Husqvarna 701 Supermoto test ride: fun bike test

YouTube hero on test ride: What the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto feels like on the road — nimble, light, with quickshifter and 74 hp single-cylinder engine.

The car park becomes a playground, the kart track a racetrack. YouTube is full of them: action-packed videos featuring sporty single-cylinder motorcycles, in which young riders effortlessly conjure wheelies and stoppies onto the tarmac. Bikes such as the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto or the almost identical KTM 690 SMC R often play the leading roles. Now I wanted to find out for myself.

First impression

Normally, I need a while to feel comfortable on a bike during a test ride. Not so with the Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. This incredibly nimble motorcycle immediately gave me a feeling of lightness and confidence. It is effortless to ride, like a bicycle. Engaging the clutch is buttery smooth and requires no effort. The quickshifter took me through the gears without using the clutch. The engine runs smoothly — nothing jerks or jolts. The suspension travel is soft and firm at the same time. The brakes are easy to modulate and bite properly.

The many plastic parts seem a little cheap, but that is probably intentional for this type of motorcycle. A few scratches are not meant to stand out, and spare parts should not be unnecessarily expensive. However, I cannot get used to the ugly circular rear-view mirrors. Overall, the 701 was smaller than expected. As a rider who is 1.87 metres tall, I feel somewhat out of place on the bike. My hands just about fit into the handguards.

Engine character

The engine did not quite meet my expectations: it reminded me of my wild days with my 50cc moped. I always had to ride that flat out to keep up with city traffic. That will not happen in town with the Husqvarna — but perhaps on country roads. I could only feel the stated 74 hp in the upper rev range. First, second, third gear for 60 km/h — I am no longer used to changing gear so often.

Test conditions

I carried out the test ride on 30.04.2021 at KTM München Nord. The 35 km ride lasted one hour, cost 1 Euro plus 3,37 Euro for refuelling. The test ride was not insured — in the event of damage, I would have had to pay the full cost.

Conclusion

The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is ideal for beginners. They can quickly and playfully gain experience, feel safe and have lots of fun. The Husqvarna's territory is narrow and short routes, both in the countryside and in the city. For long motorcycle tours, for riders taller than 1.80 metres and for relaxed riding at high speeds, the 701 is not the right choice.