This video was awesome! Your observation that the Nordern sits right in between both 890s in almost every conceivable spec is very pertinent! Loved the bloopers in the end too :P
Good and thorough video, man! All the way through i was expecting to hear less about the cold specs and more about the subjective matter of looks, until the end where you praise the husky. You had me nodding with a grin on there. Fortunately, these elegant, classic looking, no-nonsense, simple lines are slowly but surely being brought back to adv (t7, enfield, hd pan am, maybe guzzi also?...). More down to earth practicality, vintage lines, two-wheeled jeep looking, and less insect or origami-like agressiveness. Hope this design philosophy catches on.
Which is better depends on your primary use for the bike and subjective issues. If you need more offroad capability, the KTM 890 R is the way to go. For most people, the Norden 901 may be better. If you are primarily on road with some easy gravel and dirt trails, the KTM 890 SA might be better. The Husky has many strengths but many people will decide based on appearances and that is subjective.
Great video, finally a KTM with retro looks, hahahah im 50 so I like the nordens look I have the ktm 1290 adv S and love the nordens ktm soul with the retro looks... lighter than the 1290 for better off road capacity
We can talk about the differences and similarities all we want (and we should, and thank you for this awesome video), but in the end of the day the 890R will still have the best suspension of them all, and being the engine the same.. well.. easy choice for me.
Really liking the 901. The ride reviews Ive seen on it look good. It wont replace my Super Tenere for long distance ADV, but I would like to add it as my local ADV tourer. Alot depends on reliability, though and Ill wait untill long term tests are out. Good job on review. 👍
For an adventure porpouse I'd choose new 901 against advS. But I preffer advR offroad focused. New 901 plastics seems Honda like, luxurious but prone to break, exposed , rigid intead of the Enduro advR softer, cheaper and resistant. I hate the looks of the adv front lights and love new 901 one, love the 1290 adv one the best to me. Thanks for your report!
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, I am also a bit concerned about the plastics.. common problem with many modern bikes. I can't wait to get my hands on the Norden for a proper test in January. Cheers
Nice mate well done, also I noticed two other discernible differences between the KTM and Husqvarna. The Husqvarna's come with an additional year of warranty and the new body fairings offer greater elemental protection. KTM/Husqvarna is playing the classic Goldie Locke and the Three Bear's Porridge for their consumers!
Thanks, Chris! I missed the additional year of warranty... that is a big deal with these bikes. I agree on the fairings. Looks like it is going to offer more protection against the elements.
Thanks for this meticulous comparison. So close…. The huge delay in actually getting the 901 to market was, supposedly, the adaptive cruise control which is conspicuous by it’s absence. Where did it go? For me the dreadful soft luggage and screen on the 901 are enough to put me off. Sadly function has been lost to form.
Thank you, Ian. Mmm... I didn't know about the ACC. The 901 looks amazing, but I'll have to wait to get onto it to decide. Marketing departments calling the shots these days... :) Cheers
Norden all the way, I ride a BMW R9T, this is my kind of bike, modern, classic, neo, retro type motorcycles. But ever since Norden came out, I am just in love, I am very likely going to end up selling my 9T and just buying the Norden 901. This is how much I like it. Probably for next summer season already. KTM I know this bike, and the quality is very good, I did ride many different KTM's, love the performance and the tech. But it was never my taste visually , never did like the modern looking motorbikes. This Norden though is just right, there's just enough Retro in it's looks to be a perfect ADV bike for me. Plus I am 5,10, about 179cm tall. So something like a BMW GS, is simply to large, to tall, to heavy for me. This Norden is going to fit me like a glove.
@@andersd8956 Looks like nothing is manufactured in the country of origin anymore. But then, if it were, we'd probably pay three times as much. That one of the reasons I'd probably never by a new vehicle :)
Those storys are always exaggerated. Every bike you buy is going to have some problems, some less than others but there’s no perfect motorbike. At least this technology is familiar and I know where it’s from.
