If you love adventure motorcycling, you’re always looking for the next big thrill. The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 are two top picks for middleweight adventure bikes. But which one has the best design and power to take your rides to the next level?
Key Takeaways
- Aprilia and Husqvarna are two leading brands in the high-performance motorcycle segment
- The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Husqvarna Norden 901 are highly anticipated middleweight adventure bikes
- This article will compare the design, power, performance, and overall value of these two exciting models
- Factors like engine specifications, rider reviews, and brand reputation will be analyzed to help you make an informed choice
- The goal is to determine which motorcycle offers the best combination of style, power, and overall riding experience
Introducing the Contenders
The adventure motorcycle segment is getting exciting with new models. The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 are two of the most awaited. They promise great performance, design, and off-road skills.
Aprilia Tuareg 660
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a new player in the middleweight adventure bike world. It weighs about 460 lb, fitting between the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and the KTM 890 Adventure. Aprilia says it will have 80 horsepower, more than the Ténéré 700 but less than some others.
Husqvarna Norden 901
The Husqvarna Norden 901 is another big name in the middleweight adventure bikes. It’s based on the KTM 890 Adventure. We’re waiting for exact specs, but it’s expected to be a strong contender. It might focus more on touring than its KTM cousin.
Both the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 aim to shake up the middleweight adventure bike market. They offer a mix of power, design, and off-road skills that should attract many riders.
Weight Comparison
The weight of a middleweight adventure bike is key for off-road performance and handling. The Aprilia Tuareg 660 weighs about 460 lb when wet. This makes it lighter than many of its rivals, promising better agility and off-road skills.
The Husqvarna Norden 901, based on the KTM 890 Adventure, weighs around 495 lb. It’s a bit heavier than the Tuareg 660. This might affect its handling and off-road abilities.
| Motorcycle | Wet Weight | Power-to-Weight Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Aprilia Tuareg 660 | 460 lb | N/A |
| Husqvarna Norden 901 | 495 lb | N/A |
| Beta 450RS | 240 lb (dry) | 0.182 hp/lb |
| Husqvarna FE501S | 239 lb (dry) | 0.1904 hp/lb |
| Suzuki RM-Z450 | 247 lb (wet) | 0.2024 hp/lb |
| Kawasaki KX450 | 246 lb (wet) | 0.2154 hp/lb |
| Honda CRF450R | 245 lb (wet) | 0.2163 hp/lb |
| Yamaha YZ450F | 245 lb (wet) | 0.222 hp/lb |
| Aprilia RXV 5.5 | N/A | 0.259 hp/lb |
The weight difference between these bikes and others in the middleweight segment is important. Riders who want better handling and off-road skills might prefer the Aprilia Tuareg 660’s lighter weight.
Range and Fuel Efficiency
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Husqvarna Norden 901 are top picks for adventure bike fans. The Tuareg 660 has a 18-liter fuel tank and a Ténéré 700 engine. This combo could give a range of about 350 km.
The Norden 901 might have a bigger fuel tank than its KTM sibling. It’s expected to reach around 400 km on a single tank.
These estimates show both bikes can handle long trips well. They’re great for those who love to ride far and often. Riders looking for the best motorcycle range and fuel efficiency will find these adventure bikes and touring options appealing.
| Model | Fuel Tank Capacity (liters) | Estimated Range (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Aprilia Tuareg 660 | 18 | 350 |
| Husqvarna Norden 901 | Unknown, likely larger than KTM | 400 |
The table shows both bikes have impressive motorcycle range and fuel efficiency. They’re perfect for adventure bike and touring lovers.
Power and Performance
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Husqvarna Norden 901 are both middleweight adventure bikes. The Tuareg 660 is expected to have 80 horsepower. The Norden 901 might have the same engine as the KTM 890 Adventure, but with a bit less power for better touring.
The Tuareg 660 might not be the most powerful, but it still has enough off-road capability and on-road performance. The Norden 901 aims for a mix of power and features for long trips.
| Specification | Aprilia Tuareg 660 | Husqvarna Norden 901 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 80 HP | Estimated to match KTM 890 Adventure |
| Engine Configuration | Parallel-Twin | Parallel-Twin |
| Intended Use | Versatile, On/Off-Road | Balanced, Touring-Focused |
Choosing between the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Husqvarna Norden 901 depends on what you like and how you ride. Both bikes have great engine performance. They’re perfect for middleweight adventure fans who want a fun ride on any road.
Aprilia or Husqvarna: Which Offers Better Design and Power?
