Husqvarna Motorcycles is sometimes regarded as the poor cousin to its larger KTM stablemate, but that doesn't mean the Swedish brand doesn't have some seriously competitive motorcycles in the pipeline.
Case in point is the Norden 901 Concept, which made its debut at EICMA 2019 to much acclaim. Now the new model is set to become a key addition to the Husqvarna Motorcycles street line-up, with Husqvarna saying the dynamic and versatile long-distance traveller will offer the modern motorcycle rider a balance of practical accessibility and comfort.
Based around the updated 889cc LC8c parallel twin which debuted in the new KTM 890 Duke R, the Norden packs plenty of adventure specs too, as the tagline goes, “Broaden your horizon”.
While detailed specs are yet to be made public, we can see the Norden isn’t a light off roader with its spec clearly including a 21-inch and 18-inch set of wheels wrapped in adventure rubber. The low-mounted armoured fuel tanks of the 790 Adventure appear to have been retained, although with a slight redesign to allow for the Husqvarna’s Scandanavian looks.
Up front is a large circular LED headlight reminiscent of the unit used in Husqvarnas latest street machines – the Svartpilen 701 and Vitpilen 701 – which is encased in a combination of a large fairing and decent sized windscreen.
Behind the screen things get interesting, with a stacked TFT dash with two screens with USB plug set below for plugging.
One aspect of the design we’re not too sure on is the tank rack, which looks like it could whip off your old fellow in the event of an over-the-bars excursion. Hopefully, this is one aspect of the concept that doesn't feature on the production bike.
Needless to say, this is definitely a bike to get excited about. While Husqvarna has confirmed the model is soon to enter full production there is currently no word yet on when the Norden 901 will make its way to New Zealand and at what price point.
Watch this space!
HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Slim and light adventure touring motorcycle
889.5 cc parallel-twin engine specifically tuned for adventure usage
Perfect balance between offroad performance and touring ability
21” Front Wheel and 18” Rear Wheel
Comfortable ergonomics and confidence-inspiring handling
High-quality WP Suspension components