I love it. It’s a slightly softer option than the KTM, but with the same power and torque. So for the same £8999 price as the KTM you get all the rip-roaring, shoulder-tugging fun, except it’s easier to ride and handle, with a bigger fuel tank and the Husqvarna badge.
Equipment
The 701 has swish extras such as a slipper clutch, supermoto and enduro ABS and an endo sensor (to stop it flipping). The clever supermoto/enduro ABS comes in the form of an accessory plug-in dongle that disables the rear wheel ABS while keeping it active on the front if you fancy drifting on or off-road.
Also, Husqvarna are developing adventure accessories for the Enduro, a wise move considering the popularity of aftermarket rally and adventure kits for the KTM. Extras include a taller screen and a 20-litre fuel tank, which Husky reckon will return 250 miles.
It could potentially give the 701 a serious shot in the adventure bike market as a lightweight and off-road capable option. Especially considering the 701 has a 6200-mile service interval and a ‘Bad Fuel’ map included for countries where fuel is of a lower quality.
Specs |
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Engine size | 690cc |
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Engine type | liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4v single-cylinder |
Frame type | Steel trellis frame |
Fuel capacity | 13 litres |
Seat height | 890mm |
Bike weight | 145kg |
Front suspension | WP-USD 4CS 48 mm |
Rear suspension | WP-Monoshock with Pro-Lever linkage |
Front brake | Brembo twin piston, radial caliper, brake disc 300mm |
Rear brake | Brembo single piston, floating caliper, brake disc 240 mm |
Front tyre size | 90/90-21 |
Rear tyre size | 140/80-18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | - |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £8,999 |
Used price | £7,800 - £8,300 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 67 bhp |
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Max torque | 50 ft-lb |
Top speed | - |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
2015: Model introduced
Other versions
Owners' reviews for the HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO (2015 - on)
1 owner has reviewed their HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO (2015 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO (2015 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Year: 2019
perfect all-round bike. very much reccomended!
comfort enough on and off road
very smooth and very strong relatively for being a single...
quality is very good except the clutch slave cylinder (common failure al 690 / 701 's)
10000 km / 1 year service intervals gives you a lot of peace of mind
WP xplor front fork really makes a difference in off road riding. seat is very comfortable comparing to 2015-2018 versions.
Buying experience: traded my 690 2017 to a new 701 2019 was very fast and easy...