I missed out on the Husqvarna Norden Expedition launch, so I was super keen to ride Husky’s new bike. You only learn so much about a bike on a launch anyway as you don’t ride it as you typically would, but rather conform to what the bunch is doing. The Expedition intrigues me for a number of reasons. I have always had an issue with how bikes are touted as “Adventure bikes” by manufacturers, yet are not specced to be off-road capable. For example, bikes come without bash plates (or token plastic jobs), no crash bars, main stands, pannier brackets or luggage. Seats are sometimes as unyielding as that on a plastic. You typically pay a hell of a premium to fit these items as accessories. It adds insult to injury that all of these items are available ex-factory. In other words, they acknowledge that you need them if you are going to exploit all the bike’s advertised talents, but they make you pay an additional premium for them. The Norden Expedition changes all that!
Husqvarna has taken their excellent Norden and really gone to town on it. First up is a 48 mm WP Explor-USD fork valved and sprung for the Expedition, with 240 mm of travel, complimented by a WP Explor shock also with 240 mm of travel. The suspension is fully adjustable both back and front. This also lengthens the wheelbase slightly over the Norden 901. Then we have a bash plate that is PROPER! This is no token, it is comprehensive, protecting the sides of the tank and extending all the way under the motor.
Heated handgrips, heated rider seat, main stand, pannier brackets and soft luggage all come standard. Get on the bike, fill the tank and go! The seat is not only heated, but it is also plusher than its standard sibling too. A taller windscreen takes care of the windblast completely. It is the first fully specced adventure bike on the market. The only other bike that comes close is Triumph’s Tiger Rally Pro.
There is nothing that can hold a candle to the spec of the Expedition. Period. Then, when you look at the price you do another double take. At R279699, a mere R17 000 more than the standard 901, it is in a class of one. Add the price of all the essential extras to other bikes and see what a bargain the Expedition is.
Anyone who has ridden the standard 901 will acknowledge that it is a very capable adventure bike. Fast, stable, comfy and good on the dirt and road. Cruise control munches the miles and the economy is excellent. So how about the Expedition? Easy answer. It is better in absolutely every way. The suspension is plusher, with the extra travel, and comfort is enhanced with the softer seat. Wind protection is excellent too with the taller shield which unfortunately is still not adjustable. I found it perfect for my 6’3” but some guys complain of wind noise. We rode north out of Brits (it is a Norden, Scandinavian for “the North”, after all) then on to Thabazimbi, Ellisras and onto the dirt road running along the SA side of the Tuli Block.
The dirt roads have taken strain during a rainy summer with exposed rock, corrugations and some deep sand washes. I was on the Expedition and my son, also Dave was on the standard Norden. He was absolutely loving the Norden. Revelling in its punchy linear motor and great handling. I felt the same way about the Expedition. The extra travel just smooths out the road imperfections that much better.
It is incredibly reminiscent of my KTM 990 R. The same plush, big dirtbike feel. I had the soft luggage packed with the typical adventure weekend gear and, after seeing on YouTube how the launch bike luggage flapped around, I put a bungee around each bag. Sorted. It worked superbly, being easily detachable and completely dust free after more than 100 k’s of dirt. It clips on and off in seconds too. I suppose that can be negative in SA given our current level of lawlessness. That is always an issue with soft luggage though.
We parked the bikes to compare notes, have a breather and take some pics. What looks better than a big Adventure bike, covered in dust, out in the wild blue yonder? Talking looks, the Expedition is spectacular! The blue and white graphics, tall stance and serious hardware come together with incredible visual appeal. Form and function in perfect harmony. If I owned the standard Norden I would have it wrapped just like the Expedition.
We cruised the dirt until just outside Alldays where we climbed back onto the tar. By now the sun was sinking into a typical bushveld sunset. We took the obligatory pics, then pulled into a lodge just out of town to slake our thirst and fill our bellies. We chatted about the roads we had ridden, the sights we had witnessed and the bikes that carried us and our kit. Having swapped bikes on occasion, we were in agreement that the standard Norden 901 is an excellent bike. It is only when compared to the Expedition that it is found wanting. The incredible value proposition of the Expedition is impossible to ignore. And the looks. Oh my soul, what a beauty!
Typically weary after a great day’s riding we had no problem drifting off to sleep, excited by the prospect of more of the same the next day. We woke up to a picture-perfect bushveld day. Packing the bikes we got on the road to make the most of the deliciously fresh early morning air. As always, a bike feels just a tad perkier in the cool.
We had to get home to other commitments, so we turned up the wick and sped south, dodging potholes as we went. On occasion, we ran over potholes, which simply got negated by the excellent suspension of the Nordens. These bikes smash distance so effortlessly. They are geared for a top end of around 215 km/h, which is way more than you need, but that means that at 140/150 they are running in the sweet spot, with huge reserves of go.
The 19-litre tanks give a decent range, allowing us 350+ k’s before fill-ups, despite enjoying the bike’s ample power on many an occasion. The Nordens dispatch slower traffic with absolute disdain. The 890 KTM-derived motor is an absolute peach. Powerful and torquey, it is perfectly harnessed by the seamless quick shifter. On the subject of the gearbox, the only minor issue on both bikes was not being able to find neutral easily.
Reflecting on our ride, which covered typical terrain that the Adventure traveller will encounter, I cannot think of another bike which, as standard, is as perfectly suited, specced and competent as the Norden Expedition. It is the consummate adventure package as it rolls off the showroom floor. Hats off to Husqvarna.
You have smacked it right out of the park!
Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition
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