Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/697689
HUSQVARNA 701 SM QUICKSPIN P98 S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2016 HUSQVARNA 701 SUPERMOTO ENGINE TYPE: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke, single-cylinder DISPLACEMENT: ....................................690cc BORE X STROKE:......................102 x 84.5mm HORSEPOWER (CLAIMED): ..67 hp @ 7500 rpm TORQUE (CLAIMED): ............. 68 lb-ft @ 6000 COMPRESSION RATIO: ........................... 12.6:1 STARTING SYSTEM: ............................ Electric TRANSMISSION: ................................. 6-speed FUEL SYSTEM: ..... Keihin EFI, 46mm throttle body PRIMARY DRIVE: .....................................36:79 FINAL DRIVE: ...........................................16/42 CLUTCH: ............. APTC slipper, hydraulically operated ENGINE MANAGEMENT: .........Keihin EMS w/ RideByWire, double ignition FRAME: .....Chrome-Molybdenum-steel trellis frame SUBFRAME: .... Self-supporting polyamide tank HANDLEBAR: .................... Tapered aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: ... WP-USD 4CS 48mm fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ..... WP, single shock w/ Pro-Lever linkages FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: .......................8.46 in. REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: .........................9.84 in. FRONT BRAKE: ...Brembo, 300mm single disc, two-piston caliper, ABS REAR BRAKE: .. Brembo, 240mm single disc, single-piston caliper, ABS ABS: .......................Bosch 9M+ Two Channel (disengageable, off-road mode) FRONT WHEEL: ........................... 3.50 x 17 in. REAR WHEEL: .............................. 3.50 x 17 in. FRONT TIRE: ..................... 120/70 ZR x 17 in. REAR TIRE: ..............................160/60 x 17 in. CHAIN: ........................... X-Ring 5/8 x 1/14 in. STEERING HEAD ANGLE: ............................45° TRIPLE CLAMP OFFSET: ........................33mm TRAIL: .................................................... 112mm WHEELBASE: ........................................55.4 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: ......................... 10.6 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ......................................35.0 in. FUEL CAPACITY: .................................. 3.7 gal. CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT: .............319 lbs. (dry) MSRP: .................................................. $11,299 too long, the vibes almost disap- pear. Get physical, get in tune with that chassis, throw it around and soon your cheeks will be hurting from the smile smeared all over your face. Everything on the 701 SM works better when you're giving it to it. The front dives more under heavy braking, allowing the front tire to mash into the ground and do its job, the suspension is working in its required range, the engine and gearbox are being worked and therefore happy—and soon enough the face-splitting laugh- ter, fear, adrenalin, all those feelings we love about bikes become tangible, and you won't want to get off. The braking power on a 701 SM is exceptional. There's not a lot of weight to slow down and if you disengage the ABS, you'll have plenty of opportuni- ties to practice your stoppies because the 701 SM will halt you on a dime. And wheelies? Ha! There is nary a better bike on the planet for the one-wheel salute. Just be careful: once you start playing with a 701 SM like it indeed was stolen, you'd better grow eyes in the back on your head for the sheriff who seems to just magically appear when the fun starts. The 701 SM will appeal to a very narrow band of motorcycle riders because, to be honest, there are plenty of other bikes out there that do everything that 701 does, only better. It's about as narrow-minded a machine as you can get, but those that try one at a dealer and actually ride the thing as it was designed to will likely be slapping the deposit down quick sticks, because they are ungodly fun to ride when ridden hard. If you don't ride the 701 SM like it was intended, you won't get what makes it a great bike. The Husqvarna 701 SM is definitely a case of, those who know, just know. CN Brake test: The 701 passes with ease.