Long, long Term Review Husqvarna 701 KTM 690.

[@ramonbostic]

Got ny 701 new in 2017 and have love every minute of it! Couldn't imagine any other platform meeting my needs like this one!

[@AwesomePlayers]

It is in a league of its own.

[@billcotton1551]

Hi Riley! Good to see you. The Players got me into dual sport riding in 2013, and I'm still doing it in my 70s. Once in a while, I will pull up a video ,and watch Henrik do a water crossing.

[@AwesomePlayers]

It's good to hear you're still at it. I'll be 60 soon, so I guess I'm still a youngster.

[@bradsanders6954]

There is nothing like these bikes. The power they make, the way they work on dirt or pavement. Can be slid around like a big dirtbike, which is what they are. Easy to ride. I had an early 620 Lc4 that got plated in CA. A wild ride, fun and uncivilized, kick only. Then I waited, and I waited, and picked up a 2021 690 Enduro. A really fun bike!

[@AwesomePlayers]

I’m with you on that.

[@AusMoto]

Good to hear it's treated you well, definitely seems like the unicorn dual sport/adv bike!

[@AwesomePlayers]

No machine is perfect but with T7 power and CRF300 weight it is truly alone.

[@maciekzdeb]

Great review and I like the thoughtful mods, especially the label idea.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Only took me 7 years to do that!

[@Speelbird]

I am proudly wearing your sticker on my 701

[@AwesomePlayers]

Awesome!!

[@MotNodgir]

I purchased a new 690 R in 2015. It has been flawless and awesome to this day.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Great to hear!

[@jonasw3053]

Great Vid my Guy! Cant wait to drive mine :D

[@AwesomePlayers]

You will love it.

[@Nerb1]

Those label maker labels are a good idea... I think I'll do that!

[@AwesomePlayers]

Next graphics kit will have them printed in place for sure.

[@kai-uweoch1159]

A year ago, almost exactly, I got rid of my 901 and after several big heavy twins got myself a 2022, shortly preloved (7500km) factory kit lowered 701. Could not be happier and did almost 15.000km on it this season. I am surprised you did only 30.000 in nine seasons, considering how much fun this bike is! I only had one issue so far, which was a half electric blackout. That was after a night on an open train car in heavy rain between Innsbruck and Hsmburg. Half, because the bike was still perfectly rideable, but I had no lights, indicators and display. Disapeared as quickly as it came, guess there was some water somewhere it shouldn’t be. Regarding water: good to know the bike floats, but I am really hoping I will never need to try this! 😅 The biggest advantage of this machine is that I will be able to get it out of any muddhole on my own, so I can try tracks I wouldn’t dare to test with a big twin and 50kg more weight. The perfect explorer bike! Longest trip so far: 7000km in three weeks from Stockholm to Albania and back through Italy. So mine needs to run the distance, while yours is obviously more into the technically difficult stuff. However we don’t have much legal technical riding in Scandinavia, since there are zero legal single trails! Did you mention the really low level of vibrations, condidering this is one huge piston moving up and down?

[@AwesomePlayers]

True about the vibes my 16 has the least sophisticated engine but the vibes are fine.

[@bradsanders6954]

@@AwesomePlayers My 21 690? I had heard KTM fixed the vibe issue and sure enough they did. The mirrors dont blur, the footpegs are less vibey than my 890R. It is a VERY civilized and fast big single. Super easy to ride on dirt, to make crazy power it has to be revved up, below that its an easy dial a slide bike. Like a big flattracker. I ride it around with out revving it a lot and get 55mpg. Which is crazy mileage. The newer ones. 22 and up I think? Are euro 5 spec. Meaning the controls are more controlling, and the exhaust temp runs 91 degrees hotter. So a 21 is not a bad year to get for a 690.

[@bradsanders6954]

I watch videos of guys riding BDR's? All on big twins, to be a real ADV guy you have to ride a huge bike with 100HP. And when the going gets tricky those bikes are too big. It can be done yeah, but jeeze something like a 690 or 701 vastly simplifies the whole experience. Especially if you dont over load it. I can pick up my 690 pretty easy. My 890? It can be done, its not good though. If it fell the wrong way in the wrong spot it might take 2 people. So I take the 690 places I wouldnt take the 890.

