Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition: bikesales Bike of the Year 2023 finalist

The Husqvarna Norden 901 was a deserving finalist in last year’s Bike of the Year awards, but the Swedish-born, Austrian-based firm has improved on that platform with the better-equipped Expedition version. So, it was only fair that we included it in the 2023 awards.

Perhaps the biggest and most important update is the addition of WP Xplor suspension, which ups the travel significantly, and offers a more dirt-friendly experienced as opposed to the tarmac-focused WP Apex setup on the standard Norden.

The Norden 901 Expedition also comes standard with a set of soft panniers, heated grips, a heated seat, an engine guard, a centre stand, and the full suite of electronics. All of that adds up to a bike that is much better equipped out of the box than the standard version.

Elsewhere, the Expedition is not all that different from the standard model. It has a usable parallel-twin engine, a rugged chassis, and great electronics. But while it is not a radical overhaul, various the changes do help transform the bike and make it much more adventurous than its sibling.

Okay, so the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition doesn’t match the KTM 890 Adventure R for insane off-road performance, but it does improve greatly on the standard Norden. That makes it a great choice for true dual sport riders who want to travel long distances while still being able to venture off the beaten path.

Enduro and motocross riders will naturally be drawn to the 890 Adventure R, while the standard Norden will appeal to tourers who will only dabble in off-road terrain. The Expedition falls in the middle and is perfect for those who genuinely want to explore. Riding tricky off-road terrain will take a little more care than the 890, but it can be done. Is it wrong to call the Norden 901 Expedition the thinking man’s adventure bike?

One of the key reasons why we decided to nominate the Norden 901 Expedition for the 2023 Bike of the Year awards, is that it only costs $1800 more than the standard version.

At $27,840 ride away, it is far from cheap, but given the improvements over the standard Norden, we’re inclined to think it is pretty decent value.

There are plenty of cheaper alternatives in the middleweight adventure segment, but there aren’t too many that are as well-equipped and versatile as the Norden 901 Expedition.

The international launch of the Norden 901 Expedition was held outside of Cape Town in South Africa. It was a unique location that provided plenty of rugged and varied terrain to properly put the bike through its paces.

Editor Dylan Ruddy was the man on the ground and while he did find a couple of gripes with the new machine, he was impressed overall with the improvement over the standard version.

“Sure, the KTM 890 Adventure R and Aprilia Tuareg might offer better off-road performance, while there are also more affordable options out there,” he began. “But with a high level of standard equipment, equally great on-road and off-road capability, and unique Husky style, I’m struggling to see which other models match it as a true dual-sport machine.

“Is this the best middleweight adventure bike available? I can’t say for sure without a comparison test, but it is bloody close.”     

Price: $27,840 ride away
Engine: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC parallel-twin
Output: 105hp (71kW) at 8000rpm, 100Nm at 6500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 214.5kg (dry)
Seat height: 875/895mm
Fuel capacity: 19 litres