Husqvarna 701 - First Look

Now that Husqvarna has been owned by the KTM Group for a decent chunk of time—since March, to be exact—we're starting to see what will happen with the historically Swedish marque under Austrian ownership. At the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, there were 13 new Huskys on display—seven enduros and six motocross bikes, each based on a Husaberg model. Husaberg, for the record, has been discontinued for 2014.

Indeed, there were lots of great dirt bikes on the motocross-themed Husky stand, two-strokes and four-strokes, but most of the attention at the exhibit was focused on the Husqvarna 701, a striking new concept bike that is said to acknowledge Husky's 110-year past while also pointing to its future.

And judging by looks alone, the 701, which is powered by a 690cc single with a claimed 75 horsepower, points to a supermoto-influenced future, boasting clean, uncluttered looks that hint strongly at Scandinavian design while simultaneously celebrating the company's Swedish heritage. Perhaps the most prominent detail of the 701 is a long, ribbed white seat that reaches forward all the way to the radiator shrouds. The exhaust itself is also interesting, covered in back for improved aerodynamics and to protect the muffler.

A chrome-moly frame trellis frame carries the Husqvarna 701’s WP suspension, and the rear end is a two-piece design that incorporates the fuel tank. Husky says “countless hours” have been spent perfecting the ergonomics of the bike, to make it “seamlessly interact with the rider’s every movement in any situation.” Lastly, the headlight is a compact four-LED unit whose simplicity is very much in keeping with the untattered form of the bike.

Will Husqvarna ever build a bike such as the 701 in Mattighofen, where all the new Huskys are built? Probably not, but we thoroughly enjoy seeing how the company's designers interpret a Husky of the future, even if its prospects for production are slim.