Supermoto, a sport that started in Britain, gained popularity in the USA, and now has a global following, merging the worlds of street racing and motocross. This adrenaline-pumping discipline features single-cylinder dirt bikes equipped with 17-inch wheels and street tires, racing on tracks that combine asphalt, jumps, and dirt sections. It has become a proving ground for some of motorcycling’s greatest talents. The sport’s unique blend of challenges and excitement inspired the development of production models, with the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto standing out as a key player since its debut in 2016.
The 701 Supermoto’s Design and Appeal
The 2024 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto adheres to a straightforward yet thrilling formula: fit a powerful single-cylinder engine into a dirt bike chassis, add sporty wheels with sticky rubber, and prepare for chaos. Its design draws from the classic enduro bikes of the 90s, featuring a square headlight, a slim one-piece seat, and a yolk-mounted front fender. The bike’s Supermoto credentials are solidified with 17-inch spoked wheels with black anodized alloy hubs and rims, equipped with tubeless street tires. The only color scheme available is a sophisticated blend of grey and yellow with black and white accents, reflecting its hooligan spirit.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 701 Supermoto lies a 693cc, four-valve, single-cylinder motor that resists desires. This motor, with its gigantic 105mm cylinder, ought to hypothetically vibrate itself to pieces sometime recently coming to the 8,000 RPM greatest control yield of 74 drive. Be that as it may, Husqvarna’s utilization of twin-balancing countershafts mitigates the essential lopsidedness commonplace of thumpers, coming about in sensible vibrations indeed at higher revs. The 701 handles interstate extends superior to any single-cylinder bicycle you might have ridden.
Single-cylinder motors are prized for their effortlessness and low-end torque, and the 701 doesn’t baffle, conveying 54 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM. This gives amazing footing, as the single control stroke per 720-degree cycle gives the raised wheel more time to recuperate grasp between beats. Be that as it may, the 701’s control conveyance can be knotty at moo revs, requesting a certain throttle hand to induce the most excellent execution. The ride-by-wire fueling, overseen by a Keihin EMS and a 50mm throttle body, guarantees smooth throttle reaction, whereas a dual-spark barrel head progresses effectiveness.
Superior Handling with Advanced Suspension and Brakes
The 701 Supermoto features a Chromoly tubular trellis frame paired with a lightweight Polyamide subframe that integrates the fuel tank, effectively making it part of the chassis. This innovative design reduces overall weight and ensures balanced weight distribution. The extended aluminum double-sided swingarm further reduces weight, resulting in a bike that weighs around 330 pounds, ready to ride. This is nearly 40 pounds lighter than similar models like the Kawasaki Z500.
Suspension duties are handled by a 48mm WP APEX separate function fork, which offers simple, finger-operated adjustments for damping and spring rate. At the rear, a WP APEX piggyback mono shock is fully adjustable for spring preload and damping. The 701 Supermoto provides 8.5 inches of front suspension travel and 9.5 inches at the rear, maintaining true Supermoto characteristics. Despite its 35-inch seat height, the bike’s lightweight and slim leg area makes it less intimidating than its dimensions might suggest.
Braking is managed by a radial-mounted four-piston Brembo caliper on a 320mm floating disc up front and a single-piston caliper on a 240mm disc at the rear. The brakes deliver an excellent feel, and Bosch’s two-channel cornering ABS can be deactivated at the rear wheel, allowing for classic Supermoto cornering techniques. The lightweight 17-inch spoked wheels, fitted with Continental ContiAttack SM tires, provide exceptional grip in dry conditions and thrilling handling in the wet.
Minimalist Technology and Equipment
The 701 Supermoto’s technology is as stripped-down as its design philosophy: make it light, fast, and durable. The minimalist LCD and switchgear reflect this ethos, providing only essential information. The display is small, and the engine mapping toggle switch seems like an afterthought. However, when you’re riding the 701, if you need to check your speed, you’re probably already going too fast. A simple linear tachometer, visible in your peripheral vision, would be a useful addition.
Two engine maps can be adjusted on the fly. Mode 1 offers a sporty throttle response and cornering-sensitive traction control, optimizing performance and control on the street. Mode 2 provides a more aggressive throttle response and reduced traction control, enabling wheelies and drifts into corners. An optional Supermoto ABS mode disables ABS at the rear wheel, encouraging full-on sideways action.
Standard Features
- Digital LCD instrumentation
- Bosch dual-channel cornering ABS
- Two engine and traction control maps
- Brembo radial brakes
- Quickshifter
Comparing the 701 Supermoto with Its Rivals
Supermoto is a niche segment, typically dominated by manufacturers with existing dirt bike lines. This results in a limited selection of models. The 701 Supermoto competes directly with the KTM 690 SMC R and the GasGas SM 700, both of which are nearly identical. Outside of this trio, notable competitors include the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono and the electric Zero FXE.
With an MSRP of $12,995, both the Ducati and Husqvarna offer comparative control weights, suspension travel, and execution. The Ducati’s shorter swingarm comes about in a nimbler 56.8-inch wheelbase, whereas its unused Superquadro Mono motor produces 78 drive at 9,750 RPM, making it the most effective single-cylinder motor in a generation. The Ducati too brags predominant hardware, counting a 3.8-inch LCD show, four motor maps, and all-around Driven lighting.
The Zero FXE, estimated at $12,495, brings premium components like completely flexible Showa suspension, J-Juan brakes, Bosch ABS, and a full-color TFT show. Depending on state motivations, you might get discounts up to $1,500, making the Zero more price-competitive. Although its 75kW engine conveys a compelling 78-pound-foot of torque, the FXE’s restricted run diminishes the fun compared to the 701.
Should You Buy the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto?
Supermoto bikes, designed for a blend of street and dirt performance, offer a unique riding experience. The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto enhances this by adding a powerful single-cylinder engine, making it ideal for urban commuting, weekend rides, or a spirited dash up a mountain pass. Its lightweight design, excellent handling, and abundant low-end torque make it a joy to ride. While the LCD could use an update, the 701’s performance and fun factor are undeniable. Just be mindful of speed limits, as it’s easy to get carried away and attract the attention of local law enforcement.
The 701 Supermoto is a unique option for thrill-seekers and aficionados because of its origins in the history of Supermoto racing and its development into a high-performance street motorcycle. Experience an incredible and remarkable ride with the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, regardless of your level of experience as a rider.
