HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 (2022 - on) Review

Highlights

  • A good all-rounder
  • Impressive build quality
  • Interesting Husqvarna looks

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
Power: 103 bhp
Seat height: Tall (33.6 in / 854 mm)
Weight: Medium (492 lbs / 223 kg)

Prices

New £12,349
Used £7,900 - £9,300

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Husqvarna have a lot riding on the Norden 901. It’s their first properly middle of the road, meat and two veg adventure bike for the average motorcyclist.

Until now, most of their bikes have been niche options for a trendy, urban crowd but this is supposed to change that. To do it, Husky have taken the 890 Adventure platform from their sister brand KTM and reworked it.

The changes go deeper than simply bolting on some different shaped bodywork. The Norden is more of an adventure-touring bike than the donor and so its suspension, riding position and weather protection are all different.

Unfortunately, I found it a little confused. By sitting the Norden directly between two distinctly different bikes (the standard KTM 890 Adventure and hotter 890 Adventure R) it loses its purpose.

It is by no means a bad bike, it’s just that the middleweight adventure bike market is already chock full of impressive machines that all excel at different things. It’s a bit of a 'jack of all trades, master of none', which could be exactly what you’re after – or it might not.

In 2023 a revised version of this bike was revealed - the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition.

Watch: Husqvarna 901 Norden video review

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

It has the same steel trellis frame as the KTMs, though the Norden does use different suspension. There’s 220mm of front wheel travel and 215 rear, which is around halfway between an 890 Adventure and the more dirt-focused Adventure R, and the Husky is very softly sprung and comfortably damped.

This is a good thing – on the road the WP units are comfortable and cosseting, with a progressive feel and plenty of feedback.

It’s nowhere near as stiff as the 890 R, and gives a softer, adventure-touring vibe. Take the Norden off the tarmac and you can bottom the suspension out without trying very hard.

But I don’t think it’s the sort of machine you’d buy for hard off-road use. That’s what a KTM 890 Adventure R is for. For everyone else, the set up on the Norden will be better.

A side view of the Husqvarna Norden 901 riding off road

The riding position has handlebars with little rise and not much backwards sweep. It’s an over-the front riding position, and gives a twitchy feel to the Norden’s steering, particularly off-road.

Away from the tarmac you always think the ’bars might whip around on you, which doesn’t give confidence. The tyres don’t help. I normally love Pirelli’s Rally STR tyres, but they didn’t feel quite right on the Norden.

The J.Juan brakes do the job fine but they’re not winning any awards. The fiddly associated electronics (more on those later) don’t help either.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The engine is taken straight from the KTM, which means an eager 899cc twin with 74lb.ft of torque and 103bhp.

It’s a little bit direct when coming off a closed throttle but otherwise the power is really nice – they haven’t messed with what you get from the KTM equivalent. The standard-fit 'Easy Shift' quickshifter for the six-speed gearbox is very well programmed too, working well at any revs and load.

Husqvarna Norden 901 bash plate

There are various power modes and traction control settings but being honest it’s all much of a muchness. Sure stick it in Rally mode and you can change the traction control settings live for more or less slip but who honestly needs to do that?

When in Rally mode I left it on setting four and when I asked around, so did everyone else. Sorry Husky (and KTM by extension) it’s just a gimmick.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Hard to say with reliability as its such a new machine but there are no major horror stories with the 890 and 790 models its based on.

The fit and finish however are impressive – the Norden feels very nicely put together but that’s the least you should expect for the price.

Camshaft defect allegations

In 2024 and following pressure from owners, KTM responded publicly to allegations of defective camshafts in some 790, 890 and Husqvarna models that use the LC8c engine. MCN broke the story in July of that year after a lengthy investigation.

The Husqvarna Norden 901 ridden on the road

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
2 out of 5 (2/5)

This is the Norden’s biggest downfall. If you’re buying for cash, at £12,349 it’s only £150 less than the much higher spec 890 R and £900 more than the standard 890.

It’s also £250 more than a British Triumph Tiger 900 Rally and over £2000 more than a base model BMW F850GS. Not great but it only begins to look worse when you look at the PCP figures.

A colour TFT dash for the Husqvarna Norden 901

An F850GS TE (so the fancy one with extra bits) is £130 a month on a 36 month PCP contract, compared with £200 for the Norden – both with a £2000 deposit and 4000 miles a year.

For a similar monthly figure to the Norden (actually £13 less per month...), you could take home a legendary BMW R1250GS Adventure, which is just a roundly superior bike.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Compared to the 890 its desired to be much more civilised on the road. So the seat is not only much wider its it’s also more cushioned.

They took seat testing seriously, trying loads of different foams, shapes and riders of different sizes and weights, and it shows – the Husqvarna is all-day comfortable. The only minor downside is that the seat gives the impression of being higher because it splays your legs.

However the fairing is disappointing. The screen doesn’t come up very high and isn’t adjustable, and though the fairing keeps wind off your legs at motorway speed, I really felt the wind pressure on my shoulders, chest and head.

