That trail or more adventurous motorcycles are fashionable in our country is no secret. In fact, last year there were a few in the Top 10 sales and the arrival of new members such as the Husqvarna Norden 901 only adds spice to this niche. A “Swedish” that fully becomes one of the best alternatives for those looking for a dynamic, different motorcycle with great equipment. We have tested it both on asphalt and on land and here you have everything more remarkable…
The top of the range after the Vitpilen and Svartpilen…
Leaving aside the pure off-road range, where motocross and enduro models have always been very popular, the most asphalted of the brand have been gaining prominence -again- thanks to their return under the tutelage of KTM. And it is that after the journey of the hand of BMW where the Nuda 900 represented the maximum in terms of performance, now the -ups, also begins with N- Norden 901, becomes the top of the range. Of course, as a more “versatile” concept.
This new model arrives to compete in a segment that has been quite hectic lately and where the Aprilia Tuareg 660, BMW F 850 GS, Honda CRF1100 L Africa Twin, KTM 890 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally or even the less powerful -but not therefore less interesting-, Yamaha Ténéré 700 play with a more or less aggressive aesthetic, long-distance suspension and of course, a 21” front tire, a key element to maximize dynamism off the asphalt…
Yes, for those who didn’t know, this Norden 901 derives directly from the KTM 890 Adventure, with which it shares the chassis, engine and some other key elements.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 Norden 2022 derives directly from the KTM 890 Adventure, a guarantee of performance and dynamism…
A KTvarna?
In the case of the Norden and as in the KTM, its chassis is made up of a chrome molybdenum steel tubular framework, the mechanics of two cylinders in parallel with 889 cc and that offers 105 CV and 100 Nm of torque and has electronic throttle that is combined with three standard driving modes: Street, Rain and Offroad plus an optional one called Explorer. Any of the modes and other functionalities can be selected through its 5” TFT screen, very attractive by the way, in terms of graphics, visualization and navigation. And speaking of the latter, the optional connectivity allows you to get the directions to travel with total comfort.
The differences with the KTMs are found in the tires. This Norden incorporates some Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, also in the rear subframe differs and the suspensions, signed by WP, have an intermediate travel between the Adventure and Adventure R, offering 220 mm thanks to its front fork with compression and rebound regulations. and 215 mm rear shock that allows preload and rebound.
Obviously our protagonist is a motorcycle, let’s say, corpulent and with a seat height of 854 mm or 874 mm -depending on the position in which we place it-, maneuvering with it while stationary can be somewhat cumbersome, more than anything if you want to push it backwards from a standstill and especially if your height does not exceed 1.75 m as is my case. So it is best to do it lowered if you are not very tall like me.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 mechanics have a configuration of two cylinders in parallel with 889 cc and offer 105 CV and 100 Nm of torque
Differentiating aesthetic…
I wouldn’t want to go any further in this test without stopping at aesthetics. While it is true that everyone has their personal tastes. For me personally, the Norden is a motorcycle that produces opposite feelings. On the one hand, I like that it is discreet and that it has a well-rounded look accompanied by two small auxiliary headlights or that the shapes of its bodywork combine straighter lines with more subtle ones. Perhaps what does not convince me is the dome in the shape of an upward nail or that some plastics are not made to last without scratches after the first trip to the ground or cleaning…
It is true that, once you get on it, all those more “aesthetic” details fade away and you realize that it is a super balanced and pleasant motorcycle to ride, with a level of incorporated electronic elements that provide riding comfort and maximum security. Most of them under the supervision of an IMU or inertial measurement unit that allows cornering ABS, skid control, as well as front wheel anti-lift. The MSR or braking torque control or the quick-change gear ratio assistant are not missing from the set either.
