The Norden 901 is Husqvarna’s first foray into the crowded adventure bike market.
Based on the new KTM 890 Adventure, Husqvarna’s Norden 901 shares many of the same components. The liquid-cooled, 889cc parallel-Twin engine comes from the 890 Adventure and produces 105hp and 74lb-ft of torque, while the WP Apex suspension is also borrowed from KTM’s 890 Adventure. The mainframe, wheels, and fuel tank are also lifted from the 890 Adventure.
Other features of the Norden 901 include useful LED foglamps mounted just below the LED headlight, a wide fairing which produces a decent amount of wind protection, and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. The seat offers an upright riding position and has a ribbed cover to minimize slip. It can be set in a low (33.6 inches) or high (34.4 inches) position and there’s also a wide pillion seat with grab handles.
The Norden’s 5-inch colour TFT display is borrowed from KTM’s 2021 1290 Super Duke R and shows all the info you need with bright, bold graphics. Above the TFT display you can mount a GPS, and there’s a 12-volt socket on the dash. There’s also an optional Connectivity Unit which allows you to pair your smartphone to the bike via the myHusqvarna app – this will then display turn-by-turn navigation on the TFT.
The electronics package includes cornering ABS, with a dedicated off-road mode, cornering traction control and Three riding modes – Street, Off-Road and Rain, with an optional fourth ‘Explorer’ mode.
So, why have Husqvarna built an adventure bike so similar to what KTM already offer? The Norden 901’s most obvious USP is its aesthetics. KTM’s loud orange and black paint scheme isn’t to all rider’s tastes. The more subdued grey and yellow graphics on the Norden 901, with its large round headlight and wide, flat seat will appeal to a different type of rider.
Have you pre-ordered a Norden 901? They aren’t due to arrive in UK dealers until March 2022, but you can buy dash protection for your bike today! Available here.