So, you're thinking about the Husqvarna 701 Enduro, huh? Guys, you've come to the right place! This bike has been making waves in the adventure and dual-sport world, and for good reason. It's a machine that promises both on-road comfort and off-road prowess. But is it really the ultimate adventure bike? Let's dive deep into this Husqvarna 701 Enduro review and find out!

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 powered by a 692.7cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces around 74 horsepower and 73.5 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its strong low-end torque and responsive throttle, making it well-suited for a variety of riding conditions. The bike features a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame, which contributes to its agile handling. It also comes with high-quality suspension components, including WP XPLOR forks and a WP rear shock, offering adjustable damping and preload. The 701 Enduro is equipped with modern electronics such as ride-by-wire throttle, selectable ride modes, and traction control, enhancing its versatility and safety. Its fuel capacity is approximately 13 liters, providing a decent range for adventure riding. The overall design emphasizes a balance between performance and practicality, making it a popular choice among adventure enthusiasts. This bike stands out due to its blend of a powerful engine, advanced technology, and robust build, tailored for riders who demand both capability and reliability in their adventures.

Engine and Performance

Alright, let's talk about the heart of the beast – the engine and performance of the Husqvarna 701 Enduro. This bad boy boasts a 692.7cc single-cylinder engine, and let me tell you, it's a firecracker! The power delivery is incredibly smooth and tractable, making it super easy to manage, whether you're navigating tricky singletrack or cruising down the highway. That single-cylinder thumper churns out around 74 horsepower and a whopping 73.5 Nm of torque. What does this mean for you? It means you've got grunt for days! You can lug it through low-speed sections without constantly shifting, and when you need to overtake someone on the road, just twist the throttle, and it responds instantly. The ride-by-wire throttle adds to this responsiveness, giving you precise control over the engine's output. Now, some might be concerned about vibrations with a single-cylinder, but Husqvarna has done a fantastic job of minimizing them. Sure, you'll feel some vibes, especially at higher RPMs, but it's not enough to become annoying. Plus, the engine is surprisingly fuel-efficient. You can easily get around 20-25 kilometers per liter, depending on how aggressively you ride. This gives you a decent range for those longer adventure rides. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro also comes with selectable ride modes, allowing you to tailor the engine's characteristics to the terrain. Mode 1 offers a more aggressive throttle response, perfect for off-road riding, while Mode 2 provides a smoother, more relaxed experience for on-road use. Traction control is also a welcome addition, especially when riding in slippery conditions. Overall, the engine and performance of the 701 Enduro are top-notch. It's a versatile and capable machine that can handle just about anything you throw at it.

Handling and Suspension

When it comes to adventure bikes, handling and suspension are key, and the Husqvarna 701 Enduro doesn't disappoint. This bike is surprisingly nimble, thanks to its lightweight frame and well-balanced design. The chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame provides a solid foundation, giving you confidence both on and off the road. One of the standout features of the 701 Enduro is its WP suspension. Up front, you've got WP XPLOR forks with adjustable compression and rebound damping. These forks are incredibly plush and soak up bumps and ruts with ease. Out back, there's a WP rear shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping. This shock provides excellent traction and control, even when the going gets rough. The suspension components work together to provide a comfortable and controlled ride, whether you're tackling technical trails or cruising down the highway. The bike feels planted and stable, inspiring confidence in a variety of conditions. The Husqvarna 701 Enduro also has a relatively low seat height for an adventure bike, making it accessible to a wider range of riders. This is especially helpful when navigating challenging terrain, as it allows you to easily put a foot down if needed. The bike's narrow profile also contributes to its agility. It feels much lighter and more manageable than some of the larger adventure bikes on the market. Of course, no bike is perfect. Some riders may find the suspension a bit soft for aggressive off-road riding. However, this can be easily addressed with aftermarket modifications. Overall, the handling and suspension of the Husqvarna 701 Enduro are excellent. It's a well-balanced and capable machine that can handle a wide range of riding conditions.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Let's be real, comfort is a huge factor when you're planning those long adventure rides. Now, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro isn't exactly a luxury touring bike, but it's surprisingly comfortable for what it is. The seat is firm but supportive, and the riding position is relatively neutral. You're not too leaned forward, and your legs aren't cramped up. This makes it easy to spend hours in the saddle without feeling too fatigued. The handlebars are also well-positioned, giving you good control and leverage. However, some riders may find the stock handlebars a bit too low for their liking. This can be easily remedied with aftermarket risers. One thing to keep in mind is that the 701 Enduro is a relatively tall bike. If you're on the shorter side, you may find it a bit challenging to reach the ground. However, the bike's narrow profile makes it easier to manage than some of the larger adventure bikes. The wind protection on the 701 Enduro is minimal, as it's designed primarily for off-road riding. However, you can add an aftermarket windscreen if you plan on doing a lot of highway miles. The bike's vibration levels are also relatively low, which helps to reduce fatigue on long rides. Overall, the comfort and ergonomics of the Husqvarna 701 Enduro are decent for an adventure bike. It's not the most luxurious machine on the market, but it's comfortable enough to handle long days in the saddle. Plus, there are plenty of aftermarket accessories available to customize the bike to your liking.

