Husqvarna 701 Enduro (2020–2022): The Apex Predator of Dual-Sport Riding

Introduction: The Call of the Wild, Refined

Throwing a leg over the Husqvarna 701 Enduro feels like strapping into a rally machine that’s been tamed for mortal riders. With its sky-high 920 mm (36.2-inch) seat height and minimalist bodywork, the bike exudes a "no compromises" attitude. But don’t let its aggressive stance fool you—this isn’t just a dirt bike with plates. The 701 Enduro is a precision tool, equally at home carving canyon roads, threading through urban traffic, or devouring rocky trails. After a day of testing this machine across mixed terrain, one thing becomes clear: Husqvarna has engineered a dual-sport that refuses to be pigeonholed.

Engine Performance: Single-Cylinder Savagery Meets Polish

Power Delivery: A Torque Monster with Manners

The 692.7 cc single-cylinder engine is the star here, delivering 74 hp at 8,000 RPM and a stump-pulling 73.5 Nm (54.2 ft-lbs) of torque at 6,500 RPM. What’s remarkable isn’t the numbers—it’s how usable they are. From idle, the engine pulls cleanly, avoiding the jerky low-rev behavior that plagues many big singles. By 3,000 RPM, you’re already surfing on 80% of the torque curve, making technical off-road climbs feel effortless. On pavement, the throttle response (courtesy of Keihin’s ride-by-wire system) is linear, avoiding the abruptness that could unsettle the bike on slippery surfaces.

Gearbox & Clutch: Slick Shifts, Slippery Slopes

The 6-speed gearbox pairs with an APTC slipper clutch to create one of the most forgiving setups in the segment. Upshifts via the optional quickshifter (standard on 2021+ models) are buttery, even under full throttle. Off-road, the clutch’s hydraulic action requires just one finger to modulate—critical when picking through boulder fields. We tested steep, loose descents in second gear, and the slipper clutch kept the rear wheel in check without the usual chassis pogoing.

Fuel Efficiency: Sipping Fuel, Devouring Miles

Despite its performance, the 701 sips fuel at 4.21 L/100 km (55.87 mpg). The standard 13-liter (3.43 US gal) tank nets a 300 km (186-mile) range, while the LR model’s 25-liter (6.6 US gal) capacity pushes that to 500 km (310 miles). For context, that’s enough to outlast most riders’ stamina on gnarly trails.

Chassis & Suspension: Ballet Dancer in Steel-Toe Boots

Frame: Trellis Meets Tactility

The chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame weighs just 8.4 kg (18.5 lbs), contributing to a dry weight of 146 kg (321.9 lbs). On tight singletrack, this translates to a bike that flicks between trees with the agility of a 250 cc enduro. Yet at highway speeds, the chassis feels planted, resisting headshake even when pushed past 120 km/h (75 mph). Much of this stability comes from the 1,504 mm (59.2-inch) wheelbase and 27.7° rake—geometry that splits the difference between motocross sharpness and adventure-bike composure.

Suspension: WP’s Off-Road Masterclass

WP’s 48 mm XPLOR fork and Pro-Lever rear shock offer 250 mm (9.8 inches) of travel, tuned for enduro versatility. Unlike some competitors’ setups, the 701’s suspension doesn’t wallow in whoops or beat you up on chatter bumps. Compression damping is firm enough to prevent bottoming during aggressive jumps but compliant over root networks. For 2021, Husqvarna added preload adjusters to the shock, a welcome tweak for riders juggling between solo trail rides and two-up fire road touring.

Brakes: Stopping Power, On-Demand

Brembo’s 300 mm front and 240 mm rear discs (with twin- and single-piston calipers, respectively) deliver relentless stopping power. The Bosch 9.1 MP ABS is a revelation—in "Supermoto" mode, it allows rear-wheel slides while maintaining front intervention. During testing, we disabled ABS entirely with the optional dongle, revealing a brake setup with enough feel to balance the rear tire on the edge of traction.

