User Experience: Features, Pros, and Cons of the Husqvarna Norden 901

We are starting a series of articles exploring motorcyclists’ personal experiences with their vehicles to understand the pros and cons of specific models. This will provide valuable information for other motorcyclists making purchasing decisions. First, we’ll look closer at the Husqvarna Norden 901 motorcycle.

Photos by Husqvarna Motorcycles Media Center and private collection

The first Husqvarna Norden 901 to arrive in Estonia has been in use by motorcyclist Risto Tõnupärt since 2022, with a total mileage of 17,000 kilometers. “I’ve ridden it through the Alps and the Balkans,” said the touring enthusiast. His decision to purchase this particular bike was primarily based on its weight. “My previous BMW, with all its add-ons, weighed around 250 kilograms, whereas the Norden was about 30 kilograms lighter. This meant I could lift it out of a mud pit more easily. With the BMW, it felt like I was trying to pull a tree out of the ground,” he explained when asked what influenced his choice of a new bike.

Although the new machine had a smaller engine than his previous 1250cc BMW, Risto said that 900cc is still more than enough for most needs. “It’s very powerful and more than sufficient for riding off-road trails,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the bike’s performance. The engine power is adequate for both Estonian terrain and the mountains of the Balkans. “The only issue is that sometimes you have to force the gears a bit, and occasionally, the bike slips into neutral between fifth and sixth gear, which is an inconvenient moment. But my BMW gearbox had a similar problem,” he noted. “When riding the Norden on tougher terrains, in areas where the BMW required you to ease off the throttle to stay on track, you can now do the opposite with the Norden and actually increase the throttle. This makes navigating uneven terrain much more fun and faster. Additionally, the lighter Norden handles much better on the edges of muddy ruts, where the heavier bike, regardless of the tires, would sink to the bottom of the rut.”

On longer days of travel, covering distances of up to 500 kilometers, Risto said the Norden 901 is surprisingly good, especially considering the comparison was against a much larger 1250cc GS. “I was worried that highway riding would be worse, but it wasn’t. The Norden has an excellent seat for long-distance rides—it’s like a sofa!” he praised. Risto added that after two weeks straight in the saddle, your butt doesn’t get sore on the Norden. “The seat is very good for long-distance travel and touring, though perhaps not as great for off-road maneuvering because it’s not a dirt bike seat; it’s very wide,” he pointed out.

The Norden 901 has a large fuel tank and, therefore, a long range. “The fuel tank is positioned low on the sides and connects to the bottom with a skid plate, so the mud kicked up by the front wheel is deflected away, keeping you fairly clean and dry in the saddle.” However, he mentioned that he is somewhat bothered by how wide the fuel tank is, which forces his legs to spread quite far apart while riding. “For those with shorter legs, this is an even bigger issue because your legs are spread wide, and the tank doesn’t have a nook to grip with your knees; it just flares out evenly.”

He added that one downside of the Norden is the cooling fan system designed to blow warm air onto your legs. “We like to travel in warm climates, and I enjoy relaxed touring in shorts, often in temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. We frequently ride on small roads, through tiny villages and towns, where the speed is low. The engine heats up, and the cooling fans kick in. On the Norden, these fans are designed to blow all that hot air onto your legs, and it gets brutally hot,” he described. He understands that this is intended to keep you warm in cold weather, but unfortunately, the engine doesn’t overheat in cold weather, so the fans don’t turn on. “This design makes touring in warm climates quite challenging, and it was indeed a negative surprise with this bike,” Risto noted.

With 17,000 kilometers on the odometer, the motorcycle has held up well technically. There have been some minor replacements: the original Husqvarna battery lasted two years. One of the turn signals broke; interestingly, according to Risto, none of the turn signals work when one is broken. A fuse have also blown. If the bike sits unused for about a week, the remote can no longer deactivate the alarm, requiring the key to be inserted into the ignition. The alarm briefly sounds before it can be turned off. But that Risto considered to be the result of a weak battery. “On the plus side, I would highlight the lights, which, along with the auxiliary lights included in the standard equipment, provide excellent visibility. When riding in the dark, both the road and its edges are well illuminated, eliminating the need for additional auxiliary lights.”

Since Risto frequently goes on off-road adventures, he uses a larger navigation device. “On the Norden, the post holding the navigation device is somewhat flimsy or weak, so on rough terrain, the device shakes violently, making it difficult to read. I also feel that this vibration gradually weakens the entire front end of the bike as the console to which the navigation mount is attached becomes less stable. It’s not rigid enough, and I would prefer to replace the plastic with aluminum,” he explained.

What Risto appreciates about the Norden is its solid skid plate and the fact that the engine area is fully covered. Additionally, a cover protects the entire front, shielding it from stones and mud kicked up by the front wheel. According to Risto, the front parts of the exhaust are often exposed on other bikes. On the Norden, the plastic cover allows you to protect the bike’s underside up to the radiator fully. “This adds a lot of confidence when tackling any terrain,” he noted.

