Is this a terrible idea?

A Husqvarna 701 owner's perspective on whether a supermoto is a good choice of bike for riding through winter.

[@Parakitedude]

After 2x 701e and 1x701sm i can say that there are some small adjustments needed…. Start with turn off the traction control, with the traction control activated it feels as there are something wrong. Buy the dongle… Change the footpegs to the ralley, the original is riddicolusly small… Buy the comfort seat and you can drive forever…with the original seat I felt horrible after 1h

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

Dude I just tried it today without TC and it is noticeably smoother 🤯 (I already have the dongle) - I really didn’t think that it would make aby difference, thank you for the tips!

[@6Twisted]

I think to myself I wouldn't mind a factory "supermoto" for the road but then I remember a 450 is almost 50kg lighter. A 450 doesn't have ABS, long service intervals or indicators but you also don't have to carry about a small person in extra weight.

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

It all really depends on the usage and your appetite for doing maintenance - You might enjoy this video by Lamb Chop Rides where he discusses the pros and cons of owning a highly strung 500 KTM EXC vs the likes of the 690/701: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWrcgaWclrWXpNk

[@albiedenham6719]

Get some Ducati throttle spacers takes the slack out of the throttle really helps for slow speeds same with the fuel optimiser there a must have mod and if you really want to liven it up go for a 15t sprocket

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

Thanks for the suggestions! I do already have the fuel optimiser but I think it's still a bit lean 😬 maybe due to the exhaust

[@MargusMoto]

I am actually one of these people considering the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono supermoto, although I would rather want to have it's dual-sport sibling, alas it doesn't exist yet and there is no word whether it would manifest in the near future.. So I would go the next best thing: get the supermoto and slap a set of Scorpion STR Rally tires and that would be enough for my kind of "off-roading". And though I have done it in the past, I would not ride it in the winter. Even without the blizzards and snow, any time there is even chance of near freezing temperatures they would start pouring that disgusting goop on the roads that will eat through any unprotected metal of which there is plenty of on a motorcycle..

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

I'm really excited to try the Ducati, although I'm kind of hoping it wont be too amazing because I just bought a 701 😅 but damn those undertail exhausts are so delicious looking! I remember well your videos riding in the depths of winter, on your BMW wasn't it? It's definitely not ideal but if you have the time and energy to stay on top of the cleaning it can be worth it. I get a bit stir crazy if I don't ride for too long so I end up going out anyway, goop be dammed!

[@MargusMoto]

@@TheRoadWarrior96 Yeah, I get the same itch really quickly when winter hits, but right now I just have to suck it up and wait.. Possibly this is the reason why I often get an itch for a new bike over the winter, just to have something to drool over 😆 I have no idea what to expect from the Ducati Mono. I’m a bit apprehensive they would make it too sporty to be a good all-rounder, so won’t preorder one, but definitely want to be the first ones to try it out.

[@MargusMoto]

@@TheRoadWarrior96 Aah yeah, and it was the BMW that got the trashing in the winter (and in the summer as well cone to think of it..). But it was a cheap thing compared to all the toys after that. 😄

[@girlinagale]

Same wet slushy road traction hazard on Honda crf300L. I spent way too much on a 550 Performance ecu remap and it's worth the investment.

[@ojlbrickwork8092]

I've still done zero up grades lol and not even 350miles I've had it since July

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

Hope you get to spend more time on it, ideally once the weather improves 😊

[@ojlbrickwork8092]

@TheRoadWarrior96 yer bro hopefully

[@yamimk]

Have CCM 604 supermoto love it would like to try the 701

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

I've only ever heard good things about those bikes, real shame they don't make them anymore, probably an emissions thing? I would expect the 701 to feel more refined but probably less raw/connected. I used to love my old DRZ for being that way; it was so easy to get along with and have fun on. Definitely go for a test ride on a 701 (or a 690) if you can, I think most dealers will have got their demo bikes in for spring at the latest.

[@Robbiemoto]

Until you can get a remap for sure get the fuel dongle. It really does sort out that low speed fuelling. It’s a cheaper and quicker option and very easy to fit. I’ll be getting mine remapped maybe April/ May time.

[@TheRoadWarrior96]

I have got the dongle and I'd say it makes it managable but still far from perfect. Where are you getting yours mapped if you don't mind me asking? I only know of BHP UK at the moment.

[@Robbiemoto]

@@TheRoadWarrior96 It’s BHP I was planning on taking it too. I spoke with them at the bike show. I’ll be getting the 1290 done later in the year too but the 690 needs it more.