Husqvarna greenlight Norden 900 concept for production
New adventure twin heads for production after positive response prompts action
Husqvarna have confirmed that the striking Norden 901 will be coming to a showroom near you (fairly) soon by adding it to their production bike line-up for 2021. The historic off-road brand, now part of the Austrian KTM group, say they were overwhelmed by the response to their concept machine at the EICMA show in Milan and interest reached fever pitch at Motorcycle Live despite the bike not even being on show. A Husqvarna spokesman said: “We were blown away by the response. It has definitely sped things up with the project.” Confirming the news, Husqvarna and KTM Team Leader Christian Moser posted on social media: “That’s right, the Husqvarna 901 will hit production in 2021. You’re welcome.” The firm also stated: “This exciting new twin cylinder machine will go into production, a move that underlines Husqvarna Motorcycles’ growing commitment to the street segment. “Now set to become a key addition to Husqvarna
Motorcycles’ street line-up, the dynamic and versatile longdistance traveller will offer the modern rider a balance of practical accessibility and comfort.” Some spec of the super-nakedmeets-adventure-bike has also been revealed and it looks like the 889.5cc parallel twin motor will be lifted directly from the newfor-2020 KTM 890 Duke R. There’s a 21in front wheel, an 18in rear and top-spec WP suspension front and back. We also suspect the KTM 790 Adventure frame will be used. While some companies reveal concept machines that eventually spawn a road bike far removed from the original, we expect the production Norden 901 to be very close to the machine seen here. Don’t forget the firm’s Vitpilen and Svartpilen 701 production bikes hit showrooms in 2018 and 2019 looking very close to the concept machines unveiled in 2017. Other details are scarce and no price has yet been mentioned but expect it to cost around the £11k mark based on the bike being built around parts from the new 890 Duke R (£10,399) and the 790 Adventure (£11,299).
Moves are also under way to get the striking Husqvarna Norden concept to the Carole Nash MCN London Show on February 14-16 and while Husqvarna are yet to confirm the bike’s attendance, if it does appear, it’s sure to attract plenty of interest.