The man wanted to emphasize that, overall, it’s a pretty good bike within its segment.

In addition to Risto’s user experience, we also researched forums and various articles to gather more information. In 2022, the Husqvarna Norden 901 brought fresh air to the adventure motorcycle market, offering a unique combination of design, technology, and off-road capabilities.

Pros

1. Versatile Performance:
   • The Norden 901 features the same 889 cc parallel-twin engine found in the KTM 890 Adventure, delivering approximately 105 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. This engine provides a smooth yet powerful experience, suitable for both off-road adventures and long-distance touring.
   • The Norden 901 suspension system is equipped with WP APEX components, offering a wide range of adjustment options. With 220 mm of travel on the front forks and 215 mm on the rear shock, the bike boasts excellent off-road capability. These settings allow riders to tailor the suspension to their riding style and terrain, whether it’s technical off-roading or smooth highway cruising.
2. Comfort and Ergonomics:
   • Designed with long distances in mind, the Norden 901 features a well-padded seat, an adjustable windscreen, and a rider-friendly upright seating position. The seat height is adjustable to accommodate riders of different heights.
   • The bike also comes standard with cruise control, enhancing its touring capabilities.
3. Technology:
   • The Norden 901 has a comprehensive electronics package, including multiple riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and a full-color TFT display. These features allow riders to customize their experience according to riding conditions and personal preferences.
   • The bike also includes a “Rally Mode,” offering precise control over throttle response and traction control settings, appealing to more aggressive riders.
4. Design and Build Quality:
   • The Husqvarna design language is clearly visible in the Norden 901, offering a rugged yet modern aesthetic. The build quality is generally praised, particularly in terms of components and finish.
5. Fuel Tank and Range:
   • The Norden 901 has a large 19-liter fuel tank, providing impressive range. With an average fuel consumption of about 4.5-5 liters per 100 km, it allows for longer trips without frequent refueling, which is especially beneficial for adventure riders traveling in remote areas.
6. Wheels:
   • The 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel are ideal for off-road riding, providing excellent traction and stability even in challenging conditions.

Cons

1. Weight:
   • At a dry weight of about 204 kg without fuel, the Norden 901 is not the lightest in its class. While the weight is manageable, it can hinder challenging off-road sections, especially for less experienced riders.
2. Price:
   • The Norden 901 is positioned as a premium product, and its price reflects that. It is more expensive than some of its direct competitors, which could be a decisive factor for price-sensitive buyers.
3. Wind Protection:
   • Some riders have reported that the adjustable windscreen does not provide optimal wind protection, especially at higher speeds. This can increase wind noise and rider fatigue on long highway rides.
4. Need for Electrical Accessories:
   • While the Norden 901 comes with advanced electronics, some users feel the need for additional electrical accessories, such as extra LED lights or higher-powered outlets, to handle nighttime riding or extended trips. Such accessories can be crucial in tougher conditions.

Common Issues

1. Fuel Pump Problems:
   • Some owners have reported recurring issues with the fuel pump. There have been instances of fuel pump failures or irregularities in fuel delivery, which can cause engine stalling or running issues during riding.
2. Electronic Glitches:
   • Despite the advanced electronics on the Norden 901, some users have experienced glitches with the TFT display or issues with the ABS and traction control systems. While these problems are not widespread, they can be annoying and may require dealer intervention.
3. Clutch Durability:
   • There have been reports of premature clutch wear, particularly among riders who extensively use the bike off-road. While the clutch system is generally durable, it may require earlier maintenance depending on riding conditions and style.
4. Software Updates:
   • The motorcycle’s advanced electronics may require frequent software updates to resolve minor glitches and improve system stability. Some users have noted that updates are needed for optimal performance of systems like the ABS or TFT display.

Summary

The Husqvarna Norden 901 is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and capable adventure motorcycle. Its strengths include a powerful engine, long-ride comfort, and a wide range of features. However, it is important to consider the drawbacks, such as its weight and potential common issues like fuel pump problems and electronic glitches. Keeping an eye on these aspects can help avoid unexpected problems on the road. Overall, if you are looking for a reliable and customizable adventure bike, the Norden 901 is a strong contender.

Husqvarna Norden 901 Specifications:

• Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel-twin, 889 cc
• Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain
• Claimed Power: 105 hp @ 8,000 rpm
• Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, PASC slipper clutch; cable-operated
• Frame: Chrome-molybdenum steel
• Front Suspension: 43 mm WP Apex USD fork, fully adjustable; 220 mm travel
• Rear Suspension: WP Apex mono-shock, adjustable rebound and preload; 215 mm travel
• Wheels, Front/Rear: Tubeless aluminum spoke wheels; 21 inches / 18 inches
• Wheelbase: 1511 mm
• Ground Clearance: 251 mm
• Seat Height: 853 mm (adjustable up to 874 mm)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 liters
• Dry Weight: 204 kg