Make These Seven Upgrades To Your Husqvarna 701. You Won't Regret It!

[@dandersonjr]

I bought my 23 701 last fall and had Rally pegs before I left the dealership. Next 6 mods I'll add in order will be rear shock pre load adjuster, rear rack, gas cap, mirrors, skid plate and seat. Maybe a wind screen and some soft luggage after that. Engine mods are secondary to me and if I really want to knock weight off the best thing for me would be to eat less.

[@martyn_g]

One thing that’s missing off the stock bike is the preload adjuster collar. You can buy it as a factory OEM part, but it baffles me why it’s not standard. Getting the spanner in there to unlock the nut on the shock, and adjust preload is quite labour intensive.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

You're right, the preload adjuster collar should be standard! It's a pain to work on.

[@caledoniawarrior]

Ive been told if your not doing 35 foot jumps that lowering the bike is a great idea as well as installing a kick stand.

[@MacawAviculture]

Money is never wasted on upgrading a street legal enduro, the more money spent, the more enjoyable is the bike! I invested $20K on my 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F including purchase, no regrets! Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Duken4evr29]

Nice bike! These really are choked up quite badly from the factory. It is a psychological problem perhaps, but I actually enjoy fixing flawed bikes that become great after fixing them more than buying "perfect" bikes from the factory. I need my bikes to need me. '23 701 here. A couple of free mods are worth mentioning that anyone can do if so inclined: 1) Remove that darn kickstand sensor. The sensor is designed to keep us from riding off with the stand down. I submit if one is riding one of these monsters they have that basic skill covered. The problem is the sensor is low and vulnerable, and if a rock takes it out, there is no trailside repair and the bike is disabled. The sensor is a fancy 3 wire "Hall Effect" deal and just splicing it's wires together won't work. The fix is to unbolt the sensor, roll up the signal wire, neatly zip tie it and store it under the seat. There is a corresponding small magnet on the kickstand itself, remove this as well. I elected to use a cut to size larger magnet and zip tied it to the sensor, as the area that actually reads the magnet is quite small. I'm amazed the stand doesn't bounce enough during hard off roading to trigger the sensor and cut out the motor as it is that sensitive. There is a "dongle" for this, but whatever, free is good! 2) Let's disable ABS and TC full time shall we? I hate having to disable ABS every time I start the bike in the dirt. I have the "off road dongle" but that still leaves front ABS active, which sucks in the dirt if you forget to turn it off. The free fix is to remove the rear ABS sensor, roll up and zip tie it's wire and store it under the seat next to the kickstand sensor. This will leave ABS and TC turned off full time, which is fine with me. The ABS and TC lights will stay on of course, just like they do when you manually disable them. I elected to keep the stock airbox, but I removed the snorkel's floor and trimmed it so just the front 1/3 of it remains, and installed the TwinAir filter which seals much better to the airbox than the stock paper job. Also running Rottweiler's O2 sensor delete dongle and PC6 with their map and a Yosh RS-77 can with no DB killer and spark arrestor. Also running Rotty's SAS and canister deletes to clean it up. The long can with no DB killer Yosh is not bad at all when cruising around, very deep and smooth and like the video says, it is great to be able to hear the exhaust note over the wind at speed. When ya get on it, the Yosh note is bare knuckle brappy, I like it. Power is way up, especially off idle and down low through the midrange and the part throttle area where the engine spends a lot of time. Top end is fearsome, ripping to 100 and beyond in no time. For gearing, I actually went the other way, going 16/45, which put it right at the SMC-R's stock gearing. Stock gearing felt wrung out at 80 and lower would be even more so. For the fire roads and moderate trails I ride it is fine with the taller gearing. It's "legs" gear to gear feel much better on the street, the quickshifter works buttery smooth now, and 75 MPH freeway cruising is all day feasible without feeling a lot of vibration or like the engine is revving a lot. Set up this way it hangs well with my friends on full ADV bikes on the road bits, cruising at 80 for extended periods when called on without feeling strained, and of course it completely destroys the ADVs once the dirt is reached. There is no way 16/45 gearing would work on a stock bike though. Thankfully, the low end torque increase is dramatic and is such that the tuned version with taller gearing is still far better on tighter trails than the choked up stock version with stock gearing. I really don't want to ride the bike on trails where I can't maintain at least 10 MPH anyway, my 300 XC is for the true gnar. I live in CO and use my 701 for canyon strafing and off road exploring, which involves covering a lot of open fast spaces and scenic 4x4 trails. I do venture onto single track and above the tree line mountain rocky 4x4 routes sometimes. I would like a wider ratio gearbox with a lower 1st for off road, but it is what it is, the bike has a good clutch when needed. The funny thing is 2nd gear is even more fun on fire roads, hanging out the rear end while turning is more controllable. I can't imagine what a laugh riot a Rotty tuned 690 platform bike is at sea level. The stock .72 shock spring and rear shock are good, but I was taxing the forks on braking bumps. I race off road in the B class on my 300 XC, and sometimes forget my 701 really isn't a dirt bike! I went with .65 fork springs and 7.5 weight fluid on the rebound side, as the firmer springs caused it to rebound fast unless I ran the adjuster 3 clicks from full stiff, and high speed rebound still felt fast as the adjuster doesn't do anything about that. A good full revalve would be nice, but the forks are good enough for me at this point. The more supportive fork springs at least got the laden sag correct, and that helped a lot. I'm about 210 in my gear. I swapped the Shorai lithium battery out of my Super Tenere into my Husky, and the stock Husky battery into the Super T. It is convenient that they are the same size. The swap saved a good amount of weight, probably 5 pounds. A totally unnecessary but nice visual mod for these is a complete graphics kit from MotoProWorks, which does offer Enduro model specific kits. They are over in Europe but I had no issues getting a cool high quality graphics kit, which really dressed it up nicely. In the end, the 690 platform isn't an adventure bike, it is a dual sport. People do add rally towers, but I like to keep it simple with just the Puig screen and the excellent Cyclops headlight. I would like the Euro bike's LED turn signals but am running the stockers until I break them. These bikes do great wheelies. I have a cheesy video on my site if ya wanna see a semi old man doing a 2nd gear flyby with lots of Yosh brappage, up to about 1/8th mile long now. A left hand rear brake would be nice for wheelie control, but geez, I am risking my license as it is at times 😄

