Testing the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition in South Africa. (Photo by Sebas Romero & Marco Campelli)
We review the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition, a more off-road and touring ready variant of the Husqvarna Norden 901 adventure bike that was introduced last year.
The Norden 901 Expedition features up-spec WP Xplor suspension (the standard model has WP Apex suspension), a 36-liter-capacity set of side bags, and a windscreen. Several optional features and accessories for the Norden are standard on the Expedition, including the Explorer ride mode, a beefier skid plate, heated grips and seat, a centerstand, and Bluetooth connectivity for infotainment and navigation. It’s priced at $15,799, a $1,300 premium over the Norden 901.
We spent two days flogging the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition on- and off-road in South Africa at the global press launch. Check out the video for our impressions, and read our First Ride Review here.
The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition arrives just one year after the introduction of the Norden 901 and is more off-road and touring ready. (Photos by Sebas Romero & Marco Campelli)
Walking up to the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition for the first time, the bold graphics caught my eye. In a departure from the subdued matte-black paint scheme on the standard Norden 901, the Expedition sports a blue and white colorway with yellow accents, a large white Husqvarna logo, and white handguards and side panels. Like the standard model, the graphics include topographical lines that bring to mind far-flung places where one might venture on the Expedition.
The visual prowess of the new machine got me excited. The inverted WP Xplor fork – an upgrade from the WP Apex unit on the standard Norden – has an eye-catching WP logo and red accents on the silver tubes. The wrap-around skid plate is big and rugged, protecting both the underside of the engine and the lower pods of the horseshoe-shaped fuel tank.
The Expedition looks the business, and all I wanted to do was ride it.
We tested the Norden 901 Expedition on a variety of terrain in South Africa, including sand.
But is it the off-road beast I wanted the first Norden to be? The standard model was released just last year, and it planted a prominent flag for Husqvarna – a legendary off-road brand – onto the ADV landscape. The Expedition ups the platform’s game with higher-spec WP Xplor suspension, a taller windscreen, and side carriers with a pair of 18-liter waterproof saddlebags. Several optional features and accessories for the Norden are standard on the Expedition, including the Explorer ride mode, a beefier skid plate, heated grips and seat, a centerstand, and Bluetooth connectivity for infotainment and navigation. It’s priced at $15,799, a $1,300 premium over the Norden 901.
Enough speculating, let’s ride!
Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition in South Africa
The new taller windscreen on the Norden 901 Expedition comes in handy in situations like this.
Husqvarna did an amazing job plotting a route up and down epic mountains, over rolling hillsides, and along rugged coastlines near Cape Town, South Africa. Our first day started with a short stint on the freeway to get comfortable on the machine, and then we wicked it up on a hardpacked gravel road through vineyards and recently harvested grain fields. It was super dusty, so we tried leaving enough space between riders to avoid the dust without losing sight of those ahead of us. With a quick glance down, I saw 136 kph (84 mph) on the TFT display, and I wondered, Are we in a hurry?
We started with the Norden 901 Expedition on paved roads, but I was champing at the bit to see how it fared off-road.
Our route took us along the edge of a lake, and the scenery was breathtaking. Then we returned to the tarmac and blasted down a beautiful canyon road with towering cliffs, majestic mountains, and deep ravines. Back and forth we went, from gravel roads to highways at a brisk pace. The Norden’s 889cc parallel-Twin, which cranks out a claimed 105 hp and 73.8 lb-ft of torque, was pegged at 7,000 rpm in 6th gear without complaint, even though redline is 8,500 rpm.
With scenery like this, I wondered why we would be in such a hurry.
Day 2 brought more serious off-road terrain, with technical two-track, wet sand, and gnarly, rutted-out hillclimbs. At one point, facing exposed rocks and step-ups as the trail steepened toward a peak, I thought to myself, There’s no way this bike is making it to the top. It looked like something only an enduro bike should tackle but not this bike, not with its road-biased tires with 36 psi in them. But the Norden proved to be quite the mountain goat, and we successfully summitted the hill.
Then it was on to an enduro-type loop section with sand, loose red rock, hardpacked dirt, and a wet, grassy stretch. We did several loops, each slightly faster and messier than the last, pushing the Norden 901 Expedition harder with each pass. Then we charged up a steep and crumbling single-lane paved road. What a climb, and what a view from the top! It was an amazing couple of days to test an adventure bike – the perfect mix of a challenging route and out-there countryside.
