First Look - 2017 Husqvarna 701 Enduro & SuperMoto

New Husky 701

Husqvarna announce upgrades to their 701 Enduro and SuperMoto range for 2017…

Husqvarna Motorcycles are proud to unveil the new 701 SUPERMOTO and 701 ENDURO, fitted with the most powerful single cylinder engine ever developed by Husqvarna delivering an additional (4.5kW) 6 hp and 3.0 Nm of torque over the previous generation while also meeting strict EURO IV emission levels. 

Always committed to innovative product development, Husqvarna have focused on introducing further advances in engine performance and reliability, while giving both new models a fresh look that remains true to the brand’s Swedish heritage.

Combining high-tech components to offer unparalleled performance, the new 701 SUPERMOTO and 701 ENDURO ensure Husqvarna riders have the perfect machinery to make the most out of any riding situation, ranging from daily commuting to adrenaline-filled on or offroad adventures.

Major Advances 

Both the 701 SUPERMOTO and 701 ENDURO are equipped with a new generation Euro IV compliant single cylinder engine that features the latest technology in terms of design and electronics. With a significantly improved power output of 74 hp (55kW) at 8,000 rpm and torque of 71.0 Nm at 6,750 rpm, the 692.7cc single cylinder power plant offers class-leading performance.

With reliability a key factor, the use of innovative solutions such as the active evacuation and forced lubrication of the crankcase ensure long 10,000 km service intervals. All the latest engine advances provide an extremely low fuel consumption that along with the lengthy service intervals massively reduces the cost of ownership in the long run. 

Smooth power delivery is guaranteed by the state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder head with its twin spark ignition. With the single overhead camshaft technology allowing for more exact valve timing at higher engine speeds, Husqvarna engineers added an extra 1000 rpm of usable power to the engine. For increased comfort and less vibrations the engine also features a second counter balancer shaft.

The Keihin electronic fuel injection features a new 50 mm throttle body that has no mechanical linkage to the throttle grip and offers better throttle response and ride-ability at small throttle valve positions.

Engine Highlights 

Increased power & torque of 74 hp & 71.0 Nm

An additional 1000 rpm of usable power 

Reduced oscillating masses for lower vibrations 

New intake resonator for improved response at low rpm 

Long service intervals & low fuel consumption 

Single overhead cam 

Double spark plugs 

Large bore & short stroke [105 mm & 80 mm] 

Forged aluminium piston 

Cutting edge ride-by-wire electronics 

701 ENDURO

The 701 ENDURO can handle both urban environments and off road terrain with ease. Equipped with the upgraded single cylinder engine, the all-new 2017 model reaches new levels of performance and versatility.

The new power plant offers an additional 1,000 rpm of usable power, which along with reduced vibrations bring single cylinder technology to the highest level. With its crisp throttle response the engine allows riders to confidently tackle off road adventures as well as their daily commute. 

Staying true to its Swedish heritage, Husqvarna have given the new 701 ENDURO a fresh look, with a white, blue and yellow colour scheme subtly enhancing the minimalistic and modern design. 

701 Enduro Benefits

Versatility & huge on road and off road capabilities

Astounding power-to-weight ratio 

Advanced electronics for smooth power delivery & sharp throttle response

Advanced safety thanks to Bosch ABS

21’’ – 18’’ high strength DID wheels

Competition-level suspension with 275 mm of travel & great adjustability 

Extensive range of accessories 

A2 licence compatible

701 SUPERMOTO

Perfectly mixing the finest craftsmanship with unparalleled single cylinder performance, the 701 SUPERMOTO brings Husqvarna’s World Supermoto Championship winning pedigree into a machine that’s versatile enough to be ridden by all. Loyal to Swedish styling for a minimalistic but highly efficient design the new model gets updated graphics, with white colours prevailing over blue and yellow.

Featuring a maximum power output of 74 hp and a torque of 71.0 Nm the updated single cylinder EURO IV engine leaves no doubt regarding performance. Combining the highest quality components with the latest electronics in terms of engine management, the new 701 SUPERMOTO takes performance and agility to a whole new level. 