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Wow, that’s a better review than mine. Thanks for taking the time to jot all that down. What is you page, so I can check it out?

[@Duken4evr29]

@@upshiftingadventures4034 I don't have much there, just click on my name for the wheelie video! YT won't allow links in posts.

[@jackgreen9062]

You should try a good steering damper. MSC Ralley is a brilliant piece of kit. It will save you at least a couple of crashes per year. I’ve done most of the mods that you have or similar but the steering damper is number one. Love the lightweight sprockets. I’ll be trying those. Also try a Rade Garage auxiliary fuel tank. It fits where the stock airbox goes and provides about 100km extra range and does everything the Rottweiler airbox does. The kit comes with a replacement airbox which provides a few Nm torque increase. Their led headlight is fantastic as well. Pivot pegs proved superior to the lighter Rader Garage wide pegs which again are better than stock. I fitted a Healer quick shifter and a Healer power distributor which allows you to plug in any accessories you want without adding relays or fuses. Carbon fibre bash plate is a better fix than a big plastic or alloy unit. I love mine and it is as near indestructible as you can get and weighs next to nothing. TKC80 tyres are good but not on wet sealed roads. Motor tyres are heavy. The Vapor instrument package is worth fitting as well as is a Garmin Zumo XT gps unit.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Great ideas. Priorities are really just personal preference. Mine is seat/exhaust/air filter/fuelling in one group, then maybe a few add ons

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Right on!

[@ianross225]

I’m riding a 2019 KTM 690 Enduro with Rade Garage range extender and air filter with Arrow can. I’m half way through a 4,000 mile trip in the US on TAT and BDR with 50:50 on and off road. I’m averaging 65 mpg (US). I’m keeping pace with my buddy on a Tiger 900. My safe range is over 300 miles. An amazing machine. The seat is a Seat Concepts and a Nomad tower which I think may help the aerodynamics. I have a slight pull back on my Fatbars handlebars and would add vibration damping for longer use on the highways. All in all a superb machine.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Sounds like a great set up. Have you had any mech issues at all?

[@ianross225]

@@upshiftingadventures4034 We had a scary moment at just 63 miles when we pulled in to fill the Tiger. A massive oil leak from the left side. It turned out that the bolts holding the sprocket cover were loose and oil was making it past the clutch slave cylinder. Disaster averted! It had only just occurred from the lack of oil on the tyre and elsewhere. But otherwise it’s been excellent. It needs an oil top up but that’s expected. The only issue now is to replace the Anakee Wild rear which is getting pretty low. 6 to 8 hours riding a day and great. Ok, happy to get off by the end of the day but no lasting pain!

