BMW R 1250 GS 2021 vs. Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023

The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 are both enduro motorcycles that offer impressive features and capabilities.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with a Boxer engine that has a bore of 102.5 mm and a stroke of 76 mm. It delivers a powerful engine power of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The starter is electric, and the transmission is a prop shaft. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 features an in-line engine with a bore of 90.7 mm and a stroke of 68.8 mm. It offers a slightly lower engine power of 105 HP and a torque of 100 Nm. The starter is also electric, but the transmission is a chain. The BMW R 1250 GS has a larger displacement of 1254 ccm compared to the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition's 889 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The front suspension can be adjusted for preload. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. It can be adjusted for preload and rebound. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 features an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a larger diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 240 mm. The front suspension can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 240 mm. It can also be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound.

BMW R 1250 GS 2021

In terms of chassis, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a steel frame with a load-bearing engine. It has a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 features a chromium-molybdenum frame that is tubular in design. It has a slightly steeper rake of 64.2 degrees and a trail of 106.9 mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, hill start assist, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 also features ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, quickshifter, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire width of 170 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. It has a fuel tank capacity of 20 liters, providing a range of 421 km. The combined fuel consumption is 4.75 l/100km. On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches and a slightly narrower rear tire width of 150 mm with a diameter of 18 inches. It has a slightly smaller fuel tank capacity of 19 liters, providing a similar range of 422 km. The combined fuel consumption is slightly lower at 4.5 l/100km.

In terms of equipment, the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 is equipped with cornering lights, LED headlights, and an adjustable windscreen. It also offers great connectivity with its app and has an easy-to-read display. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 features connectivity, LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display. It offers top-of-the-range equipment as standard.

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023

Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each motorcycle. The BMW R 1250 GS 2021 has several strengths, including great ride comfort and ergonomics, a powerful engine, a great connectivity app, an easy-to-read display, a confident feel in the saddle, practical riding aids, and a versatile chassis that can accommodate every route. It is also easy to ride. However, it has a rough overall appearance, and the gearshifts at low revs can be somewhat clumsy.

On the other hand, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has several strengths as well. It offers a high-quality and fully adjustable chassis, great comfort in the saddle, improved off-road capabilities, top-of-the-range equipment as standard, a powerful yet smooth-running engine, agile geometry, good fuel consumption figures, and a high-quality appearance and finish. However, it has a seat height of 874mm, which can be critical for small people. It also lacks a USB slot in the cockpit, and the standard soft luggage is not of top quality.

In conclusion, both the BMW R 1250 GS 2021 and the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 are impressive enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS offers great ride comfort, a powerful engine, and practical riding aids, while the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition provides a high-quality chassis, improved off-road capabilities, and top-of-the-range equipment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and priorities.