Dude that is as tight a trail as I have seen a bike that big on…you are clearly more skilled than I am. Impressive, I have gotten my norden stuck on a loose rocky downhill..one drop and the skid plate was smoked, which gave me the opportunity to by a real skid plate! Keep up the great riding man!!
3:16 That knob can adjust your headlight up and down. I can't wait to find a Norden. Other than the windscreen it seems like it checks off all the boxes.
Hats off to you! And thank you! I've been watching as many Norden videos as I can find. You have been the most aggressive tester I've seen. Taking this thing and REALLY giving it an off road, tight trail ride. You pushed me over the edge, next spring I'm spending the money on a 901. You have also got my subscription.
I just watched the whole f'ing thing! you gotta be a good entertainer to make me watch 27 minutes of almost unedited gopro footage!! So good! love the bike, love your way of presenting hehe! Good job!
Really looking forward for getting the 901 Expedition. Can’t wait. After 10 years of cars only going back to motorcycles. Norden just ticks all the boxes in my book. Cannot resist:)
I need this motorcycle. Looking for a lighter adventure bike but I’m not interested in trailering a bike. The Norden styling is as good as it gets IMO. I have watched half a dozen different videos on it & I am sold! Was fun riding along with you.
I have a 790R and have only sat on the Norden not ridden It. I have the lower seat and from that point of view they almost feel similar. However I don’t like the fairing on the Norden. On the 790 you have better view of the ground in front of the bike when it gets technical. When I will change bike it will be to a 890R.
Great review!!! You made me buy my 22 Super Adv R, and I love it so far!!! Im as tall as you Im coming from a 2016 KTM super duke 1290 R and a BMW GSA, in another words this norton is for someone that wants two bikes in the garage, a sport and a explorer type, if you everything in one you cannot bit the SAR.
The SAR is absolutely perfect for me! But the "lightweight" of the Norden is crazy fun the terrain gets really difficult. You have to be a skilled rider to master the 1290 on sketchy trails if you ask me. The Norden is more forgiven when you screw up haha. But i do like a challenge so 1290 SAR it is 😎👌❤️
@Life of Smokey , what the effect on the Norden bike handling if we change both wheel tyre with a full offroad enduro tyre ? will it get you pass thru that gnarly slippery steep slope 10:15 i love & enjoy your video.
Cool ride! I enjoyed the forest bit, it looked a little bit scatchy.. glad you came out ok from there. I dare you to place a counter for the next vid, counting every time the phrase 'pop a whelly' comes on 😂
It has enough torque to get 2 people going no problem. 😌 The big brothers will do much better of course as the horsepower and engine size is a huge difference 😁
@@LifeofSmokey first ride with both Tractive Extreme suspension swap and magura hydro clutch last Sunday , didnt have anyone to help me set up the sag proper or even a center stand to try to get close myself but still felt soo much more controlled stable and no bottoming out which it did frequently prior , also swapped out the stock steering damper for an adjustable Yacugar unit
How do you get such great audio while riding your bike? Yours is the best sounding that I have come across and I'd like to learn how and what you use :) Great video and I'm loving my bike but haven't had the balls to wheelie it yet lol.
Many say that they like the looks on this bike. I'm not a fan. Somehow the clean straight boxy lines don't tickle me from the right places. Same goes with the slow slung fuel tanks on KTMs... I can understand their benefit from technical and practical point of view, but they just make the bike look a bit too bottom heavy for my liking.
It's the Husky's enemy , i owned over 12 Honda cars and just got a 110CRF haha. The Africa Twin has the same horsepower as the Husky/KTM and is the same concept of riding :-)
@@LifeofSmokey I've been torn between the Norden and the AT. The issue here in South Africa is that while we have a tonne of KTM dealerships, we have very few Husky dealerships - Honda dealerships are also plentiful. REALLY like the Norden though, your video didn't make my decision any easier lol.
@@friggs6239 Ktm/Husqvarna have been the offroad pioniers for many years. They got the top of the world riders helping to build the perfect adventure bikes and listen to their input. For me the Norden feels as lite as my Husqvarna 350fe enduro 😁.
