Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1496826
RIDE REVIEW I 2023 HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 EXPEDITION P90 consistently than I experienced on the Norden. Dropping the pace and not smashing through g-outs on backroads was the simple solution here, which puts the bike more in-line with its intended use. Ideally, I'd like a little more fork hold-up here, something between this and the KTM, maybe. Or I could just slow down and not pretend I'm racing everywhere, which is not what I did, at all. On-road comfort is pretty good with the new mega de - flector shield installed, but this bike will never be BMW GS wind-proof. Depending on your height and helmet style, you will still feel the wind on your head, despite the massive screen. The big shield is better than the tiny one on the standard Norden version but doesn't look as cool. Visually, the screen isn't ter - rible looking from most angles, but every now and then you catch it just right with your eye and think, "damn, that's a huge windshield!" Also, it will be hard to see through off-road if you get into a mud party with your friends. It's significant piece of real estate up front. The only real disappointment from this test is the standard soft baggage durability. We were the second group to ride these bikes and we certainly didn't over-load the bags. Still, the stitching was showing wear and the bags were a little floppy. I can see failure starting. So, this is probably the only part on this bike that will require some investment soon. FINAL THOUGHTS Adventure motorcycling isn't about destinations, it's about the points between starting and stopping. With the Norden 901 Expedition you can take those points further off the beaten path and with more confidence than before. This makes a standout package to consider if you're in the buying mood. Unique (and great) looks (in my opinion), fan - tastic performance, and substan- tial upside performance potential is now part of the Husqvarna Norden family. CN 2023 HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 EXPEDITION ($15,799) ENGINE TYPE: 4-stroke, parallel twin VALVETRAIN: DOHC, 8-valve COOLING SYSTEM: Liquid DISPLACEMENT: 889cc BORE / STROKE: 90.7 / 68.8mm COMPRESSION RATIO: 13.5:1 FUEL SYSTEM: DKK Dell'Orto, 46mm throttle body LUBRICATION: Pressure lubrication w/2 oil pumps TRANSMISSION: 6-speed PRIMARY DRIVE: 39:75 FINAL DRIVE: 16t/45t DRIVE CHAIN: X-Ring 520 CLUTCH: Cable-operated PASC slipper ENGINE MANAGEMENT: Bosch EMS w/ RBW TRACTION CONTROL: MTD, lean angle sensitive, 3-Mode, disengageable, Explorer mode standard FRAME: Chromium-Molybdenum- Steel frame using the engine as stressed element SUBFRAME: Chromium-Molybdenum- Steel trellis FRONT SUSPENSION: WP Xplor-USD 43mm, w/ adj. compression, rebound, preload REAR SUSPENSION: WP Xplor- Monoshock, w/ adj. compression high/low speed, rebound, preload FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL: 240mm REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL: 240mm FRONT BRAKE: 2 x 4-piston caliper, radially mounted, brake disc 320mm REAR BRAKE: 2 piston floating caliper, brake disc 260mm ABS: Bosch 9.1 MP, incl. Cornering-ABS and Offroad mode, disengageable) FRONT WHEEL: Tubeless Aluminum spoked wheels 2.50 x 21-in. REAR WHEEL: Tubeless Aluminum spoked wheels 4.50 x 18-in. FRONT TIRE: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 90/90 R 21-in. REAR TIRE: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 150/70 R 18-in. RAKE / TRAIL: 25.8° / 106.9mm WHEELBASE: 60.1 in. GROUND CLEARANCE: 10.6 in. SEAT HEIGHT: 35.2 in. FUEL CAPACITY: 5.0 gal. WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED): 466 lbs. STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Ride Modes (Street, Rain, Off-Road, Explorer), Motor- cycle Traction Control (lean), Motor Slip Regulation, Easy Shift, Cruise Control, Heated Grips & Seat, Connectivity Unit WARRANTY: 2 years, 24,000 miles S P E C I F I C AT I O N S