After making adjustments to the suspension, there wasn’t any more twitch at high speeds off-road.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 is built on the same platform as the KTM 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R, a bike I’ve previously sampled. They share an engine and much of the same technology, such as ride modes, cornering ABS and traction control, Motor Slip Regulation, and a quickshifter. As on the KTMs, ABS is linked to the ride modes, so selecting the Street or Rain ride mode activates the Road ABS mode, and selecting the Offroad or Explorer ride mode activates the Offroad ABS mode.
But the Explorer ride mode is fully customizable. Riders can select among four different throttle-response maps (Rally, Offroad, Street, or Rain), select either ABS mode, and toggle between 10 levels of traction control for the rear wheel on the fly, ranging from Level 0 (off) to Level 9 (most intrusive). I found that Level 3 allowed for nice power slides without letting things get too out of hand.
With a bike like the Norden 901 Expedition, you’re going to want to do a little bit of power sliding, and 10 levels of traction control, adjustable on the fly, will let you choose how much.
The biggest change on the Expedition relative to the standard Norden 901 is the suspension. Compared to the WP Apex setup on the base model, the Expedition’s WP Xplor fork has larger diameter tubes (48mm vs. 43mm) and more travel (9.4 inches vs. 8.7 inches), and the Xplor PDS (Progressive Damping System) shock also has more travel (9.4 inches vs. 8.5 inches). The KTM 890 Adventure R also has Xplor suspension, but the Expedition has softer damping for a more comfortable ride. After two hard-charging days of riding, I can tell you that the bike’s handling is phenomenal.
Adjusting suspension on the Norden 901 Expedition fork is simply with clickers at the top of the tubes.
On pavement, the added stiffness of the 48mm fork kept the front end firmly planted no matter how hard I pushed into turns, even with the additional travel. The damping allowed the Expedition to float down the road, but it never felt spongy or bouncy. Off-road was a different story. At high speeds on long, fast gravel roads, I felt equally confident until I hit a loose rock or pothole and the handlebar did a quick 1-2-3 twitch – just enough to remind me to tone it down. On gnarly trails, I felt the softness of the stroke and used all the travel, but it never held me back and I experienced less jarring on my body than what I’ve experienced on the 890 Adventure R.
The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires provident confident grip, but I would’ve preferred more knobby tires in some situations.
Before the more technical riding on Day 2, I asked the Husqvarna techs to firm up the damping front and rear (there’s a settings chart under the rider seat). Adjusting the fork is simple since there are compression and rebound clickers atop the fork tubes; adjusting the shock requires tools that are found in the toolkit under the side panel. The changes made a big difference. On the road, I could feel small imperfections in the tarmac, and I could dive into corners with even more confidence and speed. Off-road was even better. I felt more in tune with the bike, allowing me to push the limits. There was no more twitch at high speeds, and the bike tracked straighter through sandy sections. On rough, rocky trails, the tires didn’t deflect as much, though it would have been even better if we could have aired them down.
The Norden 901 Expedition features a heavy-duty skid plate made of 4mm laser-cut aluminum.
The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs on the Expedition, which have roughly a 70/30 on/off-road bias, performed well on pavement and on fast-paced gravel roads. We flogged them hard, and they provided confident, consistent grip. In sand and on some of the more technical off-road sections, however, I would have preferred a more aggressive knobby. Tires are always a compromise, and the Pirellis are versatile tires with big knob blocks that should hold up well during long multiday tours.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition looks the business, and it’s well-equipped for off-road riding and long-distance touring.
Adventure bikes have a tough job. They need to be rugged and capable of tackling a wide variety of off-road terrain, they need to be robust enough to withstand abuse and carry heavy loads, and they need to provide enough power, comfort, and sophistication to satisfy riders who want to carve canyons or cross continents.
The Norden 901 Expedition’s Explorer ride mode is completely customizable for throttle response, ABS selection, and traction control.
The Norden’s tubular chromoly-steel trellis frame is light and strong and uses the engine as a stressed member for added rigidity. The rest of the chassis consists of a steel trellis subframe and a cast-aluminum open-lattice swingarm. The steering stem, triple clamps, handlebar, and footpegs are also made of aluminum, saving weight without sacrificing durability.
The parallel-Twin engine is certainly up to the task. It’s a lively powerplant, yet dual balancer shafts keep vibration to a manageable level. It makes plenty of power and torque, its throttle-by-wire enables the selectable ride modes and other rider aids, and its 6-speed transmission is equipped with a slip/assist clutch and the best quickshifter I’ve had the pleasure of using.
