Looks like we misjudged Husqvarna. Just a couple days ago, we figured the 701 lineup wouldn’t be updated this year, and lo and behold, the company has proved us wrong, and updated the bike again, just in time for Intermot.
First off, horsepower and torque are up, to 74 hp at 8,000 rpm and 52.6 lb-ft at 6,750 rpm. Those numbers are up 6 hp and 4.4 lb-ft respectively. That’s more horsepower and the same torque as the 690 Duke, which the 701 is based on (the 690 Duke R still rules the single-cylinder segment, at 75 hp).
Other changes: Thanks to the motor updates, service intervals are increased to 10,000 km (respectable for a four-stroke European motor). Engine vibration is lessened, thanks to a secondary engine balancer shaft, and there’s supposedly an extra 1,000 rpm of usable power as a result. There’s also a new 50 mm Keihin throttle body, with no mechanical linkage to the handlebars, for the total ride-by-wire experience. Both bikes are also Euro4 compliant now, as well.
We haven’t heard of Canadian availability or pricing yet, but would expect to at some point in the coming weeks.
GALLERY
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