And I’m only 5ft 6in. If they’re aiming the Norden at riders touring on the road and covering long distances, it’s no more protective than the 890.

Plenty of equipment on the Husqvarna Norden 901

The ex-KTM dash is easy to read, simple to use and relatively straightforward to navigate. Connectivity is optional. Switchgear feels decent quality and is also nice to use, and cruise control is standard.

The electronics (cornering traction control and ABS, riding modes) are good, but the various elements aren’t linked.

If, say, you want to put the bike into off-road mode you need to scroll through menus as there’s no specific mode button, and then configure the ABS separately. And when you then go back to a road mode the ABS stays in off-road. It’s frustrating.

Specs

Engine size 889cc
Engine type Liquid cooled parallel twin
Frame type Steel trellis
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Seat height 854mm
Bike weight 223kg
Front suspension 43mm fully-adjustable WP Apex forks
Rear suspension Adjustable WP Apex monoshock
Front brake 2 x 320mm discs with four piston radial calipers
Rear brake Single 260mm disc with two piston floating caliper
Front tyre size 90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size 150/70 x 18

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 54 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £200
New price £12,349
Used price £7,900 - £9,300
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 103 bhp
Max torque 74 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 854 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Other versions

No other versions available.

Owners' reviews for the HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 (2022 - on)

5 owners have reviewed their HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 (2022 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 (2022 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Equipment: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
5 out of 5 Norden 901 2022
14 June 2024 by Thomas B.

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £300

It's light and nimble.Good handling. Screen to small.Changed for a Puig touring. It's good on mways,backroads,towns,twistys,the lot.I also rate the lights including built in fogs..It has a steering damper so high speed stability very good. I would recommend it to anyone who likes something different. They will be pleasantly surprised. I was.I have ridden quite a few adventure type bikes.All the main ones and this was the best imo.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Ride quality is very good. Adjusting suspension easy but once you get your own settings it's great.Brakes are good also.No problems so far at 8,300 miles.Touring no problem. Can travel 100 miles or so without break if necessary.Seat very comfy for me. I don't carry a pillion so can't comment on that.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is fantastic. Very responsive and power across the rev band.Mpg around 60. Gearbox slick no problems.Great for overtaking. Plenty quick enough in real world conditions. Service interval 9500 miles or one year which ever comes first.I use in street mode,all conditions and it's fine.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Everything high quality finish except fuel filler cap.paint chips on this.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

£300 pounds main dealer service including brake fluid change which was 65 quid.Because serviced at a main dealer Husqvarna offer years breakdown cover for following year.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The quickshifter is very good as is the cruise control.I didn't like the the tyres and changed to Conti TKC70s.I also changed the short scren to a Puig touring screen and fitted a pannier rack.

Buying experience: Bought from main dealer second hand at 2400 mies last September. Traded in Suzuki Vstrom 1050xt 2021 model after a test ride, which impressed me and I really liked my Suzuki but the Norden was just better, again imo.

5 out of 5 Best value and best looking mid sized adv bike available
18 December 2023 by Sean

Version: Expedition

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £100

I love all aspects of this bike. Its comfortable, the engine is responsive and super smooth. The slick quickshifters complementing the engine perfectly. With the suspention adjusted to the sport settings this all ads up to a smooth, engaging and fun ride. Makes you want to go out on it every day. Plus in my opinion this is the best looking adv bike on the market. After owning it for 4 months i still get a lot of pleasure just looking at it. It gets a lot of interest when im out and about on it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

With the suspension firmed up to the sport setting it feels much more controlled on the road. Haven't ridden it off road because there is nowhere near where i live to ride it but planning a big ride on european ACT routes next year and possibly a big ride though southern Russia, Kazakstan and Mongolia! Brakes are ok but nothing special. Theres a fair bit of front dive which im not used to coming from a GS but this can be ballanced out using the rear which has plenty of feel.

Engine 5 out of 5

The only thing i miss is low down torque of my 1150GS which pulls effortlessly from 2k. However the Norden is still very tractable and smooth from 3k and is so smoth its no problem in the twisties to keep it around 4k for access to the more urgent power. Great fun and the quick shifter is excellent though tend to use the clutch between 1-2 and 5-6 gears as the quick shifter is a but snatchier there.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Cant fault it yet. But only had it 5 months. The stock luggage is a bit of a missed opportunity and it would have made much more sense to fit a full sized rack to allow upgrading of the soft paniers without replacing the rack as well. Ive taken it off altogether in favour of rackless. But if it had a full size close fitting offset rack i would probably kept it and upgraded the panniers. Only issue i had with the bike was initially when i picked it up the shop had not checked the petrol tank valves were fully open so the petrol in the tanks did not level and led me to run out of fuel even though one of the tanks had fuel and showed plenty of mileage remaining on the gauge. This was a simple fix by just fully opening the valves both sides. Once this was sorted the bike runs perfect.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cant say what the servicing costs are yet as ive only had the initial 1k service. Fuel economy is excellent. Gauge showing average of 66 mpg and range of 240 miles from full.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Luggage is a disappontment. I can forgive the quality of the panniers themselves as a starting option but not fitting a full size rack to take other after market panniers is annoying and a big miss in my opinion. But everything else is fab. Upgrade in suspension from standard and the upgraded bash plate, heated grips and seat make this a really attractive buy.