Like its slightly older sibling, the Norden 901 Expedition features topographical detailing that hints at the adventures you might have on the bike.
Whether seated or standing, I found the ergonomics to be spot-on for my 5-foot-11 frame. The low-slung fuel tank keeps weight down low for better balance and handling, and it keeps the upper part of the tank narrow between the knees. The tank, bodywork, and windscreen kept the wind and water off me for the most part. The windscreen isn’t adjustable, but it has a cut-out in the center that smooths the airflow. There was no buffeting, and I could look side to side without the peak of my helmet getting ripped by the passing air. When seated, I felt some airflow at neck level, but I didn’t mind, especially in the warm temperatures we were riding in.
The Norden 901 Expedition is pretty to look at when it’s clean, but you’re not going to want to keep it that way for long.
With good wind protection, cruise control, and heated grips and seat, the Expedition is a good choice for those who want to burn miles. The luggage that comes standard, however, wasn’t quite up to the task. Halfway through Day One, the crossmember that connects the two side carriers came off and went flying end over end down the road behind me. That got repaired, but after two days of thrashing, the loaded bags hung down because the stitching on the upper backing was stretching and coming undone. The side bags look good and provide useful storage, but they don’t seem robust enough for serious off-road abuse.
The side carriers with a pair of 18-liter waterproof saddlebags are a nice addition, but after two days of riding, it became evident that their construction would benefit from some shoring up.
For digital addicts, the Expedition has a connectivity unit that allows a smartphone to be paired via Bluetooth using the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app, which enables phone and music functions as well as Turn-by-Turn+ navigation and route planning. Pairing a Bluetooth helmet headset with the app allows riders to listen to music and take calls, with functions controlled via the left switch cube and displayed on the TFT dash. Maps can be downloaded for use offline, and up to 128 waypoints can be added to routes. I didn’t test the app, but I found the TFT display easy to read and the menus intuitive.
The Norden 901 Expedition features a 5-inch TFT dash with Husqvarna’s Connectivity Unit to connect to a smartphone for navigation, calls, and music.
Overall, my criticisms of the Norden 901 Expedition are fairly minor. I’d like an adjustable windscreen, more robust luggage, and knobbier tires, but some of that just reflects my personal preferences. If you’re in the market for a middleweight do-it-all adventure bike, especially if you put emphasis on the “touring” part of Adventure Touring, then the Expedition is hard to beat. With its excellent on- and off-road handling, versatile engine, fantastic electronics package, and comfortable ergonomics, you’ll be smiling ear-to-ear on every adventure.
Just one year after the release of the Norden 901, Husqvarna has added a new member to the Norden family: the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition. The Expedition takes all that’s great about the Norden 901 and makes it even more off-road-ready with up-spec suspension, a 36-liter-capacity set of side bags, a windscreen, and heated grips and seat.
The Norden 901 Expedition is powered by the same eight-valve, DOHC, 889cc parallel-Twin that’s in the Norden 901 and KTM’s 890 Adventure/R. On both the Norden 901 and the Expedition model, that engine produces a claimed 105 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque.
The new suspension on the Expedition gives it an edge over the regular Norden 901, bringing in 9.4 inches of travel front and rear compared to the Norden 901’s 8.7 inches front and 8.5 inches rear. The WP EXPLOR 48mm inverted fork is adjustable for compression and rebound, and the WP XPLOR shock is fully adjustable. The suspension gives the Expedition a ground clearance bump of 10.6 inches compared to the standard Norden 901’s 9.9 inches.
Both Norden 901 models are equipped with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless spoked wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires for performance both on and off the road. Offroad ABS is standard, and the Easy Shift function allows riders to change gears up or down without the clutch with the help of the Power Assist Slipper Clutch to smooth out any clumsy shifting.
The 5-gallon fuel tank provides riders with a maximum claimed 248 miles of range. The rotation-molded tank places most of the volume low and in front of the engine to lower the center of gravity and give the rider more freedom to move between riding positions. The Expedition also receives a heavy-duty skid plate made of 4mm, laser-cut aluminum.
The Expedition is more off-road ready right off the showroom floor with the addition of several previously optional accessories. For example, the Expedition comes standard with a side bag carrier system made from tubular steel and a side bag set with two waterproof bags. Each bag has a storage capacity of 18 liters, a waterproof roll closure, and welded seams. Heated grips, a heated seat, and a new windshield will keep adventurers comfortable in adverse conditions.
