Cycle News Staff | November 10, 2019
The Husqvarna Motorcycles Norden 901 is finally hitting dealer floors in North America. It’s been two years since we first laid eyes on the concept Husqvarna Norden 901, and now we have the production-ready version. The best news is that it looks nearly identical to the prototype, which is a rare and welcome thing.
In keeping with tradition, the Husqvarna borrows heavily from its KTM equivalent, this being the 890 Adventure. As such, the motor, frame, swingarm and wheels are all lifted directly from the Adventure, although the WP Apex fork and shock get a bit more travel with 8.7 inches at both ends. The higher-spec KTM Adventure R, for comparison, gets 9.5-inches travel front and rear.
The motor cranks out a claimed 105 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 74 lb-ft of torque at 6500 rpm and is matched to a similar electronics suite—just rebranded—that you’ll find on the KTM. Street, Off Road and Rain modes are complemented by the Explorer mode, which is basically the same as the KTM Rally mode on the Adventure R, in that it unlocks the traction control, letting you select one of nine levels. Other electronic goodies included are Bosch IMU, cornering ABS with an off-road mode that takes the system off the rear wheel, Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone and cruise control.
Where the Norden is vastly different is in the styling. Although the motorcycle still uses the KTM’s low-slung gas tank, it has been restyled to match the Norden’s aesthetic and, consequently, has dropped 0.3 gallons for a five-gallon capacity. The styling is reminiscent of Dakar racers of the 1980s, although a touch of modernism is apparent with the circular LED light set-up that gives a doff of the cap to the Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen street-bike range.
The Norden will be available in dealers at the end of this month for $13,999 MSRP.
Here is the complete press release from Husqvarna…
Inspired by Husqvarna Motorcycles’ Factory Rally machines, the Norden 901 is built to cover long distances across challenging, diverse landscapes. Fast, fun, nimble and above all capable, this is a motorcycle that makes even the longest riding days rewarding, no matter how far the rider chooses to go, whether on-road or off.
The Norden 901 brings a tough yet lightweight approach to the midclass adventure sector. A smooth and torquey 899 cc parallel-twin engine powers the Norden 901 with dual balancer shafts to minimize vibration. The engine is housed in a light steel trellis frame, prepared to carry rider, luggage, and passenger to the furthest points of the map, across any terrain, assisted by WP APEX suspension with long 220 mm travel. Large diameter 21 inch front and 18 inch rear tires roll easily over obstacles on the trail. For all its exemplary offroad ability, the Norden 901 also offers unrivaled comfort and agility on tarmac.
A rider headed deep into unknown territory needs to know they can rely on their machine in extreme situations. Therefore, the Norden 901 braking system is backed up by switchable Bosch Cornering ABS with Street and Offroad modes. Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lean-angle sensitive Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is also there to assist, with particular attention paid to its levels of offroad assistance.
Making every journey an adventure beyond the horizon, the Norden 901 offers three selectable ride modes as standard (Street, Rain, Offroad) and an optional Explorer mode to deal with every circumstance the rider might encounter. An Easy Shift function allows for clutchless shifts up and down the six-speed gearbox, while a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC) maintains rear wheel composure.
Husqvarna Motorcycles Norden 901 Technical highlights:
- Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame with engine as stressed member
- 889cc parallel-twin engine is smooth and powerful across the rpm range
- Adjustable WP APEX suspension provides exceptional comfort both on the street and offroad
- Three selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad) and optional Explorer mode
- Cutting-edge, switchable cornering ABS with Offroad mode
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Easy Shift function
- Cornering-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (allows for nine levels of adjustable rear wheel slip in Explorer mode)
- Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC)
- Tubeless spoked wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires for peak performance on the street and offroad
- Large capacity, 5-gallon (19-liter) fuel tank provides an extended range of up to 248 miles (400 km)
- Optional Connectivity Unit provides turn-by-turn navigation, telephone call reception and music selection functionality from the rider’s smartphone
The optional Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app for Android and iOS is a first on the Norden 901 and delivers communications and music via Bluetooth on the go, all controllable via a handlebar-mounted mode switch. The Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app also provides route planning and turn-by-turn navigation with visual guidance transmitted via Bluetooth from the app to the TFT screen.
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ highly awaited 2022 Norden 901 will be available from November 2021 onward at authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers.
Taking center stage at EICMA for Husqvarna this year is the new Norden 901 (concept) adventure-touring motorcycle.
Husqvarna Norden 901 First Look
Husqvarna Norden 901
Introduced for the first time, the Norden 901 concept model features an 889.5cc parallel-twin motor that Husqvarna says is specifically turned for “adventure” use and “perfectly” blends the balance between off-road performance and touring ability. “A versatile long-distance exploration concept, it will deliver both outstanding street and off-road performance,” says Husqvarna. “Expect class-leading lightness and power delivery set in a versatile and accessible package, precisely arranged to allow discerning riders uncompromised exploration possibilities. Delivering effortless rideability and sensible, high-end modern equipment, this motorcycle will be used on daily commutes, extended adventures and everything in between.”
Husqvarna Norden 901
The Norden 901 is fitted with 21-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) wheels and WP suspension components.
