Husqvarna 701 Enduro or Husqvarna 901 Norden Expedition

SKMitoff

new rider
Joined
Oct 26, 2023
Messages
1
Location
Turboneticks1
Hello, fellow riders!
I'd appreciate your input on a matter close to my heart. While I'm no stranger to motorcycles and 4x4 offroad driving, I'm venturing into the world of motorcycle offroad riding for the first time. I fulfilled a long-time dream by purchasing a Husqvarna 701 2023, which I find delightful on the TET trails in my country, despite my very limited offroad skills.

Recently, I've been pushing my boundaries by embarking on longer asphalt and motorway journeys, covering up to 500+ kilometers a day. Unfortunately, these extended road trips have taken a toll on me as the bike can be quite punishing. High-speed, long-distance rides on pavement become tedious, but I thoroughly enjoy the bike when tackling mountain passes.

I reside in Bulgaria and have aspirations of exploring TET trails in distant countries, spanning distances of 1500 to 6000 kilometers of asphalt riding for the whole trip plus the TET trails. This leaves me pondering what to do with my trusty Husqvarna 701 becouse the bigger percentage of my trips will be on asphalt.

One option on my mind is to equip it with a more comfortable seat and a rally tower to enhance its touring capabilities. Alternatively, I'm contemplating trading it for a 2024 Husqvarna 901 Norden Expedition. However, there's a catch - I don't have the opportunity to test the 901 Expedition offroad, and I'm concerned about its weight. I had a brief and uncomfortable experience with a Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom in the past, which felt too heavy both on the road and in the woods, especially given my moderate offroad skills.

For context, I stand at 182 centimeters, weigh 86 kilograms, and maintain an athletic build (I'm not exactly a lightweight).

I'd greatly appreciate your advice on this dilemma. What course of action would you recommend?
 
Honesty with yourself regarding what type of riding your want to experience is your best guide.
Obviously, you already have the machine for covering TET trails and off road riding.
As far as High-speed, long-distance rides on pavement & tackling mountain passes, might you simply just add a base model Norden 901 (Non Expedition model) to the garage?
 
You' are going to have to make a decision. More "on-road ability" or "off-road ability." Installing knobby tires on a 901 is NOT going to make it a TET machine. It's too heavy to have fun on. Especially, if the pace picks up.

I'd stick with the 701 and put trail tires on it. Something like Bridgestone TW 152 type tires on. These stick VERY well on asphalt. (Nothing is going to really work in the dirt, that won't be worn out in 3000 k's.)

Good luck with whatever you choose.
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