It is probably fair to say that Husqvarna is not the most well-known of motorcycle brands – at least in the UK.
In fact, outdoor types might be better acquainted with the name as the maker of chainsaws, mowers, garden tractors and other power tools.
Yet the motorcycle arm of the Swedish company has been in operation since 1903.
(Image: Will Rogers)
Owned by KTM since 2013 and now produced in Austria, the brand has had many successes over the years in enduro and motocross world championships.
And its quirky range of road bikes, launched in 2014, have achieved a cult popularity.
I’m a fan of them myself and had been looking forward, therefore, to testing this 701 Enduro.
Husqvarna bills the bike as a “dual sport” – one that can be used both on and off road.
(Image: Fraser Addecott)
First impressions are that it certainly looks like it has come from the off-road stable, with those big knobbly tyres, plenty of ground clearance and the long narrow seat.
The WP front fork provides an impressive 250mm of travel and is adjustable for rebound and compression.
It’s backed up by a rear WP monoshock, which also offers 250mm of movement and is fully adjustable.
The cockpit is a pretty basic affair, with a simple, but easily readable digital clock.
(Image: Fraser Addecott)
Ride position is perfectly comfortable, with wide, upswept bars and lots of slide room on the seat.
I found the ergonomics encouraged me to sit forward, motocross-style, especially when I took the Husky off-road.
The heart of the best is the excellent 690cc single-cylinder motor, as used on the KTM Enduro.
It’s one of the most powerful singles out there and it’s torquey and very lively.
The ride-by-wire throttle and Keihin fuel injection system make it manageable, though, and there are two ride modes.
The first offers a more sporty throttle response and cornering-sensitive traction control.
The second smooths off the throttle and reduces the TC, allowing for rear-wheel drift off-road. The TC can be turned off completely.
(Image: Will Rogers)
Braking is via Brembo calipers and a 300mm front and 240mm rear disc, with cornering-sensitive ABS by Bosch, and is precise and sensitive.
The 701 Enduro performs perfectly adequately on the tarmac, purring along quite happily even at motorway speeds.
It requires a little more handling at lower speeds and you wouldn’t want to be doing long miles on it, although it would be fine for a shortish commute.
But, really, this is an off-road machine – and a damn fine one at that.
It’s light (145kg dry), highly manoeuvrable, powerful, soaks up all the bumps and is generally a barrel of fun on the dirt.
So, if you want something that does all that, plus you can actually ride it to your local green lane, the Husqvarna is perfect.
(Image: Will Rogers)
The Facts
Engine: 690cc single-cylinder, four-stroke
Power: 74bhp @ 8,000rpm
Torque: 5ft lb @ 6,750rpm
Price: £8,799
(Image: Will Rogers)
*The boots I’m wearing here are the rather excellent Comp Evo 2 Michelin model, by TCX.
Specially designed for enduro, motocross and general off-road riding, they feature all-round protection, a Michelin MX sole and a breathable liner.
There’s a double flex-control system, adjustable shin plates and an internal heat guard.
The boots have reinforcements at the ankle, heel and toe.
RRP: £399
(Image: Fraser Addecott)
*The helmet is the MX670 Podium, by Nitro.
I found it comfortable, with great visibility and good noise reduction and ventilation.
It has a removable peak and a removable scratch-proof visor, if you prefer to use goggles.
The chin bar, brow vents and rear vents are all adjustable.
The liner is removable and washable, and it come with a protective cover/bag.
RRP: £119
