lower your husqvarna 701

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Жыл бұрын

If you're looking to turn your Husqvarna 701 or KTM 690 enduro, into a fully capable Adventure Motorcycle chances are you will be happier if you lower your Husqvarna 701 at least a little. Adding an aftermarket comfort seat tends to add to the height of the bike, and this machine is tall compared with most bikes that you might consider for your next adventure machine. Fortunately thanks to Koubalink and Warp 9 lowering your Husqvarna 701 is actually not very technical, and is a modification that most riders can easily do in the comfort of their own garage.
The KoubaLink Lowering Link can be found at the the following link:
amzn.to/3zk5zB3
The Warp 9 Supermoto Kickstand can be found at the following link:
aomc.mx/SM-690KTMKICK-2.html
More info on this and other topics at dualsportgarage.com
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Пікірлер: 73

@areess6209 Жыл бұрын

Ive got a 2017 701 Enduro. Instant follow. Great content.

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@areess6209 Жыл бұрын

@@dualsportgarage question, did your. 701 come with the heated grips or was it an aftermarket install?

@boulderwheelies Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the informative videos! I just bought a used 2017 Enduro and I will make some changes for sure. I know Kouba has been making lowering links for years and lots of people like these but have you noticed any negative side effects at all? Tire rubbing fenders? Handling any different?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks, the bike has been perfect on road and off-road… although I’m not saying I’d race the bike with this set up… Lol :)

@TheCorneringStore 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video. I just lowered mine and your video helped out!

@dualsportgarage 11 ай бұрын

Excellent…thanks for sharing!

@angelo512 21 күн бұрын

I bought a husky witch the seller did lowered day, I’m looking to do the opposite, I need the bike back to normal high, I had a ktm from new and I remember having so much with the bike with its normal high, the husky not so much fun as it’s less high, is this bikes as tall as ktm smc r?

@TheCorneringStore 21 күн бұрын

@angelo512 my bike is still fairly high when not loaded with travel gear etc. I have the LR version of the 701 and there is no low seat to buy, but that will he the next thing I do. Shave the seat down some. A SMC would be much lower.

@zap5936 Жыл бұрын

I put the seat concepts low seat that's a little wider and it's very comfortable and the lowering link then I added 7/16 to the soul of my boots

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Excellent! I didn't see a low seat option for my 701 LR when I got my XL Comfort Kit.

@Doctor9Raccoon 3 күн бұрын

how much lower did it get? and does it work on ktm 690 enduro R (just got my first bike)

@missinglinq Жыл бұрын

Great video. Very clear. I have a 690. The only time I've laid the bike down it's because I'm on my tippy toes on the bike. I really need to lower the bike. It would be nice to see the before and after picture of the bike. Can you tell it's been lowered?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Thanks , actually the difference is barely noticeable, just looking at the bike. I have a 32 inch inseam, I dropped the bike 3/4 of an inch, but with the wider comfort seat that I’ve added to the bike I’m still not totally flat footed. I would need to go 1 inch or 1 1/4 to get both feet flat on the ground. Based on your question I’ll be sure to add some better before and after pictures on my website. Thanks!

@bretthawton Жыл бұрын

Paint can tool hack is handy!

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Kind of surprised it worked so well… only works if you put something through the handle like a socket extension… Otherwise it squeezes the heck out of your fingers… Ouch!

@Duken4evr29 Жыл бұрын

'23 701 owner here, these are my opinions on the design of these big thumpers and the advantages and disadvantages they create. These bikes already have marginal ground clearance for real off road riding as the engine is carried low and forward in the chassis. Lowering the bike exacerbates this issue. I run my forks all the way out to line 1 as the bike has a bit "stink bug" stance with a tall rear and low front. I may go with 1 step stiffer fork springs to try to balance it out better. I am an experienced dirt rider, weight about 195, and ride at a pretty good clip. Lowering the rear via linkage swap would help with seat height and the "stinkbug" issue, but swapping the linkage generally messes up the linkage ratio and therefore the rear suspension action. A better approach might be to have a suspension tuner internally shim the rear shock to slightly shorten the rear travel. Ya, you lose travel, but that is probably better than screwing up the linkage ratio. The low and forward engine placement keeps the center of gravity low and puts a lot of weight on the front end, which helps steering on the street and hard packed dirt. This trait is not so great in mud and soft sand, and despite the prodigious power the engine puts out, the bike doesn't wheelie as easily as I would expect. I was a wheelie king back in the day" on my XL 600. Can still wheelie on my 701 (with the TC turned off of course) but nothing like the old XL. The seat ergos are "flat" and modern, the rider sits on the bike and not "in" it. This makes it easy to get forward on the bike, but the seat height is tall as a result. The XPLOR suspension is also no fooling around sprung and damped firmly and nothing like your typical slushy dual sport. This is great, but the firm suspension doesn't squash down halfway into it's travel to make the bike sit lower under the rider's weight. The seat is wide, which is good for support on the street, but stiff as Hell too, so no help there! I happily deal with it - these bikes handle, and their 693cc engine is like nothing else in production, and thank goodness for my 33 inch inseam 😆

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

You are indeed fortunate to be tall enough to fit the 701 without modification, many riders are not so lucky. Either way this bike is under appreciated… Cheers!