As a good adventure motorcycle, the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 has all the necessary elements for long trips
The Norden on highway and road
Once running at cruising speeds, the 901 shows a very steady motorcycle and is surprising for the few vibrations it transmits and only noticeable in the round rear-view mirrors, which will cause us to see blurred objects on most occasions. The driving position is very comfortable and the wide seat allows you to cover many kilometers without causing fatigue. Of course, it will vary how you notice it with respect to the rear depending on the height you choose since the front piece does not finish merging with the passenger one. I personally liked the higher one and more in this type of models where I appreciate better controlling what the front wheel is going to step on earlier, especially if the terrain is dirt tracks with obstacles.
But before that, it should be noted that in the Norden you can see the DNA of the mother house and that is good on the one hand and not so good on the other. Good because the experience on this platform has reached an optimum point and after the evolution from the 790 Euro 4 mechanics to this 890 Euro 5, enough years have passed to consider it one of the most interesting in the segment in terms of performance and explosiveness. And precisely that explosiveness is the not so good side if we want to travel in “calm” mode. Because the Husqvarna, like her orange cousins, encourages you not to go for a ride… You notice that right away with the touch of the throttle in Street mode. Very reactive, at the slightest hint the front wheel would be in the air but thanks to the electronics all that character is mitigated. However, the Rain mode has a touch of throttle that could be considered the best for day to day. I am referring to driving around the city or on daily commutes, rain or not…
Both on fast roads and winding roads, the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 offers behavior at the level of the best in the category…
And if you already get into slower roads and start playing with the gear change, you realize that it works like clockwork. A bit harsh in its actuation, it is favored by the clutchless quick-change assistant that Husqvarna calls Easy Shift. The setting of the suspensions, the good set-up and a very precise steering make driving it child’s play. Brakes with ABS when cornering are your allies and the J.Juan team with a double 320 mm disc with four-piston radially mounted calipers and a 260-mm rear with a two-piston caliper has a perfect feel in any circumstance. Other systems and elements such as the assisted anti-rebound clutch or the MSR or torque control in retentions contribute to the mission of braking with the greatest stability and that help not to lose spin of the rear wheel in the most complicated situations. This is a system that does not convince me personally because it gives the sensation of slightly accelerating the motorcycle when you need braking the most, but surely with objective data and real calculations it is more effective than the best of your driving skills… Like the ABS that has an Off Road mode that allows the system to be released on the rear wheel to play more off the asphalt.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 has a 5″ TFT screen with optional connectivity…
The Husqvarna Norden 901 on land…
Obviously the more than 220 Kg in running order are noticeable both on asphalt and off it, but at KTM, -sorry Husqvarna-, they know how to make motorcycles with a dynamic behavior to match, whatever the weight.
Since our test unit had the Explorer mode mentioned above, I played around to find the limits that the electronic control of its IMU allows, coming to the conclusion that it is an option that I would definitely add. First, because it allows you to learn to skid smoothly, simply by regulating the degree of action of the traction control. Second because it allows us to customize the feel of the gas and power delivery to our liking and thirdly because it allows us to extract the full potential of the electronics for less than €200 more. Simply by selecting it, the screen changes and you can see the levels of control it allows. By simply pressing the buttons on the left pineapple up or down you can vary the degree of action. The truth is that of the different levels, even in the most restrictive you already have a great time…
For not having taken into account the difference in tire pressures, wearing mixed tires and suspensions that if pushed too hard can hit bumps, the Norden behaves wonderfully on this type of terrain and really encourages you to spend hours and hours on it…
The ease of driving the Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 allows you to extract its full potential even on dirt tracks and in complete safety thanks to the electronic aids…
Both seated and standing on its footrests, it is a comfortable and fun motorcycle with few buts to be put… Consumption? Well, after a full day with 70% use on fast roads and highways and 30% off road, the Norden spent just over 5 liters per 100 km, a figure that theoretically would allow about 380 km with a single 19 liter tank… 
The Husqvarna Norden 901 2022 has a base price of €14,349 and there are many customization accessories available…
This generation of the Husqvarna Norden 901 is already in dealerships, it has a base price of €14,349 and highlights the large number of customization accessories available, both functional and performance, and of course to equip it as a true pack mule.