Electronics and Features

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro isn't just a bare-bones machine; it comes with a decent array of electronics and features that enhance its versatility and safety. The ride-by-wire throttle provides precise control over the engine, while the selectable ride modes allow you to tailor the bike's performance to the terrain. Traction control is another welcome addition, especially when riding in slippery conditions. It helps to prevent wheelspin and maintain traction, giving you added confidence. The 701 Enduro also features a digital instrument panel that displays essential information such as speed, RPM, fuel level, and trip meters. The display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. One of the standout features of the 701 Enduro is its advanced ABS system. The ABS can be switched off completely for off-road riding, allowing you to lock up the rear wheel when needed. However, when riding on the road, the ABS provides added safety and stability. The bike also comes with LED lighting, which provides excellent visibility, especially at night. The LED headlight is bright and illuminates the road ahead clearly. Overall, the electronics and features of the Husqvarna 701 Enduro are well-designed and enhance the bike's overall performance and safety. It's a modern machine that's equipped with the technology you need to tackle a variety of riding conditions.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break it down, the nitty-gritty – the pros and cons of the Husqvarna 701 Enduro. No bike is perfect, and it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.

Pros:

• Powerful and Versatile Engine: The 692.7cc single-cylinder engine delivers plenty of power and torque for both on- and off-road riding.
• Excellent Handling: The lightweight frame and well-balanced design make the bike surprisingly nimble and easy to handle.
• High-Quality Suspension: The WP suspension components provide a comfortable and controlled ride in a variety of conditions.
• Advanced Electronics: The ride-by-wire throttle, selectable ride modes, and traction control enhance the bike's performance and safety.
• Relatively Lightweight: Compared to other adventure bikes, the 701 Enduro is relatively lightweight, making it easier to manage off-road.

Cons:

• Limited Wind Protection: The bike's lack of wind protection makes it less comfortable for long highway rides.
• Firm Seat: The seat can be uncomfortable for some riders on long journeys.
• Vibration: The single-cylinder engine produces some vibration, especially at higher RPMs.
• Price: The Husqvarna 701 Enduro is relatively expensive compared to some of its competitors.

Final Verdict

So, is the Husqvarna 701 Enduro the ultimate adventure bike? Well, that depends on your definition of "ultimate." If you're looking for a comfortable touring bike with all the bells and whistles, then the 701 Enduro might not be the right choice for you. However, if you're looking for a lightweight, powerful, and versatile machine that can handle both on- and off-road riding, then the Husqvarna 701 Enduro is definitely worth considering. It's a bike that's built for adventure, and it's sure to put a smile on your face every time you ride it. Just be prepared to make some compromises in terms of comfort and wind protection. But for many riders, the 701 Enduro's off-road capabilities and thrilling performance more than make up for these shortcomings. So, if you're ready to take your riding to the next level, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro might just be the perfect bike for you!