Mastering the Asphalt: A Definitive Guide to Husqvarna 701 Supermoto Wheels

Maîtriser l'Asphalte : Le Guide Définitif des Roues Supermoto pour Husqvarna 701

Introduction

The Allure of Supermoto: Transforming Your Ride

For the discerning rider, the Husqvarna 701 is more than a motorcycle; it is a canvas for performance. Transforming your 701 Enduro into a Supermoto—or enhancing an existing Supermoto setup—is a definitive statement of intent, prioritizing street agility and an aggressive aesthetic. At the heart of this metamorphosis lies the meticulous selection and integration of Supermoto wheels, fundamentally redefining the bike’s character and capabilities on pavement.

Why Supermoto Wheels? The 17-inch Advantage Unpacked

The cornerstone of any Supermoto conversion is the transition to 17-inch rims, both front and rear. This singular modification unleashes a cascade of enhancements, recalibrating the bike for an unparalleled street riding experience.

  • Sharper Steering & Increased Agility: The reduced diameter of 17-inch wheels significantly diminishes the gyroscopic effect inherent in larger Enduro wheels. This translates to remarkably quicker turn-in and a palpable increase in nimbleness, allowing for precise line selection and dynamic maneuvering through urban landscapes or winding roads.
  • Lower Center of Gravity: The smaller wheel diameter subtly lowers the bike's overall center of gravity. This seemingly minor adjustment contributes to enhanced stability, particularly noticeable during high-speed transitions and aggressive cornering.
  • Superior Grip & Tire Selection: Perhaps the most critical advantage, 17-inch rims are designed to accommodate a vast array of wider, high-performance road-specific tires—ranging from sport and hypersport compounds to even racing slicks. These specialized tires offer a substantially larger contact patch and vastly superior grip on asphalt, providing confidence and control far beyond what off-road knobbies can deliver.
  • Enhanced Braking Performance: Supermoto conversions frequently incorporate a larger front brake rotor, typically 320mm (compared to the Enduro's 300mm), often paired with a radial caliper. This upgrade dramatically boosts stopping power, a crucial element for aggressive street and track riding.
  • Aggressive Aesthetics: Beyond the functional benefits, the aggressive stance, wider tires, and distinctive profile of a Supermoto are undeniably visually captivating, offering a bespoke, high-performance look.

While the advantages are compelling, a discerning rider acknowledges the trade-offs. The lower-profile, stiffer sidewall tires typically used on 17-inch Supermoto wheels can result in a rougher ride compared to the more compliant Enduro setup. Furthermore, Supermoto wheels are less forgiving off-road, retaining capability only for light dirt roads and significantly struggling on sand, mud, or rocky terrain. The conversion may also necessitate minor modifications, such as trimming front fork guards for tire clearance and acquiring a shorter kickstand.

Anatomy of a Supermoto Wheel Setup

Essential Components of a Conversion Kit

A comprehensive Supermoto wheel conversion kit for your Husqvarna 701 Enduro is a meticulously engineered ensemble of components, each playing a vital role in the bike's transformation.

  • Rims: The foundation of the wheel, standard Supermoto rim sizes are 17 x 3.5 inches for the front and 17 x 4.25 or 17 x 5.0 inches for the rear. These are most commonly crafted from 7000 series aluminum for an optimal balance of strength and lightweight durability.
  • Hubs: High-quality aluminum hubs are paramount for precise fitment and lasting performance. The rear hub for the 701 typically features a cush drive design, mirroring OEM specifications to effectively absorb drivetrain shocks and prolong component life.
  • Spokes and Nipples: The structural integrity of spoked Supermoto wheels relies on heavy-duty stainless steel spokes and nipples. For those seeking a personalized touch, colored anodized aluminum nipples are available for customization.
  • Brake Rotors: A kit will generally include a floating front rotor, which can be 300mm (matching the stock size to potentially avoid caliper relocation) or an enlarged 320mm for enhanced braking performance. An OEM-sized rear rotor is also standard. Notably, some 300mm front rotor kits are designed to utilize the stock caliper without a relocation bracket.
  • ABS Rings: Crucially, these rings are an integral part of most conversion kits, ensuring the seamless operation of your bike's ABS, traction control, and speedometer functionality, especially pertinent for 2021-2024 models and beyond.
  • Sprocket Carrier and Sprocket: Kits may feature a new sprocket carrier, often anodized to complement the hubs, along with a selection of sprocket sizes (e.g., 40-52 teeth). Owners may need to reuse their existing stock rubber cush drive cushions.
  • Tires (Optional Inclusion): Many premium kits offer the convenience of including street-oriented tires, mounted and balanced. Common front tire dimensions are 120/70-17, with rear options typically 150/60-17 or 160/60-17.
  • Wheel Spacers: Aftermarket wheels are almost universally designed to facilitate the reuse of your stock OEM wheel spacers, ensuring proper alignment and fitment.
  • Shorter Kickstand: With the reduced ride height afforded by 17-inch wheels, a shorter Supermoto-specific kickstand is a highly recommended, often optional, addition to prevent the bike from leaning excessively when parked.