[@anttihilja]

Great summary! Very easy gearing reduction is to put a 13 tooth in front, you don't need to touch the chain or remove the rear wheel, plus it's cheaper.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Good point about it being cheaper to just replace the countershaft sprocket, but I think you lose too much top end by doing that. But you're right, it will fix up the lag issue in a hurry. Cheers!

[@jrollom]

15/46 (stock) = 3.07 final, 15/48 = 3.20 final, 14/46 = 3.28 final. Even at 3.28 it's a little less than a 7% gear reduction, which would bring top speed from 124 to around 116. Just a FYI. Awesome video BTW :)

[@goatsmoke597]

Great review. After watching Rottweilers vid on airbox with and w/o the PC5/6, I’d include that IF doing the air filter, the PC is arguably a requirement at that point. They showed in the upper rpm range the bike got rather lean without the PC.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

I have the PC and the auto tune which eliminates almost every issue with lean or rich mixtures

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Love my 23 701. At 65 the lighter weight and power make it the perfect unicorn for me.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Absolutely. It’s the perfect bike for just about everything unless you want to burn down the highway for many miles.

[@paulfenn5060]

I ride a nicely modded '08 KTM 950 Super Enduro offroad and am used to its weight and handling. But I had a month on a brand-new 701E back in 2018 -- KTM Canada delivered it to my front door so I could review it. Three of us then trailered it and three other bikes down to Moab in April -- snowing all the way. I must agree with the low-end grunt problem -- can't believe they haven't fixed it yet, but that's KTM. And at least it is fixable. That was my main complaint, but what a pain. Had to ride the clutch and rev it through slow technical terrain, and was still unexpectedly stalling it all the time, often tipping over too. Plus a few bolts came unscrewed, which nearly caused problems. Otherwise, I can see this being the ultimate DS base. You must really be enjoying yourself with all those mods. Any dramas with electronics glitches? Do you forget to turn off the ABS when offroad? That, too, got a little hairy for me in Moab a few times. Is there an ABS delete kit?

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

I think it really is the best DS after making a few minor fixes. All the mods I've made would probably be considered over kill to many, but I love them. I think the bike is so powerful now that there isn't anything I won't attempt to climb or any terrain I wouldn't tackle on it, within reason of course. As for the electronics, I was a little concerned because we all know what happens once you start adding things to the ECU of the bike. However, so far I've had zero issues and on this last trip we experience dirt, mud, snow, rain, highway miles, washboard dirt roads, you name it. So far so good. The first thing I do when I start the bike is turn off TC and ABS, every time. They do make a dongle that I believe makes the bike remember the last setting, but it might just turn off ABS all the time, not sure. But you're right about the ABS. The rear wheel ABS is so sensitive that when off road, you might as well not even have a back brake.

[@ridemfast7625]

@@upshiftingadventures4034 The abs dongle on my 2020 turns off rear abs only. Stock allows all abs or no abs. Other years maybe different. Have the fuel dongle with yoshi pipe and no lows end issues.

[@monibegummoni5599]

🎉😮😢😮😮😅

[@paulfenn2979]

@@upshiftingadventures4034 Thanks. I'm going to try very hard to afford one this spring. I know exactly how I want to mod it now, thanks to beastly fellas like you showing us all how it's done.

[@1wheeldrive751]

If you don’t mind losing ABS, TC and the quick-shifter full time, you can just remove the rear ABS sensor (tie it up in the frame somewhere). You can always reinstall the sensor as normal and go back to stock.

[@monkeypainter808]

Upvoting and engaging because you marked the recap!

[@samsmall12]

Nice video. Lovely bike. Why change sprocket to address bogging instead of changing gear?

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Really appreciate it. It’s just easier to change the sprocket really.

[@fredricknilsson7]

An very simple way to save a few pounds is the install an LIPO battery.

[@davidh1314]

Vanasche products are top-notch Shifter, brake pedal, gas cap at least. Brapppp

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Hell Yeah! Ride on 🤘

[@adub59]

First…thanks for the video. I just picked up a new 2023 701 and am looking to build it into a better beast (and probably grenade my warranty). I have a question about two of the mods you mentioned. First, when putting on the Arrow muffler is a remap needed? I have heard more “no” than “yes”. That said, if you also open up the intake airflow I would think you would need a remap to keep a lean bike from getting leaner. Did doing intake and exhaust force you to pony up for the tuner?

