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FIRST IMPRESSION: HUSQVARNA 701 ENDURO

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.

ABS button lit up indicates that ABS is off. I thought it might have been the opposite.

The headlight is Enduro looking enough to be cool in my opinion. And plenty bright enough too.

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.

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