When the prototype images first appeared of Husqvarna ’ s Norden concept I was a little confused . Husqvarna ’ s parent company , KTM , already had two models using , more or less , the same chassis and engine , albeit one more off-road orientated than the other . Sure , the Norden looked different to the KTM models , but , surely , it was more or less just more of the same ? In essence , I wondered if the market really needed a third model of the similar base machine . Of course , the Norden 901 has a distinctly different look to its Austrian cousins , but , most importantly , it has a very different ride feeling . It feels like all the hard edges have been smoothed from the 890 R , it ’ s become a grown up . The unruly bits have been cast aside , leaving a more polished and civilised gem for the majority of use and users - and it truly impresses . Looks-wise the Norden , to me , is ‘ okay ’. Sideon it looks great , but I ’ m unsure on the front , which is flat with one large , round headlight and two small fog lights ( all LED ). To my eyes they don ’ t quite gel with the rest of the bike ’ s
modern and edgy looks . However , as always , beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and the Norden continues to demonstrate the ultramodern design style Husqvarna has been using since the KTM takeover .
SAME .. BUT NOT THE SAME The 889cc parallel- twin engine produces 105hp at 8000rpm , has peak torque of 100Nm at 6500 rpm and is fed by 46mm Dellorto throttle bodies ( the same as the KTM 890 lump ). There are three power modes of Street , Rain and Offroad . The quick-shift enabled ( if you pay for the package ) gearbox has six gears and has a slipper clutch . Lean angle sensitive IMU electronics control both MTC and ABS . Naturally , both the MTC and ABS is switchable , a necessity for offroad riding with adjustments made via buttons on the left handle bar and choices monitored on the 5-inch TFT screen . The power delivery is great ; smooth and reasonably linear and pretty fast in a very manageable yet business-like way . Don ’ t get me wrong , it ’ s still plenty exciting . It will happily wheelie from a corner in third gear , with
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