Husqvarna 701 - World Premier at EICMA 2013

In many ways, 2014 will see the Husqvarna brand reborn. Their impressive line- up of 13 new motocross and enduro bikes and a renewed commitment to racing will, the company hopes, see the Husqvarna name restore it's heritage that dates back to 1903 and the beginnings of motocross.

However, their biggest announcement is the 701 concept bike unveiled for the first time today. Amidst all of their off-road bikes, the supermoto styled 701 stands very different from anything else the brand is currently offering. It's an indication of the design direction the brand plans to take in the future -- clean, simple and functional lines and forward thinking design (well, that's what they say anyhow, I'm sure some will beg to differ).

The 701 is built around a 690cc single cylinder power plant with 75hp. WP suspension (front and rear) and a steel trellis frame hold it all together and the fuel tank is incorporated into the two-piece rear-end. The long seat that reaches the top of the radiator is supposed to improve rider interaction with the bike, which is an intriguing idea for sure but I'm not quite sold on that just yet. The whole bike has been designed with rider ergonomics and movement in mind -- a balance they say is perfect.

If you're looking at the rear subframe area that integrates the exhaust and wondering if there's a purpose, it's about improving aerodynamics and protecting the silencer. I point this out as it's one aspect of the bike that's just a bit too "concept" looking for me. Overall, it does look like it has the potential to be one hell of a fun machine. Whether or not the 701 makes it into production is anyone's guess. Husqvarna indicated that it would be 2 years before it makes it's way to production and in that time it could change significantly, or as is often the case, never see the light of day at all.