2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 Launch Review

The 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 has been a long time coming, but it has finally arrived on Australian shores. And it kind of feels like a breath of fresh air.

If you’ve been following along at home, you’ll know that the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 is the brand’s first true dual-sport motorcycle (we’re calling the 701 Enduro a big-bore trail bike). You might also know that the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 is heavily based on the KTM 890 Adventure platform.

Of course, this isn’t unusual for the KTM Group – the company is known for using the same platform with colours coordinated to each brand. And it’s a formula which has been highly successful.

But make no mistake – the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 is not simply a KTM 890 Adventure in Husky clothing. It is a unique middleweight adventure bike with its own identity, its own styling, and its own target audience.

UPDATE: 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Launch Review

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All-new 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 finally revealed
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2021 KTM 890 Adventure R Launch Review

KTM has long been a leader in the adventure/travel segment. Its 790 Adventure and award-winning 790 Adventure R were released in 2019 to great acclaim before the KTM 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R arrived just over a year later. The 890 Adventure R further refined the go-anywhere platform and offered capability not yet seen on a full-size adventure bike.

It was only a matter of time before that successful blueprint drifted over to Husqvarna’s side of the Mattighofen factory. Given that Husky joined the KTM Group way back in 2013, its entry into the adventure game has been a long time coming.

The Husqvarna Norden 901 was first previewed in 2019 at EICMA with a concept based on the then yet-to-be-revealed 890 platform. Just two months later, in December 2019, Husqvarna announced the Norden 901 would go into production. That was before the pandemic, of course – the finished product was not unveiled until nearly two years later in October 2021.

Fortunately, however, the Norden 901 was well worth the wait.

The Husqvarna Norden 901 is designed to slot somewhere between the standard 890 Adventure and the dirt-focused 890 Adventure R. It doesn’t quite have the off-road edge that the R has, but it does offer more dual-sport capability than the standard 890 Adventure.

I’m not going to go into the nitty gritty of the mechanical differences between the Norden and the KTM pair because, on paper at least, there isn’t much difference at all.

Where Husky separates itself from KTM is in aesthetic design, finish, and the brand's wide array of standard equipment. The KTM Group tries to pitch Husky as its ‘premium’ brand, and the Norden 901 is no exception. It has an elegant, yet rugged design and a luxurious finish that evokes images of great explorers and expeditions.

Every detail feels well thought out, and everything has its place. Where the KTM pair are like Toyota Landcruisers, the Norden is a Land Rover – both very capable, but targeted at different markets.

The Norden 901 checks in at $25,050 ride away – just $1650 more than the standard KTM 890 Adventure. Meanwhile, the dirt-focused 890 Adventure R costs $25,380 ride away.

But here is where it gets interesting. The Norden 901’s electronics package is similar to both KTM models, but it includes cruise control, a quickshifter, and motor slip regulation (MSR) as standard. All of these features must be purchased as options on the KTM pair.

So, despite the ‘premium’ finish of the Norden 901, it appears to offer better value than the KTMs. Though it must be noted that the 890 Adventure R is better equipped in the suspension department.

Okay, okay – enough small talk. How does the thing go? We were fortunate enough to join the Husqvarna team at the Australian media launch in the beautiful Victorian High Country which, you might say, is the Norden 901’s natural habitat.

One Norden marketing slogan is ‘For Pioneers’, so the High Country was a fitting location. The route took us from the foot of Mt Buller, through Ned Kelly country, to the high plains of Mt Hotham and Falls Creek. We travelled along twisty tarmac roads, flowing dirt highways, and tricky 4WD tracks, giving us a chance to test the bike over a wide variety of terrain.

The engine in the Norden 901 is a good one, but we don’t need to tell you that. It is basically unchanged from the KTM 890 Adventure and, like all KTM engines, it has a distinct mechanical feeling, sound, and delivery.

On the tarmac, the motor is smooth and full of useable torque. While this bike is undoubtedly an adventurer tourer, it is possible to push it to high limits on the road (the chassis and tyres also contribute to that). The varying levels of throttle response also make a huge difference depending on the weather, terrain, or your personal style of riding.

Notably, the engine is perfectly suited to the dirt as well, giving the Norden a level of versatility that is really only trumped by the KTM 890 Adventure R.

One area that did bug me was the gearbox. There was a lot of gear slipping and getting stuck in neutral, though I suspect that this was isolated to my particular unit, as the other journo’s didn’t appear to suffer the same fate. That said, I just didn’t gel with the quickshifter (it was the same with the 890). When it works, it works really well, but there were too many times when it didn’t. Then again, maybe it’s just a lack of talent…

The ergonomics and geometry have been altered slightly from the KTM, and that’s partly due to the different bodywork which gives the Norden a unique look and feel. The rally-style tower is quite tall, while the seat height is quite low, making you feel like you’re sitting ‘in’ the bike.

