Husqvarna Motorcycles just stunned motojournalists at EICMA after lifting the covers off their new adventure bike concept – the Norden 901. The new machine is based on the KTM 790 Adventure platform and sports the new 890 Duke powerplant. This latest concept signals the continued growth of the Swedish-born brand into new sectors and Husqvarna says it highlights their historic focus on performance, technology and design. 

Unveiled for the first time, the Norden 901 is Husqvarna’s first ever adventure touring machine. “A dynamic and versatile long-distance concept designed to deliver both outstanding street and off-road performance,” says the brand. And it doesn’t hurt that the bike’s aesthetics are a head turner. Styling is very modern with hints of the past like the large round LED headlight and a windscreen silhouette that is reminiscent of the KTM 990 Adventure.

The Norden 901 is powered by a parallel twin, liquid cooled 889.5cc engine tuned for adventure use, although no official power numbers have been revealed yet. The new machine sits atop high quality WP suspension and features 21” front and 18” wheels fitted with Pirelli Rally Scorpion tires. Also notable is a full color two-piece TFT display that splits general and navigation information and looks like it may have a clamshell closing design. The Norden 901 also features a seat with grip fabric, auxiliary lights, beefy crashbars and what looks like a generous fuel tank armoured with aluminum plating. The Norden carries its fuel low and has a similar skidplate design to the 790 Adventure. 

Norden 901 Technical Highlights

• Designed to be a slim and light explorer motorcycle 
• 889.5 cc parallel twin engine specifically tuned for adventure usage 
• Versatile for both off-road performance and touring ability 
• Rides on 21” front and 18” rear wire-spoke wheels
• High quality WP suspension components 

Although Husqvarna has not announced its intentions to bring this bike to production, it definitely seems like they have put a lot of work into this concept. It has the benefit of being based on an existing engine and chassis, and the refinement is higher than what is typically expected at this stage. Even small details like a USB port, integrated LED tail lights and a functional tank rack give hints that the brand may be taking this concept to the next step.

All we can say is, Husqvarna can’t get it here fast enough. With a proven off-road travel platform and premium styling, the Norden 901 could take the adventure segment by storm. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that if and when the new Husky hits the market, it stays true to the original concept.