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I hope husky makes a nordon 390. I know they have the 401 scrambler. I have a ktm 390 adv and would prefer the husqvarna styling. I am unsure if I want to get a whole lot bigger bike current.
This review is Big Rock approved. To each his own, but I am OK trading off a little reliability in exchange for more fun, more power, better suspension, and less weight. That's why all my current bikes are European - a KTM, an Aprilia, and a BMW. But, I'm not riding around the world in super remote areas. If I was, Tenere 700 all damn day. I am privileged to ride for fun, so I want to maximize that fun factor on each ride. Thanks Ben, super great review.
Hey guys, good points, both of you. I'm sure I'd love this bike. The aggressiveness doesn't concern me, I'm used to that. It does feel big to sit on when considering off-road ventures. My biggest concern is the computer. I'm not doubting that it's great at what it does but what does one do when it glitches or flakes out? Can you wire across it and keep getting it? I imagine they made that difficult. My street bike is 38 years old and rockin'. What happens if you go ten, twenty, thirty years -- to where no new computers available from husky anymore -- yer left checking bike boneyards and maybe an otherwise perfectly good bike becomes a monster paperweight. I'd feel a lot less apprehensive about that if somebody came up with a computer eliminator. If the ride computer and ECU share the same microprocessor then it would take an aftermarket ECU and that would work to have a spare. It just makes me nervous. It's like the cool factor takes precedence to longevity.
Great reviewers both. But, if I was to ride around the world I do the Itchy Boots program and ride a 300 Rally with a suspension upgrade. Slow and steady. Last I heard she had 40,000 km on it & still rolling
@@mikemerrill175 There's a lot to be said for traveling light! Personally however I'd be a bit uncomfortable on a bike knowing I couldn't outrun trouble.
I bought this bike after having not ridden for 32 years. I'm 60, weigh 295lbs and totally out of shape (working on that one). I bought it with the aspirations of motocamping, a little touring and some mild off road riding. My last bike was a KX500 so I have plenty of dirt bike experience. I did have a deposit on the 890AR but having sat on one in the showroom I was staggered at how uncomfortable it was. Then the Norden came out and every reviewer said it was comfy and that was the tipping point for me. After one season and 2000 miles, a few adventure trips I can say that I love this bike and pretty much agree with everything you mentioned Ben, although the comma's don't bug me lol. I need to re spring my bike for my Michelin Man physique and for all the gear I carry as it is like you say, too soft. My only complaint, like yours, was the lack of aftermarket accessories and other than swapping out the forks and shock for the 890AR suspension there is no options for heavier springs yet and my pockets do not run deep for swapping the suspension out. Great video 👊
Thks for the comment. I' m four-score yrs old now and 255# and looking for one last bike - except i want highway cruiser for a last fling trip around the U.S.A.
@@nomadpi1this will do it for long highway trips. I’m 70 years old. I was 285 lbs 2 years ago. I’m 245 lbs now, and I find this Norden is perfect for me. I was riding a 2015 BMW R 1200 GSA and traded it for this Norden. That turned out to be a good move. I lost weight primarily so I could ride smaller bikes. I had a 77 Yamaha TT 500 when I started my diet / program. I also have a 01 BMW F 650 GS Dakar. I think losing weight helps me enjoy it a lot more. My wife says- I didn’t lose weight to have a longer life with her or to see my grandsons grow up, I did it so I could ride longer on lighter bikes. She’s a bit jealous. 😹😹😹
After riding for a while 55yrs or so mostly on rice burners, the past 8yrs on KTM's, 2013 690duke 36k+miles of trouble free smiles riding around the country on back roads in 2.5yrs, then came the KTM 1290sdr 49+k miles of trouble free big smiles in 4yrs and 4months! And now on my 2020 790adventure passed 30k miles and I'm still waiting for the dreaded reliably issues!! I'm looking forward to getting my 901norden this winter!
A year late to this review, you still managed to use the one word I've been waiting to hear after watching close to a hundred reviews of various adventure bikes: Fun. Also one of the best and most relevant-info reviews I've seen, so thank you for that. Subscribed.
I received my Norden back in May and have put just shy of 10k miles mainly street riding. I agree that this bike has some excellent power to weight numbers and makes one ride like a hooligan. My daily commute round trip is 134 miles. So for me there’s no boredom moving down the freeway here in California. I sold my Harley SGS to get this bike and love every minute I’m in the saddle. Some of my commute is on two lane country roads through farmland and there’s always some spot next to the river I want to check out. I never could do that on the Harley. As for reliability I had the dreaded counter shaft seal leak appear around 900 miles. My local Husqvarna dealer didn’t have the seal kit but fortunately the KTM dealer did. Swapping out the seal was straight forward and the bike was back on the road in an hour. That’s the only major issue I’ve had. I’ve done all my own maintenance on the bike recently completing a third oil/filter change and I’m bumping the interval up to 4500 miles. I recently swapped out both tires going with an 80/20 tire combo. Chain maintenance is a necessary evil and I do it every 1000 miles. In that regard I do miss the belt drive. Bikes I owned prior to the Harley’s all had chains so I’m used to it. There is one thing that bugs me but isn’t a deal breaker and that’s front fork dive. All my bikes have done it but this one I find it annoying. Anyway, that’s my two cents for what it’s worth. Good spot on review by the way.
