riding I did, 400km had the tanks just about
empty, but, as the saying goes, your mileage
may vary. Literally.
The 690/701 machine already has a decent
following in the trail riding adventure seen
largely because it’s a very capable dirt bike
and a quick, smooth operator on the road –
for a big single. But, the real benefit here, for
the boys who like to play dirty is – it’s typically
50kg lighter or more than a typical big
adventure bike. That number alone makes
it hugely more approachable, manageable
and capable when the going gets tough and
in general day to day riding. Not everyone is
built like John McKee... a genuine Kiwi enduro
hard man of yesteryear.
RIDING
But anyway, let’s ride the 701 LR. Despite the
visually wide front of the fuel tank, sitting on
the Long Range will feel pretty normal for
dirt-orientated riders. The 925mm seat height
will probably challenge shorter riders, but it is
wider and more comfortable than a normal
dirtbike seat. I didn’t notice the rear fuel tank
from an ergonomic perspective, and the
width of the tank front is only noticeable
when you have your leg way forward if you’re
cornering MX style.
Hit the starter and the 692cc single bursts
quietly into life. The new twin balancer-shaft
engine is very smooth with only slight
vibration at some revs and on the over-run.
For example, at 120km/h and above it’s silky
smooth, but between 100 and 115km/h there
is a whisker of vibration if you focus on it... but
it slips into the background if you don’t.
Select first, open the throttle a little and
you’re not immediately confronted by the 73
horse power, which is a good thing. The power
delivery is quite unlike a traditional big bore
that is all low-end punch and little top end,
KIWI RIDER 41