@@LifeofSmokey For sure. They go for almost the same money here as well (personally not bothered about he DCT, I enjoy changing gears on a bike) and the fact that it weighs less but still has the same power is a big plus... Will have to go ride them both and and decide. Keep up with the great content, I enjoy the variety and the fact that you don't only focus on a single thing/vehicle/type/etc. But do try squeeze in another Norden video or two please :D
@@friggs6239 working on a Norden vs 1290 Super Adventure R as we speak 😂. Norden is back to headquarters for other media partners to enjoy. I spend to many days at Brabus Germany and let my best friends enjoy the Norden 😁
Pirelli scorpions work good emough everywhere really: off road, rain, on road. As long as you don’t ask too much from them. However you can deflate then when going off road just to get an extra edge on grip. When going off road, forget the street style, go all out nuts. Think enduro, cross country or Moto-Cross. Weigh the rear, sit back, use the engine to do work and lift the frond when you are stuck. Practice U turns or pivots and it will help a lot. Trust me I’m a cross country/ cross enduro rider ;)
A friend Gordinne Gregory on instagram is racing the same engine on his Ktm 890 adventure R in Ertzberg rodeo and so on. Build quality is also really good. I brought a Norden 901 Expedition home today , videos will follow 😊
Watch the other video review i just uploaded. The 1290 sar is more of a big boy bike and if you got skills it's no problem. If you are more experienced and prefer a lighter bike the Norden 901 is perfect. I would take the Norden for offroad right away. Only for road use i want my 160hp monster 😁
@@LifeofSmokey Hi Smokey!, I have seen your all videos of KTM SAR since months ago, mean while arrived my new KTM 1290 sar 2022, I have been riding my new bike last two days and my mind are blowing, is incredible new designed, if I compare with my 1190 Adv S the new gravity center make the bike too much lightweight and is easier the conduccion. I think is 100% the best decision buy this bike, everithing is incredible, the light, the motor beheivor, suspensions, the screen, settings, etc.
Nice review man, just showed me and told me all I need t know about this bike. I am seriously tempted to sell my R9 T to get this next summer and I just might do it no matter how much I love my BMW. But this bike is amazing, I am about 5,10 so about 179cm high and it seems I could flat foot this ADV since you said you are 176cm tall? I just wonder about the build quality cause BMW is amongst the best when it comes to that and bikes in general. Just 1250 GS is to big and heavy for me. But this seems just right in so many ways. I also love the looks because it’s at least a bit retro I prefer classic looking bikes.Great review man. Can’t wait to do wheeling on this bike.
Pretty sure you can flat foot it for sure. The difference with the 1290 Adventure is crazy. Picking up the new BMW GSA tomorrow for a week , so i can compare better 😊
@@LifeofSmokey Thanks for your reassurance about flat footing the bike, means allot. Clearly you showed in this vid there is no turbulent air coming of off the windshield so I wonder why is everyone complaining about this so much?
@@roverroko306 haha the wind is something really strange. On my own 1290 super adventure R i have no wind against my helmet , only a bit on my shoulders. My friend took it for a ride who is smaller than me and said the amount of wind is annoying to him. Best part is that he's riding a Kawasaki h2 😂. Even 5cm in height can totally change the amount of wind you get on a bike. But also with your legs....we should measure from our nutsack to the ground to be honest. Models might have long legs but some of them are not really tall. It's more about leg size , not your total height 😁. If you get what i mean haha
@@LifeofSmokey Yes I get what you mean, inseam is what you are referring to. And mine is 32 inches I guess. Which should be about enough for this Norden height I hope? But also my upper body, torso specifically is not to long but not to short either. Since you fit so good on the Norden I am sure I would fit very similar if not almost the same. My body build is about the same as yours maybe a couple cm taller but not much. So as long as I can reach the ground with my feet like you can, well perfect. Also I am sure the wind situation on the Norden would be great for me, since I ride the BMW R9T and this is a naked bike. Although I did mount a gorgeous fairing on it, still not that high. Definitely not as high as on the Norden, an I am fine with the wind even at speeds of 180km/h with a full-face helmet of course, so I am sure wind protection on the Norden is better then on my 9T. I believe people sometimes just expect miracles, just to much. But also some difference in stature in this case obviously makes a big difference.
Hi. Where do you do single track in Belgium ? I have a 1090 adv r and would like to try some single track.. Thank you. By the way, i like your videos. Thank you
I am 190 cm and 95 kg. I have a 1290GT on the road. I want to ride more TET style offroad. Would this be a good option for me instead of the 890R? I don't want the 1290R, it's too heavy. What do you mean SMOKEY?