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Thanks a lot for the comment. Really appreciate your thoughts on the video. With respect to the arrow muffler; no, you don’t need to have a tune. But, if you put an air intake in, with or without the muffler, the bike will lean out a lot at higher RPM’s and needs a re map. I decided from the start to do everything at once and that’s why I got the PC. I know that Rottweiler makes a fueling dongle that I’ve heard is almost as good as getting a tuner for the bike so that is an option and it’s a lot cheaper. I like the ability to adjust all the parameters instead of just adding more fuel but thats just a personal preference. Hope that answers the question for you. Cheers 🍻

[@rickreasoner8664]

I added the Rottweiler Fuel Dongle/Oxygen Sensor Plug ($40) and it improved off idle response. Yes, worth it.

[@masbaoutdoors5353]

I did as well and have no issues with low end now

[@ridemfast7625]

I bought a used 2020 701 that had the dongle installed with Yoshi pipe and twin air filter with storage box. No low end issues for me.

[@Duken4evr29]

Did the same with the O2 dongle and it was a lot better in combo with a Yosh R-77 can. Then I went with their mapped PC6, trimmed the stock airbox snorkel so only the front 1/3 of it remains with no "floor" and that unleashed the Kraken. It is all worth it.

[@atugruloz]

Have you considered replacing the battery with a lighter lithium one? What is your opinion on that upgrade?

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

I replaced the OEM battery with a lithium about a month ago. Saved 5 pounds with that upgrade. The thing I like most about the lithium is that is more easily recharged should it ever get low. The cost wasn’t too bad, I think I paid $160 for it.

[@ElGancho08]

Would this bike be too much for a brand new rider. I’m about 6’1”. 245 lbs

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

That’s a hard question to answer because it depends on so many different variables. I think that as a new rider it would be fine except for the fact that these bikes require a fair amount of maintenance so that might be a challenge. Otherwise I don’t see why it wouldn’t be just fine

[@ronanrogers4127]

For me the advantage is they’re not heavy, you’re tall enough, you can control power with your wrist, and these bikes handle so well with excellent chassis and suspension that they’re actually pretty safe

[@stevezarzana4815]

Nice review. What are specs on the sprocket and chain you added?

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

I put a Dirt Tricks 48 tooth 520 pitch rear sprocket, a super lite stock size countershaft sprocket and a DID 520 gold chain.

[@paulhalsall2435]

Hi Great build, and informative vid! One question - is there a reason you’ve not gone for the Rade Garage rally tower? This seems to be a standard upgrade on most 701’s/690r so I’m just wondering (or looking for an excuse not to get one, as they’re pricey!) why you didn’t get one.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

I like the Rade tower a lot but I decided not to go that route because I tend to ride the 701 like a dirt bike and so I crash it a lot also. I figure the tower would just get busted up.

[@paulhalsall2435]

Got ya, thanks 👍🏼

[@adub59]

I want the Rade tower, but have a reoccurring nightmare of that carbon tower getting crunched when I do something stupid.

[@nickabrahall1412]

Great review 👍

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dalehotpinky]

Does adding two teeth on the sprocket affect the speedo?

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

No. The speed sensor is on the front wheel. Not like the old days when it was in the transmissions.

[@dalehotpinky]

@@upshiftingadventures4034thanks

[@marcochavanne]

Thanks for another great video. You are really pushing me to get one of those 701s with each upload.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Thanks a ton man, glad you are liking the videos. The 701 is really a great dual sport. Probably the best out there in my opinion. Cheers!

[@RadhikaPandey-q9q]

श्री ​🎉र😊

[@fredricknilsson7]

Go get it now! Its a great bike, I got mine back in 2019 and still have it.

[@miro_s]

170mi!?! I wish! My bike is nearly stock (apart the muffler) and I do about 110mi before the light comes on.

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

On my bike the fuel light comes on with anywhere from 50 to 70 miles to empty so it still works out to about 170

[@miro_s]

@@upshiftingadventures4034 interesting. never tried to measure how long it’ll go after the fuel light. When it comes on I usually panic and dash for a service station… 😂

[@ronmiller504]

What’s your opinion on the fuel dongle that eliminates the O2 sensor?

