Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition: l'avventura tra le mani! || La nostra prova

The Norden 910 project is enriched with a new variant, called the Expedition, featuring a series of solutions strongly focused on travel and adventure. Husqvarna invited us to South Africa to learn more about it and test it in the midst of the wildest nature. Here's how it's changed. The Expedition features the same chrome-molybdenum frame as the 901; the twin-cylinder engine with 105 hp and 100 Nm of torque remains unchanged, as does the 19-liter vertical fuel tank, capable of providing up to 400 km of range on a full tank. The tires are Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires on 18-21 tubeless rims, also inherited from the 901. The Husqvarna-branded brakes are produced by J.Juan, with double discs at the front, ensuring excellent power and modulation. The 901 features a comprehensive software package that, in addition to offering four riding modes (street, off-road, rain, and explorer), three throttle management modes, and two ABS modes, also offers a new ABS system customization option for 2023 (only on the Explorer version). The first thing that differs from the standard version is the suspension. The new WP Xplor fork (the 901 has the Xact) features an open cartridge with compression on the left and rebound on the right, 240mm of travel (+20mm) and a 48mm diameter, providing much more stability on rough terrain. The new Hydrostop technology also features on board to prevent harsh bottoming out. The compression and rebound adjustments are manually operated from the top cap. At the rear, a PDS Xplor shock absorber is fitted, with a progressive spring, fully adjustable with preload, rebound, and compression adjustments, essential for optimally setting up the bike once loaded with bags and gear. For the most demanding riders, WP also offers a further upgrade option with the Pro suspension kit, featuring aluminum stanchions, custom calibration, and two travel lengths: 240mm (the standard version) and 270mm. The Expedition also features a thick skid plate (4mm), which protects the entire lower front end of the bike, and a center stand. This adds little weight, but in our opinion, is essential when covering long distances, allowing for puncture repairs, chain tension adjustments, and general maintenance. Above the redesigned instrument panel, there's a mount for the GPS and the connectivity unit, which comes standard (it was optional on the 2022 Norden) to simplify technology integration. The windshield has also been changed. Similar to its cousin, the KTM Adventure 890, the Norden Expedition also features a taller, center-cut version to limit turbulence and perceived noise. Heated grips are standard, as is the rider's seat, made of a new material that raises it 21mm. At the rear, the Expedition features a new rigid rack that holds two 18-liter soft bags, highly effective off-road and also less dangerous in the event of a fall than rigid panniers. The Norden's features are completed by new graphics with contour lines that make it even more streamlined and attractive. Once in the saddle, the Norden 901 Expedition's strong point is undoubtedly its versatility. The spirit of Husqvarna's latest creation is certainly more suited to dirt roads, and the manufacturer has equipped it with all the features necessary to tackle them with ease. The mid-size engine is already very smooth and docile at the start, and while it shows its teeth when you call upon its 100+ horsepower, it's capable of delivering it to the ground with great progression thanks to the excellent use of electronics. The three riding modes are perfectly designed for their respective situations. A new one, called Explorer, has been introduced on the Expedition, allowing the rider to customize every aspect: from the level of traction control intervention, to the presence or absence of rear ABS, to the throttle response. The weight is expertly distributed, and the large fuel tank is positioned low in the engine area, ensuring excellent overall balance for the bike, which reacts quickly to changes in direction. Riding, whether seated or standing on the footpegs, is comfortable and instills confidence, even at high speeds. This advantage allows for stress-free mileage, even off-road. Pricing: The Norden 901 Expedition is available from the end of the month at Husqvarna Motorcycles dealerships and is priced at €16,790. #husqvarna #norden901expedition