The new Husqvarna Nuda 900 could turn out to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. The sculpted naked machine looks aggressive, packs a decent punch and can get up to all sorts of tricks. Launched on the sun-kissed roads of Sardinia, we were treated to a morning on the Mores circuit on the island and then an afternoon rushing about on some impressive roads.
Track sessions were on the Nuda 900R, a £9,250 machine that adds an Ohlins shock, adjustable forks and Brembo Monobloc brakes to a party that includes a plumped up 105bhp 898cc motor. The engine is based on BMW’s F 800 series, and as Husqvarna is a BMW company this makes good sense. In fact, the motor just makes good sense, as it’s playful, punchy and full of spirit.
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On track the bike is everything you hope an R model could be, and although the track was wet for a while, that didn’t stop the Nuda 900R from impressing.
The same story can be told of the stock model, the Nuda 900 that comes in at £7,850. It may not boast much in the way of adjustability and only has non-Monobloc Brembo radial calipers, but that doesn’t hamper the road’s lower speeds in any way.
OK, the looks will divide opinion, but in every other sense, this is a very well put together bike, with all the quality you’d expect from BMW but with the style and aggression of those dirt masters, Husqvarna.
It’s worth hunting down a Husqvarna dealer, or one of the growing BMW stockists, to sort out a test ride, as for a first effort in 50-odd years, Husky’s new street bike will impress and tempt in equal manner. Get in quick and it’ll arrive just before Christmas… For more information, head to Huqvarna’s website.