Choosing Your Wheels: Types and Brands

Spoked vs. Cast Wheels: Performance and Durability

The choice between spoked and cast wheels is fundamental to tailoring your Supermoto's performance and character.

  • Spoked Wheels (Standard for Supermoto): Spoked wheels remain the predominant choice for Supermoto applications, particularly for riders who anticipate aggressive street riding or occasional forays onto light dirt.

    • Pros: They offer inherent flex and compliance, making them exceptionally durable and tolerant of impacts and rough terrain. The modular design also means that individual spokes can be replaced if damaged, extending the lifespan of the wheel.
    • Cons: Spoked wheels are generally heavier than their cast counterparts and can be more challenging to clean due to their intricate design.
    • Racing Context: In the demanding world of professional Supermoto racing, including events like the French S1 and the SuperMoto of Nations, 17-inch spoked wheels are the standard. They are often meticulously constructed with 7050-T6 aluminum rims and robust stainless steel spokes to withstand the extreme stresses of competition.

  • Cast Wheels: While a staple in many road racing categories, cast wheels are less common for Supermoto conversions of Enduro platforms.

    • Pros: They are typically lighter and stiffer, offering enhanced performance for track-focused use where ultimate precision and reduced unsprung weight are paramount. Their solid structure also makes them easier to clean.
    • Cons: Cast wheels are inherently more brittle than spoked alternatives. If damaged, they frequently necessitate complete replacement, a significant cost implication. They are not typically employed for Enduro-to-Supermoto conversions due to their rigidity and lack of impact tolerance.

Tubed vs. Tubeless: Convenience and Reliability

The decision between tubed and tubeless setups significantly impacts flat repair, weight, and overall riding dynamics.

  • Tubeless Systems: For predominantly street-focused Supermoto riding, tubeless is generally the preferred choice due to its tangible benefits.

    • Pros: Tubeless tires allow for easier flat repairs, often rectifiable roadside with a simple plug. They also contribute to reduced unsprung weight and enable tires to run cooler, enhancing both performance and longevity.
    • Cons: The inherent challenge with spoked wheels is that spoke holes require a specialized sealing method—either through internal sealant applications or a bespoke rim design. While popular systems like Warp 9 offer tubeless conversions, there's a minor percentage of cases where the sealant can fail. It's also worth noting that some tubeless warranties may be voided if tires are not purchased with the wheels and mounted by the manufacturer.
    • Innovative Solutions: Pioneers like Pisces Racing, with their French-engineered vacuum tubeless motorcycle wheels, have revolutionized this space. Their system eliminates the need for rubber seals that can degrade, featuring CNC machined wheels that combine forged 7050 T6 aluminum rims with precision-balanced 6082 T6 hubs, and even offering optional titanium spokes for ultimate lightweight durability. The Kineo system also provides a truly tubeless spoked setup.

  • Tubed Systems:

    • Pros: Tubed setups retain the ability to run at much lower pressures, which can be advantageous for light off-road excursions. They also offer greater reliability in extreme impacts or on rocky terrain, as they do not rely on a perfect rim seal for air retention.
    • Cons: The primary drawback is that flats typically demand removing both the wheel and tire to patch or replace the inner tube, a far more involved process than plugging a tubeless tire.

Leading Brands and Pricing Tiers

The Supermoto wheel market for the Husqvarna 701 is supported by several esteemed manufacturers, each offering distinct advantages.

