Dirt and Trail MARCH 22

the smaller Norden. In saying that, however we did not travel massive
kilometers on tar to hook up with the next trail, but when we did, she
happily spun along at speeds well in excess of the national limit - in real
comfort - even with a pillion on board.
Guys - there is such a vast selection of very cool adventure bikes to
choose from these days. If we had our way - we’d have a garage full of
each model and invite people for test rides.
If you are looking for a capable, comfortable, light ADV bike, then this is
one that you really should go and ride. And despite the fact that it has a
similar cousin in the stable - it really is quite different.
We had a lot of wet, slippery, muddy fun - and we need to ride it back
to back with some of the other manufacturer’s bikes in the 800 to 1000
class. You can look forward to that soon.
Second opinion by Stefan.
A stunning bike in my opinion, but it’s more than just a looker.
From the get-go, it’s a quality comfortable ride. Everything looks and
feels like top quality, it was just a pleasure to ride on the road.
The bikes light weight makes it manageable. The sitting position is
very comfortable, I can see myself riding down to the Cape on this bike,
but if you like standing while riding, I’d recommend raising the bars
unless you like riding hunch back. The engine makes beautiful power
and it delivers it very smoothly, linear all the way through the rev range.
Off-road you can open up without fear of losing traction and the smooth
power delivery is fantastic for low-speed manoeuvres. When we hit a
patch of thick sand my heart nearly stopped though, it was looser than
I expected it to be but it held its own and powered through. No puddle
could stand in its way, it’s very well balanced with the centre of gravity
very low so can control any slips with ease or navigate any obstacles.
With the smooth power delivery and the centre of gravity so low you
almost forget you’re on a 900cc bike that weighs around 217 kg’s wet.
The seat is low but very wide which makes your leg reach a bit shorter.
But once you’re up on the pegs, it feels so well balanced and light, and
easy to ride and manoeuver around.
You get a state of the art interface with 4 rider modes, 2 traction control
modes and more personalisation options than I can find. Equipped
with cruise control and a very smooth quickshifter which you can also
toggle on and off. Plenty fast for a 900 and all-around a great modern
adventure bike, or perhaps a sports tourer that just so happens to be
very capable off-road.
I really do like it. A lot.
www.husqvarna-motorcycles.co.za for your local dealer.
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