MotoSpecs

2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 vs 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year20152015 - 16
ColoursCandy Lime Green/Ebony, Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Ebony, Pearl Stardust White/Ebony-
Make ModelKawasaki KLR 650Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
Warranty12 Months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)211 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)8.3 inches-
Seat Height889 mm / 35 in890 mm / 35.0 in
Wheelbase1480 mm / 58.3 in1480 mm ± 15 mm / 58.2 in ± 0.59 in
Ground Clearance210 mm / 8.3 in270 mm / 10.6 in
Height1350 mm / 53.1 in-
Length2295 mm / 90.4 in-
Width960 mm / 37.8 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-145 kg / 319.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity23 Litres / 5.8 gal.13 Litres / 3.4 US gal
Wet Weight194 kg / 432 lbs-
Performance
Max Power42.1 hp / 31 kW @ 7000 rpm55 kW / 74 hp @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque47 Nm / 4.7 kgf-m @ 5000 rpm71 Nm / 52.4 ft-lb @ 6750 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
Displacement651 cc / 39.7 cu-in692.7 cc / 42.27 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves
Fuel SystemCarburettor. Keihin CVK40-
Bore x Stroke100 x 83 mm.105 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio9.8:112.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooling
Engine Management-Keihin EMS with Ride By Wire
Engine Oil Specification-Bel Ray, SAE 10W-50
Exhaust-Stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel InductionKeihin CVK40Keihin EMS with RBW
IgnitionTransistorizedDouble ignition
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V 8.6Ah
Drivetrain
Clutch Wet multi-disc, cable operationAPTC slipper clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveSealed ChainChain X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4
Final Drive Ratio 2.867 (43/15)16:42
Gear Ratios1st 2.266 (34/15) 2nd 1.444 (26/18) 3rd 1.136 (25/22) 4th 0.954 (21/22) 5th 0.791 (19/24)-
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios 2.272 / 75/3336:79
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double Cradle Made of high-tech, round-section, high-tensile steelChromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis frame, powder coated, Subframe Self-supporting polyamide tank
Suspension - Front41mm Air-adjustable forks,48 mm WP-USD split function fork
Suspension - RearUni-Trak® linkage, 5-way preload shock absorber with 4way rebound damping.WP-Monoshock with Pro-Lever linkage
Clamp Offset - Triple-35 mm / 33 mm
Handlebar-Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Rake 28.0°-
Steering Head Angle-63°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.8 in215 mm / 8.4 in
Wheel Travel - Rear185 mm / 7.2 in250 mm / 9.8 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.0 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)280 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle 280mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 320 mm disc, Brembo four piston, radially bolted caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 203mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240 mm disc, Brembo single piston, floating caliper
ABS-ABS Bosch 9M+ Two Channel (disengageable, supermoto mode)
Tyres - Front90/90 -21120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear130/80 -17160/60 ZR 17
Wheels - Front-Spoked wheels with aluminium tubeless rims 3.50 x 17
Wheels - Rear-Spoked 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

2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 - Advantages

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

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 vs 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 and 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto?
The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves.
Which is lighter, the 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto?
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 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto?
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 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 or 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto 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 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 or the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto?
Both are strong choices. The 2015 Kawasaki KLR 650 has the edge in larger fuel tank, while the 2016 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto stands out for higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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