The Norden 901 boasts a rugged design inspired by Husqvarna's enduro heritage.
Its long, lean body, sharp angles, and aggressive lines give it a striking appearance while the LED headlight, flanked by smaller running lights, adds a unique touch.
The narrow, sculpted fuel tank, coupled with a tall, comfortable seat, enhances both aesthetics and rider comfort.
The minimalist rear end of this Swedish bike (now under Austrian motorcycle group KTM), features a high-mounted taillight and a short exhaust pipe, which complements the bike's overall design.
In summary, the Norden 901 stands out as a handsome and stylish motorcycle.
I had the opportunity to review this bike courtesy of Welly World Cycle Sdn Bhd in Sungai Buloh, which is the only authorised dealer in the Klang Valley.
Its engine is the powerful 889cc parallel-twin which unleashes a satisfying 105hp and 100Nm of torque.
The key selling point of this block is its seamless power delivery, especially in the mid-range.
While riding the bike for three days on various type of terrain and weather (more rain then sunshine), it’s the unexpected nimbleness for a large adventure bike, showcasing an impressive handling that extends seamlessly to both tarmac and off-road terrains.
This versatility in handling makes the Norden 901 an agile machine fit for any terrain.
The Norden 901 comes with four riding modes – Street, Rain, Off-Road and the Explorer mode.
Each mode offers a unique set of characteristics tailored to various riding routes and preferences.
The standard Street mode delivers a balanced and responsive performance suitable for the highway and the city too, while the Rain mode adjusts throttle response to enhance stability and control in wet weather conditions.
The Off-Road mode undoubtedly is created for unpaved beaten paths, providing a dynamic ride.
Meanwhile, the optional Explorer mode was not available on this test unit.
While riding the highway, the Norden 901 ticks all the boxes that an adventure bike should have – performance, torque, suspension, road handling and braking.
The robust engine performance provides abundance of power for highway speeds, and the wind protection is commendable ensuring comfortable journey at high speed.
The well-tuned suspension ensures a comfortable ride, efficiently absorbing shocks from bumps and potholes.
This attention to comfort enhances the Norden 901's credentials as a highway tourer, promising not just speed but a smooth and enjoyable ride, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy long-distance rides.
While I was riding on the hilly roads of Genting and Cameron highlands, the Norden 901 displayed a remarkable blend of agility and speed.
It’s amazing to experience, how Norden 901 effortlessly navigates the twists and turns in these highland roads while ascending the hills comfortably.
In the challenging highland landscapes, the Norden 901 rises to the occasion, delivering a safe and memorable ride.
The bike's responsiveness offers a level of handling precision that instils confidence on every twist and turn.
The Norden 901's safety net for the wet-weather is the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that helps prevent wheel lockup under heavy braking, especially on slippery surfaces.
Furthermore, the ABS operates through multiple sensors that monitor wheel speed and deceleration, allowing the rider to maintain control even during aggressive braking manoeuvres.
Complementing the ABS is the Norden 901's advanced traction control system that constantly monitors the rear wheel's speed and compares it to the front wheel's speed.
If the system detects that the rear wheel is spinning too fast, indicating a potential loss of traction, it intervenes seamlessly by reducing engine power and applying brake pressure to the rear wheel.
This ensures optimal grip and stability, preventing the rear wheel from spinning excessively and regaining control quickly.
Meanwhile, the ABS is able to monitor lean angle during cornering.
This allows the ABS system with optimal braking performance while maintaining cornering stability.
This means you can lean into corners with confidence at any speed, knowing that the Norden 901 has your back.
The popular and ever reliable Brembo is fitted on this bike, featuring four pistons per caliper that clamp onto dual 320mm discs.
The Norden 901's brakes re also designed to be easy to modulate, which means you can control the braking force, giving you the confidence to navigate challenging terrain, tight corners, and stop-and-go traffic with ease.
In conclusion, the RM98,900 Norden 901 is a remarkable machine.
Its powerful engine, nimble handling, comfortable riding position, excellent wind protection, well-damped suspension, and powerful brakes, coupled with its array of features, combine to create a highly versatile motorcycle that can handle any adventure you throw its way.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a weekend explorer, the Norden 901 is sure to exceed your expectations and unlock a world of possibilities on two wheels.
Book a test ride with Welly World Cycle or visit https://wellyworldcycle.com/ for details on the Norden 901.
SPECIFICATIONS
Husqvarna Norden 901
Engine: 889cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
Maximum power: 105hp at 8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 100Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front 43mm fully-adjustable WP Apex forks; rear adjustable WP Apex mono shock
Brakes: Front 2x320mm discs with four-piston radial callipers; rear single 260mm disc with two-piston floating calliper
Fuel capacity: 19 litres
Wet weight: 223kg
Price: RM98,900 (without registration, road tax and insurance)
