It’s shaping up to be a good year for the adventure bike market. First released in 2022 and quickly establishing a large following, the Norden has proven to be a popular addition to the ADV scene.
Husqvarna will continue to offer the original 901, which is based on the KTM 890 Adventure. The new 901 Expedition is based on the 890 Adventure R. What does this mean, exactly?
In a nutshell, it means you can now get a Norden with substantially better suspension, plus a host of other premium upgrades.
The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition comes standard with a heated seat and grips, a taller windscreen, connectivity, soft luggage, a center stand, and a bigger skid plate.
Norden 901 Carry-Over Specs
The 889cc parallel twin engine remains unchanged for the Norden 901 Expedition.
Both models have a 5-gallon fuel capacity and spoked tubeless wheels with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tires.
Traction control, cruise control, ABS, and ride modes remain standard.
Suspension Upgrades
Equipped with fully adjustable WP XPLOR suspension front and rear, the Expedition can confidently go just about anywhere. Compression, rebound, and preload settings can be fine-tuned to fit rider weight, ability, and terrain.
For the front, upside-down forks provide the highest level of performance and comfort across varying terrain. Using a split damping function on the open cartridge forks, adjustments can be made on the go thanks to the easy access clickers located on the top of the fork tubes. A sealed hydro-stop helps prevent bottoming out.
In the rear, the exclusive progressive dampening system (PDS) and a progressive shock spring team up for exceptional performance off-road. Bottoming resistance is provided by a second piston, which works together with a closed cup (instead of a needle) toward the end of the stroke.
In addition to stiffing up the suspension, the WP XPLOR system provides more travel than the standard model, for a total of 9.4 inches, in the front and rear.
With taller suspension comes a longer wheelbase and better ground clearance. The Expedition has .7 inches more ground clearance than the base model, for a total of 10.6 inches.
Height and Weight Tradeoffs
Having better ground clearance is great, but it also means a taller seat height. That nearly added inch in clearance pencils out to a seat height range of 34.4 to 35.2 inches in the Expedition model. The adjustable seat is narrower in the front, allowing for easy access to the ground when needed.
The cost of the upgrades will be felt in the weight as well as the wallet. Coming in just shy of 500 pounds, the Expedition has a wet weight of 495 pounds. For comparison, the base model has a wet weight of 472 pounds.
Long Distance Rider Comfort
Staying warm and comfortable when putting in a lot of miles can make or break an adventure. The Expedition comes standard with many of Husqvarna’s Technical Accessories, including adjustable heated grips and seat.
An upgraded touring windshield will help deflect wind better at speed, keeping your core warmer and reducing fatigue from wind buffeting.
Stay Connected With Ease
The Connectivity Unit and Ride Husqvarna Motorcycle app permit map downloads, turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic info, calling, music, and volume selection through your smartphone.
Standard on the Expedition, the Connectivity Unit is controlled by handlebar-mounted buttons allowing for safe and easy selection while riding.
Adventure Ready
Fitted with a tubular steel side carry system and waterproof roll-top soft bags providing 36 L of storage, you just need to throw your kit in and go.
The addition of a center stand is a small but important upgrade, providing optimal stability and allowing for easier maintenance both at home and on the road.
Extending higher up on the Expedition than on the base model, the heavy-duty aluminum skid plate provides exceptional coverage. You can adventure with confidence, knowing both the exhaust and engine are incredibly well protected.
2023 Norden 901 New Look
It may ride like a KTM, but it sure doesn’t look like one. ADV riders that weren’t into the bold contrast and color-blocked seat on the first Norden might find the subtly unique graphic color scheme on the Expedition more appealing.
2023 Norden 901 Explorer: Pricing and Availability
The base price for the Explorer model is $15,799, making it a $1,300 upgrade from the original 901.
We can expect the 2023 Norden 901 Expedition to be available starting this month at a Husqvarna dealer near you.