Buying experience: From a dealer. Paid the UK retail price. The value for money is awesome for what you get

5 out of 5 A Practical, Good Looking and Fun All Rounder
12 December 2022 by Simon Dixon

Year: 2022

A really good practical bike for touring and green lanes which also provides a heap load of fun and looks the business. On a tour of Northern Spain this summer I found the Norden to be very comfortable and when fully laden with camping gear etc the performance and handling were impeccable . I had no problem in keeping up with my mates who were riding their GS 1250s.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The ride is very comfortable. The suspension soaks up the bumps but it doesn't feel too soft in the corners. In fact, this bike is surprisingly agile and handles great on the road.

Engine 5 out of 5

The acceleration puts a smile on my face. Slow speed performance is very smooth. The only complaint is the sound of the engine a tickover which is a tad agricultural.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The build quality and standard of plastics and components is very good. No reliability problems to date (3,500 miles).

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Fuel economy is excellent (60 miles/gallon)

Equipment 4 out of 5

The TFT display is very clear and easy to use. Switches are decent quality and again easy to use . The optional heated grips are superb. One or two items I have had fitted as options but I would have liked to have seen them as standard such as the centre stand and the skid plate extension. The Touratech hard luggage is of excellent quality and well worth adding to your purchase if you intend to use your Norden for touring. The tyres give heaps of confidence in the corners and in the wet.

Buying experience: Bought new from a dealer. I had to wait around 3 months for the bike to arrive and a couple of further months for some of the extras. There were delays attributed to the pandemic. With the optional heated grips, luggage fittings, panniers, top case, centre stand, skid plate extension, windshield spoiler I paid around £14,900. The bike on it's own was £12,349.

5 out of 5 A lot for your money
05 December 2022 by Billsy

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £200

Really have no clue how the MCN tester reviewed this bike as bad as he did? Ignore the review and ride for yourself. I test rode all of the adventure bikes and this is pretty close to a Unicorn bike that does everything really well. Engine is superb and works well off and on road. Very comfortable and great at eating miles. Coming from a RSV4 Factory 1100 and this still puts a smile on my face.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes are little lacking in feeling when going fast on road but they do the job very well and are not too powerful offroad.

Engine 5 out of 5

Absolute peach of an engine that will put sports bikes to shame. Does sound like crap though.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far so good at 2k with both on and off road riding. None of the internet reported issues such as leaking coolant hoses, blown rear shocks or oil leaks.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

You get a lot for your money compared to the KTM's BMW's but it is expensive compared to T7 etc Comes with quick shifter, aux lights, engine maps, ABS modes, cruise control, anti wheelie, cornering slip control........ I added heated grips and the explorer pack. Grips are excellent and are controlled through switches and dash.

Buying experience: Paid RRP with explorer pack half price and first service included. Delayed slightly waiting for missing belly pan bolts.

5 out of 5 The best bike I’ve ever owned
25 July 2022 by Moto-réve

Year: 2022

The best bike I’ve ever owned. The bike fits me perfectly. Went to looks at a Honda ATAS (that my mate now owns) but it was just too much bike for me and I’m 6ft and 14.5 stone. Was waiting for the bike to come out after seeing the prototype photos. Went to NEC show to see it and was disappointed. I thought it looked uglier in the flesh than in the photos. Was toying with the idea of having an 890R but that’s the even uglier sister. No test bikes in U.K. unfortunately so I had to take a leap of faith and just go with it. The best decision I’ve ever made on a bike

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It’s a travel bike. Done a few coast runs. It loves B roads (I live in the Peak District) it corners like it’s on rails due to the low slung tank. The only shit thing I would say about it was initial wind buffering from the screen but I’m now used to it and it’s not too bad. I think it was a case of coming from a different bike and getting used to it

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is its best feature. It’s like a KTM Duke on knobblys. It makes my mates ATAS lol like it’s stuck in gear. The quick shifter is fantastic. It makes it like a different bike when you want a bit of a play

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

So far so good. She’s got 3500 miles on her so a bit early to tell but starts on the button when asked

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Had first service done at main dealer. Only as its a new bike. Gear 4 at Market Deeping are and have been fantastic from purchase of bike to first service. I’ll do the 12 month services myself as I’m handy on the spanners but might take her in for the 9000 miles service just to keep the dealer record up

Equipment 5 out of 5

The quick shifter is phenomenal. That’s standard equipment. The explorer pack is worth it so you can get rally mode on. The Pirelli STRs tyres are shit hot on tarmac. Only done a few hard packed green lanes but I can imagine they’ll need replacing for anything too extreme

Buying experience: I bought the bike new from Gear4 it cost me £12500 on the road

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