The 5-inch TFT dashboard allows the rider to adjust the display to show the trip meter, fuel range and consumption, and water temperature, while all ride modes and ABS settings are always visible. The Expedition also features Husqvarna’s Connectivity Unit to connect to a smart phone for Turn-by-Turn navigation, answering phone calls, and playing music.
Although the Norden 901 Expedition is made to be ready to ride right away, Husqvarna also offers a wide range of accessories and extras, like an Akrapovič Slip-on silencer, Touratech cases to replace the standard luggage, Factory Racing footpegs, and a radiator protection grille.
The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is available for $15,799, a price increase of $1,300 over the 2023 Norden 901. Find more details on Husqvarna’s website.
Husqvarna Motorcycles North America Inc. has announced the availability of its 2023 street lineup, including the single-cylinder Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401, the versatile single-cylinder 701 Supermoto and 701 Enduro, and the parallel-Twin Norden 901.
The 2023 701 Supermoto and 701 Enduro were made available in November at authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers, while the Norden 901 arrives in December 2022. The Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 models will be available from January 2023 onward.
2023 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401
2023 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Husqvarna says the 2023 Svartpilen 401 is great for urban and rural settings alike, while the lower bar and sport tires of the 2023 Vitpilen 401 make it suitable for twisty roads or as a commuter. Both bikes feature a liquid-cooled 373cc single-cylinder engine making a claimed 44 hp and 27.29 lb-ft of torque, a 6-speed gearbox linked to an Easy Shift sensor allowing for clutchless gear changes, and PASC slip/assist clutch.
2023 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
The steel trellis frames, low weight (approximately 333 lb dry weight for the Vitpilen 401 and 335 lb for the Svartpilen 401), and WP APEX suspension contribute to the bikes’ middleweight capabilities, and ByBre brakes and Bosch ABS offer powerful, controlled stopping. Both bikes have an approximately 2.5-gal fuel tank.
For 2023, the main changes to the 701 Supermoto and 701 Enduro are new colors and graphics.
2023 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
Both bikes return with a liquid-cooled 693cc single-cylinder engine making a claimed 74 hp and 54.21 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm, a 6-speed gearbox with the Easy Shift function, and the Adler APTC slip/assist clutch.
2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
The 701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto are equipped with an LCD dashboard with a USB port and an RPM display and gear selection indicator. From the handlebar, riders can quickly personalize their machine by selecting from two ride modes. Mode 1 on both bikes offers sporty throttle response and cornering-sensitive traction control. Mode 2 on the 701 Enduro provides a smooth throttle response with off-road traction control, allowing wheel slip and lifting of the front wheel.
2023 Husqvarna 701 Enduro
On the 701 Supermoto, Mode 2 provides a more aggressive throttle response with reduced traction control to allow for drifts and full control on slides. Riders can also deactivate traction control entirely.
2023 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
The 701 Enduro has WP XPLOR suspension, and the 701 Supermoto has WP APEX suspension. Both bikes feature Brembo brakes (with 300mm/240mm front/rear discs on the 701 Enduro and 320mm/240mm on the 701 Supermoto) and cornering ABS that can be disengaged.
The 701 Enduro has a dry weight of approximately 322 lb, while the 701 Supermoto comes in at approximately 324 lb. Both bikes have 3.4-gal fuel tanks.
2023 Husqvarna Norden 901
Husqvarna says the Norden 901 delivers “the ideal blend of offroad capability and world-traveler ridability.” Our editor-in-chief put this claim to the test with his video review of the 2022 model after two days of on- and off-road testing on to São Miguel, Azores, a wet, foggy island in the North Atlantic Ocean.
2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 in São Miguel
The Norden 901 is based on the KTM 890 Adventure platform. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 890cc DOHC parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 105 hp at 8,000 rpm and 74 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm at the crank, a 6-speed sequential gearbox with the Easy Shift function, and a PASC slip/assist clutch. It features ABS (Road and Offroad modes), lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, and cruise control and is equipped with adjustable WP APEX suspension, with 8.7/8.5 inches of front/rear travel.
2023 Husqvarna Norden 901
For 2023, the Norden 901 features updated ride modes, including the return of Street, Offroad, and the optional Explorer mode, as well as a Rain mode that replaces the Urban mode on the 2022 model. Street mode gives direct throttle response with traction control suited for paved surfaces and Road ABS. Rain mode has controllable throttle response with reduced peak power and traction control engaged at lower rpms. Offroad mode has smooth throttle response and allows wheel spin before traction control is engaged and ABS is automatically adjusted to match terrain. The optional Explorer mode gives the rider full control over throttle response, peak power, and ABS.
