2025 Husqvarna Trek – Portugal

Sweaty. Dusty. Satisfied. That’s how each day of the 2025 Husqvarna Trek ended for nearly all of the 70 or so riders who participated this year. For 2025, Husqvarna brought the Trek to the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, an area enveloped in the highest mountains in mainland Portugal. With the idea plucked from five successful events in Australia, the second European installment in the Trek took place October 6 - 10 on the Iberian Peninsula. After the success downunder – and with its orange counterpart’s consumer Rallies, of course – Husqvarna saw fit to expand the consumer-focused event to the EU. The first Trek organized by the global team in 2024 took place in Southern Spain.

Manufacturer-based events have been around since, well, manufacturers began manufacturing, but in the off-road and adventure world, there’s much more going on at these gatherings than cruising down mainstreet or walking around an asphalt vendor area — and it’s a growing trend. As one should expect from the Ready to Race-adjacent brand, when this group puts together an off-road event, it’s sure to be worthwhile. At this year’s Husqvarna Trek, riders – mostly on 701 Enduros or 901 Nordens – would be served up three days of riding which would include everything from gravel roads to “narrow trial-style hill climbs.” Borrowed from the ‘Stralians, the European events use the “Chilli System” to add a little extra spice to your day. A designation of one chilli meant the route would be slightly rougher than the main, but manageable for most riders. Should you opt for a five chilli route on the other hand, Husqvarna described these as such: “Expect very challenging and technical riding! Perfect terrain for your enduro bike but very technical on your travel bike.”

Gluttons for punishment, the other two American journos and I set off in search of heat, gobbling up every chilli we could find. While it was kind for Husqvarna to have us out to experience the event, the pot was sweetened by the chance to sample the new 2026 Husqvarna 701 Enduro over the three days. Before we dive into the event, let’s take a look at the noteworthy updates to the 2026 701 Enduro.

2026 Husqvarna 701 Enduro

While we’re not looking at a total overhaul moving into the 2026 model year, much of the machine has been updated, in some ways more significantly than others.

The Swedish brand now claims the “most powerful Single-cylinder with a street homologation in the world,” a clear shot across the bow at Ducati given the Hypermotard 698 Mono bested the LC4 when it was introduced by a few horsepower. Here, Husqvarna claims 78 ponies at 8,000 rpm out of the updated 693cc engine. For those paying attention, that’s 0.5 hp over the Italian Thumper’s claim. Peak torque remains relatively the same at 54 lb-ft at 6,750 rpm (well over the Ducati’s claimed 46 lb-ft), but is said to be bumped up in the lower portion of the revs by updated valve timing. Husqvarna achieved its horsepower goal by redesigning the airbox for more flow and adding a new, higher pressure fuel pump to better control timing and the amount of fuel being fed to the bike.

The Swedish brand also managed to bump its oil service interval to 15,000km (9,320 mi.) from 10,000km. More power, better service intervals, and Euro 5+ compliance. How did they do that? Through efficiency in the engine. Gone are the two oil pumps in favor of a single unit, along with a complete redesign of the engine internals for oil routing reducing friction losses. Husqvarna says 50% of the engine is new and oil changes are much easier, given the single filter.

The slipper clutch has also undergone a significant redesign, using parts from its off-road line, including going from four springs to three. Clutch pull is now lighter and the anti-hopping feature is much smoother. This results in smoother operation of the gearbox overall leading to a smoother riding experience.

Another big update comes by way of electronics. Now sporting a 4.2-inch TFT display, the 701 Enduro features three ride modes (should you pop the extra coin for the Rally pack): Street, Off-road, and Rally. The new display more clearly relays what’s happening when you change settings, versus needing to remember what “1” or “2” means. Rally gives you nine levels of traction control in addition to being able to disable TC entirely. A new Dynamic Slip Adjuster is also included with the Rally pack, working in Rally mode exclusively. This function allows you to be in a higher TC intervention level, but monitors what’s happening with the vehicle speed and the ride-by-wire throttle. When the bike senses a loss in momentum and an increase in throttle application, it slowly brings down the TC setting automatically. This is said to be particularly beneficial when coming into inconsistent terrain like sand, mud, or a loose uphill. It can also be turned off. Expect to see this feature implemented on other ADV bikes in the future. ABS is also adjustable with a dedicated button in three settings: standard, off-road (ABS disabled at the rear wheel), and entirely off at both ends. All of these systems – including Dynamic Slip Adjuster – are enhanced via a 6-axis IMU for lean sensitive applications. The display is also customizable and can be connected to via Bluetooth for navigation, phone, and music functions.

Wrapping up the changes to the 2026 701 Enduro, we have a new fairing design which helps to pull heat away from the engine and is said to be smoother with less catch points throughout the entire motorcycle. A new LED headlight is also included that is said to have a smoother transition at the edges to give the rider a better idea of what’s happening at the edge of illumination versus a hard cutoff.

That pretty much ties things up for what’s going on with the new 701 Enduro. Let’s get back into the event and see how the bike and I fared over 600km of Portuguese paradise.

