At first glance, especially from a distance, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro looks like a dirt bike with mirrors and a chunky frame and back end. And after 50km on tar and dirt, I have some first impressions I want to share.

If you want the straight-to-the-point analysis on the 701 Enduro - simply put - it’s just a big ass dirt bike that you can take on the road. And that’s all you need to know.

But as I’m sure you have come here for a little more, here is what I have found so far.

Likes

The power is broad and grunty. The 692.7cc single is great for off-road and has ample power for the road. It will cruise at 110 km in 6th gear easily and with minimal vibration. And in part that is thanks to a nice tall top gear.
The ergos are right off the FE500. The upright position allows you to attack the trail with the feeling of a real dirt bike, as well as look over the cars in front. The only noticeable difference is that it is a lot wider through the legs, but in no way is that making the bike a pig.
The exhaust is noticeable going past your ankle and it gets quite warm.
ABS works pretty darn good on the road and the button to turn it off is super easy to use and clear as to its current setting.
Gives you confidence in the dirt.
It is not full of fancy electronics and switches everywhere, which I like.
I think it looks better than its cousin, the KTM 690 Enduro R.

Dislikes

The gap between 1st and 2nd gear is too tall for slower navigation through the bush. Also, the gap between 4th and 5th gear is a little to wide for my preference.
The seat is rock hard which could take its toll over long periods of time on the seat. (I will find out this weekend).
ABS seems terrible for gravel roads - in particular downhill gravel roads. Though take stock that this is coming from a pure dirt rider. I can stop quicker by locking up the rear wheel and braking hard on the front. I will try and experiment more in safer conditions before writing it off completely.
Yes it gives you confidence, but as I found out, its a big girl and you need to respect it. 160 kgs fully fueled is harder to save that you imagine.
The exhaust pipe is far too big. A nice small Akrapovic, along with a tail tidy would turn this thing into something else!

So these are my first impressions after only 50 km of riding, but boy am I really enjoying this bike or what! Adventure riding never really interested me, but as the years have gone on, I am starting to see the light.

I plan to quadruple that amount of km’s this weekend by going for a tiki-tour out towards Raglan with Matt from On Throttle. Look out for a full test within the next two weeks right here at The Dirt.