Ever since the Husqvarna 701 Enduro was first introduced in 2016, it’s been no secret it shares its platform with the KTM 690 Enduro R. Differences between the two bikes have varied from year to year, including bodywork, engine tuning, suspension setup, electronics, and more. Some years have had greater separation than others, but after the KTM 690 Enduro adopted the 701’s smoother twin-counterbalanced motor in 2019, many have been curious about how much of a difference there really still is.

We got our hands on a set of 2020’s and have been putting them through their paces on several different adventures. To put the rumors to rest and bring clarity on what sets the KTM 690 Enduro and Husqvarna 701 Enduro apart, we spoke with Ex-Baja Champ and current KTM product developer, Quinn Cody. He has been deeply involved in product testing and dialing in settings for these two bikes, so who better to talk to for some perspective on the differences beyond what’s available on the spec sheets.

After reviewing all the features and specs, and getting insights from Quinn, here is the scoop on how they differ:

KTM 690 vs Husqvarna 701 Differences (2020 Models)

• Weight Bias: The Husky has a slightly better front to rear weight bias when fully fueled at 45.1% / 54.9% vs. 44.7% / 55.3% for the KTM.
• Handlebars: The bars are a little wider on the 690 Enduro with a bend and height that feels pretty similar.
• Seating: The 701 has more padding on the sides in the front of the seat. Additional padding on top also gives the 701 a 0.4 inch (10 mm) taller seat height.

• Fuel Capacity: The KTM gets a slightly larger rear fuel tank 13.5 liters (3.57 gallons) vs. 13.0 liters (3.43 gallons).
• Exhaust: The shape of the exhaust canisters is different but both are roughly the same size. Differences in exhaust didn’t seem to translate into any noticeable variance in exhaust note or power characteristics.

• Torque: Husqvarna’s website claims the 701 Enduro has 71 Nm (52 lb-ft) of torque at 6,750 rpm, while KTM claims 73.5 Nm (54 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm. Quinn mentioned the mild difference could be related to the exhaust canisters.
• USB Port: The KTM gets a built-in USB port on the side of its headlight mask. The Husqvarna does not have one at all.

• Bodywork: Differences in bodywork include the headlight mask, side panels, tail lights and mirrors.
• Weights: KTM claims a dry weight of 321.9 lbs (146 kg) while the Husqvarna 701 is a bit lighter at 319.7 lbs (145 kg). We weighed both bikes fully fueled and got 350.0 lbs (158.8 kg) for the 690 and 344.2 lbs (156.1 kg) for the 701.
• Warranty: The KTM warranty for the 690 Enduro R is 12 months or 12,000 miles. Husqvarna includes a 24-month or 24,000 miles warranty on the 701.
• Price: MSRP for the KTM 690 Enduro R is $11,899 USD and the Husqvarna is $11,999 USD.

Clearly the differences in features and design are subtle for 2020. They share the same motor, transmission, chassis, wheels, tires, instruments, controls… and we confirmed with Quinn that engine and suspension tuning are the same this year.

After hundreds of miles of exploring on a range of terrain, we didn’t turn up any major differences between the two bikes’ performance either. However, the larger fuel tank on the KTM did come into play at one point when the 701 ran out of gas in Death Valley. With the extra fuel capacity of the 690, it was able to tow the 701 to the next fuel stop. The USB port on the KTM was also a nice feature to have for charging devices and running power to a GPS. And on the Husky, we noticed the extra side padding on the front of the seat was nicer on the knees when gripping the tank in both the seated and standing positions.

If you are in the market for either of these bikes, the decision probably comes down to whether you want the extra fuel range, what kind of deal you can get, and which one appeals to you more through the eyes. Whether you choose Orange or White, you can rest assured knowing both are great bikes, with a range of upgrade options available, and there are no major performance features you’ll be missing out on if you decide to pick one over the other.

Photos by Rob Dabney and Spencer Hill

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.