Husky 701

A friend has one. Apparently a bit of a beast and possibly too much off road unless you’re pretty handy. He loved riding on road playing drifting with the traction control. That said he is now looking to sell it and get something a bit tamer

 

I had a brand new 701 SM back in 2023, never really got on with it, felt so stifled with the euro 5 restrictions. A friend of mine has one and he loves his despite having had some warranty issues.
I even bought all the parts, exhaust, filter, map etc but never added them as I knew it wasn't what I wanted. My advice would be to go and try one, maybe even consider an earlier euro 4 bike. My choice would be a Tenere 700 personally.

 

I've had 3 of them. Love them for green laning in Wilshire but unfortunately they attract thieves like nothing else. Had my garage broken into twice now so I have reluctantly given them up.

Change the OEM skid plate for an AXP; also a Vanache raised fuel cap to stop dirt getting into the fuel tank. Otherwise just some decent handguards and you are good to go. Much better on decent Michelin Trackers than TKC 80 (the later are too wide and offer little or no grip once filled with mud!

 

Let us know what you think

 

Probably benefit some gearing change from stock, I seem to think they are geared for nearly 120mph on the SM at least.

 

It’s a heavy bike for anything hardcore off road IME, dependent on your off road riding ability.
I didn’t ever like being that close to 70mph on knobblies at off road pressures.
There are a few FB pages that cover all the LC4 engined models.
Mines a Euro 5 but as I don’t frequent towns that often the low end troubles owners have haven’t been an issue for me.
I bought my GG SM cash outright from ET James (Rhyader) as an ex demo for 7k all in it had 120 Miles on the clock. I’ve put 2700 miles on it mostly B roads and unclassified roads in Mid Wales.
Haven’t had an issue with it at all, other than I haven’t time to ride it enough.
Hand guards should come as standard, they were on my SM.
If you’re off on adventures further afield you may consider a Rally screen to better protect you on the higher speed road sections.
I bought the Vanasche filler cap as the standard one is prone to snapping keys if not regularly lubed and I was paranoid about dropping it and key snapping also. You can buy the cheaper copies from China but IME the finish fades quickly.

The swingarm finish is questionable ie it quickly looks crap.

 

Had mine for 3 yrs and put on 15000 miles. Only problem was the usual leaking front sprocket drive shaft, needs the o ring changing. Put on tower, bash plate etc and used it for the TET around Yorkshire, Wales, France and Spain. Ended up buying an 890 as had that itch and whilst it’s a great bike at times I wish I was still on the 701. Couldn’t keep both as very similiar.
Fantastic bike for travelling on especially if doing any solo stuff as just gives more confidence. 890 as capable but can’t get away from the extra weight which is always on the back of your mind. Ended up getting a 390 Beta to cover all bases.

 

https://adbmag.com.au/editorial/long-term-test-beta-rr390-racing-5/. Andy

 

Re; KTM

Even the 1290 does not like twenty in second, its a 1st gear job, they are not designed for towns!
Bargain hard for any bikes in stock, KTM are against the wall atm financially and they need to clear bikes. Used values are going to take a big hit, as ever with the brand.

 

Btw, loving the look of the road focussed 690. Looks like a hoot for back lane action.

 

They are b roads and unclassified are a hoot, it’s pretty much all we ride. A-roads are just too much like motorways to me these days.

 

I know you had an extended test on the 698 Hyper..is it a better bike than the KTM based variants?

 

It’s a better built bike, screens better and the rider aids are way better.

Think it’s around 3k price gap, if money wasn’t the issue it would be the Ducati

 

Rade Garage as wasn’t a stupid price. The new tower is carbon fibre whilst mine was alloy.