HUSKY NORDEN 901: FINALLY UNVEILED

Husqvarna’s Norden 901 Concept machine was a highlight of the 2019 EICMA Motorcycle Show in Italy. Sure, adventure riders around the world got their froth-on when KTM finally released their long-awaited 790 Adventure R in 2019 (and its successor, the 890 Adventure R, a couple of years later), but in our experience, the hype surrounding this Norden 901 has been unprecedented. And that’s exactly why this machine – which is Husqvarna’s first foray into the ‘Travel Enduro’ bike market segment – has gone hurriedly from ‘Concept’ to production. That and the fact that many players in the fast-growing ‘travel enduro’ market segment have been scrambling to produce a lighter, more manageable and more affordable ‘mid-capacity’ version of their ‘maxi-enduro/travel’ machines.

Now, finally, Husqvarna Motorcycles has lifted the covers off the production-spec 2022-model Norden 901, which will be available in Oz and NZ from March, 2022, at an RRP of $23,250 AUD (Ride Away Price: $25,050 AUD).

So, what exactly does it look like? What componentry does it get? Where is it being ‘positioned’ relative to KTM’s 890 Adventure model whose 889cc parallel twin engine it shares? Here’s the PR from Husqvarna Motorcycles, which answers those questions about this much anticipated model…

First shown to great acclaim as a concept model at the EICMA Show in 2019, Husqvarna Motorcycles has built true off-road ability into an exceptional adventure travel motorcycle that keeps going when the tarmac roads end.

Inspired by Husqvarna Motorcycles multi-terrain Rally machines, the Norden 901 is built to cover long distances across challenging, diverse landscapes. Fast, fun, nimble and above all capable, this is a motorcycle to make even the longest riding days rewarding, no matter how far the rider chooses to go, on road or off.

The Norden 901 brings a tough yet lightweight approach to the mid-class adventure sector. A smooth and torquey 899cc, 105hp parallel twin engine powers the Norden 901 while balancer shafts minimise vibration. The engine is housed in a light steel trellis frame, prepared to carry rider, luggage and passenger to the furthest points of the compass across any terrain, assisted by WP APEX suspension with long travel. Large diameter 21’’ front and 18’’ rear wheels roll easily over obstacles on the trail. For all its exemplary off-road ability, the Norden 901 also offers unrivalled comfort and agility on tarmac.

A rider headed deep into unknown territory needs to know they can rely on their machine in extreme situations. Therefore, the Norden 901 braking system is backed up by switchable Bosch Cornering ABS with Street and Offroad modes. Husqvarna Motorcycles’ lean-angle sensitive Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is also there to assist, with particular attention having been paid to its levels of off-road assistance.

Making every journey an adventure beyond the horizon, the Norden 901 offers three selectable ride modes as standard (Street, Rain, Offroad) and an optional Explorer mode to deal with every circumstance the rider might meet. An Easy Shift function allows for clutchless changes up and down the six-speed gearbox while a Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC) maintains rear wheel composure.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS:

• Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame with engine as stressed member
• 889cc parallel-twin engine with 105hp peak power and 100Nm of torque
• Adjustable WP APEX suspension provides exceptional comfort both on the street and off-road
• Three selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad) and optional Explorer mode
• Cutting-edge, switchable cornering ABS with Offroad mode
• Ride-by-wire throttle
• Easy Shift function
• Cornering-sensitive traction control allows for nine levels of adjustable rear wheel slip (in Explorer mode)
• Power Assist Slipper Clutch (PASC)
• Tubeless spoked wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres for peak performance on the street and off-road
• Large capacity, 19-litre fuel tank provides an extended range of up to 400km
• Optional Connectivity Unit provides turn-by-turn navigation, telephone call reception and music selection functionality from the rider’s smartphone

Husqvarna Motorcycles’ highly awaited 2022 Norden 901 will be available from March 2022 onwards at authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers in Australia and New Zealand. A pre-order process will be in place for this highly anticipated model, with customers encouraged to contact their local authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer for more information.

Federico Valentini – Head of Husqvarna Motorcycles Marketing: “Since 2014, the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand has been constantly evolving. The launch of the Norden 901 sees us move into another market segment – travel. The motorcycle was unveiled to a highly enthusiastic reception at EICMA 2019 and there has been mounting anticipation ahead of its launch. Now it is finally here, and we believe that the Norden 901 will become a class-leading favourite of riders with the ambition to explore further.”