D-day is finally here. Two years after Husqvarna created a stir by showing a concept model of the Norden 901 at EICMA, the Swedish-born brand has finally peeled back the cover on the production version of their first adventure travel motorcycle. What’s more, Husqvarna has confirmed their much-anticipated ADV bike is hitting dealer floors as soon as this November, both in North America and Europe.
With its distinctive blend of modern design and classic lines, the Norden has captured a lion’s share of attention since being announced and become one of the most highly-anticipated adventure bike models to be released in 2022. At its heart is KTM’s 899cc parallel-twin engine pumping out 105 hp and 73.8 lbs of torque, which includes dual balancer shafts to minimize vibration and a 435-degree firing order that gives it a V-Twin-like growl.
The engine is housed in a light steel trellis frame designed to carry a rider, luggage, and passenger on- or off-road. WP APEX suspension sporting a 43mm fork with 220 mm travel in front and 215 mm of travel in the rear, along with large 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tires, allow it to roll easily over obstacles on the trail.
As far as electronic aids, the bike features cruise control as well as 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.
The Norden 901 braking system is backed up by switchable Bosch Cornering ABS with Street and Offroad modes. Husqvarna’s lean-angle sensitive Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is also there to assist, with particular attention paid to its levels of off-road assistance.
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 5 inch TFT screen.
For added usability the Husqvarna Motorcycles Technical Accessories range offers luggage systems, performance and chassis enhancements and ergonomic solutions to let you customize the Norden 901 to suit your riding.
From what we can tell so far, the Norden’s suspension travel, ground clearance and seat height numbers slot right in between the standard 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R. Additionally, the Norden has 0.3 gallons less fuel capacity and carries an extra 17 pounds of weight (dry), which could be due to the additional equipment on the bike like the integrated fairing bodywork and included LED auxiliary lights. We’re heading to the International launch in a matter of days, so we’ll find out more about any additional differences soon and report back.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 will be available from November 2021 with a base price of $13,999 USD / $15,199.00 CAD. For more information go to husqvarna.com
Just like I suspected right from the beginning. It`s nothing more than a redressed 890R, carrying more weight since there is more plastic and auxiliaries. What surprises me is the smaller tank, probably to avoid even more weight difference to the 890. And the shorter suspension, which makes sense however, as there will not be two different versions (S&R) of that bike. One needs to fit them all. From my point of view: nothing to be too excited about, the 890R is already a great bike, the design is a matter of personal taste.
It is more of a redressed 890 Adventure and uses the same class of suspension. The R uses the more dirt focused Xplor suspension and significantly larger fork tubes. The suspension of course is the biggest difference between the Adventure and the Adventure R.
Kind of surprised by the suspension hopefully one can retrofit the 890 Rally shocks and forks
perhaps you are right, but I do also see its design purpose besides being a re-skinned KTM. The KTM’s have both road focused & off road focused trims down but they were missing a Jack of All Trades that can equally handle both relatively well, with luxury ergo & beautifully designed exterior especially compared to the insect like design of the KTM. (I got to admit, I am a vain creature when it comes to design and there is such thing as universal beauty & ugly lol) The Norden has a fully covered front fairing which I would assume provides better wind & element protection on long distance travel, more adjustable seat to fine tune rider’s comfort, just a wee bit more travel & ground clearance than the road going 890 Adventure. Its like the case of the Goldilocks and the three bear’s porridge, finding that right serving for the individual’s true needs. And some odd reason the Huskies offer a longer warranty than its KTM counterparts.
Exactly my thoughts also. Why the short “noodle” front suspension on such a heavy bike? And why not give it a proper available range? The peanut fuel tank was ok on the the HD Sporster in it’s days, but I expect at least 35 liters/minimum 500 km range in a bike like the Husky 901. I’ve wanted the 901 for years (trading in my rallymodded 20 model 701lr), but I think I might go to the 890ADV R instead.
It may be only a redressed 890R but dam, it’s a beautiful one. For me and many that find all new KTMs ugly although great motorcycles, this one checks more boxes when choosing the next bike. I really think that it doesn’t matter if you find your motorcycle great to ride if at the end, when you leave it you don’t look back and admire it one more time. Beauty is so many times underrated… It’s true that beauty is at the eye of the beholder, so I think that many will find this new bike their dream ride. Great to see Husqvarna growing in new segments. More to choose is always better.
So true – I resent them for creating such a lovely machine – it may be a little porky, a little this or that, but my heart goes pitter effing pat.
White 890 that gorged itself during civid
Its great to hear from all the folks that never put a deposit down.
They needed to increase fuel capacity on this bike, not reduce it. This was supposed to be A longer range, comfier type bike. Looks like I’ll wait for the longer range tenere!
Slap on a rotopax – glad I could solve this for you.
If I can summarise it in one word, underwhelming. Maybe part of that is down to the launch itself, after all the 901 hours countdown, the clock ticked over to a line of zeros and then nothing. No fanfare, no dramatic video, just the gradual emergence of bits on the website. For a bike that management, I’m guessing, are hoping to take Husqvarna from being a niche off-road manufacturer into the mainstream it was disappointing. The looks of the bike, are for me, spot on but the specs underwhelm (that word again). The weight, fuel range, suspension are all not quite as good as its orange sibling, why? Is it to keep little Husky in its place, to keep KTM for the hardcore off-roaders and the 901 for adventurers or will there be a 901 R version in a years time? I’ll be looking to get a new bike in 2022, one with significant off-road capabilities, the only reason I’d place this above the 890R is for the looks.
Golly, the word I had in mind was -“so damned beautiful and I think I’m out some scratch even though it’s the last thing I need”. Is that more than one word?
Did anyone really think it would be that much different than the KTM sibling? Don’t like how the KTM looks? Get the Husky. I opted for the KTM R model because of the suspension and Rally mode but a lot of riders don’t need that performance aspect. Seems many complain about the KTM looks but I’ve had nothing but compliments (and lots of them) on my Adventure R. One guy in a truck who was pacing me in slow moving traffic rolled down his window yelling; “Man, that is one awesome looking bike!” The 490/501 versions will also be a great addition to the family.
My complaint is not about it using KTM bits, it’s that they’ve not raided the parts bin and put the xplor suspension on it. I suspect this is either to differentiate it from the 890 or that there will be an R version. It it’s the latter, Husqy will be getting my money if they’re keeping the trick stuff for KTM that’s where my cash will go.
Is it made at the same factory (in China) as the KTM 890?
What mount are they using for their phone to attach above the screen? I have a GPS bar on my 790 just need the phone mount.
Hard to say, but my guess it’s the same mount as on the 790/890, as you can see the screw holes on the side. You will need some AMP compatible phoe holder.
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