Husqvarna has pulled the wraps off its 2020 lineup and there are some surprises for the dual sport/adventure rider crowds. We’ve already written about the stunning Norden 901 adventure concept, which may or may not actually see production (fingers crossed it will). But the revised, refined and updated 701 models are not vaporware, and there’s one version in particular that should interest riders seeking a bike that can go the distance: The 701 LR. The LR stands for “long range,” and with a claimed ability to cover 500 kilometers (310 miles) between fill ups, the 701 LR can scratch that itch.

The 701 lineup consists of the Supermoto, Enduro and Enduro LR. All three get updated electronic aids that Husqvarna says will improve both safety and performance. There are new switchable ride modes, a Bosch cornering ABS system that takes lean angle into account, a new “easy” shift feature that shortens gear changes and supposedly improves rear wheel traction, lean-sensitive traction control, and new slimmer bodywork for improved ergonomics. The engine is still a 74-horsepower, throttle-by-wire, 692cc powerhouse. It’s all good stuff, improving a bike that’s already a standout among dual sport and adventure enthusiasts.

The LR model adds a separate 12-liter (3.2 gallon) fuel tank to the bike, located where you’d find a traditional fuel tank, in front of the seat. (The 701s, like KTM 690s, carry their fuel in the combination tank/subframe that supports the seat.) Dual, switchable fuel pumps allow the rider to pull gas from either tank. Videos of the bike show the tank flaring around the radiator like a shroud, similar to some of the larger aftermarket tanks. Combined with the rear tank’s 13 liters (3.4 gallons), the total capacity of 25 liters should be good for just about anywhere you’d want to ride.

Technical Highlights

• Dual fuel tank set up for a total capacity of 25 liters (6.6 gallons)
• Switchable Ride Modes – change power characteristics while riding
• Bosch cornering ABS – lean angle specific braking technology
• Easy Shift function – shorter shift times & improved rear wheel traction
• Lean-angle sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control – perfect rear wheel traction
• New graphics & slim bodywork – carefully engineered ergonomics

For the sake of comparison, that’s over a gallon more than a KTM 790 Adventure. Which means that Husqvarna has essentially built the adventure bike fans of the big single have been clamoring for since KTM introduced the platform in 2008. With some added wind protection, this Husky could stake a claim to finally being a modern version of the legendary KTM 640 Adventure. That bike carried 7.4 gallons of fuel, but it was carbureted and didn’t get the fuel mileage the 701 should return. Add in all the other features modern technology has brought, and it really does look like Husqvarna has built a worthy successor. 

Husqvarna 701 LR Specs

Author: Bob Whitby

Bob has been riding motorcycles since age 19 and working as a journalist since he was 24, which was a long time ago, let’s put it that way. He quit for the better part of a decade to raise a family, then rediscovered adventure, dual sport and enduro riding in the early 2000s. He lives in Arkansas, America’s best-kept secret when it comes to riding destinations, and travels far and wide in search of dirt roads and trails.