[@jasonmc8442]

​@@bradsanders6954for those living in the Americas the 690/701 platform is still euro 4...

[@Duckhunterbow]

I've had my 2015 690 since 2016 and I love that thing. No issues and everytime I ride it it still puts a smile on my face. I sold my drz400 and mt-07 and got the 690 and it's like 700 sportbike power in a dualsport.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Same here. If it blew up or burnt up I think I would just buy another.

[@ericsweetadventure]

Love my 701, same 2016 but with full omega rally kit. Have the gas cap on back for same reasons and love it. I don’t suffer from ‘flappy bags’ fortunately, still young. Also have pannier racks on back which I appreciate for extra protection. Loved this bike when it showed up. I spent time on the seat modifications, ended up putting in a gel insert into the seat which has worked for long rides. I’m with you, won’t be replacing mine either.

[@AwesomePlayers]

I really find it odd that there are so many people out shopping for a do everything bike who don’t ever consider this platform.

[@ericsweetadventure]

@ I think it’s a bike that commands your attention. It’s tall and putting the two together I think intimidates some riders. I found I grew to love it once I found comfort at speed. It loves you when back when you let it rip a little.

[@stefanemanuelsson2201]

Not every day one get to hear and see that intro again. Never change it ❤ Coming from Sweden myself (where Husqvarna originated) it kind of saddens me to know that they are glorified KTMs today. Would not dare buy one. From watching lots of videos it seems consistent that the KTMs are the ones breaking down the most

[@AwesomePlayers]

Issues with the 780/890/901 for sure. As I mentioned in the video lots of success in our crew with the 690 platform. Amazing considering the performance.

[@bradsanders6954]

the internet will make you believe almost any bike is crap. The reality is these 690/701's are great bikes, if you value performance in a single, there is no other bike. I have the 690, and an 890R, neither bike has had problem 1. 21,000 miles on the 890 its a GREAT bike.

[@sandrobotticelli2978]

Hi Sir, Thank you for the great Video. I have olso a 701 and travell around in Europa. I am 83 jears old and ouwn 😅a lot of other bikes in my life. I like the Power and the weight from my Husky. Wish you the best and Greets from Hungary.

[@AwesomePlayers]

That is great to hear. The 701 really is a crazy package with so little mass and all that power. Cheers.

[@Shereefe]

Finally !!! Nicely done ! Great video and fantastic bike

[@AwesomePlayers]

@@Shereefe I know you like yours!

[@Shereefe]

@ me loves it

[@brianveestrom6784]

Excellent long term review Sir Riley.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Thanks dude!

[@docwyte]

I love the 690/701 platform. I had two 640 adventures, then a ‘17 690, now a ‘21 701. They’re all class leading, unicorn dual sports

[@AwesomePlayers]

640, now there was a paint shaker. I still find it hard to believe that my buddy Jason took it all the way across Canada and then down to Terra Del Fuego.

[@JDesignSwe]

Yes ! New video! :D

[@AwesomePlayers]

@@JDesignSwe Finally!

[@simonh6866]

Great video, well done. I too have the 701 but the LR. how do you find the suspension and have you done anything to it? I find it quite hard and have replaced the front valves with the K-tech ORVES kit and now looking at softening the rear spring rate.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Glad you enjoyed the video. As far as the suspension goes, I haven’t done anything except a fork service on the front end. I’m quite heavy so I could probably do with some firmer springs and it is on my to do list this winter to get that done. The 2016 model has a different suspension than the later models and apparently is known for being quite harsh, but I haven’t had that as my personal experience. I still think it is one of the few bikes that actually leaves the factory with half decent suspension.

[@2fastnlight]

Nice long term test

[@AwesomePlayers]

Thanks!

[@bandolin1216]

Great review bud. Good job. For the algorithm. 😉

[@AwesomePlayers]

Thanks bud.

[@TheAlifantastic]

Perfect review. Because of the power the engine never gets overworkedunlike other bikes

[@AwesomePlayers]

Never thought of it that way but my bike certainly doesn’t run at anywhere near full power very often.