Norden is the answer to an experienced “middle-aged” GS rider who wants GS plus performance at a lighter more manageable weight. I tell my friends it’s my mini-GS. Yes, that good!
LoL! I have an 890R, and your "ride like an ass" con is felt deeply in my soul! I'm 58 years old, have been riding for 40 years and the 890 makes me do things I haven't done for the past 30 of them! Absolutely crazy how capable these bikes are on and off road. The Norden is the looker of the 2 though. Thanks for the great review!
Same feeling here too. I'm 59 and have been riding bike since 14. I've had my 890r for 6 months, 5400 miles and still no tickets for speeding or aggressive driving. 😁
Dork-Man, a wise person in “3 More ways to improve your off-road riding skills” had a pearl of wisdom at 9:35 into the video applicable to your Norden/KTM conundrum.
So glad you havent had any problems and prove the KTM reliability wrong 😂 My '22 890AdvR ~5000 miles and: 1) partial wiring harness failure (dealer swapped for new bike) 2) break in oil in the airbox 3) front brake calipers not greased properly causing pulsing in front brake 4) ignition cylinder snapped in half causing abs/tc/cc to stop working
Riding the Norden is like dating a stripper. You really like it, it makes you feel like you’re better than you really are, and you don’t quite trust it! Excellent review, Sir!
Dork, can't wait to see your review of the Expedition. That Expedition seems to address a couple of your cons, so seems like it "should" be a great bike. Thanks for the review.
I‘ve enjoyed watching your videos and this was no exception - good to hear your open and honest feedback. I’ve had my 901 for 9 months and done 3500 miles. Its the most engaging bike I’ve ever owned and although I’ve had the small water leak (easily fixed) it’s been incredible. It’s made me extend my road riding season already as it’s so confidence inspiring even in a heavy storm. Every mile makes me smile and that’s what it’s all about.
Regarding your concluding comments re reliability, to be fair, they speak more to your mental state than they do to the actual mechanical and electrical integrity of the Husqvarna Norden 901. Having owned a large number of KTM’s (as well as many Triumphs, BMW’s and various Japanese brands of motorcycles) over many years, reliability creates no such doubts in my mind each time I set off on a ride. I have purchased my local dealers demo 901 but have to wait till February to take delivery. During the year 2022 I owned a KTM powered CFMoto 800MT, a KTM Duke 890 as well as a great little KTM 390 Adventure with zero issues on any of them. In 2003 I owned a KTM 950 Adventure, an EXC450 and a 640 Hard Enduro then in 2013 I owned a KTM 1190 Adventure. For the life of me, I do not recall ANY ISSUES with any of these motorcycles. To be wedded to Japanese motorcycles because of a perception of reliability is much the same as a little 4 year old sweetie being wedded to her security blanket!
Hey Dork, I'm gonna say I'm an Enduro guy that bought it for mostly cruising Montana County roads after work. I'm loving it so much that I fired Ian from my TH-cam when he sold his, after all his post on it helped the dealer make the sell to me. I've become a fan. Thx for the content.
Picked up a 901 with 600miles on it 6 weeks ago it now has 2800 on it, ZERO issues but thats no surprise, previous bike Super Duke GT 34000 miles ZERO issues in 2 years before that Super Adventure T 40k, before that BMW 1200 GSA only had it 7 months when wrong 7 times cost me a fortune. Waiting for the Norden 1301!! Good vid excellent work
I'm a Japanese bike fan too. It's been great to learn of your 3k mile experience. You're a courageous and crazy man. I love it. Looking forward to more reports and adventures! Thanks.
Subscribed. I like your humility and honesty. You seem to be very grounded. Keep up the good work. When I was a teenager I pushed my bike / bikes home after breakdowns many times. I think that conditioned me to be paranoid about breakdowns. So even tho my DRZ has never let me down I am terrified I will be stuck 50 miles out in the boonies with no rescue. I empathize with your feeling of not trusting your bike.
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but quick shift won't forget the ride modes if you make sure that you don't start the engine until the dash fully loads. If you start before the dash loads, then quick select will lose the ride mode settings.
I’ve got 8000 miles on mine, bought it in April. Still waiting for my heated grips. I love this bike. The buffeting was way works with my Krios Pro. When I sold that and got a shoei it was much improved. YMMV. Forgot to add, I’ve had no issues at all. It has been an awesome bike and exactly what I was looking for.