Sound's like if Husqvarna were only going to develop and bring one bike to market.... Then they thought that they should probably split the difference and offer the best of both between out and out off road focus and the slightly softer edged spec of the 890 Adventure meant to be easier to manage and ride on road with shorter riders in mind etc... hence large range of seat height adjustment on the Norden too...!!! But obviously Husqvarna also wanted to deliver a Bike which was also capable of serious off road focus as well...!!!!
So ideally Husqvarna will come out with an R version of their Norden 901 to include the Xplor 48 forks and cone valve rear shock, if anything that would be the bike to get. I like what Husqvarna are doing here in introducing a more aesthetically attractive version to some minor downgrades but it looks like the torque and hp are slightly improved over the KTM variants. This is exciting considering the potential for even more aftermarket performance gains with an airbox, exhaust, and tune we might actually be looking at a 115-120hp bike with 80+ ft lbs in the 450 pound wet weight range. That's very close to the idealic "golden triangle" most riders are looking for these days of a bike that's at or close to 400 pounds wet with 120 or so hp and 100 ft lbs of torque.
It would be very interesting to see if they bring out another version. Should be easy to fit the Xplor suspension. To be honest, I am not too worried about power (especially if it has a negative impact on reliability) and would prefer shedding weight instead. A Norden 501 with a parallel twin would be my preference!
Norden901=WP Apex43 220 mm travel. 890S=WP Apex43 200 mm travel. 890R=Xplor 240 mm travel. So Husqvarna (KTM group) has put it in the middle. There will no be any “R”.
rottweiller will be able to take care of the rest im sure asap , their parts are magic on the 2 ktm's i decked out with them , completely transformed my 1090r , cooler running more reliable and seat of the pants feel big performance bump
@@GreaseAndGravel R has 48 from the begining as much as I have been following. it is weird they even use 43 on S and Norden, as even friend's 690 sumo has 48. my svartpilen has 43, but they are much shorter. anyhow, I think it is not such big of an issue until you don't have any frontal hits such as car pulling in front or ending up in tree on some single track descent ☺ I think I will be pulling the trigger on Norden before T7. btw, love the video 👌
This video was awesome! Your observation that the Nordern sits right in between both 890s in almost every conceivable spec is very pertinent!
Loved the bloopers in the end too :P
Thanks, man! So glad someone saw the bloopers 😂I loved your carb vs EFI vid, but I'll leave the comment there...
Great video - well edited. I rode recently for the first time with a few 890's - which just ate up the trails.
Thank you, I appreciate it. The 890 is an amazing bike.
Good and thorough video, man! All the way through i was expecting to hear less about the cold specs and more about the subjective matter of looks, until the end where you praise the husky. You had me nodding with a grin on there. Fortunately, these elegant, classic looking, no-nonsense, simple lines are slowly but surely being brought back to adv (t7, enfield, hd pan am, maybe guzzi also?...). More down to earth practicality, vintage lines, two-wheeled jeep looking, and less insect or origami-like agressiveness. Hope this design philosophy catches on.
Nice video, yes Norden looks better and is offering more weather protection. Seats are way more comfy also. I own a Tenere and a Norden.
Thank for the comment! Which of your two bikes do you ride more often? ;)
Great review and comparison, full of very good information! It helps a lot, and my choice would be Norden 901, no doubt! Thanks a lot.
Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, I think the Norden is going to be awesome. Can't wait to take it for a ride! Cheers
Which is better depends on your primary use for the bike and subjective issues. If you need more offroad capability, the KTM 890 R is the way to go. For most people, the Norden 901 may be better. If you are primarily on road with some easy gravel and dirt trails, the KTM 890 SA might be better. The Husky has many strengths but many people will decide based on appearances and that is subjective.
100% In the end people pay for how the bike makes them feel, not how good the bike really is
Can't wait until the Norden 501 comes out!
Ooh, yes!!
Great video, finally a KTM with retro looks, hahahah im 50 so I like the nordens look
I have the ktm 1290 adv S and love the nordens ktm soul with the retro looks... lighter than the 1290 for better off road capacity
Thanks, Francisco! Yeah, I also love the look of the Norden
For all the specifications of the Husqvarna Norden 901 and the KTM 890 Adventure, check out: adventurebiketroop.com/norden-901/
Thanks for your review.
