The documents, presented by Pierer Mobility Group (KTM and Husqvarna’s parent company), list a 501 adventure bike that will likely share KTM’s new 490 parallel-twin engine, not the thumper motor currently found in the Husqvarna FE 501 Enduro. It is also believed this new line of mid-range Husqvarna adventure bikes will carry the name ‘Norden’ like the 901.

In addition to the Norden 501, there will be a 401cc adventure model expected to share the same ambition and single-cylinder engine we know is coming in the budget-minded KTM 390 Adventure, though we wonder if Husqvarna won’t spin a more stylized version that aligns it with the distinct, edgy look of its first-ever road bikes, the Svartpilen and Vitpilen.    

Because we know the 390 Adventure will be lighter weight (348 pounds), budget-minded ($6,199 USD) and feature a steel trellis frame, as well as a WP suspension that will allow about 7-inches of travel for off-road play, we expect similar characteristics on the Husqvarna Norden 401. These cost-focused specs also almost guarantee the twin-powered Norden 501 will have a more up-spec build and be even more adventure worthy. 

According to the investor report, Husqvarna will also produce a 250 adventure bike, without a doubt another single, and probably a bike pointed more at KTM’s campaign to infiltrate the lucrative high-volume Asian market. 

For any Rip Van Winkles out there, Pierer Mobility Group-owned KTM liberated the storied Swedish brand Husqvarna in 2013 as it languished in BMW’s portfolio, and promptly transfused it with enough cash and proven hardware that it was soon breathing on its own again.

For those adventurers who prefer bigger power and longer rides, the most interesting thing to come from the famous Swedish-born brand is sure to be the Norden 901. The concept bike looks strong and well-equipped, and the sources at Husky have assured us it will also be light in weight – a long-overdue asset among halo models and key factor to enticing buyers. Another intriguing Husqvarna is listed as a “Classic” model in the report, targeted toward entry-level riders. Shown only as a blurred image, what we can tell is that it’s a Scrambler-style bike that looks a bit like Royal Enfield’s Himalayan. We’ll have to keep an eye out for more details on this one. 

In the words of Facebook follower Kevin Sgro after commenting on yesterday’s KTM 490 Adventure news, “What a time to be alive.” So, Merry Christmas eve everyone! Pierer Mobility Group (a.k.a. 2019’s Santa) has one more new adventure model up its sleeve, this one true wild card we’ll unwrap for you tomorrow.

Author: Jamie Elvidge

Jamie has been a motorcycle journalist for more than 30 years, testing the entire range of bikes for the major print magazines and specializing in adventure-travel related stories. To date she’s written and supplied photography for articles describing what it’s like to ride in all 50 states and 43 foreign countries, receiving two Lowell Thomas Society of American Travel Writer’s Awards along the way. Her most-challenging adventure yet has been riding in the 2018 GS Trophy in Mongolia as Team AusAmerica’s embedded journalist.