@Duken4evr29 Жыл бұрын

@@dualsportgarage I ordered 2 step stiffer .65 fork springs for my 701 after this last ride, which really highlighted that the forks are too soft - I kept turning in the compression until it was full stiff and it felt much lighter and better, a sure sign I need more fork spring. From what I read, if it is lowered via the linkage, go up a rate or two on the rear spring to compensate for the change in leverage to keep it from going softer on you.

@Throttle.Monkey Жыл бұрын

@@Duken4evr29 I agree with you they sit high on the rear and feel nose heavy. I’m considering the 5/8” lowering link but leaving the fork height and having a play around with the settings to see if I can get a better balance.

@Duken4evr29 Жыл бұрын

@@Throttle.Monkey Have been on a few rides now with the 2 step stiffer .65 fork springs. It is much better all around for my needs. Per the fork travel indicator o-rings, I don't use the full fork travel in normal off road riding like I used to, but I will use it all if I charge into stuff hard. The forks feel pretty on point now and much better balanced with the rear. After setting the sag, the rear end has always felt good to me. I did have to go in a few clicks on rebound to compensate for the stiffer fork springs.

@zim32100 11 ай бұрын

Are you able to get both feet on the ground when stopped? I'm considering purchasing a 2023 and have a 32 inch inseam. I don't have the need to be flatfooted but would like to have both feet on the ground when stopped..

@mr.dozer.7471 Жыл бұрын

Bro. BIG 👍👍!

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@BlackdogADV Жыл бұрын

I did that but it wasn’t quite enough, so I had a suspension shop lower it another inch. Mine is a 2017, one of the tallest 701s.

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Not surprising, unfortunately unless the pivot link is filed down 1.25" is the max that most riders will be able to easily do on their own. Hopefully you're super pleased with your bike now.

@talenvar2706 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I was wondering if you found or had to fabricate a Warp 9 SM kickstand foot pad or are you doing something different? Using your video, I did the same thing with mine and dropped it 1". I find the lean on the SM kickstand a bit nerve wracking at times. I haven't found a foot pad specifically made for this kickstand. Suggestions?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Hi funny you should ask, I am evaluating several kickstand foot options to see what I can make work. I dropped my bike 3/4 of an inch and have been using the stand as is, but I would prefer something that doesn't dig into the dirt. Not satisfied with the options I've tried so far. But I will add a link as soon as I have a good option. I will follow up a couple weeks later with a short video because I'm thinking a slight mod will be required to make it work, so I will want to share that out with everyone. Thanks

@eldonhongo6095 8 ай бұрын

I lowered my KTM 690 with the same Kouba link and raised the forks as well. The stock kickstand was modified at a machine shop to be adjustable from stock length, 1/2”, and 1” lower. I then added a Tusk footpad for better security Offroad.

@talenvar2706 8 ай бұрын

Nice. I ended up getting a Vanasche footpad. They have one for use with the round head that required no modification. Works pretty good.

@evelcustom9864 2 ай бұрын

Of those comfort seats you have there, how comfortable are they for a passenger? They seem wider and cushier in the front but I can’t see that much more padding in the back.

@dualsportgarage 2 ай бұрын

The foam on both aftermarket seats are definitely better than stock, but this is not a full sized adventure bike so the comfort is limited. Definitely not a GS or Africa twin seat.

@Possumglue Жыл бұрын

Nice video. But it would have been REALLY helpful to know how to loosen the bolts on either side holding the brake and gear pedals (and the swingarm). Most of my time was spent cursing trying to loosen and tightening them. Is there a trick to it? I couldn't find anything to help me out in the shop or owner's manuals, or Google.

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Yes, similar to the pivot link where I showed two ratchets are used to keep the shaft from spinning… The swing arm bolts are the same…most find that they need to secure one side to loosen or tighten the other. I should have called that out. …Good luck.