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

I don’t have a lot of experience with that one. I have heard that it’s works pretty well though. I am using the Dyno auto tune though so It comes with a wide band O2 sensor that is included

[@BiancaRivera-ve4uv]

Haha I just seen your car and had to look up your KZbin

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Awesome, all that advertising money is paying off haha! I hope you liked the channel and maybe even subscribed. Thanks for checking it out.

[@Roberta_Esposito]

start at 7:00 skip long intro yw

[@PeterR0035]

I'm sorry but did you even research yourself this info or is it just parroting? I find most of it BS or incorrect so called upgrades; A rear sprocket and seat are a personal choice and depend entirely on how you use the bike; highway/off road mix. I don't see this as a so called upgrade... The total gear box gearing set is a bit off and you can install a different gear ratio train but that is very expensive but would be an upgrade. The original exhaust gets extremely hot because of the catalyst filter and yes is heavy. An alternate good exhaust looses about 7 lbs MAX that will make NO difference on handling. Just lose some of the beer belly, that will make a far bigger impact on how the bike handles. Regarding making MORE noise; this will just upset other people on the trail you are riding. If you need noise to be able to ride better, this means electric bike owners are not capable by default? Foot pegs yes, might be better. Led H4 replacement costs about $15. New filler cap will give you ZERO anti theft protection. There is enough of an edge so no debris falls in unless you are really careless. and WHAT ?? replacement key is $120us ?? NO, there's no chip inside the key, any aftermarket key maker will make you a spare key for $10 something !! Air intake box is useless?? It is carefully calculated and takes care of resonance intake air by means of its volume. --finally; Some REALLY important issues you don't even address; like someone else stated; Remove kickstand sensor, SAS and canister delete and O2 and ECU tune

[@upshiftingadventures4034]

Wow, I'll try to address all of your accusations but this seems like a file under "you can't make everyone happy" kind of thing. Rear sprocket and seat-well the rear sprocket is to small and causes the bike to lug at low RPM's as most all owners of the 701 enduro have experienced. It's done that way to meat governmental restriction. The Rear seat sucks, so I'm not sure how putting a better one on there isn't an upgrade. As for the exhaust, the catalytic converter is in the muffler on this bike, so removing it and putting on an after market piece will reduce that, plus 7 pounds hanging off the side of a bike DOES make a difference in handling. I'm in pretty good shape so no need to loose a beer belly, thanks for the tip though. As for noise on the trail, not even on my list of concerns. Filler cap? Not even sure how to address your issue with that one, so I won't. As for the key, sorry, there is a reason that Husqvarna provides you with a key card that has the code to get a new one cut and the cost for that is, you guessed it $120. Lastly, the video is titled Make these 7 upgrades because my friend and I took our bikes out and decided that those were the 7 upgrades he wished he's made to his bike. Enjoy the rest of your very strong drink and have a great day.

[@PeterR0035]

@@upshiftingadventures4034 I rode my 701 LR about 30.000km from Algiers in the North to the most southern point in South Africa. I had a third key copied for $2us in Kampala (Uganda) because I lost my key nr2. There is nothing special about the key, not even a chip inside; meaning that anyone that sticks and turns a screwdriver in the lock can ride it away. I don't have a problem with making everyone happy, I have a problem with "influencers" on YT selling stories without experience and promoting "the best" gear because they get it for free. Especially when shops or video's promote the loss of a few pounds/kg (at the price of hundreds of $$$ ) are supposedly bringing miracles in the handling. Most of us, me included, are not capable of even using 50 percent of the bike's capability. The biggest upgrade anyone can make is personal fitness. But yeah, that is not for sale and takes a bit of effort... That is my opinion. Cheers 🍺🍺

[@adub59]

I get where you are coming from. I had some of the same questions, but throwing in personal attacks…? Of course, hiding behind a keyboard lets you say whatever I guess….

[@PeterR0035]

​@adub59 Any youtube "influencer" makes the video behind a keyboard. If the producer doesn't like comments, he or she could switch these off. But then the video doesn't generate money. So, a lot of these videos generate money from lies AND misinform unkowledgeable people. That rocks my boat... e.g. the key story; so easy to verify; visit a local key maker shop and get a new key for just a few $$... but he replies and yaps about specific Husqvarna key codes logic. Not sorry that then I state he's an idiot!