HUSQVARNA ADDS RANGE
TO 701 ENDURO
H
usqvarna’s big enduro has never been at the
back of the road-going pack, but for 2020
the boffins at the Matthigofen factory have
given the big single a massive injection of ability. In off-road mode (mode 2), the lean angle
functionality is disengaged allowing the rider
to turn while using berms and ruts without the
ABS or traction control ruining all the fun.
Not only is there a new variant of the 701 entering
the market in the form of the 701 Enduro LR (Long
Range), Husqvarna has injected the 701 range
with a host of electronics. For 2020 the 701 gains
Bosch cornering ABS, lean-angle sensitive traction
control, ride modes and Husqvarna’s easy shift
system (essentially an up-down quickshifter) are
featured as standard and offer the highest levels
of safety matched to the highest performance. The brand new 701 Enduro LR joins the lineup
with the same advanced electronics as the 701
Enduro but offers additional touring capabilities
for riders wanting to travel further. Remaining a
lightweight and nimble machine, the additional
12-litre auxiliary fuel tank increases the total fuel
capacity to 25 litres, meaning the 701 LR has a
potential range in excess of 500km on a single tank.
Husqvarna has also given the 701 line rider modes,
with two modes to suit the dual personality of
the big enduro. Mode 1 offers a road focused
ride, with a sporty throttle response and
cornering sensitive MTC (Motorcycle Traction
Control) which aims to minimise wheel slip
and wheelies for “controlled street riding”.
Suspension, as usual, comes from WP with
48mm XPLOR fork and shock offering 250mm
of travel at both ends with full adjustability.
Kiwi Rider has no word as yet as to when we will
see the new range of 701s in our neck of the woods,
but we expect them to arrive early next year.
KIWI RIDER 17