The Norden is more based on road and long travel with offroad possibility, the 890R is based on more offroad riding like the TET. But the engines are the same and if you're not a pro they both will work really good 😁. The 1290SAR is not recommended for TET haha , no need for 165hp offroad 😅
Just saying if you travel a lot on road the 890R sucks quite a bit. It is essentially a Dirtbike on steroids, means no weather protection at all, you sit on the bike not in the bike, which makes a huge difference in terms of comfort. BUT it is unbeatable off road, especially if you put the 3-4K extra in a pro suspension.
U not annoyed with throttle response in offroad mode? It annoys me supermuch I have to twist the wrist so much so I leave it on street with offroad abs and mtc off.
@@stavrozinio I was just at ktm/Husqvarna headquarters when i brought the Norden back. The explore mode makes the bike the most aggressive of all modes i have been told 😁
Good to know! I let youtube automatically place the adds. Guess they need the money more than i do haha... I spend a lot of time and money driving 500km to pick up and bring back the bike , spend hours riding and recording , spend more hours editing these videos. So watching a commercial is actually just getting me my money back 😅. Thank you Josh ❤️👌
@@LifeofSmokey I am far from such opportunities even if I have the expertise to document about motorcycles. I am in Ghana, and no dealers here. I have to buy before I can ride. I have ktm 1190 adventure R. Dormant now due to ECU failure and no one to fix it here. I love your channel. Your recent project on your new 1290 SAR is a huge admiration to me. One day, I will have a bike like that. Keep making us happy.
@@Diogotrm i have been looking at google trends and search & discovery. So i found out that people looking for the 890 R or Norden 901 are really looking for the 1290 R as well that's why i bring it up 😁
Dude that is as tight a trail as I have seen a bike that big on…you are clearly more skilled than I am. Impressive, I have gotten my norden stuck on a loose rocky downhill..one drop and the skid plate was smoked, which gave me the opportunity to by a real skid plate! Keep up the great riding man!!
3:16 That knob can adjust your headlight up and down. I can't wait to find a Norden. Other than the windscreen it seems like it checks off all the boxes.
Damn!!! And i was holding my hand in front of that thing when my buddy was twisting it 😂👌. Thx m8!
Same as a Honda ST1100 headlight adjustment
Hats off to you! And thank you! I've been watching as many Norden videos as I can find. You have been the most aggressive tester I've seen. Taking this thing and REALLY giving it an off road, tight trail ride. You pushed me over the edge, next spring I'm spending the money on a 901. You have also got my subscription.
I just watched the whole f'ing thing! you gotta be a good entertainer to make me watch 27 minutes of almost unedited gopro footage!! So good! love the bike, love your way of presenting hehe! Good job!
Thx man , appreciate that :-)
This is one epic adventure motorcycle!!! How do you guys like it? 🤙
Thanks for taking your time to ride this and give us an unbiased report. Looks like the big Husky was with the wait.
Really looking forward for getting the 901 Expedition. Can’t wait.
After 10 years of cars only going back to motorcycles. Norden just ticks all the boxes in my book. Cannot resist:)
I liked it enough to buy one
Min 3:20. Is for leveling the front light.
I need this motorcycle. Looking for a lighter adventure bike but I’m not interested in trailering a bike. The Norden styling is as good as it gets IMO. I have watched half a dozen different videos on it & I am sold! Was fun riding along with you.
Nice Review as always !
Picking mine up on Saturday 🤙
Damn you lucky!!! I had to give this one back to Husqvarna haha
The knob ajust the lighting up and down. Awesome content as always mate. You rock!!
Thanks 👍 Appreciate that!
That thins on side screen Is for the Deep light to turn up and down if you have heavy bike in a travel
Skills, you, sir are a Pro. Exciting video, to be sure! Thanks!
Just bought one, 1 owner, 1,000 miles, 1st service done, only £9k! Collect this week.
Very nice review and very nice riding!
I have a 790R and have only sat on the Norden not ridden It. I have the lower seat and from that point of view they almost feel similar. However I don’t like the fairing on the Norden. On the 790 you have better view of the ground in front of the bike when it gets technical.
