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Husqvarna North 901 in the test (Baujahr 2022)

This is how the chic travel enduro rides in Scandinavian design

24.01.2022

Photo: motorradtest.de

With the new Norden 901, Husqvarna offers a travel enduro of the upper middle class, which should feel comfortable both off-road and on the road. A clever positioning, because with the two 890cc KTMs, the parent company already has two sister models in the race, but they tend more towards road or off-road. Is the Norden 901 the golden mean? We have done several laps - and are thrilled.

Introduction

Below the adventure bike thick ships á la R1250GS & Co., a slightly different type of travel enduro has established itself in recent years: The machines of the upper middle class with not quite as powerful engines, but lighter and above all more off-road. The suspension travel on these bikes is longer, the seat height is more pronounced, plus smaller wind shields and of course 21 inch front wheels. The new Husqvarna Norden 901 fits exactly into this loot scheme and is in good company with the Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally, BMW F850GS and of course the KTM 890 Adventure, with which it shares engine and suspension.

Abmessungen Husqvarna Norden 901

Image: Dimensions Husqvarna North 901

Before we sit up, we walk around the husky and enjoy the refreshing, Scandinavian design. Here the proportions and also the color scheme dark gray, neon yellow and white we like right away. The seat can be locked in two positions: either with 854 mm seat height or with 874 mm. The latter is only something for people from 1.85 m, but then it sits wonderfully high above the traffic. And if you are often off-road, you will of course also choose this seating position. The seat is nice and comfortable and the passenger:in will also be happy about a wide bench with easily accessible grab bars. You sit really well on this bike and will survive several hours in the saddle without an accident. The wide handlebar and the very upright seating position fit this.

What she should be able to do

At €14,469, the Norden 901 is only expensive at first glance. Considering the standard equipment, it is rather cheap. On board are QuickShifter with blipper function, 5-inch TFT color display, three driving modes, cornering ABS, lean-dependent traction control, cruise control, engine tow control, 12V connection in the cockpit (unfortunately no USB), fog position lights, full LED lighting and hand protectors. Any questions?

Well, the Husqvarna people have unfortunately forgotten the automatic turn signal reset, an adjustable windscreen and a hazard warning light. The connection to the mobile phone and the associated possibility to integrate a navigation system in the display is just as chargeable as the recommended "Explorer" package, which unlocks a 4th driving mode of the same name, which can be set in great detail to your needs. If necessary, the driving modes Road, Street and Offroad (ABS rear off), which are available at no extra charge, also do it. The traction control can be adjusted at any time in 9 degrees of hardness.

In other words, the Husqvarna Norden 901 is already very well equipped as standard. The list price is in a completely different light, isn't it?

This is how it drives itself

Okay, then let's go for a spin. Side stand in (main stand is available in the accessories) and ignition key turned over (Keyless Go is fortunately not available!). Wonderful, how the stainless steel pot rumbles. And not riotously loud - only 88 DB are in the light! - but thanks to lifting pin offset but bassy and dull. By the way, it is very reminiscent of the KTM 890 Adventure. If you want more alarm, you can also find an Akra pot in the Husqvarna accessories shop, but in our opinion this is superfluous.

Already on the first meters it becomes clear that you are dealing with a high-quality and very well balanced motorcycle. It feels harmonious, you are immediately at home. "Easily accessible" write our colleagues from Austria - and that's true. The bike is not too heavy and the riding position and wide handlebars give the rider the good and confident feeling of full control over the bike.

The QuickShifter works almost smoothly in both directions, you like to use it. And the engine - well, you already know from the KTM 890: pressure already from below and from 7,000 UMin there is another supplement. It's really great how the row twin turns out lustfully and doesn't feel tormented. Okay, we don't have the punch of a 1290 Adventure, R1250 or Multi V4 here, but it's still moving forward quickly. As the saying goes: no one needs more power.

The chassis is more on the comfortable side than on the sporty side. That's a good thing, because with a travel enduro you don't want to achieve lap records, but glide along for a long time and preferably without back pain. This works very well with the Norden 901 and if you like it sportier, you can adjust the 43 mm USD fork and the strut not only in the base, but also in rebound and compression (strut only base & rebound). The WP suspension gives a very good feeling to the road, which also fits the neatly biting brakes of J. Juan and the well-chosen tires of the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR.

The windbreak is okay but could be better. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that the windscreen is unfortunately not adjustable and on the other hand, the disc is relatively small. Of course, this fits the enduro character of the bike, but you should not expect a wind protection like on an RT here. A short word about the operation: Thanks to a logical D-pad on the left side of the handlebar with Enter, Back and Up/Down buttons, the setting of the many functions is easy. The menu control is logical and can also be understood without looking at the operating instructions. The display is easy to read, but for our taste on the standard screen a little too much information is displayed at once.

Cockpit

Conclusion - what sticks

Wonderful, this Norden 901. Husqvarna has delivered, namely a travel enduro that feels comfortable not only on the flat road, but also off-road. Also visually, the Husky stands out pleasantly from other machines of similar caliber. It is not too fat and not too thin, has a lot of power and sounds good. What more could you ask for?

In addition, the remarkable accessibility of the motorcycle, which also accommodates less experienced bikers. We are sure that this bike will sell well and rightly so. If you have tasted blood now, please go to Heller & Soltau for a test drive to St. Michaelisdonn. There the Norden 901 is ready for a test drive and there are beautiful country roads around the corner, where you can also drive the vehicle out.

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