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 are top picks for adventure bikes. They both have great designs and power. Let’s see how they compare.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is light and easy to handle. It has a 659cc engine that makes 80 horsepower. It’s made for off-road adventures, with great suspension for tough terrain. Its design is sleek, perfect for both road and off-road riding.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 is more for long trips. It has an 889cc engine, focusing on comfort and versatility. Its design is rugged, made for practicality and capability.
| Specification | Aprilia Tuareg 660 | Husqvarna Norden 901 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 659cc | 889cc |
| Power Output | 80 hp | TBD |
| Kerb Weight | 462.8 lbs | TBD |
| Suspension Travel | 9.5 inches (front and rear) | TBD |
| Brakes | Twin 300mm discs (front), Single 260mm disc (rear) | TBD |
Choosing between the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 depends on what you want. The Tuareg 660 is great for those who love off-road adventures. The Norden 901 is better for long trips, with a focus on comfort and versatility.
“Both the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 offer compelling options for adventure enthusiasts, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences and riding styles.”
Pricing and Value
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Husqvarna Norden 901 are set to enter the middleweight adventure bike market. Their pricing will be a key factor for riders. Although prices are not out yet, they are expected to be competitive.
Aprilia’s Tuareg 660 is likely to be priced between the Ténéré 700 and the KTM 890 Adventure. The Norden 901, related to the KTM 890 Adventure, is also expected to have a similar price range.
Both bikes promise great motorcycle pricing, value for money, and performance. They will appeal to those looking for a capable middleweight adventure bike. With advanced tech, impressive power, and off-road skills, they offer a strong value.
| Model | Price | Engine Displacement | Power Output | User Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 | $8,795 | 249.1 cc | 45 hp | 4.5/5 (3 reviews) |
| Aprilia RS 457 | $4,620 | 457 cc | N/A | 4.4/5 (20 reviews) |
The table shows a comparison between the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 and the Aprilia RS 457. It highlights the motorcycle pricing and value for money in the segment. The Husqvarna Svartpilen 250 is more affordable and has good user ratings, showing the variety in the market.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Husqvarna Norden 901 are creating a buzz. They promise a great mix of motorcycle pricing, performance, and value for money. With their expected competitive pricing, they will be an attractive option for adventure bike enthusiasts.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Husqvarna Norden 901 is said to be more comfortable than the KTM 890 Adventure R. Motorcycle.com notes it feels welcoming, with the rider sitting more in the bike. This makes for a more relaxed and intuitive ride.
This makes the Norden 901 great for long trips. It’s designed for comfort and ease of use. Its ergonomics focus on making the ride smooth and easy.
Norden 901
The Husqvarna Norden 901 has features that make it comfy and easy to ride. These include:
- A more “in the bike” riding position for a relaxed and intuitive feel
- Flatter seat profile for easier movement on the motorcycle
- Repositioned contact points for improved ergonomics
- Larger footrest contact area for better machine control
- Hydraulic clutch system for even wear and near maintenance-free operation
- Hydraulic brake system with single-piece aluminum calipers for strength at a low weight
These features, along with its design and performance, make it a top choice. It’s perfect for riders looking for a middleweight adventure bike that’s comfy and good for touring.
Brand Reputation and Reliability
In the motorcycle world, brand reputation and reliability are key. When looking at the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901, it’s vital to know about their reputations and reliability.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 is part of the KTM group, known for reliable off-road bikes. KTM bikes are often seen as durable and dependable, ranking high in reliability surveys. This makes the Norden 901 a good choice for those seeking reliability.
On the other hand, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 showcases Italian design and engineering. Aprilia is famous for its fast and stylish bikes. But, its reliability has been questioned. Being an Italian brand, the Tuareg 660 might have less reliability compared to the KTM-backed Norden 901.
Brand reputation and reliability are crucial, but they don’t tell the whole story. Both the Norden 901 and the Tuareg 660 can offer great rides. Real-world tests will show their true durability and dependability.
| Motorcycle Brand | Reliability Rating | Customer Satisfaction | Avg. Lasting Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | 9.2 | 87.1% | 100,000+ miles |
| Yamaha | 9.0 | 84.9% | 100,000+ miles |
| Kawasaki | 8.8 | N/A | N/A |
| BMW | N/A | N/A | 120,000+ miles |
| KTM | 7.8 | N/A | N/A |
| Harley-Davidson | 8.2 | N/A | N/A |
The table shows Japanese brands like Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki are known for reliability and customer satisfaction. KTM and Harley-Davidson have faced some issues, but they still have a good reputation.
When choosing between the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901, think about more than just performance and design. Consider the reputation and reliability of their manufacturers. This will help you make a choice that fits your needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Adventure motorcycle fans in Australia have two great choices: the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and the Husqvarna Norden 901. The Tuareg 660 is light, has an 80-horsepower engine, and is great for off-road adventures. On the other hand, the Norden 901 might be better for long trips, with a focus on comfort and versatility.
Choosing between these bikes depends on what you want most. If you love the Tuareg 660’s quick handling and off-road skills, it’s for you. But if you prefer the Norden 901’s all-around comfort, it might be the better choice.
Things like power, weight, and how the bike feels will help you decide. Think about what matters most to you and try out both bikes. This way, you can pick the one that fits your adventure riding dreams best.