Electronics Suite: Silicon Brain, Dirt Soul

Ride Modes & Traction Control

Two ride modes tailor the engine’s personality: - Mode 1 (Street): Sharp throttle response and proactive traction control (MTC). Ideal for wet pavement or gravel-road novices. - Mode 2 (Off-Road): Smoother power delivery, allowing controlled slides and wheelies. MTC intervenes only when rear spin exceeds 30%.

The lean-angle-sensitive MTC is witchcraft in practice. Climbing a muddy, off-camber hill, the system subtly trimmed power to maintain drive without killing momentum. Hardcore riders will still disable it, but for most, it’s a safety net that doesn’t feel intrusive.

Cornering ABS: Safety Beyond the Pavement

Bosch’s Cornering ABS considers lean angle, preventing front washouts during trail-brake turns. On a gravel-strewn hairpin, the system modulated pressure to keep the front wheel rolling while the rear danced sideways—a level of control usually reserved for MotoGP electronics.

Competition: How the 701 Enduro Stacks Up

KTM 690 Enduro R: The Sibling Rivalry

• Weight: 149.5 kg (330 lbs) vs. Husky’s 146 kg (321.9 lbs)
• Engine: Same 693 cc LC4 engine but tuned for 74 hp vs. KTM’s 73 hp
• Suspension: WP XPLOR vs. KTM’s WP APEX—Husky’s setup is plusher on small bumps
• Electronics: Nearly identical, but Husqvarna’s dash is more intuitive

Verdict: The 701 edges out with better ergonomics and standard quickshifter (2021+), but KTM counters with a broader dealer network.

Yamaha Tenere 700: The Adventure Alternative

• Engine: 689 cc CP2 parallel-twin (73 hp) offers smoother highway cruising
• Weight: 204 kg (450 lbs) wet—a dealbreaker for technical trails
• Price: Yamaha’s $10,299 MSRP undercuts Husqvarna’s premium

Verdict: Tenere 700 excels in long-distance comfort but can’t match the 701’s off-road agility.

Beta 500 RR-S: The Purist’s Choice

• Weight: 114 kg (251 lbs) makes it a woods weapon
• Engine: 478 cc single (45 hp) lacks highway legs
• Tech: No ABS or ride modes—old-school simplicity

Verdict: Beta wins for hardcore enduro but fails as a streetable machine.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Key Service Intervals

• Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,214 miles) with SAE 10W-50 full synthetic. Use Motorex Cross Power 4T (available at MOTOPARTS.store) for optimal clutch performance.
• Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km (12,427 miles). Intake: 0.10–0.15 mm (0.004–0.006 in), Exhaust: 0.20–0.27 mm (0.008–0.011 in).
• Chain: DID 520MXZ2 chain lasts 15,000+ km with proper care. Pair with Supersprox stealth sprockets for durability.

Common Upgrades

• Air Filter: Twin Air dual-stage filter improves airflow and dirt protection.
• Exhaust: Akrapovič slip-on sheds 3 kg (6.6 lbs) and amplifies the engine’s bark.
• Seat Concepts Comfort XL: Lowers seat height to 890 mm (35 in) without sacrificing foam density.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Cold Starts: If the Keihin EFI hesitates below 5°C (41°F), install a RapidBike EVO fuel tuner.
• ABS Errors: Common after deep water crossings. Cycle the ignition to reset.

Conclusion: The Unbounded Dual-Sport

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a passport to terrain others can’t reach. From its telepathic chassis to the tech-laden electronics, every component whispers, “Go further.” Yes, the seat height intimidates, and the maintenance demands respect, but these are small prices for a machine that redefines versatility. In a world of compromises, the 701 Enduro is a rare beast that refuses to choose.

Ready to conquer your next adventure? Explore our curated selection of Husqvarna 701 Enduro upgrades at MOTOPARTS.store—where performance meets passion.

Specifications sheet