Since Husqvarna revealed the Norden 901 concept at the EICMA show in 2019, we’ve been teased with glimpses of the bike being tested here and there, but other than that, they’ve been very coy with the details. Until now. They’ve finally removed the veil of secrecy surrounding their new adventurer, and released some real life photos of it. And we’re not disappointed.
As most people will be all too aware, Husqvarna is part of the KTM group. So you’ll notice, as we get into the specs and performance figures, that on paper the Norden 901 bears a striking resemblance to the KTM 890 Adventure. It’s not a coincidence that the 889cc parallel twin engine makes 105hp and 105Nm of torque, just like the KTM’s 889cc parallel twin engine. It’s also no bad thing, because that motor is a proper little peach. As is the whole package. Which is why I’m so excited about the Norden 901.
It uses a very similar looking (probably the same) steel trellis frame as the KTM, using the engine as a stressed member, and WP Apex suspension. But it’s quite clear from the photos Husqvarna have released, and the words in the press pack that accompanies them, they’re intending the Norden 901 to be ridden off-road as well as on it. Or to be ridden off-road as much as on it. If not more. In fact, if you’re to believe the presser, they are intending it to be ridden absolutely everywhere. It talks about ‘challenging terrain,’ ‘diverse landscapes,’ and ‘adventuring beyond the horizon’.
Dakar Rally
And I’d say it’s going to be fairly capable of doing exactly that. I mean just look at it. If that doesn’t look like a proper rugged, mile munching, off-roadable adventure bike, I don’t know what does. If you ask me, they’ve definitely taken some styling hints from the Dakar Rally bike. And it’s a yes from me.
In fact, as it happens, Husqvarna say they’ve loosely modelled the fuel tank on that of the Dakar Bike; they’ve aimed to match it’s slim ergonomics. And it might be nice and slim, but you can still fit 19 litres of fuel in there, good enough for 400km (250 miles).
And you can see the influence the Husqvarna Motorsports Rally Department has had on the rest of the bodywork too. Perticularly at the front, with its big LED fog lights and its minimalist yet purposeful stance. The 21” front wheel definitely helps in that department too, giving it a real ‘enduro’ look.
There’s a decent suite of electronics, with three riding modes (Street, Rain, Off-Road) and ‘Explorer’ mode as an optional extra. Explorer mode lets you control all the separate electronic aids, and reconfigures the way the info is displayed on the dash.
Jammy
You get an up and down quickshifter, cornering ABS, with an off-road ABS mode, traction control and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR), which allows you to adjust the amount of engine braking. It also comes with cruise control as standard.
And as a first for Husqvarna, the Norden 901 comes compatible with their new connectivity platform. It’s another optional extra. But if you opt for it, you can connect your phone to the 5” dash to control your music and nav system.
At the time of writing, we haven’t had confirmation of the cost, but as soon as we know, you’ll know.
And if you’re keen to find out more about the new Husqvarna Norden 901, like exactly what it’s like to ride, you won’t have long to wait. Fagan is going to tell you in a few weeks. That’s right, the jammy mother trucker has only gone and blagged a space on the launch event. So stand by for some Norden 901 flavoured video vloggage, coming your way, imminently.