How do you compare Norden with Triumph 900 GT & Rally?
Thanks for the comment! I've not ridden the Triumph. I like the look of the Rally!
Like the looks of the norden too
The proportions, color scheme and even the graphics.. it all just works for me
We can talk about the differences and similarities all we want (and we should, and thank you for this awesome video), but in the end of the day the 890R will still have the best suspension of them all, and being the engine the same.. well.. easy choice for me.
Thanks, man! I appreciate the comment.
The bike is not only about performace and technical data. Its also piece of art and emotions... so Norden is choice for me... 🙂
Great comparison of these bikes. Thanks
Thanks, man!
Really liking the 901. The ride reviews Ive seen on it look good. It wont replace my Super Tenere for long distance ADV, but I would like to add it as my local ADV tourer. Alot depends on reliability, though and Ill wait untill long term tests are out. Good job on review. 👍
I agree with you about the Preying Mantis look of the KTM's. Now, if I could only find a Husqvarna dealer.
Here, KTM imports the Huskys. But they are less common on the road for sure.
For an adventure porpouse I'd choose new 901 against advS. But I preffer advR offroad focused. New 901 plastics seems Honda like, luxurious but prone to break, exposed , rigid intead of the Enduro advR softer, cheaper and resistant. I hate the looks of the adv front lights and love new 901 one, love the 1290 adv one the best to me. Thanks for your report!
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, I am also a bit concerned about the plastics.. common problem with many modern bikes. I can't wait to get my hands on the Norden for a proper test in January. Cheers
I'd go for the Husqvarna ... just to be different. Nice colour scheme (not as nice as the traditional yellow, white & blue).
Nice mate well done, also I noticed two other discernible differences between the KTM and Husqvarna. The Husqvarna's come with an additional year of warranty and the new body fairings offer greater elemental protection. KTM/Husqvarna is playing the classic Goldie Locke and the Three Bear's Porridge for their consumers!
Thanks, Chris! I missed the additional year of warranty... that is a big deal with these bikes. I agree on the fairings. Looks like it is going to offer more protection against the elements.
Just put down a deposit for the next one in Arlington Tx! Love the info
Great review, thank you! Norden first on looks yes!...
I agree... it looks stunning
Thanks for this meticulous comparison. So close…. The huge delay in actually getting the 901 to market was, supposedly, the adaptive cruise control which is conspicuous by it’s absence. Where did it go? For me the dreadful soft luggage and screen on the 901 are enough to put me off. Sadly function has been lost to form.
Thank you, Ian. Mmm... I didn't know about the ACC. The 901 looks amazing, but I'll have to wait to get onto it to decide. Marketing departments calling the shots these days... :) Cheers
Norden all the way, I ride a BMW R9T, this is my kind of bike, modern, classic, neo, retro type motorcycles. But ever since Norden came out, I am just in love, I am very likely going to end up selling my 9T and just buying the Norden 901. This is how much I like it. Probably for next summer season already. KTM I know this bike, and the quality is very good, I did ride many different KTM's, love the performance and the tech. But it was never my taste visually , never did like the modern looking motorbikes. This Norden though is just right, there's just enough Retro in it's looks to be a perfect ADV bike for me. Plus I am 5,10, about 179cm tall. So something like a BMW GS, is simply to large, to tall, to heavy for me. This Norden is going to fit me like a glove.
The more I see of the Norden, the more I love it too! I hope you get one soon!
@@andersd8956 That's a pity. But I guess that's what you get with the first models of most bikes.
@@andersd8956 Looks like nothing is manufactured in the country of origin anymore. But then, if it were, we'd probably pay three times as much. That one of the reasons I'd probably never by a new vehicle :)
Those storys are always exaggerated. Every bike you buy is going to have some problems, some less than others but there’s no perfect motorbike. At least this technology is familiar and I know where it’s from.
Like the look for 890 AR
Yeah, the new look is awesome. I didn't like the previous headlight deal
Thank you for including non metric values!
Thanks for noticing! To be honest, I struggle to visualize what 5/16th of an inch is... 🤷♂️😅
@@GreaseAndGravel 🤣🤣🤣
Nice video. You don’t mencioned the quickshifter in the northen.
Ah, thanks for adding that! I missed it somehow.
Sound's like if Husqvarna were only going to develop and bring one bike to market.... Then they thought that they should probably split the difference and offer the best of both between out and out off road focus and the slightly softer edged spec of the 890 Adventure meant to be easier to manage and ride on road with shorter riders in mind etc... hence large range of seat height adjustment on the Norden too...!!! But obviously Husqvarna also wanted to deliver a Bike which was also capable of serious off road focus as well...!!!!
I think it is going to be a great bike... it looks well thought out! And I agree... it is an ADV bike after all, not a big enduro
The correct pronunciation is Husqvarna ( sounds like Hooskvarna ) certainly not Husk-a -varna .
Thank you for clearing that up! That how people say it around here🙈
So ideally Husqvarna will come out with an R version of their Norden 901 to include the Xplor 48 forks and cone valve rear shock, if anything that would be the bike to get. I like what Husqvarna are doing here in introducing a more aesthetically attractive version to some minor downgrades but it looks like the torque and hp are slightly improved over the KTM variants. This is exciting considering the potential for even more aftermarket performance gains with an airbox, exhaust, and tune we might actually be looking at a 115-120hp bike with 80+ ft lbs in the 450 pound wet weight range. That's very close to the idealic "golden triangle" most riders are looking for these days of a bike that's at or close to 400 pounds wet with 120 or so hp and 100 ft lbs of torque.
It would be very interesting to see if they bring out another version. Should be easy to fit the Xplor suspension. To be honest, I am not too worried about power (especially if it has a negative impact on reliability) and would prefer shedding weight instead. A Norden 501 with a parallel twin would be my preference!
Norden901=WP Apex43 220 mm travel. 890S=WP Apex43 200 mm travel. 890R=Xplor 240 mm travel. So Husqvarna (KTM group) has put it in the middle. There will no be any “R”.
i was hoping it would have the upgraded explorer suspension available as well
rottweiller will be able to take care of the rest im sure asap , their parts are magic on the 2 ktm's i decked out with them , completely transformed my 1090r , cooler running more reliable and seat of the pants feel big performance bump
You were kind of right now that they introduced the Expedition Edition
Nicely analysed.The Norden does look better in my view but a pointless manufacturing excercise in my view.Time will tell.Thanks.
It is a good looking bike, but I prefer low tech. Not that I disagree, but I am keen to know why you think it is pointless? 😁
adventure r has wp 48 not wp 43 forks
Ah, thanks for the correction. I saw 43mm in some material and 48 on the website just now. Did they perhaps upgrade it?🤷🏻♂️
@@GreaseAndGravel R has 48 from the begining as much as I have been following. it is weird they even use 43 on S and Norden, as even friend's 690 sumo has 48. my svartpilen has 43, but they are much shorter. anyhow, I think it is not such big of an issue until you don't have any frontal hits such as car pulling in front or ending up in tree on some single track descent ☺
I think I will be pulling the trigger on Norden before T7.
btw, love the video 👌
Anyone can compare what the books say for your review to be worth something you need to personally measure and weigh the bikes
I like norden better too
The looks of the norden is beautifull... except from the front. That headlight. Eeuw
Ktm is way sexier with the dirt bike style front fender be the lower adventure styling fender
Sorry but why do KTM look so ugly :D same hardware, but so diffrent. Norden 901 reminds me so much of Honda Transalp we all miss so dearly.
I know! I feel the same. Husky did an awesome job
890
Thanks for the comment... why do you choose the 890?
@@GreaseAndGravel because the brand is ktm
The KTM is an insect.
Yep, I don't like the look... that headlight cowl thing... not for me :)