@Jonathan-ez8tq 9 ай бұрын

I mounted the koubalink 701-1(0,75inch), the back is 15mm down, i lowered also the fork 13mm down, seat hight is now 0.6 inch lower (15mm). By the way i’m 1.83m tall, still not flat footed but it’s a bit better now :) (I have the ergo seat on the bike, it may change the high, but îm not sure)

@dualsportgarage 9 ай бұрын

Both comfort seats I tried so far made the bike feel taller, even though they claim to be stock height seats. Something to consider, although I'm always reluctant to give up ground clearance. Cheers!

@kai-uweoch1159 Жыл бұрын

I would highly recommend a torque wrench on all those vital screws and bolts, values can be found in the instruction manual!

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Agreed thanks for the reminder!

@simonh6866 Жыл бұрын

What are the torque settings for the two bolts on the link?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

The link bolts should be 100Nm (73ft/lbs) according to the owners manual but I always torque less to allow for instrument error. Here’s the link to the owners manual in case you need it. www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us/service/user-manuals.html

@simonh6866 Жыл бұрын

@@dualsportgarage Thanks for that. I'm doing mine in a few days. 👍

@aggiejet 2 ай бұрын

I have a 2020 701 and I too am looking to lower it some. I ordered a Kouba KTM8-1 (1.25”) lowering link. I can’t raise my forks that much without hitting the handlebars. (There is about 5/8” clearance) I am looking for an internal kit to lower the forks. Do you have any suggestions for that?

@dualsportgarage 2 ай бұрын

I have not done that work myself before so I don't have any links to share. Suspension tuning shops and some local bike shops can certainly do that work for you of course. If you end up doing it yourself, let us know what you find. ...Good luck!

@ronnies2wheeladventures Ай бұрын

Great video, thanks. What brand is the shorterned kickstand?

@dualsportgarage Ай бұрын

That is a Warp 9 supermoto kickstand made for the 701SM. It is worth noting that it has an unusual round foot at the end. You will find it tough to locate a compatible foot pad that improves contact patch on the dirt, but I did find one that works with the Warp 9, albeit with a tiny modification, I have a video of that here kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a-Cql92Wvaran4E.html

@ronnies2wheeladventures Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@zim32100 11 ай бұрын

In the video you mentioned a "kickstand foot" to make up for the short Warp 9 kickstand...is there a specific kickstand foot or did you fabricate it yourself?

@dualsportgarage 11 ай бұрын

I have bought a dozen different ones so far ...still in search of one that is easily modified to work with that unique round foot :( ...I even reached out to Warp 9...they had no suggestions for me...so the search continues...when I find one I can mod I will post a comment and quick video for sure.

@zim32100 11 ай бұрын

Thanks you!!@@dualsportgarage

@blacy001 25 күн бұрын

why is this a issue I'm 5'7" (1.7m for EU) I've never had a problem with my 701. in fact I think it could use more ground clearance my black dog skid plate is gonging all the time when I'm banging through single track . I mean do what you want its your bike but at lest rock it a bit before you start changing things up.

@Coldgecko Жыл бұрын

What is your thought on factory lowering kit vs the hack you did? I know its not exactly a hack -- but factory vs your solution? Also, can you do both? I am 5'8 1/2" and lowering is key to make the bike useful for me. Also lowering the seat or buying a lower seat... I know in BMW Sargent makes an amazing lowering seat without compromise -- not sure about Seat Concepts comfort in a lower seat but its also of value. Anyone have experience with comfort for Seat Concepts lower seats for 690?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Hi so I can’t say if you can combine lowering kits. Most lowering kits max out at about 1.5 or 1.6”. Kouba links go up to 1.5” but need modification of the pivot link for any Kouba link greater than 1.25”. For bigger changes you will definitely be a lot happier in the long run having a suspension shop change the internals of the shock and fork to make the suspension perform properly over a shorter range of motion. As for the seat, just a word of caution, most aftermarket seats are wider for more comfort and it’s surprising how much a little width can make the bike feel taller…as close to stock width is best if you have someone build you a custom seat.

