What is the difference between a Husqvarna Norden 901 and a BMW F900 GS?

Mid-size adventure bikes are the new battleground for bike manufacturers; we take a look at the specification sheets of two of the biggest builders and compare them.

Lawrence Minnie

14 Feb 2025 · 11:10Buying a Bike3 min read

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Different Adventures

As adventure motorcycling enthusiasts continue to downsize their machines in favour of lighter, more nimble machines, the global market for these machines has exploded. Almost every manufacturer has begun introducing these machines into their lineups. The sub 1000cc category has become a hotbed of competition from Europe to Japan and even China.

Two of the bigger European makers have models that look good and are incredibly capable and equally priced and equipped. What are the differences between the Husqvarna Norden 901 and BMW F900 GS?

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Specifications

	Husqvarna Norden 901	BMW F900 GS
Engine	889 cm³ 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin	895cc Water-cooled, 2-cylinder, four-stroke engine with four cam-operated valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts and dry-sump lubrication
Transmission	6-speed sequential PASC™ anti-hopping clutch, mechanically operated	Multiplate clutch in oil bath, anti-hopping clutch
Power figures	77kW / 100Nm	77kW / 90Nm
Top speed	200km/h	200km/h
Frame Construction	Chromium-molybdenum-steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated	Bridge-type frame, steel shell construction
Suspension Front	43 mm adjustable WP Apex USD forks, 220mm travel	230mm, Upside-down Gabel, diameter 43 mm, spring pre-load manually adjustable, rebound and compression adjustable
Suspension Rear	Central mounted PDS Apex adjustable shock, 220 mm travel	215mm, Cast aluminium dual swing arm, central WAD spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable, rebound damping adjustable; SA Enduro Paket Pro: central WAD spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable, rebound damping adjustable (High/Low Speed)
Brakes Front	320mm 2x radially mounted 4-piston caliper	Twin disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 2-piston floating calliper
Brakes Rear	260mm, 2-piston floating caliper	Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, 1-piston floating caliper
Tyres	21" front and 18" rear Spoked wheels with aluminium tubeless rims	21" front and 17" rear Cross spoke wheels
Quickshifter	Yes	Yes
Fuel Tank	19l	14.5l
Fuel Consumption	4.5l/100km	4.4l/100km
Weight	204kg	219kg
Seat Height	854/874 mm	870 mm (OE lowering: 815 mm; OE rally seat high: 890 mm; OE rally seat low: 835 mm; OA single seat: 870 mm)
Tech	Cornering sensitive Traction Control allows for 10 levels of adjustable rear wheel slip with optional Explorer Mode engaged USB port on the left side of the dashboard New Hazard Warning system Bosch Cornering ABS Four selectable ride modes (Street, Rain, Offroad, optional Explorer) Ride-by-wire throttle with adjustable response (in Explorer mode) Standard Easy Shift function (up and down quickshifter) Optional Connectivity Unit provides TbT+ navigation, telephone calls in/out and music selection from the rider’s smartphone	6.5-inch TFT colour display, including BMW Motorrad Connectivity BMW Motorrad ABS Pro Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) Akrapovič sport rear silencer RAIN/ROAD riding modes LED headlight with daytime riding light LED flashing turn indicators 12 V and USB socket Engine guard Heated grips Hand protectors Adjustable gearshift and footbrake levers
Comprehensive Rider Aids	MTC (lean angle sensitive, 3-Mode, disengageable, Explorer mode opt.) Street, Rain, Off-Road and optional Explorer)	Riding modes Pro (DYNAMIC / ENDURO / ENDURO PRO) Shift assistant Pro Keyless Ride Tyre pressure control (RDC) Intelligent emergency call
Price	R 246 699	R 253 150
Warranty	2 Years	2 Years

Verdict

The BMW comes out slightly more expensive than the Husky and has a slightly higher standard equipment spec. Both brands have extensive aftermarket equipment that can be bolted onto the machine of choice. It is a tough choice, but given the use case, we may favour the Norden 901 for adventure activities because of the lower seat height and slight weight advantage. The BMW F900 GS seems to be the best in both worlds and should make the better choice for a more mixed-use situation.

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more