Just put a deposit down for a Husky 701 Supermoto!

[jdoggg12]

Anyone on here have one or ridden one? What are your thoughts on the bike? It came down to this or the Ducati Hypermotard. I'm nervous about Ducati reliability and cost of ownership so I'm leaning towards the 701. The 2016's are sold out already so I'll be first in line for a 2017. I can always get a refund if I decide to go another route. I'm long due for an upgrade to my WR250X!

I haven't been this excited since I bought my first brand new bike, an 03 R6!

 

[Phanuel]

Uh, "worried about Ducati reliability" and seeing a Husky as a viable alternative? I r confoozle'ed. They're not even really much of a brand in the US in the first place.

I get that the supermoto market is pretty shit in the US. Basically DRZ or nothing these days. I'm not sure why KTM isn't doing anything in the segment.

 

[compman25]

Uh, "worried about Ducati reliability" and seeing a Husky as a viable alternative? I r confoozle'ed. They're not even really much of a brand in the US in the first place.

I get that the supermoto market is pretty shit in the US. Basically DRZ or nothing these days. I'm not sure why KTM isn't doing anything in the segment.

In a sense they are, the Husky 701 Supermoto.

 

[jdoggg12]

Uh, "worried about Ducati reliability" and seeing a Husky as a viable alternative? I r confoozle'ed. They're not even really much of a brand in the US in the first place.

I get that the supermoto market is pretty shit in the US. Basically DRZ or nothing these days. I'm not sure why KTM isn't doing anything in the segment.

The 701 is 90% KTM 690 SMC - same engine and most of the frame/components are the same/similar. The 690 is very highly regarded whereas Ducatis are known to have electronics issues (many do but far from from all). Duc repairs are going to be at least 30% pricier than Husky/KTM.

KTM owns Husky now and new Husky dealers are popping up all over the place.

 

[rstrohkirch]

Since you already have a 250x and know what to expect them I'm sure you'll like it.

 

[Phanuel]

The 701 is 90% KTM 690 SMC - same engine and most of the frame/components are the same/similar. The 690 is very highly regarded whereas Ducatis are known to have electronics issues (many do but far from from all). Duc repairs are going to be at least 30% pricier than Husky/KTM.

KTM owns Husky now and new Husky dealers are popping up all over the place.

So then what is the Husky niche under KTM? SMs and some dirt bikes? KTM for NorAm just seems to do naked supers and dirt bikes.

 

[jdoggg12]

Since you already have a 250x and know what to expect them I'm sure you'll like it.

Thanks - I'm sure I'll love it. Mostly just trying to find other 701 owners to see what their thoughts on it are, so far.

So then what is the Husky niche under KTM? SMs and some dirt bikes? KTM for NorAm just seems to do naked supers and dirt bikes.

BMW sold them to KTM's parent company. The move is speculated to be focused around building Husky as a luxury/premium companion to KTM.

No one seems to know why KTM pulled the 690 super moto from the North American market. It was doing well. The 701 is a very exciting option for US buyers like me that are looking for a factory supermoto that's not maintenance intensive like 95% of all true sumos.

Honestly, if Yamaha would get off their ass and release a WR450X or WR600X it'd sell like gangbusters... especially if they could do it in a package that's under 300lbs. The 300lb WR250X like mine is still highly sought after and it's only a 250!

 

[Charlie98]

Sweet! I'll bet that will be a blast to ride! ...particularly compared to your 250.

I've always considered throwing a set of sport tires/wheels on my XR650... but the cost has always made me tap the brakes.

 

[rstrohkirch]

Sweet! I'll bet that will be a blast to ride! ...particularly compared to your 250.

I've always considered throwing a set of sport tires/wheels on my XR650... but the cost has always made me tap the brakes.

Buying a used converted sumo is a much better move since the person doing the conversion eats the deprecation on all those parts. The 650r really needs a 6th gear though.

 

[JulesMaximus]

The 701 is 90% KTM 690 SMC - same engine and most of the frame/components are the same/similar. The 690 is very highly regarded whereas Ducatis are known to have electronics issues (many do but far from from all). Duc repairs are going to be at least 30% pricier than Husky/KTM.

KTM owns Husky now and new Husky dealers are popping up all over the place.

My local Ducati dealer sells Husqvarna motorcycles. I've never ridden one but I've owned 2 Ducatis now and ridden several others. I have friends who have owned several as well. They can be quirky but they aren't unreliable. I would say that maintenance is much more expensive and more frequent than other brands but most of the current liquid cooled bikes have longer maintenance intervals than bikes from 6+ years ago.

Valve adjustments and belts are part of a major service and that can be costly. Probably looking at $700-800 for a naked bike and $1200+ for a bike with plastics.

None of my Ducatis have ever left me stranded.

 

[Phanuel]

I'd want the older Aprilia sx550. Twins are more appealing to me from a lengthy riding standpoint. Would be nice for the Japanese to clone that bike. KTM needs to bring their twin back, or Husky needs to steal that engine.

 

[Z15CAM]

I saddled a HUSKIE singe back in the late 60's and early 70's. Great Moto X-Crosser but I eventually leaned toward a Bombardier Can-AM.

Gave up Moto-Cross because I was too daring endangering my life after a few broken bones no matter how much I loved it. I choose an asphalt Cafe 750 Sport Touring burner in the forum of a 71 Laverda 750 SF Breganze which I still ride today because I had to conform and respect Laws relative to HWY riding.

At 68 years old an owe my life to that 71 Breganze 750 SF.

Been through a lot of bikes over the years but kept that Breganzie ;o)

 

[rstrohkirch]

I'd want the older Aprilia sx550. Twins are more appealing to me from a lengthy riding standpoint. Would be nice for the Japanese to clone that bike. KTM needs to bring their twin back, or Husky needs to steal that engine.