Great review. I know what you mean about lack of confidence in a motorcycle. After three problems with my final drive on my BMW 1200 GS adventure, I never really felt confident in it again. Back on a Japanese motorcycle now, the T7 of course.
Got my Husky heated grips a few weeks ago in the UK so supplies must be starting to come through. Only done 2k so far, bike has been issue free and is the most versatile bike I’ve ever owned. Surprisingly quick on tarmac and being new to off-road it looks after me and flatters my ability. Mine has forgotten the favourite settings a few times and I’ve had the immobiliser unavailable warning after stalling the bike and restarting but it cleared when I keyed off and on. Thanks for your videos they helped me when considering all the other mid weight adventure bikes.
Great review. Fair and balanced. Especially around the 'suspension' issue that people seem to love pointing out on this bike as being deficient. I think for most of us the Norden has more than adequate suspension. More may be better but if we are realistic about our riding styles and skill I think the Norden is great for most of us. I have bottomed it out, but at 230lbs, with full camping payload, and Intermediate skill I probably should be trying to jump it out of washouts all day long! :) Sounds like the first delivery on Nordens has some unfortunate assembly line issues (loose hoses, rear shock oring, etc) which I think were corrected on the subsequent rounds of deliveries. I've had my Norden for 5 months and done over 15,000 kms. Including most of the WABDR (friends bike had issues so we had to pull out) and a trip from Vancouver BC to Tuktoyuktuk (the Arctic Ocean) and back. ZERO problems. ZERO. All in all I think the Norden delivers on what it was intended for.
I'm in the market for an ADV bike now and the 901 is top of my list and the ride from Van to Tuk is on the shortlist. Been up to AK a couple times already in cars. Good to hear you give it the nod.
I live in Vancouver Island. I’m buying the Norden 901 expedition this month. Glad to hear of fellow Canuck talk about this brand. Sounds like an amazing trip! Hopefully I’ll be ready for that type of riding one day lol.
I bought my 2023 Norden last year, had it 15 months now, and have done over 18,000kms (sorry, don’t know what that is in archaic measurements) and the list of problems I’ve had with it are……zero, nada, nothing has gone wrong, I’ve done about 35-40% on dirt roads, done some long trips (1,000kms+), and am starting to prepare for my big lap of Australia in July 2025…….i love the bike, and I do trust it…..😊
Most informative review I’ve watched yet. The Norden is more off road biased than I need. However at age 70, my adult son would inherit this bike within the next 10 years, and he could put it to good use in the mountains of Montana. Having ridden my 1995 Kawa KLR 250 in our Wyoming mountains, I probably would be happier on a Honda CB500X. I would just ride on fire roads, occasionally. And we have a local Honda dealer, but the nearest Huskie dealer is 145 miles away in Montana. I’m looking for my last bike to finish my 50 plus years of riding. Good review. Keep the shiny side up.😎👍
I have a KTM 890 ADV R. I have had the Immobilizer issue as well. But, searching around the internet, it seems that this might be related to having a phone plugged into the USB port. Once I switched my phone to a cig-lighter adapter, the issue disappeared.
l sell this and Africa Twin's here in Washington. The shock and radiator clamp is the only issue we have had with the 10 Nordens we have sold. Africa Twins have not been flawless either! I'll take fun factor and am very hopeful for a Norden 1301 R someday.
Great review, every bit of info one would need to decide if they wanted to purchase one. Your last point tells me everything, if you can't trust your bike regarding getting you there - no way, not for me. Glad you enjoyed it.
Nicely done Ben, I had the same concern with my 901. But having put 11,645 miles on the bike it has never left me stranded. I also have had the immobilizer come on a hand full of times but has always cleared and never been a problem. On 4 or5 occasions it's started and ran rough and i've hade to restart sometimes twice to clear it out. always when cold, a little unnerving. All and all the bike's a HOOT to ride and very happy with it! I took the 901 to Plain for the Touratech Rally this summer and it was a pleasure meeting you and Travis at your came site. Also entered the slow race where the last two standing moved to the final, I was third, Rat's almost! All that to say the fuel being low really help's with keeping the weight on the bike low and it handles well for it's size. Enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work!!
This is such an excellent review, Ben! I am trying to get over my addiction to KTM performance, because of a series of fuel pump failures on my 990, and now my 1090. That said, the Norden is still on my shortlist. Thank you! 🤙🏼
Great review! I got one of the first Nordens in California and then rode it up to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and back with a buddy (who had a T7). Just a bit over 9,000 miles and no problems.
