Blurring the lines between adventure motorcycle, dual-sport, and dirt bike, Husqvarna’s 701 Enduro gets a couple of noteworthy upgrades for 2021, but this sporty little adventure bike (or overgrown dirt bike, however you want to look at it) rolls out relatively unchanged from the previous year with an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude.
The 701 hits the sweet spot on the power-to-weight ratio. At 322 pounds, the 701 is a true featherweight by ADV standards, weighing about half of your loaded BMW GSA. The torquey 692.7cc single-cylinder engine cranks out a respectable 74 horsepower that delivers equally well on the trails and tarmac.
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A new LCD dashboard is positioned behind the redesigned headlight and features an integrated gear indicator, as well as an RPM display. The Easy Shift allows you to cruise up and down through the 6-speed transmission without pulling the clutch. The 701’s 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, combined with 250mm of suspension travel all around, makes it an off-road beast that still performs like a boss on the pavement.
The 2021 701 Enduro features a Ride by Wire throttle and two refreshed Ride Modes designed with mixed riding in mind. Mode 1 gives a sporty throttle with cornering-sensitive traction control for zipping up the asphalt.
Once you hit the dirt, switch over to Ride Mode 2 for smooth throttle response off and road traction control. The off-road functionality reduces ABS to the front wheel and scraps it entirely on the rear for outstanding handling. Plus, traction control can be switched off entirely if you’re the kind of rider who doesn’t like being told what to do by a near-perfect machine.
Photo Credit: Husqvarna Motorcycles
Motorcycle Industry News by Eva Rupert. Follow Eva @augusteva.