First introduced at EICMA 2019, the Norden 901 concept quickly gained a throng of fans with its balanced blend of modern design and classic lines. After receiving a resoundingly-positive response, Husqvarna knew they had to build it. Starting with a tried-and-tested KTM 890, their design team and engineers got to work tweaking it to create their vision of the perfect travel machine. Two years later, and the wait is finally over for the first-ever Husky Adventure Bike. 

At its core is an 889cc parallel-twin LC8c engine putting out 105 horsepower and 74 ft-lbs of torque. The Norden rides on 21″/18″ tubeless spoke wheels and a WP APEX suspension with 8.7″ of suspension travel in front and 8.5″ in the rear. It features a full array of advanced electronic rider aids that are also highly configurable. 

With improved travel comfort in mind, Husqvarna included an adjustable-height premium seat, rear luggage rack, an effective windscreen, plushly-tuned adjustable suspension, integrated fog lights, cruise control, and a quick shifter. Plus there are a number of premium finish details that make it stand out in the crowd, and a long list of factory accessories to customize the bike.

After two days of testing, over a few hundred miles of varied terrain in the Azores, we got a good sense of the new Norden 901’s range of capabilities. In this video, we give a rundown of its performance on dirt, asphalt, and even cow poo-covered cobblestone streets. We also put in some highway miles to explore its long-haul versatility.

Is it just a re-skinned KTM 890? How well does it handle rough off-road terrain? Did they hit the Goldilocks zone or miss the mark? We have answers to all your burning questions and more on this truly unique adventure machine.

Thanks for checking out the video and leave us your thoughts and questions in the comments below. For those of you who don’t mind a little reading, you can also check out our full review article of the 2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 here.

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.