A Closer Look at The 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901

The 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 comes just two years after it debuted as a concept model at EICMA. The adventure-tourer arrived in the US market in November 2021, retailing at a base price of $13,999. At a glance, it shares a lot of characteristics with the KTM 890 Adventure but is also a significant upgrade on its corporate cousin. Let’s take a closer look at what this bike has to offer:

Weight, Suspension, and Handling

Husqvarna produced the Norden 901 as a midway bike between the two KTM Adventure models. Compared to the KTM 890 Adventure, this bike comes with more suspension travel (215mm rear and 220mm front. However, the 890 Adventure beats it out for the most travel. This means that the Norden offers better proximity to the road, so you don’t feel like you are too high or too low. Its rear shock angle reduces the height of the seat by 33.6 inches in the low position, but it is not inconvenient. Despite its long-travel suspension, however, the Norden is highly stable. Husqvarna adopted an aerodynamic approach for the body, designing the bike to maintain great stability off-road. Tarmac riders have something to look forward to, too – the Pirelli rubber. To perform its function as a tourer, the Norden 901 has been fitted with an easy-access, remote preload adjuster. It is also controlled by the fully adjustable WP APEX shock and 43mm WP APEX forks. According to the official site, the Norden weighs 204 kilograms – about 8 kilograms heavier than the 890 Adventure. However, you will never notice the extra weight, thanks to the bike’s compact feel and narrow body.

Power and Torque

Husqvarna used the same engine in the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 as the KTM 890 Adventure. The lightweight 889cc parallel-twin engine is not just impressive; it offers world-class torque and power. In fact, riders can expect the 100 Nm/63.8ftlb at 6500rpm and 77kw/105hp @ 8000 rpm that KTM 890 Adventure and the 890 Duke deliver. In early 2021, the company also raised the engine capacity from 790 to 890 in a bid to comply with Euro-5 without losing power. The result was an additional 20 percent rotational mass which KTM says enhances rideability. The company also dealt with the extra grunt problem by strengthening the gearbox and beefing up the clutch.

Chassis and Engine

As already mentioned, the Norden 901 has an 899cc parallel-twin engine with a 105 hp and 73 ft-lb torque rating. Coupled with a 5-gallon tank, the bike should offer a 250-mile range for fill-ups and a 9,300-mile range for servicing. The engine is also cradled within a Chromoly steel frame, and the trellis subframe of the same material – which connects at the back – can be used to carry luggage or a passenger. Another perk is the 6-speed transmission design to prevent rear-wheel slip.

Technology and Design

While the Norden does not resemble the other orange bikes in the line, its design updates are more than just for aesthetics, as confirmed by ADVMoto. The Norden has a large LED headlight that promotes aerodynamic efficiency as well as fog lights that tuck into the bike’s body. For a display, the Norden has a 5-inch, full-color TFT screen on the other side of the cockpit, a 12-volt socket, and a shift light. You can also spring for the Connectivity Unit, which comes with the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app for music control, smartphone pairing, and navigation.

2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 Specs

• Liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine
• $13,999 MSRP
• · 889cc displacement
• · 33.6 in. seat height
• · 5.0-gallon fuel capacity
• · 105 hp @ 8,000 rpm horsepower
• · 73 lb./ft. @ 6,500 rpm torque
• · 449 lb. dry weight
• · 43mm WP Apex USD fork front suspension, fully adjustable
• · Tubeless aluminum spoked 21 x 2.50 in. /18 x 4.50 in. wheels
• · WP Apex monoshock, rear suspension, preload and rebound adjustable
• · OEM Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires
• · 9.9 in. ground clearance

Accessories and Extra Equipment

The Norden 901 offers three riding modes – cruise control and up-and-down shift, which are standard, and an optional extra called the Explorer mode. The bike also features an upgraded IMU that measures bike movement to a six-axis component – an upgrade feature added to the Adventurer in 2020. You can access the riding modes, and other rider aids through the buttons found on the bike’s left bar. You should also enjoy the new informative clocks with clear graphics and color. However, the clocks might not be as impressive as you expect from KTM since they tend to change with the riding modes, which can be disorienting. Other add-ons to the Norden include:

• A taller windscreen
• Touratech luggage
• Heated grips and seat pads
• A lowering kit
• Akrapovič slip-ons

Comfort and Economy

One of the most notable features of the 2022 Norden is the highly comfortable 854mm bike seat that is neither too hard nor too narrow. Despite its relatively large width, it manages to narrow along the fuel tank so that short riders can comfortably reach the ground. The bike also has cruise control and handguards designed for maximum, dry grip, even in heavy rain. In terms of fuel economy, the Norden runs a frugal motor like that of the KTM 890 Adventure on a smaller fuel tank. The official quote is 4.5liters/100kilometers, which equates to a 250-mile range.

Wheels and Braking System

The Norden 901 is fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires shod around tubeless spoked wheels (21/18-inch wheelset. The J. Juan braking system comes complete with stopping aids, such as:

• Off-road-oriented modes
• Lean-sensitive traction control
• Switchable Bosch cornering ABS

Price

The Norden 901 debuted in the US market at a base price of $13,999 and in Europe at £12,349. Currently, the bike is only available in one color option – white/yellow/grey. Also, despite being classified as a 2022 model, it entered dealerships in 2021, with the PCP data being released in December.

Final Thoughts

If you loved the Adventure R model and KTM 890 Adventure, then the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 is the best of both worlds. The bike boasts of excellent technological features, accessories, rider aids, and road handling. Even better, its improved seat design is a comfortable choice for off-road riders. You might want to stick to the KTM model if you are a serious off-roader that likes to cross rivers and deserts on high gear. If not, then the Norden 901 has everything you need.