Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Husqvarna 701 Enduro, a bike that's been generating a ton of buzz in the adventure riding community. Is it the ultimate adventure bike? Well, that's what we're here to find out. We'll cover everything from its engine performance and handling to its comfort and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Husqvarna 701 Enduro

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is a single-cylinder motorcycle designed for both on and off-road riding. It's known for its powerful engine, lightweight chassis, and high-quality components. The bike is powered by a 692.7cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces around 74 horsepower. This makes it one of the most powerful single-cylinder bikes on the market. The 701 Enduro also features a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame, which provides excellent rigidity and handling. It comes with long-travel suspension, typically WP XPLOR forks and a WP rear shock, offering a smooth and controlled ride over rough terrain. The bike's minimalist design and aggressive styling give it a distinctive look that appeals to many adventure riders. Its dry weight is around 320 pounds, making it relatively lightweight for an adventure bike, which enhances its off-road capabilities. The 701 Enduro is equipped with modern electronics, including ride-by-wire throttle, switchable ride modes, and lean-angle sensitive traction control. These features help riders manage the bike's power and maintain control in various riding conditions. The seat height is relatively tall, which can be a challenge for shorter riders, but it provides excellent visibility and allows for aggressive riding in technical terrain. Overall, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro is a versatile and capable motorcycle that's well-suited for both weekend adventures and long-distance touring. Whether you're exploring backroads or tackling challenging trails, the 701 Enduro offers a thrilling and rewarding riding experience. The bike's robust engine, combined with its lightweight chassis and advanced electronics, makes it a top contender in the adventure bike market. However, it's essential to consider the bike's limitations, such as its single-cylinder vibrations and limited wind protection, before making a purchase.

Engine and Performance

Let's talk about the heart of this beast – the engine. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro boasts a 692.7cc single-cylinder engine, and let me tell you, it packs a punch. This isn't your grandpa's thumper; it's a modern, fuel-injected powerplant that delivers smooth and predictable power across the rev range. You get around 74 horsepower, which is more than enough to get you into trouble on and off the road. The engine is incredibly responsive, thanks to the ride-by-wire throttle. This means that even the slightest twist of the wrist results in immediate acceleration. The bike also features switchable ride modes, allowing you to tailor the engine's response to different riding conditions. Whether you're navigating slippery trails or cruising down the highway, you can easily adjust the power delivery to suit your needs. One of the standout features of this engine is its torque. It pulls strongly from low RPMs, making it easy to tackle steep hills and technical terrain. You don't have to constantly downshift to find the sweet spot; the engine just chugs along, providing ample power whenever you need it. Of course, being a single-cylinder engine, there are some vibrations. However, Husqvarna has done a good job of minimizing these vibrations through the use of a counter-balancer. While you'll still feel some buzz, it's not excessive and doesn't detract from the overall riding experience. The engine is also surprisingly fuel-efficient. You can expect to get around 50-60 miles per gallon, depending on your riding style. This means you can go for long distances without having to worry about running out of gas. Overall, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro's engine is a major highlight. It's powerful, responsive, and fuel-efficient, making it a joy to ride in a variety of conditions. Whether you're a seasoned adventure rider or a beginner, you'll appreciate the engine's versatility and performance.

Handling and Suspension

When it comes to handling, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro truly shines. Its lightweight chassis and well-balanced design make it incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver both on and off the road. The chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame provides excellent rigidity, which translates to precise handling and stability. The bike feels planted and confident in corners, allowing you to push it to the limit without feeling like you're going to lose control. The long-travel suspension is another key factor in the 701 Enduro's impressive handling. It typically comes with WP XPLOR forks up front and a WP rear shock, both of which are fully adjustable. This means you can fine-tune the suspension to suit your weight, riding style, and the terrain you're tackling. On the road, the suspension soaks up bumps and imperfections with ease, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. Off-road, it excels at absorbing impacts and maintaining traction, allowing you to confidently navigate challenging trails. The suspension also offers plenty of travel, which is essential for tackling jumps and other obstacles. The 701 Enduro's lightweight also contributes to its excellent handling. At around 320 pounds dry, it's significantly lighter than many other adventure bikes on the market. This makes it easier to handle in tight situations and allows you to pick it up more easily if you drop it. The bike's seat height is relatively tall, which can be a challenge for shorter riders. However, it provides excellent visibility and allows for aggressive riding in technical terrain. The riding position is comfortable and upright, which makes it easy to control the bike in a variety of conditions. The 701 Enduro also comes with high-quality brakes, which provide excellent stopping power. The front brake is a single disc with a Brembo caliper, while the rear brake is also a single disc. The brakes are responsive and offer plenty of feel, allowing you to modulate them precisely. Overall, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro's handling and suspension are top-notch. It's a bike that inspires confidence and allows you to tackle any terrain with ease. Whether you're carving up twisty roads or exploring challenging trails, the 701 Enduro is a joy to ride.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Let's face it, adventure riding often involves long days in the saddle, so comfort is crucial. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro, while not a plush touring bike, strikes a decent balance between off-road performance and on-road comfort. The seat, while relatively firm, is surprisingly comfortable for extended rides. It's narrow enough to allow for easy movement when standing up off-road, but still provides enough support for sitting down on the highway. The riding position is upright and neutral, which reduces strain on your back and wrists. The handlebars are wide and offer good leverage, making it easy to control the bike in a variety of conditions. However, some riders may find the handlebars to be too low, especially for long-distance riding. Fortunately, there are aftermarket risers available that can raise the handlebars and improve comfort. One of the biggest drawbacks of the 701 Enduro is its lack of wind protection. The bike has a small windscreen, but it doesn't offer much protection from the elements. This can be a problem on long highway rides, as you'll be exposed to wind, rain, and bugs. However, there are aftermarket windscreens available that can provide more protection. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro also lacks some of the creature comforts found on other adventure bikes, such as heated grips and a comfortable passenger seat. However, these are things that can be added aftermarket if desired. The vibrations from the single-cylinder engine can also be a factor in comfort, especially on long rides. While Husqvarna has done a good job of minimizing these vibrations, they are still noticeable. However, most riders get used to them over time and don't find them to be a major issue. Overall, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro is a reasonably comfortable bike for adventure riding. It's not as plush as some other bikes on the market, but it's comfortable enough for most riders. The upright riding position, comfortable seat, and wide handlebars make it easy to ride for extended periods of time. However, the lack of wind protection and vibrations from the engine can be a drawback for some riders.

