Can the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition survive Dakar Rally
Husqvarna Motorcycles has taken the wraps off the 2023 iteration of the Norden 901 Expedition model for the global markets with a price tag of £13,599 (approximately Rs. 13.36 lakh). The updated motorcycle draws power from a KTM-sourced 899cc parallel-twin engine and gets upgraded hardware components. However, with the brand's rich off-roading heritage, can the bike survive the likes of the Dakar Rally?
What exactly is the Dakar Rally?
The Dakar Rally (formerly known as the "Paris-Dakar Rally") is an annual off-road endurance event that dates to the late 1970s. It is open to amateur and professional participants and is organized by the Amaury Sport Organisation. It has five classes of vehicles: motorcycles, quad-bikes, cars (ranging from buggies to small SUVs), UTVs, and trucks. It is one of the most dangerous motorsport events.
Husqvarna has over 90 years of experience in offroad racing
Swedish bikemaker Husqvarna Motorcycles has been competing in various international off-road racing events since the 1930s. The brand has secured over 70 Motocross, Enduro, and Supermoto world titles, as well as numerous victories at important rally raid events such as the Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally. With a 3rd and 6th position finish, the Husqvarna Factory Racing team has a relatively successful 2023 outing.
The ADV flaunts an upright windscreen and wire-spoked wheels
The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition retains the overall design of the standard model. It flaunts a circular LED headlamp with integrated DRL, a wide handlebar with steering dampers, a sloping fuel tank, a stepped-up seat, an upswept exhaust, a metallic bash plate for better protection, and heavy-duty wire-spoked wheels. The bike packs a 5.0-inch full-color TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.
It gets fully-adjustable WP EXPLOR suspension units
Unlike the standard variant, the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition version comes equipped with fully-adjustable WP EXPLOR suspension units, with 240mm travel at both the front and rear end. The front end has inverted forks, while the rear side gets a mono-shock unit.
The motorcycle has dual-channel off-road ABS and traction control system
For the safety of the rider, the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition variant is equipped with Brembo-sourced disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels, along with Bosch 9.1 MP dual-channel off-road ABS, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cruise control, and three riding modes: Street, Rain, and Off-road. It also features an electronically-controlled steering damper to provide stability on harsh and bumpy surfaces.
It is backed by an 899cc parallel-twin engine
Powering the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is a KTM-sourced 899cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine linked to a 6-speed gearbox with a PASC anti-hopping clutch and a bi-directional quick-shifter. The mill churns out a maximum power of 103hp and a peak torque of 100Nm.
Can the ADV survive the Dakar Rally?
With hardware such as WP EXPLOR suspension units, Brembo-sourced disc brakes, Bosch 9.1 MP ABS system, and a KTM-sourced 899cc parallel-twin engine, the 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is made to tackle some of the harshest environment known to man. If you are looking for a hardcore off-roading motorcycle that can compete in the Dakar Rally, then the Norden 901 is the right choice.