Who wouldn’t appreciate a 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 with $12,000-worth of upgrades? Backcountry Discovery Routes, an adventure motorcycling non-profit organization, is giving one away for its annual Motorcycle Sweepstakes Fundraiser, taking place now until January 20, 2023. The entry fee is $25.
“We’ve worked with our industry partners to turn this bike into the ultimate adventure machine,” says Inna Thorn, BDR Executive Director. “It’s set up specifically for tackling any or all of the Backcountry Discovery Routes. This is by far the most well-equipped sweepstake bike that BDR has ever offered, and we hope the community will be just as excited to participate in this year’s sweepstakes as we are to offer it.”
The aftermarket accessories on the Norden 901 include:
Full WP suspension XPLOR PRO upgrade
Special BDR Edition graphics
Protection and luggage systems from Touratech
Yoshimura slip-on exhaust
Garmin Zumo XT with locking mount
Scotts steering stabilizer with TripleClamp Moto mount kit
LED lights by Cyclops
Complete set of 11 BDR Butler Motorcycle Maps
Backcountry Discovery Routes is a non-profit that works to create and preserve off-highway riding opportunities for dual-sport and adventure motorcyclists. All proceeds from the sweepstakes will go toward helping BDR with these goals.
BDR’s work includes “promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic relief to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry.”
Anyone can enter to win the 2022 Norden 901. International entries are welcome with the understanding that the prize will be collected in Seattle, Washington, and may be subject to tax or importation limitations.
The winner will be drawn live on January 20, 2023 at 1 pm PST on BDR’s YouTube channel.
Husqvarna has announced its 2022 street lineup, which includes four models: the Svartpilen 401 scrambler, the Vitpilen 401 modern café racer, the 701 Supermoto, and the Norden 901 adventure bike.
2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
With its spoked wheels and knobby Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, the Svartpilen 401 – which means “black arrow” in Swedish – is a light, compact scrambler that is equally at home on city streets and desolate backroads. Its tractable 373cc single-cylinder engine makes 43 horsepower and 27 lb-ft of torque at the crank and is equipped with throttle-by-wire. The 6-speed transmission is mated to a slip/assist clutch and is equipped with Easy Shift, which allows for clutchless gear changes. The engine is held in place by a chromoly steel trellis frame, and WP Apex suspension will handle whatever you throw at it. ByBre brakes and Bosch ABS offer powerful, controlled stopping. Fuel capacity is 2.5 gallons and dry weight is 335 pounds.
The 2022 Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 comes in black and features new graphics. MSRP is $5,399.
2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
The Vitpilen 401 (“white arrow”) is a modern take on the café racer. Built on the same platform as the Svartpilen 401, it is powered by a 373cc Single carried in a chromoly steel trellis frame, and it’s equipped with Easy Shift, WP Apex suspension, ByBre brakes, Bosch ABS, and LED headlight and taillight.
The 2022 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 has matte white bodywork with new graphics. MSRP is $5,399.
2022 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
2022 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
If strafing apexes is your idea of fun, then look no further than the light, powerful 701 Supermoto. Its frisky 693cc single-cylinder engine makes 74 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 54 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, and the whole package weighs a svelte 324 pounds dry. A chromoly steel trellis frame is strong and light. High-performance features include an ATPC slipper clutch, WP Apex suspension, Brembo brakes with two-channel, switchable Bosch 9.1 MP ABS (including cornering ABS and Supermoto mode), lean-angle-sensitive traction control, and two ride modes. It rolls on Giant tubeless spoked 17-inch wheels shod with Continental ContiAttack Supermoto tires.
Handguards, a high fender, and white bodywork with black/yellow Husky graphics mean business. The 2022 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto has an MSRP of $12,499.
2022 Husqvarna Norden 901
2022 Husqvarna Norden 901
Husqvarna entered the highly competitive adventure bike market this year with the Norden 901, which is powered by an 889cc parallel-Twin that makes 105 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque at the crank. It’s fully equipped with throttle-by-wire, ride modes, comprehensive electronics, fully adjustable WP Apex suspension, J.Juan brakes, 21-inch front/18-inch rear spoked tubeless wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, and more.
The 2022 Vitpilen 401, Svartpilen 401 and Norden 901 are available now; the 2022 701 Supermoto will be available in May. Visit husqvarna-motorcycles.com to find a dealer near you.
Husqvarna have revealed an extensive range of technical accessories for the Norden 901 that are manufactured exclusively for the new model.