Speaking of seat height, it’s adjustable, with 854mm and 874mm options. Making the adjustment is super-easy, with only the key needed. While it is only 20mm, the change does make a noticeable difference to the riding experience. Shorter riders will likely opt for the lower height, but the higher setting seemed to be the preferred option for most of our cast and crew – especially in the dirt.

Compared to the KTM, the Norden seems a fair bit wider through its flanks. At first, I found this to be a little uncomfortable, and I woke the next morning with the insides of my knees aching from the pressure points. But I adapted quickly on the second day and actually came to like the shape and width of the seat. It allows you to lean back on your legs while standing, giving you a pseudo Steg Pegz effect. Nifty, huh?

Elsewhere, it is pretty much comfort plus. The leg room is adequate for my 6ft frame; the 'bar, levers, and switchblock layout are positioned well; the standing position is great; and the windshield gives plenty of protection. The only problem is that the windshield is not adjustable – a greatly missed opportunity.

Like the 890 Adventure, the Norden 901 handles like a dream. Despite weighing in at 204kg dry, it sometimes feels like a 110kg dirt bike. This is likely due to the clever fuel tank design and weight distribution, to which Husky/KTM has paid close attention.

The bike flows effortlessly through corners on the tarmac, and feels light and agile on the dirt. As above, it kind of handles like a dirt bike, but it still feels solid and stable on the road.

In the braking department, the Norden adopts Husqvarna-branded J.Juan components and a Bosch ABS system. J.Juan is a Spanish brand owned by market-leader Brembo, but Husky has self-branded the stoppers to allow for more of a hands-on approach. It has paid off too, because the brakes do a fine job and never cause any hassles.

Where the Husky arguably differs most from KTMs is in the suspension department. Like the standard 890 Adventure, the Norden uses WP Apex gear, but it has more suspension travel (220mm front, 215mm rear). The setup works well, although it’s important to note that it is well and truly aimed at adventure ‘touring’ more so than adventure ‘off-road’.

On tarmac and gravel roads, the fork and shock are superb. Both are easily adjustable, but I was more than happy with the stock settings. The bike still handles well when those gravel roads turn into fire trails, but it starts to fall a little bit when the latter turn into rough 4WD tracks.

Of course, the performance of the suspension comes down to the way you ride the bike. Those 4WD tracks can be easily traversed if you just slow down and ride methodically. Sure, you can’t send it off erosion mounds, plough through potholes and rock gardens, or ride like a bat out of hell, but it is possible to pick your way through technical terrain slowly.

Husqvarna isn’t pitching this bike as a hardcore off-road machine; that is what the 890 Adventure R is for. Instead, it wants people to see the Norden as a true dual-sport ‘travel’ bike. But if you’re itching for a bigger adrenaline kick, and still want that Husky badge, then it is possible to upgrade to WP Xplor Pro or WP Xplor Pro Rally gear.

Utilising brilliant cone valve technology, the up-spec suspension setups are better than the 890 Adventure R setup. We had a chance to ride a Norden fitted with an Xplor Pro Rally suspension, and it was a mind-bending experience.

Combined with the Rally throttle response setting, the Norden suddenly becomes a dirt bike, giving you the ability to tackle technical terrain at speed, power out of corners, and jump off huge erosion washouts without a care in the world.

So, is it worth upgrading? Well, with both the WP Xplor Pro fork and shock and the WP Xplor Pro Rally fork and shock each setting you back just short of $7800 (the latter effectively a taller setup delivering a higher ride height), it's not a matter to be tackled lightly.

Both sets will also require some mods, such as an extended side stand and front brake hoses. So no, it’s probably not worth upgrading unless money is no object. If you want the extra travel, then we suggest looking at the 890 Adventure R instead.

The Norden employs the same electronics package as the 890 Adventure twins. There isn’t much new to report here – the bike features cornering ABS (including off-road ABS), cornering traction control, multiple ride modes (which alters throttle response and traction), smartphone connectivity, and a nice TFT display.

One small difference is that the TFT display offers a new visual layout and presentation tailored specifically for Husqvarna. It is a little more interesting that the KTM’s display, adding more of that prestige feel that Husky is going for.

