Husqvarna Norden 901: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Middleweight dual-sports are the flavour of the month, and the Norden 901 has taken a seat at the table in a mightily impressive package
Why is the Husqvarna Norden a bikesales BOTY finalist?
It may be heavily based on the KTM 890 Adventure R on the strength of having the same master (the KTM Group, which also owns GASGAS), but the Husqvarna Norden 901 certainly doesn’t just slip into new clothing to go about its dual-sport business.
It’s a more sophisticated business strategy and, with the KTM Group pitching Husqvarna as its ‘premium’ brand, it’s an elegant yet rugged model with an impressive suite of standard features.
The Norden 901 – which was first previewed at the 2019 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan in concept form – certainly has a unique look and feel, with an engine that’s already proven to be a universal crowd-pleaser in the 890 Adventure range.
The 889cc parallel-twin is just so versatile, and with peak power of 103hp (77kW) riders don’t miss out on some clamour and intensity at the top-end either – which fits like a glove to the Norden, which is more an adventure travel dual-sport machine than a hardcore off-roader.
It’s a comfortable machine across the board, handles like a beauty, the weight distribution is in all the right places and, in the same vein as the 890 Adventure R, it just flows from one corner to another with a tremendous amount of balance and stability.
Form follows function, and that's case in this well-deserved bikesales Bike of the Year finalist.
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Who will the Husqvarna Norden 901 appeal to?
Riders who like to have fun on and off-road, but one where the package is skewed towards the former – and that’s highlighted in things like suspension travel, which is below what you’ll find on the 890 Adventure R.
Like most adventure bikes, though, it really has an engaging, tactile personality, and that’s noticed as soon as you get on board – it has a very sit-in relaxed feel, exacerbated by a lowish seat height (854mm, but it can be set at 874mm) and the tall tower.
And it’d be easy for Husqvarna to blot the ‘premium’ copybook if the fit and finish weren’t up to scratch but they are both superb so no concerns there, and even chattels like the LED lighting are top notch.
In fact, just about every question that is asked of the Husqvarna Norden 901 can be answered in terms of sharp styling, performance and engagement, and at nearly 900cc it has the might and power to scratch, tour, commute and go off-road with complete composure.
What does the Husqvarna Norden 901 cost?
The retail price is $25,050 ride away – $1650 more than the standard KTM 890 Adventure, and $330 less than the more dirt-focused 890 Adventure R.
On top of the multiple ride modes, Bosch ABS and connectivity as standard items, the Norden offers more electronics such as cruise control, a quickshifter and motor slip regulation (MSR). It works out to be a very sweet deal indeed.
On the flip side, the Husqvarna Norden 901’s suspension isn’t as premium as the 890 Adventure R’s – but that’s only a concern if off-roading will become a mainstay. Otherwise, carry on as usual.
Heated grips and even electronic suspension would be worthy standard inclusions down the track, but of course the price would go north by quite a margin.
What have we already said about the Husqvarna Norden 901?
We hit some of ‘Kelly Country’ in central Victoria for the Aussie media launch and, such is the Husqvarna Norden 901’s ability to roam with complete authority, we could have hidden out for days…
But we didn’t have the constabulary on our tails and kept at it, and here’s how bikesales editor Dylan Ruddy wrapped it all up: “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 ride away, 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.”
Norden 901 specs at a glance:
Price: $25,050 ride away
Engine: 889cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel-twin
Output: 105hp (71kW) at 8000rpm, 100Nm at 6500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 240kg (dry)
Seat height: 854/874mm
Fuel capacity: 19 litres
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