701 Supermoto Benefits 

Pure, uncompromising supermoto performance 

Astounding power-to-weight ratio 

Ride-by-wire throttle delivers maximum thrills 

Competition-level brakes for maximum stopping power 

Advanced safety thanks to Bosch ABS 

Black anodised tubeless 17’’ wheels

Wide range of accessories to enhance looks & performance 

A2 licence compatible 

The new Husqvarna MY17 701 SUPERMOTO and 701 ENDURO will be presented at the upcoming Intermot show in Cologne on the Husqvarna Motorcycles booth, Hall 09.1 booth 025 and will be available in Europe from October on. 

For all details on availability and pricing, please refer to your national Husqvarna Motorcycles Subsidiary or Importer.

Jeffrey Herlings vs Jason Anderson exclusive footage MXoN 2016

Epic battle between America's Jason Anderson & Holland's Jeffrey Herlings at MXoN at Maggiora Park 2016

Walker Set To Make Weston Beach Race Debut

Jonny Walker is the latest top named rider to sign up for this year’s iconic Weston Beach Race in the UK.

Along with Walker announced, MotoGP ace Scott Redding will also take to the start line too.

RHL Activities is excited to announce that Red Bull KTM Factory Racing extreme enduro star Jonny Walker will line-up for his debut HydroGarden Weston Beach Race on October 7-9, on what will be a rare opportunity to see the Cumbrian racer compete in the UK.

At a race that historically has enabled the fans to race against the pros, Walker, one of the biggest names in off-road motorcycle racing, will join this year’s roster and will be looking for nothing less than a victory. 

The 25-year-old Cumbrian has won some of the toughest events in the world including the Erzberg Red Bull Hare Scramble, Red Bull Romaniacs, Hell’s Gate as well as the Red Bull Sea To Sky to name a few, and although he has sat out much of this season with injury, Walker came back with a bang by winning the Red Bull 111 Megawatt event in Poland just under one week ago.

Walker, a former British youth trials champion, has an affinity with some of the most notorious motorcycle events worldwide, but has yet to race anything like Weston, which comprises of a challenging sand dune course with a flat out straight. The KTM-ace has had little time to prepare and is optimistic of what he can achieve, although we all know anything can happen at this event, which is so hard on man and machine. 

The 34th running of the HydroGarden Weston Beach Race is set to be a very special spectacle, as RHL Activities is proud to have two of the most iconic off-road motorcycle riders globally with Walker now joining Robbie Maddison for this year’s event.

Jonny Walker

“I’m really looking forward to being a part of the HydroGarden Weston Beach race this year. It’s not something I’ve done before, and it certainly isn't something I specialise in, but it’s an event I’ve heard so many good stories about that getting the opportunity to race myself wasn’t one I wanted to pass up. The great thing about Weston is that it brings riders together from enduro and motocross, so it’s going to be cool to catch up with riders I don't normally get the chance to race with. It’s also a good opportunity to spend time with the race fans, and I’ve heard in general it’s a great event to be part of with a special atmosphere. I guess I got some sand practice recently at Red Bull Megawatt in Poland, but I know that Weston’s not going to be like anything else I’ve done. For me it’s just a great opportunity to enjoy and compete in a major UK event.”

Scott Redding

“Weston is something I've thought about doing many times in the past, but it always seems to clash with our end of season flyaway races, so it's not been possible before. But this year the dates have fallen just right, so I get my first chance to take on the beach race. I'm not sure what to expect to be honest. I ride motocross a lot as part of my training, but not so often on sand tracks I definitely need to get in a bit more practice on sand before heading down to Weston but there's no way to really prepare yourself for three hours of racing!”

Gareth Hockey: Director of RHL Activities

“We are very excited to have two of the most iconic off-road athletes in the world with Jonny and Robbie at this year’s HydroGarden Weston Beach Race. Jonny has established himself as one of the most skilled off-road motorcycle racers on the planet, with the incredible technical ability and endurance he’s shown while winning some of the most challenging events around the world. With this in mind, it’s very fitting to have him race the biggest and perhaps toughest off-road event in the UK, where his British fans will be able to see him in action or compete in the race with him. It’s clear that our Weston-Super-Mare course is like nothing he’s raced before, but we’re looking forward to seeing him take on the challenge.”

Team USA: United By Power Episode 3

As the drama unfolds in Italy, Team USA makes a full on effort to combat the challenging teams for the top spot at MXoN. Jason Anderson escapes a near tragic crash and Cooper Webb is forced to deal with pressure from Team France. In spite of the poor gate choice, Alex Martin still fought through the pack each moto to secure top 10 finishes. The team gave it everything they had through the adversity the weekend brought. Despite the hardship, Team USA still made the podium for a third place finish.