[@xsrdxvideo]

Great review, agree on all points. Tall bike, stock gearing is too high, needs an exhaust can and few bits to protect it, make it fit you and run cooler.. Scads of power, very capable if not perfect stock suspension, comfortable ergonomics once you replace the seat lol... have enjoyed my 2017 from the get go, the closest you'll get to a unicorn combo of DS/ADV that's light and agile enough to go almost anywhere with enough power to run with road bikes on pavement...nothing else like it.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Well said! Closest thing to a unicorn for sure.

[@TheBookaroo]

Hi, nice video thank you, for the metal skid plate I had the same issue on my WR250R, I added bed liner strips on the inside to damp the sound, worked great…

[@AwesomePlayers]

@@TheBookaroo Yuubare ver welcome! I’ve heard that bed liner works well. The original aluminum plate I had didn’t protect the linkage or rear slave cylinder so I needed to upgrade anyways. Cheers.

[@fluffycat087]

Awesome , this is the unicorn bike.

[@AwesomePlayers]

I've got to agree. Cheers.

[@EnduroPaul]

Loving my 690✊🏼

[@AwesomePlayers]

Good to hear.

[@simonedeturris3704]

Love my beast! Goes like hell!

[@AwesomePlayers]

They sure do. Too much power if anything.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I've lusted after the Husky 701's since they came out. You did a great job telling us what the bike is all about. I have a 501, and. T7, if it weren't for riding a lot of freeway miles the 701/690/700 could do it all for me.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Your two bike solution is pretty sweet.

[@BlackdogADV]

I took my 2017 701 from Portland to Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. I have 20,000 miles on it and only replaced the chain, sprockets and guides.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Sounds like a hell of a trip.

[@ogasi1798]

they are a beast, they really are - when you ride them you understand

[@AwesomePlayers]

They truly can be scary if you let them rip.

[@JoelStorm-j3u]

I had a KTM 690 and it was a great bike. I had the suspension lowered 2 inches and it was worlds beyond my DR200 and CRF 250!!!

[@AwesomePlayers]

I think this winter I will finally take the suspension in and have it sprung for my weight. Might even have it lowered an inch.

[@jdesmo1]

@@AwesomePlayers Hi, When you lower suspension 1-2" , don't you lose some ground clearance?

[@AwesomePlayers]

@ Yup

[@przemysawpietrucha7275]

😍👍THX!

[@AwesomePlayers]

You are very welcome.

[@flossfly1783]

The anodized gas cap keeps dirt out and increases horsepower (according to cross training enduro hehe)

[@AwesomePlayers]

All true. Also enhances male performance.

[@PeterR0035]

❤❤❤

[@yoshiklx5942]

Ok I’ll be the old DR650 Curmudgeon in the comments! Here we go! One thing that bugs me when anyone compares the KTM690 platform is they always seem to quote dry weight and crank HP for their KTM and then the wet weight and rear wheel power for the DR/XR etc! DR650 starts at factory 43.5hp (crank) before mods and 324lbs dry. Mods get you another ~5hp and I’ve dropped 15lbs weight off my own bike even after skidplate rack etc. obviously the old thumpers want a lot of improvements, but for a $5000 (CAD$) good used bike and maybe $2000 to go full hog on mods you’ve got a well built out machine. The KTM is obviously much more impressive out of the box. Still needs mods though, all of which are double or triple price. So you’re looking at $15k + to get where you’re at. If you’ve got the cash to throw at it, go nuts I guess. But apples to apples I’ll say it’s definitely not twice the bike for twice the money. And yes I’ve ridden a 690. Lastly I’ll throw in that I think a well built DR is actually better in the tight stuff. (For a Bushpig) lower seat height, more bottom end grunt. RANT OVER! No hate. Love the channel. Whatever gives you the most smiles per gallon. Ride on!

[@AwesomePlayers]

Hi there. When I made the video, I knew I would hear from the DR gang. I agree with a lot of what you are saying. As with most things, double the money doesn't always get you twice as much. I've ridden quite a few Mighty DRs over the years. I never felt the magic, but many I know do. No right answers, just compromises. Thanks for the well-thought-out commnet.

