Expediting the adventure
Barely a year after launching the fantastic Norden 901, Husqvarna has upped the ante with an uprated model called the Expedition. Hot on the heels of the international launch in Cape town that saw the likes of Dakar winner Cyril Despres and Youtuber Lyndon Poskitt thrashing these new bikes around the Western Cape, the remaining bikes made their way to the Sabie/Hazyview area a week later so that our local media contingent could do the same. We were actually rather lucky as AutoTrader Bikes had had the stock standard 901 as a long-term test bike and we were able to ride from Johannesburg to Hazyview for the launch, giving us the opportunity to get a proper feel for the old vs the new.
Related: Husqvarna Norden 901 (2022) Review
A "short" 600km adventure ride saw us arrive in Hazyview, we actually extended our ride out of pure bliss by an extra 300 odd km because riding the standard Norden is so easy that even lengthy trips fly by. We arrived fully prepared for whatever the folks at Husqvarna SA had in store for us which turned out to be a 220km route that encompassed twisty mountain passes, dirt roads, forest trails, and water crossings. Having the base model and the new machine standing side by side, some of the changes are blatantly obvious but many are hidden and that was what we were there to explore.
What does the Expedition offer?
The new Expedition retains the engine, frame, wheels, and triple clamps but that is pretty much where it stops. The Expedition gets new uprated suspension front and rear with even more travel than before. The striking blue paintwork with its contour line graphics sets the Expedition apart from the base 901. A soft luggage system with waterproof bags and mounting racks comes standard as well as heated grips and seating for those frosty mornings.
The Expedition gets the expanded Explorer Pack electronics package as standard that allows you to customise the traction control, throttle response, and ABS to your individual riding style or for the terrain that you will be tackling.
A new thicker bash plate protects the frame and engine from rocks and other debris while the screen has been redesigned and raised to create an air envelope around the rider, taking the strain off of the neck and keeping one surprisingly dry when it rains. Husky has also changed up material combinations on the seat allowing both rider and pillion to have anti-slip seating.
Husqvarna does of course have an extensive accessories list of items that you can add to the Expedition such as hard case panniers, aftermarket exhausts, and hand protectors as well as a full catalogue of Husqvarna branded riding gear made by Dutch company Revit
The Ride
For anyone who has never been to the escarpment area of Mpumulanga, it is a mountainous region that has massive elevation and temperature changes. one minute you are riding through cold heavily forested areas and in the blink of an eye you are on a vast open plain with spectacular views reaching toward the horizon, a perfect playground for an adventure rider on the right bike.
Our route took us from Hazyview toward Sabie and on to Graskop and back to Hazyview with only minimal usage of tarred roads. The short time we spent on tar was some high-speed twisty mountain pass roads that alternated between slick and wet in the shade of the mountains to dry and grippy in the sunshine in the valleys. We did spend most of our time tackling forestry service roads punctuated with trails through the trees, jumping over whoops and rocks, and getting our boots wet at a few river crossings.
Even though the suspension is taller, even those of shorter stature were easily able to control the Expedition and put their feet down where necessary, the Expedition does have a very similar touch and feel but is a completely different ride to the base model. The Expedition feels more agile and has a superb feedback from the suspension whether on gravel or tar giving the rider a lot of confidence in cornering.
Admittedly there were a few moments where we got a little overzealous and on a lesser bike would have been picking gravel out of our teeth but the electronic gadgetry saved our bacon and brought things back under control.
The power delivery from the 901 is smooth, linear, and predictable making the bike just so easy to use. The riding position has only been slightly adjusted over the base model but is very comfortable meaning that long hours in the saddle don't translate to a sore body.
The suspension handled every type of terrain encountered with aplomb and the brakes easily brought events under control when needed on steep gravel downhills allowing the rider to concentrate on the trail and still enjoy their surroundings and not worry about going over the bars.
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Models and Pricing
| Norden 901 | R 262 699 |
| Norden 901 Expedition | R 279 699 |
*Pricing correct and time of publication and subject to change without notice
Verdict
Using the base model as a benchmark, the new Expedition model is absolutely fantastic. There is less than a 20k difference in price which leads me to wonder why on earth anyone will buy the base model when you get so much bike for the money with the Expedition. I suppose for those that are going to do minimal offroad work they could save themselves a few rand and go for the base 901 but it must be said the Expedition just offers better value for money, a better ride, and quite a bit more standard specification. For those that don't want to join the KTM orange army but are still looking for the bulletproof engineering that the Austrians offer, you will find a home with Husqvarna and if you opt for a 901 Expedition you will not be disappointed.
Images coutersy of Husqvarna SA and Sage Lee Voges