The range is designed to allow for tailored customisation to suit all forms of exploration, including high-quality luggage systems, rider aids, and protection parts.
Husqvarna Norden 901
Norden 901 Touratech Cases and Top Case
Encouraging unrestricted adventures, with a combined total of 114 litres of storage space the Touratech panniers are designed specifically for long-distance travel. Constructed of high-strength aluminium with strong and pliable silicone seals, anything placed inside the panniers is always protected, even in the most extreme weather conditions.
Norden 901 Touratech Cases and Top Case
Norden 901 Side Bag Set and Luggage Bag
Seamlessly integrating with the aesthetics of the Norden 901, the easy to install Side Bag Set and Luggage Bag are expertly assembled from waterproof material and welded seems to ensure all belongings remain safe and dry. For all-round usability, the effective roll closure design allows for fast and easy access.
Norden 901 Side Bag Set and Luggage Bag
Norden 901 Ergo Rider’s Seat and Ergo Pillion Seat
Creating an enriched riding experience for both rider and passenger in colder climates, the Ergo Rider’s Seat and Ergo Pillion Seat offer three easily selectable temperature settings. With day-long comfort assured, the elegant, uncompromising finish subtly enhances the unique overall design of the Norden 901.
Norden 901 Heated Grip Kit
Complimenting the Ergo Rider’s Seat and Ergo Pillion Seat, the Heated Grip Kit is another essential Technical Accessory, which allows for uninterrupted winter exploration. Operated by a simple-to-use handlebar-mounted switch, the Heated Grip Kit offers four heat settings for personalised comfort throughout every adventure.
Norden 901 Akrapovič “Slip-on Line”
Providing a significant weight reduction over the standard exhaust, the Akrapovič “Slip-on Line” is manufactured from high-grade titanium and assembled with the highest levels of craftsmanship. Complete with two protective heat shields, the lightweight system produces a sporty sound with the overall appearance inspired by the Husqvarna Factory Racing rally machines.
Norden 901 Akrapovič “Slip-on Line”
Norden 901 Lowering Kit
For shorter riders or those focused solely on the open road, the Lowering Kit includes all the components and hardware required to lower the Norden 901. Designed to offer unaltered riding dynamics, the Lowering Kit provides a 22 mm lower seat height than standard.
Norden 901 Windshield Spoiler
Providing a simple solution to extending the standard component, the Windshield offers improved protection from wind and reduces any potential strain on neck muscles. Particularly effective during longer days in the saddle, the Windshield can be installed in a matter of minutes.
Norden 901 Diverse Protection
Adding valuable protection to the Norden 901, three Technical Accessories have been developed to ensure non-stop exploration. Designed for challenging offroad conditions, the Engine Protection Grille provides an extension to the original skid plate to prevent mud build up around the exhaust header, ensuring optimal engine temperatures at all times. Protecting the lights, the Auxiliary Lamp Protection and Headlight Protection are easy to mount and offer effective defence against stone damage for uninterrupted riding adventures.
Norden 901 Diverse Protection
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ highly awaited 2022 Norden 901 will be available from March 2022 onwards at authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers in Australia and New Zealand.
A pre-order process will be in place for this highly anticipated model, with customers encouraged to contact their local authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer for more information.
2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 due in Australia in March
Testing the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 in the Azores, Portgual. (Photo by Marco Campelli)
We test the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901, a new adventure bike based on the KTM 890 Adventure platform. It’s powered by a 890cc parallel-Twin that makes 105 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 74 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm at the crank (claimed). MSRP is $13,999.
With styling nearly identical to the popular concept Husqvarna showed at EICMA in 2019, the Norden 901 has a rally-style fairing with a round headlight and integrated fog lights. Positioned between the KTM 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R, the Norden 901 is aimed at adventure riders who want to travel long distances but not sacrifice off-road capability.
The Norden 901 is equipped with ride modes (Street, Offroad, Urban, and optional Explorer), ABS (Road and Offroad modes), lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, an up/down quickshifter (Easy Shift), and cruise control. The wide, flat seat height adjustable (33.6/34.4 in.). It’s equipped with adjustable WP Apex suspension, with 8.7/8.5 inches of front rear travel, and its 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tubeless wheels are shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally FTR tires.
We subjected the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 to two days of on- and off-road testing on to São Miguel, a wet, foggy island in the North Atlantic Ocean that’s part of the Portuguese Azores archipelago and is crisscrossed with roads and tracks covered in pavement, cobblestones, gravel, mud, and sand.