[@yoshiklx5942]

Well I feel like I’ve done my duty for the lot of us! Thanks for hearing me out. Of course I’d love that WP suspension and 74hp.I would further argue that out here in BC, I’m hard pressed to find a used 690/701 for less than about $9k, but can’t throw a tire spoon without hitting a half built out $4500 DR650. But maybe we’re just shy on bike money out here cause our housing is so overpriced🤷‍♂️ Cheers 🍻

[@ibuti01]

I should do a review of my 690, it's aging well 63151 kms on the dial for the past 3 years and I haven't spent as much as Cher to get there. I wish I could get it down to 900kms like yours though, maybe if I remove the APORMC stickers.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Odometer failure is your friend!

[@user-ktm890rider]

I got the 890 adventure r but I think my next bike will be the 701 or 690 would be nice to be ah little lighter 😎🍻

[@AwesomePlayers]

I have a 901 and my 701 feels like a toy compared to it. If you need to choose get the 701. Much prettier than the 690.

[@daveking9508]

I rode twice that distance on my first 690 without any serious problems.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Amazing for such a high performance motor.

[@boromisa]

Do you have part number to the tie down moose racing loop?

[@AwesomePlayers]

I put a link in the description.

[@bradsanders6954]

BRP makes a cheap plate that doesnt raise the bars as much, but allows the forks to be lowered.............and mounts the scotts damper for under 100 bucks. But they dont readily advertise it. The want you to buy the 500.00 damper mount.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Good to know. I was amazed at how much the prices on many of these items had gone up in the last few years.

[@DCV65]

How about the seat concepts seat ?

[@ibuti01]

I'm pretty sure it's damn comfy compared to stock, not Goldwing comfy but way better than stock. I have one on my 990 Adventure and it's good.

[@AwesomePlayers]

The 2016 had a weird seat with raised ridges right where you sat. It was killer painful. The Seat Concepts XL is much, much better, wider and flatter, which can make the bike feel a bit taller. I bought the kit with the foam and cover and installed it myself.

[@AwesomePlayers]

Ivan, everything is better than your homemade abomination on the 690!

[@DCV65]

@AwesomePlayers , hi mate, yeah, I was asking because it almost looked standard in the vid. Hard to see the shape, but the back looked quiet thin like stock. I still run stock seat on my 17 and we just did 1700klms over 3 days with the longest day being 800klms. Have thought about changing it, but i can live with it most rides. I had one on my 690 and it was ok.

[@marcpigeon7796]

Wow 5000 hits

[@AwesomePlayers]

@@marcpigeon7796 Keep watching it over and over again Marc!

[@fritsjanssen5882]

Nice review, and i want to give you my compliments abortus the way you are speaking. It is verry nice to hear. I think you also would be great to comment an annimal movie or so. I like your tone. And no, i am not gay😂

[@fritsjanssen5882]

About

[@AwesomePlayers]

Thanks Frits. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jonny24lv]

CRF250L all the way, always gets the Job done, just a bit slower :) But maybe the new DRZ 4S 2025 might change my mind :D

[@AwesomePlayers]

I have witnessed a 250L run wide open for hours on end. Definitely a solid machine in the Honda tradition.

[@j0rdan9016]

Anyone experience bad vibrations though the throttle tilll your hands are beyond numb?

[@AwesomePlayers]

Most of the vibes I get are from aggressive tires. Holding the bars loosely really helps.

[@mototrailz]

8 years and 30,000 😱

[@AwesomePlayers]

Some years she barely got used.

[@jasonmc8442]

30k but at an avg speed of 20kph... That's a lot of hours... ;)

[@skdemars]

How are the vibrations on that? I agonized debating between the 501 and 701 and ended up on the 501. That has crazy vibes that needed lots of help to tone down for my style of riding (BDR-ish exploration rather than hard enduro).

[@AwesomePlayers]

The 2016 doesn't have the double balancers, but the vibes are fine. I think on mine most are from the aggressive tires. Newer models have even less, which must be even jammier. Will it be four-cylinder smooth? No. But not an issue.

[@billcotton1551]

I think your bike weighs about the same as my CRF 300l Rally, with over twice the HP.

[@AwesomePlayers]

That is the beauty of it for sure.

[@D.E.X]

"... hard off-road riding..." = "insanely stupid fun off-road, off-trail, off map, off-the-wheels, bumbling and stumbling about Give'er! riding" [which we appreciate as much as you believe we do (no crash recorded is a waste of a crash)].

[@AwesomePlayers]

Bad riding makes good video as we say!