Features and Technology

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is packed with modern features and technology designed to enhance your riding experience. One of the standout features is the ride-by-wire throttle. This system provides precise and responsive throttle control, making it easy to manage the bike's power in a variety of conditions. The bike also features switchable ride modes, allowing you to tailor the engine's response to different riding situations. You can choose between a more aggressive mode for spirited riding or a more relaxed mode for cruising. The 701 Enduro also comes with lean-angle sensitive traction control. This system helps prevent wheel spin when cornering, providing added safety and confidence. The traction control system can be adjusted or turned off completely, depending on your preferences. Another notable feature is the ABS (antilock braking system). The ABS can be switched off for off-road riding, allowing you to lock the rear wheel for better control in loose terrain. The bike also features a slipper clutch, which helps prevent rear-wheel lockup during aggressive downshifting. This can be especially helpful when riding off-road or on slippery surfaces. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is equipped with a digital instrument panel that displays all the essential information, such as speed, RPM, fuel level, and gear position. The instrument panel is easy to read and provides all the information you need at a glance. The bike also has LED lighting, which provides excellent visibility and helps you stand out on the road. The LED headlight is especially bright and provides a clear view of the road ahead. Overall, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro is a technologically advanced motorcycle that offers a range of features designed to enhance your riding experience. The ride-by-wire throttle, switchable ride modes, traction control, and ABS all contribute to a safer and more enjoyable ride. The digital instrument panel and LED lighting are also welcome additions.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the Husqvarna 701 Enduro into its strengths and weaknesses to give you a clear picture of what this bike brings to the table.

Pros:

• Powerful Engine: The 692.7cc single-cylinder engine delivers plenty of power and torque for both on and off-road riding.
• Lightweight: At around 320 pounds dry, the 701 Enduro is significantly lighter than many other adventure bikes, making it easier to handle.
• Excellent Handling: The lightweight chassis and well-balanced design make it incredibly nimble and easy to maneuver.
• Long-Travel Suspension: The WP suspension provides a smooth and controlled ride over rough terrain.
• Modern Technology: Features like ride-by-wire throttle, switchable ride modes, and traction control enhance the riding experience.

Cons:

• Vibrations: The single-cylinder engine can produce noticeable vibrations, especially on long rides.
• Limited Wind Protection: The bike lacks wind protection, which can be a problem on long highway rides.
• Tall Seat Height: The tall seat height can be a challenge for shorter riders.
• Limited Comfort: The seat is relatively firm, and the bike lacks some of the creature comforts found on other adventure bikes.
• Price: The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is relatively expensive compared to some other adventure bikes on the market.

Final Verdict

So, is the Husqvarna 701 Enduro the ultimate adventure bike? Well, it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a lightweight, powerful, and capable bike that can handle both on and off-road riding with ease, then the 701 Enduro is definitely worth considering. It's a blast to ride, and its modern technology and high-quality components make it a top contender in the adventure bike market. However, if you prioritize comfort and wind protection, or if you're a shorter rider, then you may want to look at other options. The vibrations from the single-cylinder engine and the tall seat height can be a drawback for some riders. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Husqvarna 701 Enduro is the right bike for you is to take it for a test ride. This will give you a chance to experience its performance and handling firsthand and see if it meets your needs. Thanks for joining me on this review, and happy riding!