2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 (Photos by Marco Campelli & Sebas Romero)
Husqvarna is a storied brand that goes way back. It takes its name from the Swedish town – now spelled Huskvarna, which means “millhouse” – where it was founded in 1689. The fledgling company used hydropower from a nearby waterfall to make muskets, and its logo depicts a gun sight viewed from the end of a barrel with an “H” in the center. In the late 1800s, as the world became more mechanized, Husqvarna started making sewing machines, cast-iron kitchen equipment, and bicycles.
In 1903, the same year Harley-Davidson began operations, Husqvarna started manufacturing motorcycles, first with imported engines and later its own. In the 1920s, it produced a 550cc side-valve V-Twin similar to those built by Harley and Indian, and in the 1930s it began competing in Grand Prix racing.
As John L. Stein chronicled in “Striking Vikings,” Husqvarna produced its first purpose-built enduro, the Silverpilen (Silver Arrow), in 1953. Husky made a name for itself on American and European motocross tracks, and the brand was popularized in the iconic 1971 film, On Any Sunday.
Husqvarna sold its motorcycle business to Cagiva in 1987, building motorcycles under the same name while the original company – now headquartered in Stockholm – focused on chainsaws and lawnmowers. After 20 years of Italian ownership, Husqvarna Motorcycles was sold to BMW, and it continued making motocross, enduro, and hardcore dual-sport machines. In 2013, Husky introduced the 50/50 on-/off-road TR650 Terra and the road-going TR650 Strada, both powered by a tuned-up version of the 652cc Single from the BMW G 650 GS. We praised both bikes in our reviews, but they were short-lived. That same year, Husqvarna’s German owners sold the brand yet again, this time to Austria’s KTM.
The motorcycle industry has a long history of consolidation, mergers, divestitures, bankruptcies, and resurrections. When brands are under the same umbrella – Pierer Mobility Group owns KTM, Husqvarna, and Gas Gas – it makes economic sense to share costly resources such as engine platforms. Just as the TR650s were based on the G 650 GS, current Husqvarnas are adapted from KTM models. The Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 street models were based on KTM’s 390 Duke, and the 701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto are based on KTM’s 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R, respectively.
Which brings us to the Norden 901, Husqvarna’s first foray into the red-hot adventure bike market. Not surprisingly, it’s based on KTM’s highly capable 890 Adventure platform. The standard 890 Adventure is geared toward a mix of street and light off-road touring, while the 890 Adventure R is aimed at more aggressive off-road adventure riding (and the R Rally version even more so).
Where does the Norden 901 fit in? Right in the middle, says Husqvarna. It’s designed to be more off-road capable and versatile than the 890 Adventure, but not as hardcore as the 890 Adventure R. It’s even priced between them. At $13,999, it’s $800 more than the 890 Adventure and $200 less than the R (based on KTM’s 2021 prices).
Why would Husqvarna build an adventure bike like what KTM already offers? It showed a Norden 901 concept at the EICMA show in 2019, and the positive response encouraged Husqvarna to carve out its own niche within the segment. For some buyers, it simply comes down to styling. Perhaps they don’t like the sharp angles or orange paint on the KTMs. The production version of the Norden is very similar to the concept, with a smoothly curved rally-style fairing, a large round headlight, fog lights, and a wide, flat seat. If you’re a fan of the look, not to mention the fluorescent yellow stripe and matte black-on-black paint and graphics, then the Norden 901 offers unique appeal.
Husqvarna hosted the launch of the Norden 901 (Swedish for “the north”) on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean that is an autonomous region of Portugal. The Gulf Stream contributes to the Azores’ mild, wet climate, and over the course of two days we experienced the full spectrum of conditions one might encounter on an adventure bike: rain, fog, wind, gravel, sand, mud, water crossings, dry roads, wet roads, slick cobblestone roads, mud- and manure-smeared roads, and even roads carpeted with moss. São Miguel is impossibly green, and with giant volcanic craters filled with scenic lakes and more cows than people, it feels like a cross between Hawaii and Scotland.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Photo by the author)
Having put lots of miles in lots of places on nearly every model in KTM’s adventure/travel lineup, the Norden 901’s touch points, engine character, and performance feel familiar. On the left switch cluster are four buttons (up, down, back, and set) that simplify navigation of the bike’s menus. The 5-inch color TFT display has bold, bright, detailed graphics that clearly convey information. For example, when switching from Road to Offroad ABS, which disables ABS at the rear wheel, a graphic illustration of the bike changes from green front and rear wheels (ABS is active at both ends) to green on the front wheel and red on the rear wheel (rear ABS is deactivated).