  • Warp 9: A highly popular choice, Warp 9 is renowned for its complete "Elite" Supermoto wheel sets and conversion kits. These typically bundle rims, hubs, spokes, rotors, and ABS rings, with extensive options for tires, sprockets, and tubeless conversions. A complete Warp 9 kit with tires can range from approximately $1,399.00 to over $1,700.00, representing a compelling value proposition often praised for quality and customer service.
  • SM Pro Wheels: Recognized for crafting performance-oriented wheel sets, SM Pro Wheels feature SM Pro Platinum Rims, precision hubs, and robust Bulldog spokes, catering to riders demanding high-level performance.
  • Haan Wheels: Positioned as a premium offering, Haan Wheels are highly regarded for their exceptional strength and lightness. They utilize billet cush drive hubs and high-grade Excel Aftermarket 7000 Series Rims, and also provide their own tubeless system.
  • Dubya: Another prominent name in Supermoto conversions, Dubya offers a range of quality wheel solutions for the platform.

The market generally presents a clear distinction between "value" options like Warp 9, which deliver robust performance at competitive price points, and "premium" choices such as Haan Wheels, where the superior material quality (e.g., billet hubs, specific rim alloys) and advanced engineering are reflected in a higher price tier.

Seamless Integration: Compatibility and Installation

Cross-Platform Compatibility: Husqvarna 701, KTM 690, GasGas 700

One of the distinct advantages for Husqvarna 701 owners is the remarkable interchangeability of Supermoto wheels with its platform siblings, the KTM 690 and GasGas 700. This shared architecture simplifies the selection and acquisition process.

  • Shared Dimensions: All three models are designed to accommodate identical Supermoto wheel dimensions, typically 17x3.50 inches for the front and 17x4.25 or 17x5.00 inches for the rear.
  • Aftermarket Support: This high degree of commonality means numerous aftermarket wheel brands offer "plug & play" kits specifically engineered to fit all three motorcycles. These comprehensive kits frequently include everything necessary for a seamless conversion or upgrade, such as hubs, spokes, rims, disc rotors, sprockets, bearings, and seals.
  • Component Reuse: For certain aftermarket wheel installations, owners of Supermoto or SMC-R models may find it convenient to reuse their stock front wheel spacers and rotor adaptor plates. Furthermore, ABS rings are typically either included in the kit or accommodated to maintain full electronic functionality.

Installation and Post-Installation Calibration

Converting your Husqvarna 701 Enduro to Supermoto wheels is generally straightforward, largely designed as a "plug and play" process for many components. However, critical steps and calibrations are essential for optimal performance and safety.

  • Direct Swaps: Most aftermarket Supermoto wheel kits are designed to reuse your stock OEM wheel spacers. Depending on the condition and mileage, you may also be able to reuse your original chain even with a different sprocket size.
  • Necessary Modifications: To prevent tire rub from the wider Supermoto front tire, you may need to trim the front fork guards/covers. Due to the reduced ride height with 17-inch wheels, the stock Enduro kickstand will be too long, making a shorter Supermoto-specific kickstand a highly recommended and often necessary addition.
  • Braking System: When installing new wheels, it is strongly recommended to replace old brake pads with new ones for optimal braking performance and proper break-in with a new rotor. For the front, you can opt to retain your 300mm stock disc, which often does not require a caliper relocation bracket, simplifying the conversion. Alternatively, upgrading to a 320mm disc for enhanced braking will typically necessitate a caliper relocation bracket or a complete upgrade to a 4-piston caliper system that includes its own mounting hardware.
  • Speedometer Recalibration: This is a crucial step for ensuring accurate speed and odometer readings, as well as maintaining the correct function of the ABS and traction control systems. The Husqvarna 701's computer can be readily recalibrated for the smaller wheel size. A common setting for 17-inch wheels is 1882mm, which can usually be adjusted via the instrument cluster menu. Proper recalibration ensures that no ABS or traction control warning lights appear.
  • Other Potential Adjustments: For those installing handguards, minor adjustments such as trimming the throttle tube and grip, or using a shorty clutch lever, might be necessary for clearance and ergonomics.

Optimizing Performance: Beyond the Wheels

Suspension Tuning for Street Dominance

While the wheels are the primary enabler, optimizing your Husqvarna 701's suspension is vital for translating Supermoto agility into confident street dominance. The Enduro's longer-travel, softer suspension, designed for off-road compliance, will feel inadequate for aggressive tarmac duties.

