2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto vs 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

Super motard

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves
Power
55 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
145 kg / 319.6 lbs
2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650

Super motard

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
432.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2015 - 162015
Colours-Candy Lime Green/Ebony, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony, Pearl Stardust White/Ebony
Make ModelHusqvarna 701 SupermotoKawasaki KLR 650
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-211 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-8.3 inches
Seat Height890 mm / 35.0 in889 mm / 35 in
Wheelbase1480 mm ± 15 mm / 58.2 in ± 0.59 in1480 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance270 mm / 10.6 in210 mm / 8.3 in
Height-1350 mm / 53.1 in
Length-2295 mm / 90.4 in
Width-960 mm / 37.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight145 kg / 319.6 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13 Litres / 3.4 US gal23 Litres / 5.8 gal.
Wet Weight-194 kg / 432 lbs
Performance
Max Power55 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm 42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm
Max Torque71 Nm / 52.4 ft-lb @ 6750 rpm47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement692.7 cc / 42.27 cu in651 cc / 39.7 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valvesFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Carburettor. Keihin CVK40
Bore x Stroke105 x 80 mm100 x 83 mm.
Compression Ratio12.7:19.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid coolingLiquid cooled
Engine ManagementKeihin EMS with Ride By Wire-
Engine Oil SpecificationBel Ray, SAE 10W-50-
ExhaustStainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter-
Fuel InductionKeihin EMS with RBWKeihin CVK40
IgnitionDouble ignitionTransistorized
LubricationPressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps Forced lubrication (wet sump)
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V 8.6Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchAPTC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated Wet multi-disc, cable operation
Final DriveChain X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4Sealed Chain
Final Drive Ratio16:42 2.867 (43/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.266 (34/15) 2nd 1.444 (26/18) 3rd 1.136 (25/22) 4th 0.954 (21/22) 5th 0.791 (19/24)
Gearbox-5-speed
Primary Drive Ratios36:79 2.272 / 75/33
Transmission / Drive6 Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeChromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, Subframe Self-supporting polyamide tankSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steel
Suspension - Front48 mm WP-USD split function fork41mm Air-adjustable forks,
Suspension - RearWP-Monoshock with Pro-Lever linkageUni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping.
Clamp Offset - Triple35 mm / 33 mm-
HandlebarAluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm-
Rake- 28.0°
Steering Head Angle63°-
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front215 mm / 8.4 in200 mm / 7.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear250 mm / 9.8 in185 mm / 7.2 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.0 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-280 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 320 mm disc, Brembo four piston, radially bolted caliperSingle 280mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc, Brembo single piston, floating caliperSingle 203mm disc 1 piston caliper
ABSABS Bosch 9M+ Two Channel (disengageable, supermoto mode)-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 1790/90 -21
Tyres - Rear160/60 ZR 17130/80 -17
Wheels - FrontSpoked wheels with aluminium tubeless rims 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - RearSpoked wheels with aluminium tubeless rims 5.00 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

The 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto edges out the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, standard ABS, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 71 Nm vs 47 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 145 kg vs 194 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More ground clearance: 270 mm vs 210 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 250 mm vs 185 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 215 mm vs 200 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.

2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto vs 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto and 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves, while the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which is lighter, the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto or the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is lighter at 145 kg compared to 194 kg for the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - a difference of 49 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto or the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650?
The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the larger tank at approximately 23 litres vs 13 litres for the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 383-460 km vs 216-260 km between stops.
Does the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto or 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 have ABS?
The 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is listed with ABS as standard. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto or the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 stands out for larger fuel tank. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.