Equipped with throttle-by-wire and a 6-axis IMU, the Norden 901 has riding modes (Street, Rain, and Offroad), cornering ABS, and lean-angle-sensitive traction control. Each mode has a preset level for engine power, throttle response, and TC intervention. There is an optional Explorer mode that allows the rider to customize the settings, as well as make on-the-fly adjustments of rear wheel slip over a 9-level range.
Unlike other adventure bikes that bundle all relevant settings into each riding mode, those made by KTM and Husqvarna require riders to make separate selections for riding mode and ABS mode. On our test ride, we switched back and forth between paved and unpaved roads and wet and dry conditions many times each day, and I had to constantly remind myself that changing the riding mode from Offroad to Street does not automatically change ABS from Offroad to Road. I had to change both, which requires extra steps. I did not want to go into a blind, wet corner on a paved road with the rear ABS turned off, but sometimes it happened.
The Norden 901’s liquid-cooled, 889cc parallel-Twin has DOHC with four valves per cylinder and a 13.5:1 compression ratio. Without oil, it weighs just 118 pounds, and the Norden’s claimed curb weight is 481 pounds. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and a standard up/down quickshifter. During off-road riding, the transmission occasionally popped out of gear, perhaps by bumping the shifter with my heavy boot; I had the same issue when testing the KTM 890 Adventure R. Standard equipment also includes motor slip regulation and cruise control, and oil change intervals are 9,320 miles.
The engine is lively and responsive, with dual balancer shafts neutralizing unwanted vibration while allowing plenty of character to shine through. Husqvarna claims 105 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Those are the same figures for the 890 Adventure R, which made 90 horsepower at 8,200 rpm and 62 lb-ft of torque at 6,900 rpm at the rear wheel on Jett Tuning’s dyno in our test earlier this year.
Like the standard 890 Adventure, the Norden 901 has WP Apex suspension, with a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork with separate functions in each leg and convenient adjusters on top. The rear shock has a linkage and is adjustable for rebound and spring preload, the latter via a handy remote knob. Suspension travel is 8.7/8.5 inches front/rear, and ground clearance is 9.9 inches. Compliance is good over a range of conditions, though launching off water bars and hitting G-outs occasionally caused the Norden to bottom out. The underside of the engine and lower parts of the fuel tank are protected by aluminum skid plates.
Tubeless spoked wheels, with a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear, are shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires that have large tread blocks and provide good grip both on- and off-road. Brakes are by J.Juan, with a pair of radial 4-piston front calipers on 320mm discs and a single 2-piston floating caliper on a 260mm disc, and they offer ample power and good feel at the front lever and rear pedal. Both clutch and brake levers are adjustable for reach, the brake pedal is adjustable for height, and the rubber inserts can be removed from the cleated metal footpegs.
What most sets the Norden 901 apart from its KTM cousins, other than styling, is comfort and wind protection. The broad, flat seat has a ribbed, suede-like cover to minimize slip, and it can be set in low (33.6 inches) or high (34.4 inches) positions. In typical adventure bike style, the seating position is upright, legroom is generous, and the reach to the wide handlebar is relaxed. There’s a good-sized pillion seat with large grab handles, and on the back is a small luggage rack. The Norden has a wider fairing than the KTMs, which provides good wind protection (along with the hand guards), and visually it offsets the bulbous shape of the lower “pods” of the horse-shaped, 5-gallon fuel tank.
Many will want to outfit the Norden 901 for extended tours or off-the-grid exploring. Above the TFT display is a convenient place to mount a GPS, and there’s a 12-volt socket on the dash. An optional Connectivity Unit allows you to pair your smartphone to the bike via the myHusqvarna app, and it will display turn-by-turn navigation on the TFT. We used the nav feature on a ride back to the hotel after lunch on the first day, and it worked like a charm. Husqvarna also offers aluminum luggage made by Touratech, as well as a range of accessory soft luggage, heated grips, comfort rider/passenger seats, a suspension lowering kit (which reduces seat height by nearly an inch), and apparel. Our test bikes were fitted with optional carbon-tipped Akrapovič silencers, which add style and a nice exhaust tone.
Overall, the Norden 901 is well-balanced, ruggedly built, and capable of tackling whatever most adventure riders will throw at it. We can’t wait to get a test bike and put some serious off-the-beaten path miles on it.