  • Basic Adjustments: A good starting point is to stiffen both the fork and shock clickers to a more "sport" oriented setting, mitigating excessive brake dive and improving responsiveness.
  • Lowering Options: For riders seeking to lower the bike for a more aggressive stance or easier flat-footing, a lowering link (such as a Kouba link) can reduce the rear ride height by approximately an inch. If the rear is lowered, it is imperative to lower the front forks by a corresponding amount by raising them in the triple clamps to maintain balanced geometry.
  • Advanced Upgrades: For the ultimate Supermoto performance, enthusiasts often invest in professional suspension revalving and stiffer springs explicitly tailored to their weight and aggressive riding style. This custom tuning precisely controls damping, significantly reducing brake dive and sharpening overall handling on pavement.

Gearing for Agile Response

The Husqvarna 701 Enduro's taller stock gearing, optimized for off-road and highway cruising, will benefit immensely from a change for Supermoto use. Shorter gearing is preferred for quicker acceleration and more immediate response in tight corners and urban environments.

  • Front Sprocket Change: A popular and effective modification is to switch the front sprocket from the stock 16-tooth (16T) Enduro setup to a 15-tooth (15T).
  • Rear Sprocket Change: Alternatively, increasing the number of teeth on the rear sprocket (e.g., from the stock 40T or 42T to 45T or 47T) can achieve similar results.
  • Recommended Combination: A 15/42 gearing combination is frequently recommended by riders for striking an excellent balance between potent acceleration and streetability without overly compromising highway speeds. Be aware that these changes will typically result in more frequent shifting, particularly in traffic.

Essential Tire Choices for Every Rider

The right tires are the critical interface between your Supermoto and the asphalt, and a well-informed choice significantly impacts performance and safety. The Husqvarna 701 Supermoto typically runs a 120/70-17 front tire and a 160/60-17 rear tire.

  • Performance Favorites:
    • Continental ContiAttack SM Evos: Often the standard fitment for 701 SM models, known for exceptional grip and flickability.
    • Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV / Rosso III: Highly regarded for their sticky road performance and rapid warm-up.
    • Michelin Pilot Power 2CT / Pilot Power 6: Excellent choices for aggressive street riding, offering superb grip and feedback.
    • Bridgestone Battlax S23: A top-tier sport tire offering formidable grip and handling.
  • Hybrid/Versatile Options:
    • Dunlop Mutant Hybrid: A versatile choice suitable for both street and light off-road excursions, offering impressive wet weather performance.
    • Bridgestone T31 / T33: Touring and sport-touring options that provide a good balance of grip, longevity, and comfort for varied conditions.
  • Budget-Friendly Picks:
    • Shinko 003 Stealth / 010 Apex / 705 Series: These are often considered more budget-friendly alternatives, providing varying levels of grip and dual-sport capability.

When making your selection, consider your primary riding style—whether aggressive canyon carving, daily commuting, or occasional light dirt—and your desired longevity from the tire.

Conclusion

Recap: The Road to Supermoto Excellence

The journey to transforming your Husqvarna 701 into a formidable Supermoto machine is paved with informed decisions and meticulous execution. The core lies in embracing the 17-inch wheel advantage, understanding the intricate components of a conversion kit, and carefully weighing the merits of spoked versus cast, and tubed versus tubeless systems. Reputable brands such as Warp 9, SM Pro, Haan, and Dubya offer a spectrum of quality, while the cross-platform compatibility with KTM 690 and GasGas 700 simplifies sourcing. Beyond the wheels, crucial installation steps and post-installation calibrations, including speedometer recalibration, are paramount. Fine-tuning the suspension, optimizing gearing, and selecting the ideal tires complete the transformation, crafting a machine perfectly attuned to street dominance.

Your Next Ride: Unleashing Street Performance

Armed with this definitive guide, you are now equipped to confidently embark on your Supermoto wheel project. Each decision, from rim material to tire compound, contributes to the unparalleled riding experience that awaits. This isn't just about changing parts; it's about unlocking a new dimension of performance and aesthetics for your Husqvarna 701.

Elevate Your Experience: Call to Action

To further refine your vision and ensure a flawless conversion, we encourage you to explore specialized retailers, engage with the vibrant Supermoto community forums, or consult with qualified technicians for personalized advice. Your ultimate street-shredding machine awaits.