Thursday, 02 March 2023 00:24

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition First Look

As we expected, Husqvarna announced a new Norden 901 Expedition, adding a more adventure-capable model to its lineup.
Equipped with longer-travel suspension and coming standard with a number of accessories such as waterproof luggage, the Norden 901 Expedition carries an MSRP of $15,799, a $1,300 premium over the regular Norden 901.

The engine remains the same 889 cc Parallel-Twin as the regular Norden 901, sharing the same DNA as the engine from its Pierer Mobility cousin, the KTM 890 Adventure. Peak performance figures are the same 103 hp at 8,000 rpm and 73.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm claimed by the regular Norden.

The electronics are also similar to the base model, with cornering ABS, cornering traction control, torque control, motor slip regulation, and cruise control as standard. The Norden 901’s three ride modes, Street, Offroad, and Rain, carry over, but the Expedition also gains the customizeable Explorer mode as standard.

The tubular chromium-molybdenum steel frame and steel trellis subframe are also unchanged, offering a balance between light weight and strength.

Husqvarna swapped out the Norden 901’s WP APEX 43 fork for a fully adjustable 48 mm WP-XPLOR inverted fork with 9.4 mm of travel. Likewise, the WP APEX monoshock was replaced with a XPLOR shock with a progressive damping system (PDS) and adjustable preload, high and low speed compression, and rebound damping.

The Expedition also comes standard with a steering damper, and the frame may be fitted with an adjustable offroad steering damper.

We don’t know the Norden 901 Expedition’s seat height yet, but we expect it will be higher than the base Norden’s seat which is adjustable between 33.6 and 34.4 inches. We do know the Expedition offers 10.6 inches of ground clearance compared to the regular model’s 9.9 inches of clearance.

The Norden 901 Expedition comes with spoked tubeless rims, with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel. Pirelli provides the Scorpion Rally STR tires.

For improved touring capability, the Norden 901 Expedition comes with a tall windscreen, heated grips, a heated rider seat, and a set of waterproof side bags, offering 18 liters of storage per side. The 5.0 gallon fuel tank is unchanged from the Norden 901, with Husqvarna claiming the same fuel consumption of 52 mpg.

Completing the package are a center stand, a heavy duty skid plate, and smart phone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, all previously offered as separate accessories for the regular Norden. With all the added parts, it’s no surprise that the Expedition is heavier than the base Norden, tipping the scales at a claimed 472.9 pounds (without fuel), a 23-pound weight difference.

The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is expected to arrive in showrooms this month.

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition Specifications
MSRP$15,799
Engine Type2-cylinder, 4-stroke, Parallel-Twin, liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
Displacement889 cc
Bore x Stroke90.7 mm x 68.8 mm
EMSBosch EMS with RBW
Horsepower103 hp at 8,000 rpm (claimed)
Torque73.8 lb-ft. at 6,500 rpm (claimed)
StarterElectric starter
LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
ClutchPASC antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Transmission6-speed
Chain520 X-Ring
FrameChromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Front Suspension48 mm WP XPLOR-USD fully-adjustable inverted fork, 9.4 mm of travel
Rear suspensionWP Xplor PDS fully adjustable monoshock, 9.4 mm of travel
Ground clearance10.6 inches
Front brake2x radially mounted 4 piston caliper, 320 mm discs
Rear brake2 piston floating caliper, 60 mm disc
ABSBosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and offroad mode, disengageable)
Rake25.8°
Weight472.9 pounds (without fuel, claimed)
Fuel Capacity5.0 gallons
Fuel Economy52 mpg (claimed)

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