Reed: "The Thought of Retiring Scares the Hell Out of Me."

Reprint from RacerX

By: Chase Stallo

In the lead-up to the second AUS-X Open, the promoters of the event caught up with the always-candid Chad Reed to talk about a variety of topics, including his fear of retirement.

Reed, who has raced full-time in the U.S. since 2002 and the Grand Prix series prior to that, will be 34 when the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross season kicks off in January, and will turn 35 next March. He says he isn’t ready to call it quits yet.

“I would say the number one thing that scares me the most at my age right now is not being satisfied and not letting go and the thought of retiring scares the hell out of me—it really does. And the competitive side of me and my body is willing to still go to work and so for me it’s hard, and I do get a little nervous about that day; when does that day come, that I go okay, I’m good. You know, like, I’m good. Because I’ve seen it. I’ve seen it in people and I’m not there.”

Reed is set to return to Australia on November 12-13 where he will compete against his new teammate at factory Yamaha, Cooper Webb, and Ryan Villopoto in Sydney.

Watch the full video below.

RIP...Chuck " Feets" Minert

Classic Feets Minert. Classic motocross. Feets during the 1970 Trans-AMA series on his factory BSA.

Please go to this link for a full story from Feet's longtime friend Jody Weisel. Feets was one of the pioneers of our sport. www.motocrossactionmag.com

All reved up for Weymouth Beach Motocross

 

Harry Hogger, Dorchester reporter

RIDERS are getting ready to roar across the sands of Weymouth beach as a popular annual event returns.

The Beach Motocross organised by the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club with the Purbeck Motocross Club is set to draw crowds to the seafront on Sunday, October 16.

Entries for the event have been coming in from across the south of England and it is anticipated that more than 200 riders will take part in the spectacular day of racing.

Practice will start at noon, with the first race from 1pm.

Among those taking part will be 23-year-old Jake Shipton, a previous double winner of the Expert Class from Wareham.

Jake is a professional rider and spent last year in Dubai before returning home in time to win the Weymouth Beach Motocross.

Jake, who rides for Crescent KTM Racing, is ranked in the top 10 in the British Championships and in the top three in the Motocross Nationals Championship.

He said: "I’m really looking forward to racing at Weymouth again, being a local race and an exciting one.

"A good crowd always turns out and can get close to action.

"It's a difficult race to stay out of trouble, you've got to be smart and choose the correct lines and just relax and be smooth, make the clean passes on the slower rider which pay a part in the race.

"Hopefully I can get out front early and just be smart and ride my own race.

"The Purbeck and Lions club always put on a good event, which runs smoothly and the track keeps the riders on their toes all day."

Lions Club president Mark Lockie said: "Weymouth Beach Motocross is the original and the best beach motorsport event in Weymouth.

"We’ve been going for over 30 years and we pride ourselves in providing free entertainment to residents and visitors alike while raising money for local good causes."

Alf Stearn, chairman of Purbeck Motocross Club, said: "We already have lots of entries for this year’s races so we can promise a great event this year.

"Weymouth Esplanade is going to be an exciting place to be on Motocross Sunday!"

The event is being supported by the Waterside Group.

Managing director Graham Frampton said: "We try and support local community good causes when we can –and the approach from the Lions made good sense to us both in terms of a charity fundraiser and since it provides shoulder season entertainment for our visitors and exciting family fun.

"We are all about providing a quality visitor experience and top class events fit into that ambition."

United by Power : Episode 2 - Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson & Alex Martin

Since 1947 the MX OF Nations have been taking place once a year all over the world. 2016 marks the first time the event has been back at Maggiora MX park since Team USA dominated in 1986. The United By Power 3-Part Series presented by FMF Racing and Rockstar Energy will give an in depth look into what goes on as Team USA Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson and Alex Martin take on the world.

Boyesen 2 Stroke Dream Race

Watch the 125 Dream Race at Washougal MX!

More two-stroke racing. More bikes. More fun. More smiles. Motosport captured highlights of the 5th annual 125 Dream Race held at Washougal MX Park. Boyesen is proud to be involved in such a well-run concept race and we look forward to the future with the Dream Race crew.

Watch the Throwdown!

Jason Anderson gets landed on MXoN Maggiora 2016