New EICMA releases are popping up everywhere. Nothing that interests me to the point of seriously contemplating trading in the 690 has yet surfaced. The new Africa Twin prototype is certainly interesting but it doesn't look like it's that different from a Triumph 800 XC or a GS 800. Too heavy for someone used to a 150 kg bike. The new KTM 1050 Adventure is also interesting, but again more of the same.
The new Husqvarna 701 however tickles my fancy a little bit. Sure it's a basically a rebadged KTM SMC and it has lost some (or most) of the edge the concept had, but still. I do think the KTM version looks better, but the Husky has a sort of fresh look to it.
Technically the KTM and Husqvarna supermotos are nearly identical (67hp , 320 lbs (145kg), APTC slipper clutch, ABS brakes, WP suspension, and ride-by-wire with different riding modes) so the differentiating factor is the color and bodywork, Rumor has it that the 690 line will be Husqvarnas in the future and that as of 2016 the KTM 690 Enduro will no longer be available. I'm not buying it until I see some evidence.
Oh,and check out the 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpile concept at the Husky website.
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| the original concept |