When I will change bike it will be to a 890R.
Great review!!! You made me buy my 22 Super Adv R, and I love it so far!!! Im as tall as you Im coming from a 2016 KTM super duke 1290 R and a BMW GSA, in another words this norton is for someone that wants two bikes in the garage, a sport and a explorer type, if you everything in one you cannot bit the SAR.
The SAR is absolutely perfect for me! But the "lightweight" of the Norden is crazy fun the terrain gets really difficult. You have to be a skilled rider to master the 1290 on sketchy trails if you ask me. The Norden is more forgiven when you screw up haha. But i do like a challenge so 1290 SAR it is 😎👌❤️
Nice riding Smokey. Norden is one sweet bike.
@Life of Smokey , what the effect on the Norden bike handling if we change both wheel tyre with a full offroad enduro tyre ? will it get you pass thru that gnarly slippery steep slope 10:15
i love & enjoy your video.
Oh yeah no problem what so ever! Mitas E10 dakar on it , lower the pressure and it will fly up there 😎
@@LifeofSmokey thank you
Cool ride! I enjoyed the forest bit, it looked a little bit scatchy.. glad you came out ok from there.
I dare you to place a counter for the next vid, counting every time the phrase 'pop a whelly' comes on 😂
How does the 901 do 2 up? Looking to get one but was wondering how it does with two people if me and wife want to do a road ride.
It has enough torque to get 2 people going no problem. 😌 The big brothers will do much better of course as the horsepower and engine size is a huge difference 😁
this bike with the Magura hydro clutch conv kit and the suspension upgraded is a total game changer
Fact 😁👌
@@LifeofSmokey first ride with both Tractive Extreme suspension swap and magura hydro clutch last Sunday , didnt have anyone to help me set up the sag proper or even a center stand to try to get close myself but still felt soo much more controlled stable and no bottoming out which it did frequently prior , also swapped out the stock steering damper for an adjustable Yacugar unit
How do you get such great audio while riding your bike? Yours is the best sounding that I have come across and I'd like to learn how and what you use :) Great video and I'm loving my bike but haven't had the balls to wheelie it yet lol.
Go Pro 9 , media mod on the go pro , rode microphone inside my helmet cheek pad that's all 😁
@@LifeofSmokey Thanks buddy I appreciate that :)
Thanks Smokey...this was awesome 👌. Good review
No problem 👍
Many say that they like the looks on this bike. I'm not a fan. Somehow the clean straight boxy lines don't tickle me from the right places. Same goes with the slow slung fuel tanks on KTMs... I can understand their benefit from technical and practical point of view, but they just make the bike look a bit too bottom heavy for my liking.
Great vid, I enjoyed it.
So why is the AT your enemy?
It's the Husky's enemy , i owned over 12 Honda cars and just got a 110CRF haha. The Africa Twin has the same horsepower as the Husky/KTM and is the same concept of riding :-)
@@LifeofSmokey I've been torn between the Norden and the AT. The issue here in South Africa is that while we have a tonne of KTM dealerships, we have very few Husky dealerships - Honda dealerships are also plentiful. REALLY like the Norden though, your video didn't make my decision any easier lol.
@@friggs6239 Ktm/Husqvarna have been the offroad pioniers for many years. They got the top of the world riders helping to build the perfect adventure bikes and listen to their input. For me the Norden feels as lite as my Husqvarna 350fe enduro 😁.
@@LifeofSmokey For sure. They go for almost the same money here as well (personally not bothered about he DCT, I enjoy changing gears on a bike) and the fact that it weighs less but still has the same power is a big plus... Will have to go ride them both and and decide.
Keep up with the great content, I enjoy the variety and the fact that you don't only focus on a single thing/vehicle/type/etc. But do try squeeze in another Norden video or two please :D
@@friggs6239 working on a Norden vs 1290 Super Adventure R as we speak 😂. Norden is back to headquarters for other media partners to enjoy. I spend to many days at Brabus Germany and let my best friends enjoy the Norden 😁
Nice to ride a bike in a country where speed limits don't matter 😁
COOL TRAIL!
