So here it is at last, Husqvarna’s first ‘midclass’ adventure-travel bike – the Norden 901. Of course we’ve known about it since EICMA 2019 but here it is in production form, coming to you (but not us, RUST) in November. Hey, that’s now!
And by now, given the hype, you should know what it is. Essentially it’s the KTM 890 Adventure ‘platform’ reworked to a Husky formula. And much like the 701 and 701LR, it’s kind of like the KTM R model softened-off a bit. In fact in spec’ it’s close to somewhere midway between the 890 Adventure and 890 Adventure R . A case of best of both?
WHAT’S TO KNOW?
What’s to know? Well, we could rattle through an edited version of the rather long Husky press release. Or we can go shorthand and tell you how it differs from the KTM 890s. Yeah, let’s do that – the differences.
Same Engine, Same Frame
Okay, the no difference to start. The Norden takes the 890 motor as it is, in the frame it’s in. So you get the 105hp/100Nm twin-cylinder lump we already know, in the chrome molybdenum steel chassis we already know.
Mid-spec suspension
The Norden doesn’t come with the 890 Adventure R’s premium spec XPLOR suspension, instead APEX units – same as the 890 Adventure only with slightly longer travel, where the Adventure has travel of 200/200mm and the R 240/240mm the Norden effectively splits the difference with 220/215mm.
Unique modes & rider aids
Yeah, it seems Husky decided to create a new menu when it came to ride modes and rider aids, that kind of fit with an ethos of adventure-travel, rather than a street/off-road/rally mix.
Starting with the modes, we have three of them. Street. Off-road. Rain. Each mode tempers the throttle response, traction control and peak power. Street is therefore pretty reactive to throttle, but with a fair deal of traction control intervention but full power. Off-road smooths out the throttle response, allows a fair deal more rear wheel spin and disables the anti-wheelie function. Rain properly eases off the throttle response, nanny’s the traction control and drops peak power. KTM’s Rally mode is replaced by an optional Explorer mode, which much like Rally mode allows you to customise settings on traction control etc.
Cruise Control
Yep, as part of the travel bias, Husky has added cruise control. Not the adaptive type, though, as found on the KTM 1290 Adventure.
Smaller Tank
Only just a bit smaller, though – probably on account of the bodywork changes. Yep, KTM is 20 litres, Husky is 19 litres. Still good for 400km say Husky.
Mid seat height
This was coming the moment we discussed suspension travel. Yes, the seat height again splits the KTM 890 Adventure and Adventure R seat heights. The R is 880mm, the Adventure is 830mm, the Norden is an adjustable 854-874mm.
Brakes by J. Juan
By who? Yes, it’s a Spanish form you probably only heard of lately as they linked up with Husky on other models. They do good stuff too, so no need to be sniffy. Still we’re talking 320mm discs gripped by four-piston calipers, radially mounted.
Fog Lights
Yes, the Norden has fog lights, nicely moulded into the fairing too.
TRAVEL BIKE – HUSKY STYLE
So otherwise the spec is very similar to the KTM 890s. Quickshifter+ gets renamed Easy Shift, and is OEM (not as option as with the 890 Adventure). After that there’s all the stuff we’ve come to know, like Cornering ABS, Off-Road ABS, Cornering traction control, and quality stuff like the all-colour TFT instrument screen with optional Connectivity and LED lights all round. Husky has partnered with Touratech on luggage options, too. In all, a slick job with plenty of appeal.
Of course we could be cynical about this common platform engineering. But we’re not going to be. You see, we recently really enjoyed KTM’s 690 Enduro R and Husqvarna’s 701 LR in a back-to-back to test (see the magazines section – RUST #46) and found both had their place. The KTM for the fast-riding off-road nut, the LR for the distance/travel rider who wants a bike that can do off-road technical well. The 701/LR is a softer version of the 690 but none the worse for it if you’re after that added level of comfort and travel capability. This Norden 901 is much in the same vein, it strikes a mid-point between the two 890 KTMs but also brings its own little flavour into the mix. It certainly has its own aesthetic (Austrian Transalp jibes aside).
Yeah we like it. We’d love to be there at the world launch, too, but sadly YouTubers oust genuine journalists these days when it comes to bums on seats (literally) at these gigs. However, we have dibs on the first test model that comes into the country, and we’ve got serious plans for that, so we’ll have a real test of the Norden for you soon enough…
2022 HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901
Technical highlights:
- Chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame with engine as stressed member
- 889 cc parallel-twin engine with 105 hp peak power and 100 Nm of torque
- Adjustable WP APEX suspension provides exceptional comfort both on the street and offroad
- 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 offroad
- Large capacity, 19-litre fuel tank provides an extended range of up to 400 km
- Optional Connectivity Unit provides turn-by-turn navigation, telephone call reception and music selection functionality from the rider’s smartphone
Technical Specification | 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 |
Engine | |
| Engine type | 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, DOHC parallel twin |
| Displacement | 889 cc |
| Bore/stroke | 90,7/68,8 mm |
| Power | 77 kW (105 hp) @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Starter/battery | Electric starter/12V 10Ah |
| Transmission | 6 gears |
| Fuel system | DKK Dellorto (Throttle body 46mm) |
| Control | 4 valves per cylinder / DOHC |
| Lubrication | Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps |
| Primary drive | 39:75 |
| Final drive | 16:45 |
| Cooling | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Clutch | Cable operated PASC Slipper clutch |
| Engine management/ignition | Bosch EMS with RBW |
| Traction control | MTC (lean angle sensitive, 3-Mode, disengageable, Explorer mode optional) |
Chassis | |
| Frame | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated |
| Subframe | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel trellis, powder coated |
| Handlebar | Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm |
| Front suspension | WP APEX-USD Ø 43 mm |
| Front adjustability | Compression, Rebound, Preload |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX-Monoshock |
| Rear adjustability | Rebound, Preload |
| Suspension travel front/rear | 220 mm / 215 mm |
| Front brake | 2 x 4-piston caliper, radially mounted, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Rear brake | 2 piston floating caliper, brake disc Ø 260 mm |
| ABS | Bosch 9.1 ME (incl. Cornering-ABS and Offroad mode, disengageable) |
| Wheels front/rear | Tubeless Aluminium spoked wheels 2.50 x 21”; 4.50 x 18” |
| Tyres front/rear | Pirelli Scorpion Rallly STR 90/90 R 21; 150/70 R 18 |
| Chain | X-Ring 520 |
| Silencer | Stainless steel primary and secondary silencer |
| Steering head angle | 64,2° |
| Triple clamp offset | 30 mm |
| Trail | 106,9 mm |
| Wheel base | 1,513 mm ± 15 mm |
| Ground clearance | 252 mm |
| Seat height | 854 / 874 mm |
| Tank capacity (approx.) | 19.0 litres |
| Weight without fuel (approx.) | 204 kg |
Electronics | |
| ABS Modes | Street (cornering sensitive) / Offroad |
| Ride Modes | Street, Rain, Offroad (Explorer – optional) |
| Engine Management Systems | MTC, MSR, Easy Shift |
| Cruise Control | Original Equipment |
| Connectivity | Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Call-In, Music Selection |
| Technical Accessories | Connectivity Unit, TPMS, heated grips & seats |
