Husqvarna 701 Supermoto [2016-2019]: The Apex Predator of Street-Legal Supermotos

Introduction

The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a declaration of war against the mundane. Born from decades of offroad dominance and refined with Austrian engineering precision, this machine redefined what a street-legal supermoto could be during its 2016-2019 production run. With a snarling single-cylinder engine, featherweight chassis, and track-ready components, the 701 Supermoto is a riotous blend of hooliganism and sophistication. After a day of carving canyon roads and threading through urban sprawl, one thing becomes clear: this bike doesn’t just ride roads – it owns them.

Engine Performance: The Thumper That Thunders

At the heart of the 701 Supermoto lies a 692.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine – a masterpiece that proves “big bore thumpers” aren’t just for dirt trails. Let’s dissect why this powerplant feels like a controlled explosion:

• Brute Force Meets Precision: The 105mm bore and 80mm stroke (4.1 x 3.1 inches) create an oversquare design optimized for high-revving aggression. With 74 hp at 8,000 rpm and 71 Nm (52.4 lb-ft) of torque at 6,750 rpm, it’s the most potent single-cylinder engine in its class. The forged Mahle piston and dual spark plugs ensure crisp throttle response, whether you’re lofting the front wheel at 30 mph or chasing redline on a straightaway.

• Ride-by-Wire Wizardry: The Keihin electronic throttle serves up three riding modes – Standard, Soft, and Advanced. “Advanced” unleashes the beast with hair-trigger sensitivity, while “Soft” tames it for rain-slicked commutes. There’s even a “Bad Fuel Map” for questionable gas stations – a nod to the bike’s dual personality as a globetrotting mischief-maker.

• APTC Slipper Clutch: This hydraulic marvel isn’t just about smooth downshifts. It’s your safety net when you’re backing it into corners like a MotoGP reject. The clutch pull is lighter than a café racer’s ego, making stop-and-go traffic surprisingly bearable.

Real-World Impressions: Twist the throttle in Advanced mode, and the front wheel levitates with cartoonish ease. Yet unlike traditional supermotos, there’s no vibration-induced numbness – the counterbalancer shaft and rubber-mounted footpegs turn this single into a smooth operator. Fuel economy? Expect 4.2-4.5 L/100km (56-52 mpg) if you’re sane, but let’s be honest – you won’t be.

Chassis & Handling: A Scalpel in a World of Butter Knives

Husqvarna’s chrome-moly trellis frame is the backbone of a machine that weighs just 145 kg (319.7 lbs) dry. Paired with premium WP suspension, the 701 transforms chaotic urban jungles into your personal playground:

• WP Suspension Setup:
• Front: 48mm USD forks with 215mm (8.5") of travel – stiff enough for parking lot wheelies, plush enough to swallow potholes.

• Rear: WP monoshock with Pro-Lever linkage and 250mm (9.8") travel. Preload and rebound adjustable for riders from 60kg (132 lbs) to 100kg (220 lbs).

• Geometry That Bites:

• Rake/Trail: 25.8° rake with 101mm (4.0") trail – sharper than a Ducati Panigale.

• Wheelbase: 1,504mm (59.2") – the same as a Yamaha MT-07 but with 10x the aggression.

• Brembo’s Finest:

• Front: 320mm disc with radial 4-piston caliper (enough stopping power to rearrange your internal organs).
• Rear: 240mm disc with single-piston floater.
• ABS: Bosch 9M+ with disengageable rear (Supermoto mode) for parking lot drifts.

On The Road: The 890mm (35") seat height intimidates until you’re moving – then it disappears. Flicking between traffic cones feels like piloting a 125cc, but with the authority of a liter bike. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires (120/70-17 front, 160/60-17 rear) offer ludicrous grip, though seasoned riders will swap them for stickier rubber like Michelin Power Cups.

Design & Ergonomics: Swedish Minimalism Meets Mad Max

Husqvarna’s design team channeled IKEA’s simplicity and the Swedish winter’s harsh beauty:

• Bodywork: The ribbed radiator shrouds aren’t just styling cues – they’re knee grips for when you’re hanging off like a trials rider. The 13L (3.4 gal) polyamide fuel tank is cunningly hidden beneath the seat, lowering the center of gravity.

• Color Schemes: The signature blue/yellow/white livery isn’t subtle – it’s a rolling middle finger to conformity. Matte finishes dominate, hiding scratches from inevitable off-road excursions.

• Digital Dash: A monochrome LCD that’s basic but effective. No frills, no distractions – just speed, gear position, and engine mode.

Rider Triangle: Unlike cramped sportbikes, the 701’s upright bars and slim profile let you move like a dirt bike rider. The downside? Wind protection ends at 110 km/h (68 mph). Solution? MOTOPARTS.store’s adjustable windscreen ($149) for highway comfort.

Competition: How the 701 Stacks Up

1. KTM 690 SMC R (2016-2019)

• Pros: Same LC4 engine, slightly cheaper.
• Cons: Heavier at 149.5kg (330 lbs), less refined electronics.
• Verdict: The 701’s evil twin – same DNA, less polish.

2. Aprilia SXV 550

• Pros: 70hp V-twin scream, track-focused.
• Cons: 500-mile oil changes, reliability quirks.
• Verdict: A garage queen vs. the Husky’s daily warrior.

3. Yamaha WR450F Supermoto Conversion

• Pros: 30kg (66 lbs) lighter, MX agility.
• Cons: Needs constant maintenance, no ABS.
• Verdict: For purists; the 701 is civilization’s answer.

The 701’s Edge: It’s the only supermoto with a 10,000 km (6,200 mi) service interval. Combine that with Bosch ABS and ride modes, and you’ve got a bike that’s as practical as it is psychotic.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Tamed

Key Service Points:

1. Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km with 1.7L of SAE 10W-50 (MOTOPARTS recommends Motorex 7100 10W-50 Kit - $89.99).
2. Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km. Intake: 0.10-0.15mm (0.004-0.006"), Exhaust: 0.20-0.25mm (0.008-0.010").
3. Chain Care: DID 520ERV3 X-Ring chain with 16T/42T sprockets (MOTOPARTS Pro Kit - $219).

Common Upgrades:

• Brakes: Swap pads to Brembo SC (ceramic) for 20% better bite ($129/pair).
• Suspension: WP Pro Components spring kit for heavier riders ($379).
• Exhaust: Akrapovič Slip-On (gains 4hp, saves 3kg - $699).

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Cold Starts: If idle fluctuates below 1,650 RPM, clean the Keihin injector with MOTOPARTS Fuel System Cleaner ($14.99).
• ABS Errors: Common after wheelies. Cycle ignition to reset.

Conclusion: The Supermoto That Spoils You Rotten

The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It turns grocery runs into Gymkhana practice and commute routes into personal time trials. While rivals focus on being either civilized or crazy, the 701 masterfully straddles both worlds.

Is it perfect? The mirrors vibrate at highway speeds, and the fuel range is a nervous 150 km (93 mi) when ridden hard. But these are small prices for a bike that makes every ride feel like a stolen joyride.

Final Word: For those who’ve outgrown liter bikes but still crave adrenaline, the 701 Supermoto isn’t an option – it’s an inevitability. And with MOTOPARTS.store’s catalog of upgrades, your only limit is your imagination (and local traffic laws).

Specifications sheet