The Trek

Each day began winding down the serpentine asphalt with expansive views of the city of Covilhã and the valley below. Eventually, tarmac gave way to dirt, and the adventure began. It was about halfway through day one when I thought to myself, “the 701 Enduro may be the perfect bike for the kind of riding we were doing on the Trek.” Most days were around 115 miles, and most of those miles were off-road – but not all. I’d be remiss not to mention how exceptional the roads are in Portugal. I’ve been fortunate enough now to experience riding in a few different areas of the country and I’m reminded why I was so blown away the first time, every time.

The 701 Enduro has always struck me as a jack of all trades. I often find myself considering why I wouldn’t rather be on an adventure bike, or a proper enduro. It was this mix of longer days in the saddle off-road with excellent pavement sprinkled in for good measure that had me reconsidering that thought. The 701’s pumped up mill is now even less vibey and, as one should expect out of a 693cc Single, it packs a punch which is equally as exhilarating on-road as it is off. This made for an entertaining, yet manageable ride whether we be traversing gravel roads, or hopping our way up the chilli routes. The spiciest of which on the last day, I was happy to be on the 701 Enduro versus a Norden.

Throughout the three days, I’d say 98% of the ride offered stunning views thanks to our mountainous playground. We’d descend into valleys through tight two-track trails, catch a section of road, and climb back up, often with a spicy section tossed in the mix to keep the blood pumping.

As the event wore on, riders warmed up to each other and became quick friends with their fellow motorcyclists from the other side of the world. In all, 17 countries were represented with riders traveling from as far as Australia, Mongolia, and of course America. On day 2 we rode with a group of three American compatriots: Mike, Mike, and Toby. One of the Mikes had attended the first event and talked his buddies into joining in 2025. It was great getting to hangout with the participants, because sometimes when you’ve got a heap of work on your plate it’s easy to forget that this is supposed to be fun. The spirit of the American crew and the other riders was fantastic to be around, and I felt like it was recharging my batteries by proximity.

 The camaraderie earned when facing and overcoming challenges off-road forms a unique bond. There was never any doubt that we’d be tackling all of the chilli sections, and the five-chilli route on the final day was no exception.

We made our way straight up and over numerous boulders and the climb began. There were a few spots to stop and regroup along the way, and quickly, there was a bottle neck. You see, for me at least, it’s almost worse to have to wait and think about the next section — I’d rather just hammer through. Before too long, the rider ahead of me had cleared the next landing and it was time to get to work. I looked up, picked my line, and began bouncing myself up the trail. The WP XPLOR suspension on the 701 Enduro is excellent, and had I given it a bit more thought, I may have pulled some damping out for this section since everything is adjustable, but I was on my way bouncing up the rocky, boulder strewn trail.

Jostled, I had made it to the top … of the first half of the section. I had been focused on not overworking the clutch on the way up, too, since I heard the first Norden up the trail had to be brought back down with a burnt clutch. You’d think the 701 Single wouldn’t have an issue, but it’s actually a bit easier to stall than anticipated. Thankfully, a little bit of clutch slipping through this section didn’t cause any prolonged problems.

Next, a short straight run topped with an ill-placed root kicker laid before me. “Most guys have done well heading straight up the middle! If ya fall, I’ll catch ya,” bellowed a massive Englishman I’d come to know as Steve. And with that promise, I was off. Thankfully, Steve need not come to my aid as I lofted my front wheel up and over the roots at the top to secure my landing.

Next up was a short run with a big hole to the left. I was told that if I didn’t clear it to come down and start again. I made it … halfway. Thankfully, I didn’t fall into the massive hole that had no doubt been made by the 100+ horsepower, 470-pound ADV bikes who’d made their way before me. It was at this point that I was very thankful for the three gentlemen who helped me finish that section versus starting again below. There were two last tricky bits, but the majority was behind me at this point. It was a short, but spicy chilli section, and I was happy to regroup with my mate at the top for a prolonged rest stop.This is what it’s all about. Challenging yourself. Getting dusty, sweaty, and satisfied.

The event wrapped up with a banquet dinner where the staff handed out a few trophies for peer-voted categories. The Englishman who’d assured my safety on the five-chilli route earlier in the day was the only person to take home two awards: one voted as the “Yarnspinner” of the group, which should come as no surprise given his origins, and the Kindest rider. While he was not alone in helping folks on the last day, I’m sure he secured some extra votes on that last chilli section.

If you’ve considered an adventure rally, give the Husqvarna Trek a hard look. The Husqvarna team do an excellent job of supporting on-site, before, and after the event with checklists, on-site mechanics and bikes for rent, as well as offering a discount should those who rented a Norden buy one by the end of the year. The Trek is also unique in that they plan to keep it to around 60 participants, which makes things a bit more intimate, as you get to recognize your fellow riders much easier over the course of the event. I couldn’t get the staff to spill the beans on where the next event will be, but rest assured it will be more than worthwhile to attend. If you’re on the fence, find a jump and let ‘er rip. You won’t be disappointed.

Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.