Easy Shift
The Norden 901 Expedition is equipped with a rally motorsport derived Easy Shift function. Up and downshifts can be performed without the need to pull the clutch lever which provides several benefits:
- Shorter shift times.
- A more precise and smoother ride, since clutch actuation and backing off the throttle are no longer required.
- The load reversal impact on the rear wheel is noticeably reduced when downshifting.
- Rear wheel traction is significantly improved.
- The rider can maintain full grip on the handlebars.
Easy Shift uses two sensors, one sensor is on the shift arm, which detects the movement on the shift lever rod when the rider upshifts, and the system cuts the ignition instantaneously. As soon as the second sensor detects the gear engagement, it reapplies the injection and opens the butterfly valve to ensure a smooth action at all engine speeds and throttle positions. When downshifting, the system matches the engine speed to the speed of the new gear selected.
Additionally, the system can also be deactivated if desired by the rider.
Cornering ABS
The latest braking system technology is fitted to the Norden 901 Expedition. The Bosch cornering ABS system is specifically setup for the motorcycle and allows riders to use the full power of the brakes, even when leaning into corners, for the highest level of braking performance and safety.
The system also features advanced rollover protection: in Street ABS mode under extremely hard braking, sensors ensure the rider maintains control.
- Bosch 9.1 MP ABS → maximum braking performance and safety
Offroad ABS mode
Adventure riding is about exploring the unknown and riding long distances. By activating Offroad ABS mode, brake control is improved on loose terrain and ensures the rider maintains control of the motorcycle.
In this mode, ABS is deactivated on the rear wheel, ABS activation is reduced on the front wheel and the data taken from the lean angle sensor is no longer considered. This allows riders to lock up the rear wheel - an advanced riding technique to achieve a tighter turning curve. It reduces the tendency of the ABS on the front wheel which allows riders to read and feel the terrain beneath them and brake accordingly. The settings have been optimised for the Norden 901 Expedition to ensure maximum braking power and minimal intrusion.
Offroad ABS is linked to the Offroad ride mode and can also be used with the Street mode engaged.
Cornering MTC
Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is Husqvarna Motorcycles’ premium lean angle sensitive traction control system and provides the highest level of safety. The system monitors the rear wheel speed and reacts immediately if the rotational speed of the rear wheel is disproportionate to the overall riding speed. Within milliseconds, the MTC reduces the engine output with an extremely smooth, barely perceptible intervention at the throttle valves, until the system has reduced slippage to optimum proportions for the selected ride mode and lean angle of the motorcycle.
The new generation of Cornering MTC uses two additional sensors (a wheel slip and a tilt angle sensor) for the various movements of the motorcycle. Each sensor has its own function, and data from both are combined to offer a range of traction control settings. With the data from the tilt angle sensor, optimal traction is assured which is clearly noticeable during straight line acceleration. The power reduction is less abrupt if the front wheel lifts and thus a more constant acceleration can be achieved.
Depending on the selected riding mode, Cornering MTC allows different levels of traction slip at the rear wheel. In Explorer mode, the rider can control the level of MTC intervention with slip adjust from 9 levels. The setting offers a large range of intervention to the benefit of beginners and experienced riders alike and allows for a drifting rear wheel when accelerating out of corners or lifting the front wheel.
For experienced riders, the traction control can also be switched off.
Ride modes
The ride modes allow the rider to adapt the behaviour and feeling of the engine. A specific ride mode alters the throttle response, the traction control level and, depending on the mode, the peak power.
The Street mode offers a lively and direct throttle response with matching MTC settings for riding on paved surfaces and engages Street ABS mode. The MTC is set up to allow minimal slip before it activates. Smooth and accessible enough for less experienced riders and traveling with a pillion, yet dynamic enough to allow for exceptional performance along twisting mountain roads.
The Offroad mode offers a smooth throttle response and allows considerable slip before it intervenes while the linked Offroad ABS mode allows for the rear wheel to be locked up. On low grip surfaces, a certain amount of wheel slip is needed to ensure forward motion. Additionally, it allows riders to break traction, so they can steer with the rear wheel. The mode is not lean angle sensitive, as the MTC does not intervene when a rider uses natural banking to turn. Furthermore, the anti-wheelie function is not engaged in this mode which allows riders to lift the front wheel over obstacles.
Rain mode has a very smooth throttle response, reduced peak power, and the traction control intervenes early for maximum control. Perfect for bad weather, challenging road conditions, preserving tyres, or just riding home at the end of a long journey.
Ultimately, the standard Explorer mode provides direct control over the various functions and reconfigures the information displayed on the dashboard.
Motor slip regulation
The Norden 901 Expedition is equipped with MSR (Motor Slip Regulation) which is an engine brake control and it works in the opposite direction of the MTC. If, due to down shifting or the throttle is closed abruptly and the engine drag torque is too high, the ride-by-wire system balances the engine speed precisely as needed to ensure a controlled deceleration. MSR complements the slipper clutch and is especially effective in low grip situations.
Cruise control
The Norden 901 Expedition is fitted with a handlebar menu switch with additional Cruise Control buttons. This means the desired speed can be easily set and changed individually by the rider.
Connectivity features
The Norden 901 Expedition is fully compatible with the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app. The integrated connectivity unit enables phone and music functions as well as Turn-by-Turn+ navigation and route planning, all powered by the sophisticated app.
When a Bluetooth helmet headset is paired to the app and connected to the Norden 901 Expedition, riders can listen to music stored on their smartphone while riding. Using the left handlebar-mounted mode switch, the rider can toggle between tracks on a playlist or music archive and control the volume, with the information of the track displayed on the motorcycle’s TFT dashboard.
With the ease of pairing a smartphone to the Norden 901 Expedition with Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles, the phone function allows the rider to see incoming calls on the TFT dashboard and, using the mode switch, accept or decline the call. The new call-out feature allows users to define a list of their favourite contacts and the option to select and call a number from the recent calls stored on the rider’s phone.
Additionally, the Ride Husqvarna Motorcycles app (available for Android and iOS) provides route planning and improved Turn-by-Turn+ navigation. The visual guidance is transmitted via Bluetooth to the TFT dashboard to show the pre-planned destination. To save on mobile data use, maps can be downloaded for offline use; this also helps to create and save pre-planned routes. And to allow for extended exploration off the open road, up to 128 waypoints can be added to a route when planning to create truly unique trips.