As mentioned earlier, the Husky comes with cruise control, a quickshifter, and MSR as standard without adding much more to the price tag. There is also an optional ‘Explorer’ mode (same as Rally on the KTM), which will add just $324 to the total. Considering the price, this option is a no-brainer, as it allows for traction control customisation, and the ‘Rally’ throttle response setting.

And to all those who still think traction control on the dirt is a sin, go ride a Norden, set the slip to 1, 2, or 3, and see what you think. Traction control is so good these days that it actually helps rather than hinders on a loose surface.

It goes without saying, but the Norden 901 is great off-road. As above, the stock Apex suspension does have its limits, but if you take your time and simply enjoy the ride, then the Norden is as good off-road as any other adventure bike (except the 890 R, of course).

The traction control and ABS settings work perfectly, and the various throttle response settings are all great in the dirt. The tubeless Pirelli Rally STR tyres are also a versatile and inspired choice by Husqvarna Australia. Combined with the great chassis and lightweight handling, the Norden could well be the ultimate dual-purpose travel bike.

On the subject of travel, the Norden will get close to 400km out its 19L tank. Husky Australia initially believed that the factory’s claim of 400km was ambitious, and instead suggested it was closer to 350km, but after two days in the High Country, with just one fuel stop, the consensus was that 400km is not so much of a stretch after all. Impressive.

Given the Norden’s ability, finish, and price tag, the question must be asked – where does this leave the standard KTM 890 Adventure? In my opinion, that bike is now redundant. The Norden is a better motorcycle and virtually on par in terms of price. KTM Australia also told bikesales that the 890 Adventure is sold in small numbers Down Under.

The way I see it, punters should choose between the travel-friendly, style-conscious Husqvarna Norden 901, and the hardcore, dirt-destroying KTM 890 Adventure R. To me, there doesn’t seem to be any real reason to choose the standard 890 Adventure unless you’re a KTM die-hard, but don’t want the off-road capability of the R. I’m betting there isn’t many in that boat.

Of course, the regular 890 Adventure is still available (for now at least), but if you’re looking at that bike, I urge you to seriously consider the Norden 901.

Apart from the couple of small issues I’ve already mentioned, there isn’t much to dislike about the Norden 901. If I had to scrape the barrel, I’d suggest a dedicated 'bar-mounted ‘Ride Mode’ button, a more-intuitive connectivity system, semi-active suspension, and heated grips as standard could all be worthy inclusions.

Of course, as with any new bike, reliability is the question we can’t answer right now. The gearbox issues mentioned earlier do concern me a little, but KTM has a fairly good track record (despite some online sentiments).

To be honest, the Norden 901 is a pretty complete motorcycle. The style and finish is brilliant and oh so Husky, while performance is more than enough for its intended application. There are plenty of little pleasures that add to the bike's comfort and capability too. The LED headlight and foglights are better than many car headlights, the rear brake lever tip is reversible, the fuel tank is easy to remove, the air filter easy to access, and there are plenty of accessories available.

If this is the KTM Group’s attempt at a premium middleweight adventure tourer, then it has done a pretty bloody good job. And with a price tag of $25,050, the Husqvarna Norden 901 should garner serious attention from dedicated adventure riders.

Yes, there are cheaper options out there (and perhaps better equipped too), but I don’t think there is another middleweight adventure bike that can compete with the Norden 901 and the 890 Adventure R for dual-sport capability and versatility.

It was a long wait for Husky’s first true adventure machine, but our patience has paid off. The Norden 901 is an excellent machine that will sit right at the top of the competitive middleweight adventure ladder. And it gives punters a great alternative to the KTM machines. Now, GasGas – where you at, bro?

The Husqvarna Norden 901's original score of 90 has been altered to better reflect the bike's position against more recent offerings in the middleweight adventure segment.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC parallel twin
Capacity: 889cc
Bore x stroke: 90.7mm x 68.8mm
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection with 46mm DKK Dell’Orto throttle body

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 105hp (71kW) at 8000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 100Nm at 6500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: PASC Slipper

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis frame, powder coated
Front suspension: WP 43mm Apex upside-down fork, fully adjustable, 220mm travel
Rear suspension: WP Apex monoshock with linkage, fully adjustable, 215mm travel
Front brakes: 320mm discs with J.Juan four-piston radial calipers, ABS
Rear brake: 260mm disc with J.Juan twin-piston caliper, ABS
Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR – front 90/90-21, rear 150/70-18 (not as tested)

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 204kg
Seat height: 854/874mm
Wheelbase: 1513mm
Ground clearance: 252mm
Fuel capacity: 19 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $25,050 ride away
Test bike supplied by: Husqvarna Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres