I just got my motorcycle license and I want to buy a adv motorcycle for traveling what motorcycle would you recommend for me. Thanks for the video by the way.
The new Honda CB500X gets great reviews and based on a good development path over several years it’s up there on quality but useable for newly qualified to experienced.
Being a short arse I opted for the 790 S and updated it with Rally Mode, high fender, power parts hand guards and double take mirrors etc... to make it more off road friendly. It will be interesting to see how high/low the 901 is compared to the S and the R versions of the KTM and also how it handles light dirt/fire trails.
I did almost the same thing, then after my shock failed I updated the suspension with TracTive fully adjustable shock and closed fork cartridges, what a upgrade! it truly is R capable at the S hieght
I wanted the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition really bad but they were always sold out so I purchased the KTM 890 Adventure R instead and I am extremely happy with it. I have no complaints and I love riding it on road and off. To take a basically 900cc bike off road into places no other bike of that size really belongs is completely unreal to me. It is definitely not a dirt bike even though it kind of looks like one. It is a very capable bike on the road, the way the gas tank is designed makes it look like it has a fairing like a sport bike. It is odd looking, weird, beautiful and ugly all at the same time. To own it and ride it everyday is to truly fall in love with riding once again. I have owned several Kawasaki Ninja's, a BMW, a Suzuki cruiser, many dirt bikes, several dual sports from various manufacturers. The KTM 890 Adventure R and the Norden 901 are truly something different. I am very happy with mine and I hope to own mine for a very, very long time. I truly feel like I can go anywhere on Earth I want to go with this bike which equates to a feeling of freedom I have never gotten from any other bike. It is not about being the fastest, the best, the best looking, the most capable, the lightest, the most powerful, the most prestigious. It is just a feeling you get when you ride it here and there and everywhere, when you realize that you wouldn't be able to do that on anything else you have ever owned. That is when it hits you how awesome this thing is. I am sure Yamaha T7 riders probably feel similar. I didn't get that feeling from my BMW GS 1100 R, great on road, great on a dirt road, and after that it was just wishful thinking. If you get a chance try out an 890 or 901, the Expedition or R models with the upgraded suspension I think you will be impressed. The T7 was lacking in the suspension department was why I went to the KTM and Husqvarna. The KTM is lighter and has less junk on it which I have come to appreciate even though I initially thought I did want that.
I think that all retro is stupid . Inventing something new needs courage. I applaud KTM for taking the risk. Norden would have been beautiful 40 years ago.
Thanks for sharing the video, It looks like the norden will need a lot more bars to protect it's beauty, I think after a few drops off road, the 890 will appear less affected , but I could be wrong.
Many Norden owners spoke of the ride compliance being much better than the KTM. Sufficient suspension travel and dampening is at the top of my list as I am not seeking the ultimate in bolder climbing. Looking and waiting for the 501 Norden as I believe that will be the best of all worlds.
@@hANNAbONE You can use either one. dampened; dampening; dampens To dampen something is to stifle it, to lessen its effect, or to moisten it. Getting a cold will dampen your enthusiasm. This word has several related meanings, most of which make something less effective or powerful. Using a towel will dampen it in the sense of getting it wet, but dampening goes beyond things that are damp (wet). Bad news will dampen your mood, bringing it down. Boxing gloves dampen the force of punches because they cushion the blows. Anything dampened has been weakened and brought down a notch. Thanks for sharing.
on a motorcycle shock = Rebound damping is the rate at which the suspension can extend and return to its normal position once the motorcycle has encountered a bump and the compression part is over. A lower value of rebound damping would allow the suspension to expand and the wheel to reach back to the surface quickly.
A question always asked in the automobile industry was, what if Toyotas we’re not so dam ugly, Kia and Hyundai answered that question and the sales prove it. In the motorcycle industry there was almost same question, what if KTM’s adventure motorcycles were not so dam ugly, their sisters brand has now given the first answer to the question, I am sure there are more answers to come.
It’s funny that everybody says the same towards the KTM models in terms of aesthetics but for me, they are simply the best. I love the way they look like. On the opposite I find the aesthetics of the Norden, quite plain, nothing of special and that suspension protections in white!!? I simply can’t say it is beautiful because it isn’t. Didn’t see one yet in the flesh and maybe it looks different from what we can see on video… but I doubt it will change my opinion.
@@toddbenfield6546 I do Have a KTM 1290 SDGT and I can’t get enough of it. But here, we are talking of a different kind of machine. The purpose is the off road capabilities. I had a BMW GS 1250 R and I never took it on the hard off road trails but was a very complete bike. This Norden doesn’t ring my bells but when I got the chance I will test it and than I can have a more accurate opinion 👍🏻
Too bad that the only tires listed in the booklet have speed code V (240 km / h) and there are no alternative tires ... (it is difficult to find something less road with code higher than Q or at most H). Husquarna (ktm) made the same mistake that Honda made with the Africa twin just released (which he remedied with the clearance before ... for those who want to argue with the Civil Motorizations ... and with the update of the booklet then). This information that almost never gives anyone is that you discover only after buying the bike
"Styling" is of course up to the eye of the beholder. To my eye the Norden appears bulbous,and blackish/blandish. It sure looks like it would weigh more than an 890R. How much? I would say a lot was spent on styling of it....bummer about no low slung gas tank.
in the past 10 years, BMW R1150GS, BMW R1200GS adv (heavy bitch, great on the highway) , BMW R1200GS LC, and my female riding partner, BMW F650GS and BMW F750GS. The BMW's became to heavy, We both took a light tumble and are now on KTM 890adv s and KTM 390 adv. I am 61, 192cm and 110kg, and Lidia is 57. OK lets cut to the chase, the 890 adv?, I love the bike, it is clearly designed on a gravel road, and it highway manners are very good. I live in the sticks in South Africa, 30km gravel and then 200/500km tar. The 890 adv makes a lot of sense, on gravel it is tops and on highway it is very happy, 6000 rpm, about 140 to 155km p hour, all day, vibration and wind is OK, I have fitted a Kappa screen. (The KTM390 adv is great on gravel but gets unhappy over 140 km p h, its a great girl bike and keeps up to the 890, on a sedate day.😀) Summary, given my biking history, this KTM 980 adventure s is going to be with me for a while, ie, happy!!
F650 and 750 r both great, good poise on highway, very nimble for that fatness... but well i got some subaru 2 (fugly, but great if it there is snow in mountains one lives in). I mayb should try that 890, but the beemer buddies just refuse to die.
@@ronr6605 Yep, my buddies all still on the BMW's, they give me lots of stick re the change, but this am, one of them also sold his R1200GS adv (his wife mentioned it in passing, he he, not a word from him!!), The 890 adv and 790 adv, very little between them. Regards from ZA
Does anyone sell a conversion kit for the KTMs to get rid of their butt ugly year-round Halloween pumpkin Orange color scheme, and the totally dated old school aggressive insect praying mantis look? I hate that look, everybody's been copying each other with that sharp angular anime insect look for quite a while now and it's gotten quite old The Husqvarna supposed to look old school and it actually looks newer fresher and more Innovative than the KTM I would buy the KTM if it wasn't so fugly
The colour scheme you could probably fix with a different graphics kit, and for the front end you could put a rally tower and screen on. Something like a Nomad ADV tower or a Rade garage kit. The only problem with that option is that you are looking at thousands of dollars and quite a few shed hours, so it's almost better just to leave it until you crash into a tree and have to spend money to fix it anyway. They do look really nice though
I just got my motorcycle license and I want to buy a adv motorcycle for traveling what motorcycle would you recommend for me. Thanks for the video by the way.
Honda NC 500 or Kawa Versys 650 is a perfect first motoscycle.. Congrats of your new license!!
@@hakanclintelof thank you
For the money I love my klr 650. Very affordable and bulletproof
The new Honda CB500X gets great reviews and based on a good development path over several years it’s up there on quality but useable for newly qualified to experienced.
@@Rossi593 what about Royal Enfield Himalayan?
Being a short arse I opted for the 790 S and updated it with Rally Mode, high fender, power parts hand guards and double take mirrors etc... to make it more off road friendly. It will be interesting to see how high/low the 901 is compared to the S and the R versions of the KTM and also how it handles light dirt/fire trails.
I did almost the same thing, then after my shock failed I updated the suspension with TracTive fully adjustable shock and closed fork cartridges, what a upgrade! it truly is R capable at the S hieght
@@54zk I really,really like my 890R a whole lot,but even at 6' tall sometimes the ground is too far away.
I wanted the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition really bad but they were always sold out so I purchased the KTM 890 Adventure R instead and I am extremely happy with it. I have no complaints and I love riding it on road and off. To take a basically 900cc bike off road into places no other bike of that size really belongs is completely unreal to me. It is definitely not a dirt bike even though it kind of looks like one. It is a very capable bike on the road, the way the gas tank is designed makes it look like it has a fairing like a sport bike. It is odd looking, weird, beautiful and ugly all at the same time. To own it and ride it everyday is to truly fall in love with riding once again. I have owned several Kawasaki Ninja's, a BMW, a Suzuki cruiser, many dirt bikes, several dual sports from various manufacturers. The KTM 890 Adventure R and the Norden 901 are truly something different. I am very happy with mine and I hope to own mine for a very, very long time. I truly feel like I can go anywhere on Earth I want to go with this bike which equates to a feeling of freedom I have never gotten from any other bike. It is not about being the fastest, the best, the best looking, the most capable, the lightest, the most powerful, the most prestigious. It is just a feeling you get when you ride it here and there and everywhere, when you realize that you wouldn't be able to do that on anything else you have ever owned. That is when it hits you how awesome this thing is. I am sure Yamaha T7 riders probably feel similar. I didn't get that feeling from my BMW GS 1100 R, great on road, great on a dirt road, and after that it was just wishful thinking. If you get a chance try out an 890 or 901, the Expedition or R models with the upgraded suspension I think you will be impressed. The T7 was lacking in the suspension department was why I went to the KTM and Husqvarna. The KTM is lighter and has less junk on it which I have come to appreciate even though I initially thought I did want that.
Really nice review! With highlights of the differences that one could imagine. I'm eager to test the 901 👌
Great comparison.
I sincerely hope that KTM launches the CKD 790/890 ADV in India this year.
14 January 2022
How looks a husqvarna version of the super adventure r?
I prefer the looks of the Husqvarna over the KTM.
I think that all retro is stupid . Inventing something new needs courage. I applaud KTM for taking the risk. Norden would have been beautiful 40 years ago.
@@fcalin21 I didn't look at the Husqvarna as a retro bike, I just thought it was a good looking bike and I like it better than the looks of the KTM.
@@CraigSmith568 In my opinion the ideea of retro is stupid . I don't mind if you like it .
@@fcalin21 To each their own. It would be a boring world if everyone liked the same thing. Enjoy your day.
@@CraigSmith568 Agreed.
I had 10 issues with my 890 AdvR. Everything from Immobilizer failure, moisture inside the TFT display and cold start issues
Toad clears up how this bike sisters from KTM. An in between model between the two KTM 890s with the emphasis on styling and comfort.
ktm every time ,had a husqvarna no dealer would give me a good trade in price
Norden is between the two KTM 890s, that’s why I chose Norden, comfy with style, more capability on both on and off roads.
The husky reminds me of the old round headlight honda transalp.
Thanks for sharing the video, It looks like the norden will need a lot more bars to protect it's beauty, I think after a few drops off road, the 890 will appear less affected , but I could be wrong.
That’s why I have a CRF300L. I have yeeted that sucker on and off road. No damage as they really can’t be killed
@@BSBBandFitness its slow af and not good for pavement at all
Many Norden owners spoke of the ride compliance being much better than the KTM. Sufficient suspension travel and dampening is at the top of my list as I am not seeking the ultimate in bolder climbing. Looking and waiting for the 501 Norden as I believe that will be the best of all worlds.
Damping....not "dampening"
@@hANNAbONE You can use either one.
dampened; dampening; dampens
To dampen something is to stifle it, to lessen its effect, or to moisten it. Getting a cold will dampen your enthusiasm.
This word has several related meanings, most of which make something less effective or powerful. Using a towel will dampen it in the sense of getting it wet, but dampening goes beyond things that are damp (wet). Bad news will dampen your mood, bringing it down. Boxing gloves dampen the force of punches because they cushion the blows. Anything dampened has been weakened and brought down a notch.
Thanks for sharing.
on a motorcycle shock = Rebound damping is the rate at which the suspension can extend and return to its normal position once the motorcycle has encountered a bump and the compression part is over. A lower value of rebound damping would allow the suspension to expand and the wheel to reach back to the surface quickly.
Any possibility we can fit a Real Headlight on the KTM???... 'Nuff said!!!...
Have you guys tested the bikes?
Hi congratulations for your license my be you can try qj srt 550x
I have the 890 Adventure R with all the goodies so the 901 was more of a curiosity for me.
Any issues with your motorcycle ? How many km ?
@@fcalin21 no issues. The bike has over 5800 miles.
@@PapaDougsAdventures01 Thank you . Ride safe !
@@fcalin21 Same here...no issues at 9000km. Love the bike and a huge improvement over the 990.
@@montaego Thank you for your intervention. It is reassuring to hear that not all KTM890 have quality control issues.
Ride safe guys !
Norden 901 got futuristic design that never disappear after 50 years
A question always asked in the automobile industry was, what if Toyotas we’re not so dam ugly, Kia and Hyundai answered that question and the sales prove it. In the motorcycle industry there was almost same question, what if KTM’s adventure motorcycles were not so dam ugly, their sisters brand has now given the first answer to the question, I am sure there are more answers to come.
It’s funny that everybody says the same towards the KTM models in terms of aesthetics but for me, they are simply the best. I love the way they look like. On the opposite I find the aesthetics of the Norden, quite plain, nothing of special and that suspension protections in white!!? I simply can’t say it is beautiful because it isn’t. Didn’t see one yet in the flesh and maybe it looks different from what we can see on video… but I doubt it will change my opinion.
You are not alone.
@@fcalin21 😎✌️
Ditto. The Norden doesnt look exciting.
Seen it, and looks amazing! I do own a KTM 1090, and a 690 Enduro R though👍
@@toddbenfield6546 I do Have a KTM 1290 SDGT and I can’t get enough of it.
But here, we are talking of a different kind of machine. The purpose is the off road capabilities. I had a BMW GS 1250 R and I never took it on the hard off road trails but was a very complete bike.
This Norden doesn’t ring my bells but when I got the chance I will test it and than I can have a more accurate opinion 👍🏻
Too bad that the only tires listed in the booklet have speed code V (240 km / h) and there are no alternative tires ... (it is difficult to find something less road with code higher than Q or at most H). Husquarna (ktm) made the same mistake that Honda made with the Africa twin just released (which he remedied with the clearance before ... for those who want to argue with the Civil Motorizations ... and with the update of the booklet then). This information that almost never gives anyone is that you discover only after buying the bike
To me the , the husky resembles the t7, and pan America.
Yes and the Tracer 9GT as well.
I tried to give you a like but.....the system doesn't accept it. So thumb 👍 up
Weird video. You keep switching between the 890 base and R versions without saying which one you're comparing.
I am buying the norden 901
Ok
"Styling" is of course up to the eye of the beholder. To my eye the Norden appears bulbous,and blackish/blandish. It sure looks like it would weigh more than an 890R. How much? I would say a lot was spent on styling of it....bummer about no low slung gas tank.
It has the low slung fuel tank, the KTM one holds more fuel down low
It weighs 3 pounds more than the R according to one review I saw.
The tanks are slung as low as the 890. Goodness, they are the same part..!
@Gofr5 wow is that all? That's the difference between before and after I have a poo some days 😂
The king in the north
If the height doesn't bother you, the Norden has the superior value.
in the past 10 years, BMW R1150GS, BMW R1200GS adv (heavy bitch, great on the highway) , BMW R1200GS LC, and my female riding partner, BMW F650GS and BMW F750GS. The BMW's became to heavy, We both took a light tumble and are now on KTM 890adv s and KTM 390 adv. I am 61, 192cm and 110kg, and Lidia is 57. OK lets cut to the chase, the 890 adv?, I love the bike, it is clearly designed on a gravel road, and it highway manners are very good. I live in the sticks in South Africa, 30km gravel and then 200/500km tar. The 890 adv makes a lot of sense, on gravel it is tops and on highway it is very happy, 6000 rpm, about 140 to 155km p hour, all day, vibration and wind is OK, I have fitted a Kappa screen. (The KTM390 adv is great on gravel but gets unhappy over 140 km p h, its a great girl bike and keeps up to the 890, on a sedate day.😀)
Summary, given my biking history, this KTM 980 adventure s is going to be with me for a while, ie, happy!!
F650 and 750 r both great, good poise on highway, very nimble for that fatness... but well i got some subaru 2 (fugly, but great if it there is snow in mountains one lives in). I mayb should try that 890, but the beemer buddies just refuse to die.
@@ronr6605 Yep, my buddies all still on the BMW's, they give me lots of stick re the change, but this am, one of them also sold his R1200GS adv (his wife mentioned it in passing, he he, not a word from him!!), The 890 adv and 790 adv, very little between them. Regards from ZA
Can you say Norton 501
You mean 401? Based off of the 390 Adventure? I’d like to see that
@@jeremyjohnson6438 you mean the svartpilian 401.....
When? This year?
@@jonasbaine3538 look it up its been out since like 2018. The svartpilian 701 as well.
@@motowhit I meant ktm 490 Norton 501. When is that coming out
Wake up Japan… my money goes to your quality. Build a similar motorcycle and I’m in.
Norden has the low set gas tanks, just like the KTM.
For £2.5k more the 1290 Superadventure is teasingly in reach…….
That would make the Norden a bit of a hard bargain. The 1290 is $6000 more than the Norden here in Canada.
Ktm need to change and update the ugly headlight every model has it
Yamaha t7 vs Husqvarna 701
Do a real comparison with the 990 adventure.😤😠😕😡🤬
Un fair comparison, Husqvarna 901 expedition is the comparison
The 901 is like a pretty girl wearing an ugly dress. I appreciate the normal headlight on the 901, though.
Pretty much the same
Preparados para ir al taller q no tienen ni repuestos.
There are enough music videos out there.
I thought that this was about the motorcycle
A big NO for Norden.
Does anyone sell a conversion kit for the KTMs to get rid of their butt ugly year-round Halloween pumpkin Orange color scheme, and the totally dated old school aggressive insect praying mantis look?
I hate that look, everybody's been copying each other with that sharp angular anime insect look for quite a while now and it's gotten quite old
The Husqvarna supposed to look old school and it actually looks newer fresher and more Innovative than the KTM
I would buy the KTM if it wasn't so fugly
perhaps wait for desert x if ktm looks bother you. 890r performance outshines looks.
You can get a black graphics kit for the ktm. There's many graphic color options.
I’ve seen nice dark color wraps on ktm bikes. Custom wraps.
Agreed.
The colour scheme you could probably fix with a different graphics kit, and for the front end you could put a rally tower and screen on. Something like a Nomad ADV tower or a Rade garage kit. The only problem with that option is that you are looking at thousands of dollars and quite a few shed hours, so it's almost better just to leave it until you crash into a tree and have to spend money to fix it anyway. They do look really nice though
I was so excited about the Norden, but its just so lazy both on innovation and design. The 890 is fugly, but the 901 is just low effort and boring.
so, if the 890 is fugly, and the Norden is boring, what do you think is a great looking bike?
@@frankgulla8782 ducati desert x
Both the Norden and KTM are unattractive bikes, the Norden front end and head light are ugly. I wish both looked like a Dakar Rally bike.