I believe that’s to adjust your headlight
Pirelli scorpions work good emough everywhere really: off road, rain, on road. As long as you don’t ask too much from them. However you can deflate then when going off road just to get an extra edge on grip. When going off road, forget the street style, go all out nuts. Think enduro, cross country or Moto-Cross. Weigh the rear, sit back, use the engine to do work and lift the frond when you are stuck. Practice U turns or pivots and it will help a lot. Trust me I’m a cross country/ cross enduro rider ;)
Its true we did some crazy uphill muddy trails on a 20 psi stock pirelli
How's the Norden is doing 1 year later. Want to pull the trigger on it, and it would be so great to know more long term perspective.
A friend Gordinne Gregory on instagram is racing the same engine on his Ktm 890 adventure R in Ertzberg rodeo and so on. Build quality is also really good. I brought a Norden 901 Expedition home today , videos will follow 😊
@@LifeofSmokey Ooh sweet.... can't wait!
What writing mode were you in on the hills maybe off-road mode or a different mood would’ve given you more traction?
Yo nice video bro👌🏻👌🏻, can u try ktm 390 adventure need the review , thanks
I’m getting old but I still want one! 😅
BTW, can you make a video on the suspension settings of the SAR??? And how does compare the S vs R riding in the roads (too much compromise?)
Have not yet taken out the SAS , been sooo busy lately :-(
@@LifeofSmokey looking forward to see your review on it :-)
Thank you for the reply!
Totally awesome 👌 But which one is the best if you could only own one bike, the KTM 890 Adv R or this Norden?
Hi Smokey, nice video. I felt more insecure watching you ride the N901 compared to SAR.
Is it worth buying the SAR?
Watch the other video review i just uploaded. The 1290 sar is more of a big boy bike and if you got skills it's no problem. If you are more experienced and prefer a lighter bike the Norden 901 is perfect. I would take the Norden for offroad right away. Only for road use i want my 160hp monster 😁
@@LifeofSmokey Hi Smokey!, I have seen your all videos of KTM SAR since months ago, mean while arrived my new KTM 1290 sar 2022, I have been riding my new bike last two days and my mind are blowing, is incredible new designed, if I compare with my 1190 Adv S the new gravity center make the bike too much lightweight and is easier the conduccion. I think is 100% the best decision buy this bike, everithing is incredible, the light, the motor beheivor, suspensions, the screen, settings, etc.
@@josetomasherreros2506 be careful with it ok 😁👌
Nice review man, just showed me and told me all I need t know about this bike. I am seriously tempted to sell my R9 T to get this next summer and I just might do it no matter how much I love my BMW. But this bike is amazing, I am about 5,10 so about 179cm high and it seems I could flat foot this ADV since you said you are 176cm tall? I just wonder about the build quality cause BMW is amongst the best when it comes to that and bikes in general. Just 1250 GS is to big and heavy for me. But this seems just right in so many ways. I also love the looks because it’s at least a bit retro I prefer classic looking bikes.Great review man. Can’t wait to do wheeling on this bike.
Pretty sure you can flat foot it for sure. The difference with the 1290 Adventure is crazy. Picking up the new BMW GSA tomorrow for a week , so i can compare better 😊
@@LifeofSmokey Thanks for your reassurance about flat footing the bike, means allot. Clearly you showed in this vid there is no turbulent air coming of off the windshield so I wonder why is everyone complaining about this so much?
@@roverroko306 haha the wind is something really strange. On my own 1290 super adventure R i have no wind against my helmet , only a bit on my shoulders.
My friend took it for a ride who is smaller than me and said the amount of wind is annoying to him. Best part is that he's riding a Kawasaki h2 😂. Even 5cm in height can totally change the amount of wind you get on a bike.
But also with your legs....we should measure from our nutsack to the ground to be honest. Models might have long legs but some of them are not really tall. It's more about leg size , not your total height 😁. If you get what i mean haha
@@LifeofSmokey Yes I get what you mean, inseam is what you are referring to. And mine is 32 inches I guess. Which should be about enough for this Norden height I hope?
But also my upper body, torso specifically is not to long but not to short either. Since you fit so good on the Norden I am sure I would fit very similar if not almost the same. My body build is about the same as yours maybe a couple cm taller but not much. So as long as I can reach the ground with my feet like you can, well perfect. Also I am sure the wind situation on the Norden would be great for me, since I ride the BMW R9T and this is a naked bike. Although I did mount a gorgeous fairing on it, still not that high. Definitely not as high as on the Norden, an I am fine with the wind even at speeds of 180km/h with a full-face helmet of course, so I am sure wind protection on the Norden is better then on my 9T. I believe people sometimes just expect miracles, just to much. But also some difference in stature in this case obviously makes a big difference.