A road bike with that kind of maintenance schedule would never sell well. Besides, the latest KTM 690 engines make nearly the same horsepower and more torque than that 550 did with drastically less maintenance.

 

[Charlie98]

Buying a used converted sumo is a much better move since the person doing the conversion eats the deprecation on all those parts. The 650r really needs a 6th gear though.

Wellll... since I bought the XR new in '93 (first one I could get my hands on) I think I've eaten most of the depreciation so far... I do agree, a 6th would be nice... but, boy, you'd need a steering damper for sure!

 

[olds]

I saddled a HUSKIE singe back in the late 60's and early 70's. Great Moto X-Crosser but I eventually leaned toward a Bombardier Can-AM.

Gave up Moto-Cross because I was too daring endangering my life after a few broken bones no matter how much I loved it. I choose an asphalt Cafe 750 Sport Touring burner in the forum of a 71 Laverda 750 SF Breganze which I still ride today because I had to conform and respect Laws relative to HWY riding.

At 68 years old an owe my life to that 71 Breganze 750 SF.

Been through a lot of bikes over the years but kept that Breganzie ;o)

 

[Phanuel]

A road bike with that kind of maintenance schedule would never sell well. Besides, the latest KTM 690 engines make nearly the same horsepower and more torque than that 550 did with drastically less maintenance.

I completely get that, hence why I'd never buy an Ape 550. I just also can't stomach riding a twatty large bore single around town without feeling like an absolute jackass. There's a reason the younger sumo crowd gravitates towards motovloggers who are absolutely worthless people. The bikes are ridden like jackasses everywhere by jackasses. The whole culture of the things on public roads is uncharitable to every one else.

 

[jdoggg12]

I completely get that, hence why I'd never buy an Ape 550. I just also can't stomach riding a twatty large bore single around town without feeling like an absolute jackass. There's a reason the younger sumo crowd gravitates towards motovloggers who are absolutely worthless people. The bikes are ridden like jackasses everywhere by jackasses. The whole culture of the things on public roads is uncharitable to every one else.

Really dude? What exactly makes a person a jackass for riding a thumper on the street? That's an awfully broad statement to make. Here are some parallels to your comment:

Sportbike riders are jackasses because they're only ridden by squids doing 150mph wheelies down school zones

Harley riders are jackasses because their only purpose is to piss off people trying to enjoy a nice quiet day

 

[Charlie98]

I just also can't stomach riding a twatty large bore single around town without feeling like an absolute jackass.

Something tells me that's not the only thing...

 

[jaha2000]

Wellll... since I bought the XR new in '93 (first one I could get my hands on) I think I've eaten most of the depreciation so far... I do agree, a 6th would be nice... but, boy, you'd need a steering damper for sure!

I feel you, i spent more on parts for my conversion than i did for my 650R.
Its fun on the street, until you stall it at a light and it decides its time for a kick fest.

I saw 115 in a straight line without a damper. But i also had USD forks on my bike, made the front MUCH stiffer.

 

[Charlie98]

Its fun on the street, until you stall it at a light and it decides its time for a kick fest.

Wut??? Just push the button! Wait... you don't have one of these?

 

[jaha2000]

Wut??? Just push the button! Wait... you don't have one of these?

......
I didnt even have a key. I figure if somebody knew the trick to start it they could go nuts!

 

[rstrohkirch]

Heh, that's funny. I never put an ignition switch on either of my 650r either. When I sold each one, I had to take 10min with each prospective buyer to teach them how to kick it.

 

[Phanuel]

Something tells me that's not the only thing...

No, that's it.

Find me a sumo video / rider that isn't in it to pull wheelies everywhere and jump off things?

We just had a hilarious story about a Sheriff's deputy who got busted and fired for leading a group of these clowns around SF.

These bikes have a niche, and in urban areas, it's all basically illegal to ride them how they're designed to be ridden.

And a thumper at high speed is a vibe machine, not the most enjoyable long distance ride without some kind of speed variation.

 

[jdoggg12]

Why did you come in and basically threadcrap? You basically called me a jackass for buying this style of bike.

Find me a sumo video / rider that isn't in it to pull wheelies everywhere and jump off things?

I see you ignored my previous comment. I am exactly the kind of sumo rider that you don't think exists. And I have a lot of riding friends that are just like me.

You're basing your misconceptions on the videos that you seek out. There are plenty of videos of riders like me that ride sumos because they're lighter, cheaper, easier to maintain than sport bikes, scramblers, and many standards. They're inexpensive to insure and typically get better gas mileage than other bikes. Also, they are MORE capable in tight, twisty roads than sportbikes while simultaneously being capable of handling trails and beaches too. And if I drop it on the street or the track, it's not a catastrophe like it was on any of my previous bikes.

We just had a hilarious story about a Sheriff's deputy who got busted and fired for leading a group of these clowns around SF.

Yep. It's all over the motorcycle forums. He was lambasted for doing it... period. Doesn't matter what kind of bike you're on. Don't ride like an asshat in heavily populated areas.

Harley is actually the number 1 growing segment of motorcycle stunters and hooligans? Guys like these http://www.hotbikeweb.com/bikes/journey-unknown-harley-davidson-fxr-stunts

These bikes have a niche, and in urban areas, it's all basically illegal to ride them how they're designed to be ridden.

And a thumper at high speed is a vibe machine, not the most enjoyable long distance ride without some kind of speed variation.

No, it's not. I commute on my supermoto because it's extraordinarily nimble compared to other bikes. It's much easier to split on it than it was on any sportbike I owned. The taller seating position also lets me see further down the road.

 

[jdoggg12]