@EarthSurferUSA Жыл бұрын

I lowered my 2019 YZ250 2-stroke, (possibly the tallest dirt bike made today, or ever). I went crazy trying to find anything that would lower it. But I rejected the lowering link because it does not actually shorten the suspension travel, but shifts the travel to bottom the tire into the bottom of the fender. I ended up talking 1" off the seat, and l75 off each end of the suspension. I advise making sure you have the correct springs for your weight and sag set before you measure how much you want to take off. I made a slight mistake by guessing, (took maybe .25" off more than I wanted, but it should turn even better, so I will leave it for now). After the right springs and sag, I should have stacked magazines under my booted feet of equal height until I got the "touch" I wanted. Then lower it equal to one of the mag stacks. For my seat, I made a cardboard template, with the bottom to be flush to the bottom of the seat, and same with the forward edge. Then I cut the top of the cardboard to the shape/height I wanted and sent them to a upholstery shop in Michigan. She did it (used the stock cover) for $80.00 and I gave her $100. Aftermarket seats may not bolt up well, or have the cut you really need, so Nichole at JB Sport Trim is an excellent service (616-894-4767). Tell her Doug Johns sent you, (she cut my seat over 2 years ago). For the suspension, I first sent it to a shop who built the shock incorrectly, so I ended up doing it myself (I have a little machine shop). But 2 MX shops called "Race Tech" and "Enzo" could do a perfect job. My advise is remove as much as comfortable from the seat first, and then measure how much you may want to take off the suspension. My YZ is so much easier to corner now. The MX bikes are so tall today, they almost have to use a berm to turn it well.

@EarthSurferUSA Жыл бұрын

but shifts the tire travel into the bottom of the fender. I ended up talking 1" off the seat, and .75" off each end of the suspension.

@cliftonsr 7 ай бұрын

Will this change rear suspension travel?

@dualsportgarage 7 ай бұрын

Yes and No. To level set... from the factory, the shock itself limits the rear wheel travel to 250mm. Because we lowered the bike and did not modify the shock itself, the rear wheel can still try to move the same total distance (250mm) ...if pushed to it's limit. So it is now theoretically possible for the rear tire to touch the fender when fully compressed. Therefore, when choosing this method, you have to be avoid launching the bike off of a huge jump. Not an issue for most of us...I have not even come close to bottoming the 701 (I'm 195 lbs plus gear). If this is a potential issue based on how you ride, sending the shock out to have an internal spacer added will lower the suspension and reduce the shock travel at the same time. For a race bike it's the only way to go. But for an adventure bike, the added time and expense is somewhat unnecessary. For perspective, Yamaha lists the lowering link is an approved option for the Tenere 700 and that has much softer suspension than the 701. Hope this helps clarify. thanks!

@nigelwayside4994 Жыл бұрын

What is you leg length to almost flat foot?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

I have lowered the bike by .75 inches and have the larger wider aftermarket seat and can touch but not flat footed and I have a 32 inch inseam. The seat basically added .75 inches while the link dropped it .75 inches. If I had a 33 inch inseam I would be flat footed on this set up. Alternatively Kouba has a link that drops the bike 1.25 inches which would do the trick also. But I actually like the current set up. …hope that helps.

@ridemfast7625 Жыл бұрын

Bought a used 2020 Husq 701 that has the Kubalink ktm8-1 lowering link and the bottom of the spring hits the swing arm when on the side stand. Anyone else check for that?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

I would also be interested to find out why, because the 8-1 should be good without any further mods according to Koubalink's instructions.

@ridemfast7625 Жыл бұрын

@@dualsportgarage The prior owner installed a stiffer spring. I was able to compare an oem 72nm spring with whats on the bike and their is an obvious difference in coil diameter. And I cant set Static Sag more than 1 1/6", it should be 1.5 inches. In other words, larger diameter stiffer spring with ktm 8-1 lowering link and thick preload adjuster is a bad combo. If the preload adjuster was not so wide/thick, I could set sag close to recommended. Not sure if that would fix the spring to swing arm clearance issue though.

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Unless you’re significantly north of 200 pounds, I would keep an eye out for an OEM spring for not a lot of dollars…ebay is my go to for something like that. Good luck.

@jamespeterson720 Жыл бұрын

What year is your husqvarna?

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

Hi, this 701 is a 2020 LR

@jamespeterson720 Жыл бұрын

Sweet same year as mine.

@motorcycleguitarsolo Жыл бұрын

I have a lowering link for my 2019 701 that I don't need anymore - send me a message if anyone is looking for one!

@dualsportgarage Жыл бұрын

@gonoisy 10 ай бұрын

Did my Subscription just make it 1000 subs???

@dualsportgarage 10 ай бұрын

Yes indeed! Huge thank you for subscribing!!! By the way what country are you located in?

@dualsportgarage 10 ай бұрын

If you’re in the US I’d be happy to send you a T-Shirt. You can message me on my Etsy shop if you’d like. Please don’t leave your contact info here on KZfaq. Thanks!

@gonoisy 10 ай бұрын

I am afraid I am in the UK 🇬🇧- I really appreciate the very generous offer of the t-shirt though, thank you.