@@LifeofSmokey Sorry Smokey looks like a placed my answer under the wrong comment. But I am sure you will realize this.
Tne little nob is for the front light and where you wanna place it on the road
You're fun bro 😃
Hi. Where do you do single track in Belgium ? I have a 1090 adv r and would like to try some single track.. Thank you. By the way, i like your videos. Thank you
Thanks.
i dig it
Привет. Очень понравилось. Спасибо за проделанную работу. Удачи.
how is it as a first bike?
Absolutely perfect!! Very light and easy to ride. As a bonus it can go pretty much everywhere
@@LifeofSmokey thank you
I am 190 cm and 95 kg. I have a 1290GT on the road. I want to ride more TET style offroad. Would this be a good option for me instead of the 890R? I don't want the 1290R, it's too heavy. What do you mean SMOKEY?
The Norden is more based on road and long travel with offroad possibility, the 890R is based on more offroad riding like the TET. But the engines are the same and if you're not a pro they both will work really good 😁. The 1290SAR is not recommended for TET haha , no need for 165hp offroad 😅
Just saying if you travel a lot on road the 890R sucks quite a bit. It is essentially a Dirtbike on steroids, means no weather protection at all, you sit on the bike not in the bike, which makes a huge difference in terms of comfort. BUT it is unbeatable off road, especially if you put the 3-4K extra in a pro suspension.
@@ogoshikimura5621 that is absolutely right 👌😎
U not annoyed with throttle response in offroad mode? It annoys me supermuch I have to twist the wrist so much so I leave it on street with offroad abs and mtc off.
I never put the throttle in offroad mode , always sport or street on my ktm's :-)
@@LifeofSmokey ahhh... I will have to get that explorer mode. that damn wheelie control.
@@stavrozinio I was just at ktm/Husqvarna headquarters when i brought the Norden back. The explore mode makes the bike the most aggressive of all modes i have been told 😁
His comments have me laughing. Real life riding situations make it a more accurate assessment of the bike capabilities. Thanks for the commentary.
More than welcome Lee 😁
Hey bro why you don't do traveling
Love to eat dinner with my family every day 😁
@@LifeofSmokey 👍🫶
HI,wo ist der Trail grossartig
schöne grüße
You sold the 1290?
Hell no! I'm a ktm, husqvarna , gas-gas mediapartner so i pick up some new motorcycles at the headquarters from time to time 😁.
Smokey can you please confirm here we are communicating over Telegram concerning a giveaway from the GS video?
Cool video but almost unwatchable because of so many commercials.
Good to know! I let youtube automatically place the adds. Guess they need the money more than i do haha...
I spend a lot of time and money driving 500km to pick up and bring back the bike , spend hours riding and recording , spend more hours editing these videos. So watching a commercial is actually just getting me my money back 😅. Thank you Josh ❤️👌
Beautiful design, unfortunately it is a KTM underneath that faring, so reliability unfortunately probably will be a issue 🙁
Sold me
I wish I was your younger brother. Free bikes everyday.
Start talking about motorcycles , record yourself doing so , get a little bit of following and than start asking dealers for motorcycles ;-).
@@LifeofSmokey I am far from such opportunities even if I have the expertise to document about motorcycles. I am in Ghana, and no dealers here.
I have to buy before I can ride. I have ktm 1190 adventure R. Dormant now due to ECU failure and no one to fix it here.
I love your channel. Your recent project on your new 1290 SAR is a huge admiration to me. One day, I will have a bike like that.
Keep making us happy.
Stop mentioning the 1290..... I want to hear about this one
But nice video overall
@@Diogotrm i have been looking at google trends and search & discovery. So i found out that people looking for the 890 R or Norden 901 are really looking for the 1290 R as well that's why i bring it up 😁
Spot on ! I am one of those people and really appreciated the comparison. Thanks for the video !
👍🏼
I won't ducati desert x video
Come to Pakistan
I stopped watching when you said it feels like your 350 enduro LOL.
1st
16:19 You think this country is not for fun?! Try to do some off-road in Germany! 🫣😡