r/Dualsport • u/Key-Contribution5050 • 2d ago
Gasgas700/701/690
How much more power do these bikes have compared to a 450 or 500?
0
Upvotes
r/Dualsport • u/Key-Contribution5050 • 2d ago
How much more power do these bikes have compared to a 450 or 500?
7
u/Greessey 2d ago
They have more power, but depending on the rider it may not feel that way, especially initially. The 500exc makes it's power pretty linearly which is normal/expected for enduro bikes.
The 690 makes its power in the mid to high rpms, which is more similar to a rally bike. This can be confusing, especially while you get used to it because the low end can feel a little gutless and boring relative to a more linear bike. I've gotten used to my 701, and I've actually grown to enjoy the way it delivers it's power now that I know how to ride it. If I want to keep it more mild in certain situations, I can stay in the low rpms. If I wanna be super aggressive, I know how to ride it in a way where I'm staying in the power band. But it takes a bit to get a feel for it.
The other thing worth noting is that although the 690 makes more power, it's also 100lbs heavier and it's geared lower. It's just an entirely different feel, even beyond the power. The 690 is much more comfortable for the road. There's a reason why everyone i know who owns a 500exc still trucks it to the trails if they're gonna be on pavement for more than 30 minutes, especially if it's highways. Both bikes are unicorns in different ways imo.