'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 😆
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!
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
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..
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
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!
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)
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!
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.
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?
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?
@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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
Thanks for the video. Do you have torque spec for the 2 10mm bolts that needs to be held both side? (The one on the round hole in the frame with the 2 washers).
I don’t have that spec but the bolts at the top and bottom of the shock are 33 ft lbs. so using that as a guide but going a little less than spec to allow for some inaccuracy in my tool so as not to over tighten mid to high twenties is where I would start.
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 ruclips.net/video/5zzdzeXDvoM/видео.html
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.
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.
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.
I added a kickstand foot which added a little bit of height… So there’s no way the stock kickstand would’ve worked for me… Also, I don’t run much preload and loaded down with luggage the compressed suspension already makes the stock stand feel longer to begin with.
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?
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.
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?
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
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.
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?
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!
Wow sorry I almost missed this question… I can’t say for sure because I’m running an extra large wider comfort seat… nevertheless, the linkage I chose was 3/4” which I would say it’s accurate for the overall height reduction… Which is why I dropped the forks 3/4 of an inch.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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 RUclips. Thanks!
'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 😆
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!
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
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..
I would highly recommend a torque wrench on all those vital screws and bolts, values can be found in the instruction manual!
Agreed thanks for the reminder!
What are the torque settings for the two bolts on the link?
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
@@dualsportgarage Thanks for that. I'm doing mine in a few days. 👍
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
Excellent! I didn't see a low seat option for my 701 LR when I got my XL Comfort Kit.
Ive got a 2017 701 Enduro. Instant follow. Great content.
Awesome! Thank you!
@@dualsportgarage question, did your. 701 come with the heated grips or was it an aftermarket install?
Paint can tool hack is handy!
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!
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)
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!
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.
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.
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?
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 :)
Thanks for the video. I just lowered mine and your video helped out!
Excellent…thanks for sharing!
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?
@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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
Thanks for the video. Do you have torque spec for the 2 10mm bolts that needs to be held both side? (The one on the round hole in the frame with the 2 washers).
I don’t have that spec but the bolts at the top and bottom of the shock are 33 ft lbs. so using that as a guide but going a little less than spec to allow for some inaccuracy in my tool so as not to over tighten mid to high twenties is where I would start.
@@dualsportgarage thanks, I misread thr manual at first and broke the bolt. Luckily it can be drilled out and I did not have to buy a new rod
Great video, thanks. What brand is the shorterned kickstand?
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 ruclips.net/video/5zzdzeXDvoM/видео.html
Thanks!
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.
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.
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.
Was it a must to swap out the kickstand or would the stock still have worked...just higher than ideal?
I added a kickstand foot which added a little bit of height… So there’s no way the stock kickstand would’ve worked for me… Also, I don’t run much preload and loaded down with luggage the compressed suspension already makes the stock stand feel longer to begin with.
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?
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.
Thanks you!!@@dualsportgarage
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?
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
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.
Nice. I ended up getting a Vanasche footpad. They have one for use with the round head that required no modification. Works pretty good.
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?
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!
how much lower did it get? and does it work on ktm 690 enduro R (just got my first bike)
Wow sorry I almost missed this question… I can’t say for sure because I’m running an extra large wider comfort seat… nevertheless, the linkage I chose was 3/4” which I would say it’s accurate for the overall height reduction… Which is why I dropped the forks 3/4 of an inch.
Will this change rear suspension travel?
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!
What is you leg length to almost flat foot?
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.
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?
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.
@@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.
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.
❤
What year is your husqvarna?
Hi, this 701 is a 2020 LR
Sweet same year as mine.
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!
.
Did my Subscription just make it 1000 subs???
Yes indeed! Huge thank you for subscribing!!! By the way what country are you located in?
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 RUclips. Thanks!
I am afraid I am in the UK 🇬🇧- I really appreciate the very generous offer of the t-shirt though, thank you.
Bro. BIG 👍👍!
Thank you! Cheers!