RUST magazine: RUST #46

KTM 690 Enduro R and HUSQVARNA FE701 (LR)
of old – for off-roading not having a
screen is no bad thing, making for a
clear view ahead. And while rally types
will be searching for aftermarket options
– and full-house road book options –
for the touring rider you’re just going to
want to clamp on a simple GPS and for
that the 701 is just fine.
THE VERDICT
I fell in love with the 701 LR over the
four days of this test. Yes, the brakes
could be a little sharper and the
suspension maybe could be a little
firmer while remaining plush, but I like
the direction Husqvarna has pushed this
machine.
I’m still struggling to find the funds and
time to go on a ‘big ride’ and frankly it
may/will probably never happen, but I’d
still love a 701 LR just for the immediate
potential it offers. Add bags, GPS and go…
Actually, I’d make one modification
before pushing off. I’d shed that Euro5
necessary muffler and fit a noncat
alternatively, maybe with a little
protective frame around it, so I could
push the saddlebags back to where they
should be and know they won’t melt! Oh
yes, I forgot, I’d also spec some bigger
‘rally’ footpegs, these ones – as on the
KTM – are just a little too modest for all
day comfort. But that’s it. Not ‘ready to
race’, instead ‘ready to adventure’ – and
that does it for me!
www.rustsports.com 43