Motorcycle specifications HusqvarnaNorden 901 2024 Across the straits

The Norden hasn't been on the road for so many years that it's already thinking about the future. Its new exhaust system enables it to pass the Euro5+ mark. It also features a USB port, an emergency flasher system and new graphics - with only one color available, as usual. Its traction control has evolved, now offering 10 levels of sensitivity (with Riding Mode Explorer). A small evolution for a machine that knows how to assert its presence

Husqvarna is, in fact and in reputation, a recognized representative of off-road motorcycles. With numerous titles in motocross (especially in the 60s and 70s) and a wide range of MX and enduro bikes.
It was time to put the wheels in the mainstream trail category, or more precisely, the adventurous category. Such is the destiny of the Norden 901.

It seems to have been born in the cold, in the heart of a forest. Fans of heroic fantasy will see her as a representative of the Stark clan. She's a Norden, with an austere, rugged side. Not the type to show off for the camera and hide at the first sign of trouble. Quite the opposite.
With its angled profile, it's reminiscent of the old KTM 950 / 990 Adventure.

In fact, Katoche genetics are not so far away. The Norden 901 is a close cousin of the 890 Adventure. Logical, given that the Austrian firm owns Husqvarna. This allows for significant technology transfer and lower development costs. But every effort has been made to avoid any suspicion of consanguinity. Apart from the identical aluminum swingarm, it is impossible to find the slightest similarity between the two machines. Whereas the KTM claims to want to frolic between rock and dust, the Norden is more intent on the land around the fjords and the hunt for Fenrir and Jörmundgandr.

The eye is bulging, the luminous appendages add to the identity, and the face asserts its intentions to go further than the groves. We sense that Norden wants more than to believe it. Its underside claims to have marked capabilities. To achieve this, it relies on a tubular steel trellis frame in which the engine plays a supporting role. This 889 cm3 twin develops 105 hp at 8,000 rpm and 10.2 mkg at 6,500 rpm. Copious values, without being exaggerated for a trail bike, close to those of a 1050 V-Strom, an 1100 Africa Twin and.... strictly identical to the 890 Adventure. No worries when it comes to spitting dirt and relaunching vigorously, as the block should not suffer from the terrain or latitudes.

water-cooled , supplied with 46 mm of fuel injection and equipped with a 6-speed gearbox featuring an Up&Down shifter, the engine is also fitted with a limited-slip clutch to handle torque feedback. Abundant electronics take care of all situations and moods. The Norden is controlled by a Ride-by-wire throttle, which sends information to the Driving Modes for processing. There are 3+1 modes, defined as follows:
- Street" mode gives the most dynamic throttle response, with a traction control setting (MTC) for a little glide.
- Off-road" mode has a lower throttle response. The MTC is much more permissive, allowing the rear tire to slide more easily. Anti-wheeling is deactivated to allow the front wheel to engage over obstacles.
- In Rain Mode, the throttle is calmed, power is lowered, and MTC intervenes very early.
- The final mode, called "Explorer", is the user-customizable version. It allows you to set assistants and the dashboard display.
Why 3+1? Because Explorer Mode is an option.

The electronic experience doesn't stop there. The MTC (3 levels + off) we mentioned earlier is reactive when cornering, as is the ABS. The ABS also manages anti-stoppie and can be deactivated at the rear in Offroad Mode. There's also engine brake control (MSR) to take the load off the anti-dribble, cruise control and a 5-inch TFT instrument panel. The same as on the Katoche, but fortunately the graphics have been adapted to the spirit of the Husqy. On-board information is displayed in a style that favors the essential and a certain rigor. After that, it knows how to do the right thing when it comes to connectivity trends. You can pair it with a smartphone to control calls, music, navigation and route planning - don't forget to install the Husqvarna Motorcycles Ride App to access all the possibilities.

However, it's not these priorities that we're looking for in the Norden 901. Instead, we're wondering where it will take us. For a start, will it have enough ground clearance before it scratches the ground? At 252 mm, we're in the mid-range. Above most trail bikes, it's enough for a bit of off-roading. But not for hardcore off-roading. You'd need more suspension travel and less weight.
To give you a point of comparison, a 1300 GS offers a suspension travel of around 200 mm; an Africa Twin is at 250 mm; a WRF goes up to 330 mm; a Husaberg raised the ante to 390 mm. But for off-road use without going to extremes, there's already plenty to do. The 43 mm WP upside-down fork features 220 mm of tube travel. Compression and rebound damping are adjusted via two small knobs at the top of the tubes. Likewise, the shock absorber has a stroke of 215 mm, with remote preload and rebound adjustment. A steering damper is also provided, to calm the front end if necessary.

As for the wheels, Norden is even more assertive. There's no question of opting for spoked rims like the trail GTs, or mixed tires. The bike immediately wants to alternate between roads and undergrowth. The big cobblestone shoes are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs, in sizes just right for climbing: 90 / 90 - 21 at the front and 150 / 70 - 18 at the rear. Spoke rims allow tubeless tires to be fitted.
Radial braking uses 4-piston calipers on 320 mm discs - a good size for this category. The jaws are Husqvarna-badged, but not made in Sweden or Austria. They come from J.juan in Spain. The rear features a 260 mm disc with 2 pistons for the bite.

as you may have noticed, the Norden has a very visible belly. Another legacy of the Adventure: the fuel tank. It's low to the ground, with chubby fuel tanks on either side. Most of the 19-liter fuel tank is in front of the knees, lowering the center of gravity. This also offers greater protection against wind, water, mud, hedgehogs and so on.
The seat is narrower but still high. High-travel suspensions come at a price, with a seat that climbs. With 859 mm of elevation, you still don't need a stepladder, but you do need long legs and flexibility. On the other hand, it can be adjusted for an extra 20 mm - more practical for off-road use. Cooler heads will appreciate the heated versions available as accessories.

The Husqvarna 901 Norden seems to come from the other side of the adventure. It's still unproven, but its identity suggests it's already had some solid experience. Building on an already familiar KTM base, it already shows its potential. The look is much more Nordic, more conquering of territories populated by reins, elves and myths.

M.B - Image credits: Husqvarna