Reliability - and that is the reason why I didn't buy the 901! I was in the shop, cash in hand, and just couldn't do it! For me, RTW reliability is THE No.1 priority. No matter how much fun your having, or how much power it has, or how good the suspension is...if you have to push it home or it comes home in the back of a ute (read: pickup) then what good is all that power and suspension etc when all the fun has been taken out of it! Maybe when they bring out the updated version with all the issues fixed......I dunno! But anyway, great review Ben and very honest! Keep 'em coming!
Power is exhilarating! You hit the nail on the head. I had a CRF300L this past summer and it was an amazing fun bike but in the end I sold it because it was just fun. So now I'm either going to buy a DRZ 400, KTM 500 or the oh so sexy 72 HP KTM 690! Yeah! Love your reviews!
Japanese fan boy here. Also a norden owner. I'm actually not concerned about the reliability. I'll wait for it to prove me wrong... Also agree that the rider aids are fantastic although my happy place is in explorer mode. I like rally power and slip control 4 or 5.
Nice review and summary. Norden owner here since March with 3400 miles. No issues here other than the lost favorites setting. My experiences and assessment is pretty much spot on with yours. One little niggle I would like to see changed is the ability to change the order of the ride modes. Since I switch between street and off-road 95% of the time, it would be nice to pin these as the first 2 for quicker access especially given the lost favorites issue :). One other niggle to be fixed is the ability to permanently set the rear abs setting to the ride mode. On for street and off for off road. An awesome bike though. Owned several KTM/Husqvarna/Husaberg bikes and have been fortunate with no significant reliability/repair issues. Try to stay positive and bring some good karma to your Norden :). Cheers!
It's interesting all empirical data you presented (the FB poll) demonstrates >90% reliability, combined with your personal experience being very good, you still feel unsure about trusting the 901. The hope is these comments A.: Are echoed enough by others Husqvarna addresses the issues. And B.: Potential converts to the 901 are able to make their own decisions using their personal thresholds of trust. That said, this is a great review I enjoyed watching from beginning to end. Thanks for you transparency and sharing your experiences of your time in the saddle.
Electronics that have a lot of moving parts that can break? Certainly not! People who think that features like riding modes or traction control should consider: which ADDITIONAL parts does a modern bike need for that? All modern bikes at leadt in Europe need to have ABS by law and there can be no discussion that this is a life safer. So those components must be there anyway. Riding modes? You need ride by wire for that, so an electronic throttle instead of mechanical wire. How many defect reports do you find about that? Lean sensitive ABS? Yes, some additional sensors. Any defect reports? TC? Uses ABS sensors that the bike needs to have anyway. The rest is additional software, which does not brake. So: no, those features do not add unreliability factors! Great review by the way, I love my 901, too! 😊
PS: i actually went from the 790R to the 901, because i found the R a bitt too uncomfortable for long trips, just like you mention. And mine is also forgetting the favorites settings.
Over 4,000 mi. on my Norden, zero problems. Rented a T7 in the NE and rode it 2600 mi and was not impressed. Sold my ATAS and couldn't be happier with the Norden which i take on stiff i wouldn't take the ATAS or the T7 even. Great review.
I think when going on an adventure ride or long trip, you have to ask yourself: “‘is it about the bike or the trip as a whole” I personally think the T7 is a boring bike but I’d take it over the 901 if I was doing multiple day trips all the time. If I’m doing 100 mile radius loops that bring me back home, then I’d take the 901 (‘or whatever) every time. Great video, thanks for your insight.
Great review. As a T7 owner, it's interesting to hear this perspective and comparison. I have no Illusions about the relative performance of the two bikes. At the end of the day though, I'm willing to trade some performance/comfort for overall Yamaha reliability, availability of service and aftermarket parts for the T7. I'm very interested to see how the 901 performs over the long term. 3,000 miles is really just breaking it in. I hope for your sake it continues to be relatively trouble free. That said, having a higher level of confidence in my ability to get to my next destination trumps almost all other issues for me in an ADV bike. I ride solo almost all of the time, including an 8 day, 1,400 mile trip this past September in SW/SE OR. One small problem, whether it's the bike, a fall or some other mishap could turn into a bad situation. Anything I can do to minimize the chance of getting stranded is my primary focus. Come down to Azalea sometime for some great riding Dork!
I agree 100% with you. Reliability etc is most important to me. I go very remote alone often and simple and reliable is for me. My current ride is a new 300 Rally. I'd like a T7 also but using my money to obtain my pilots license. Been riding 30+ yrs and want a new challenge.
The performance difference is really overplayed. A T7 will keep up with a Norden in all but professional racing circumstances and even then it would be dependent on the circuit and rider.
Actually, I'm a bit of a hypocrite here. I had an African twin AS with the DCT and loved it. Over 30+ yrs riding off road and swore I would never own an automatic motorcycle. Dead set against DCT. Oops, I was wrong about that. Whats even more weird is I say I wouldn't want it on my 300 Rally....but I could even be wrong about that. I used to drive 18 wheelers. Amost a decade of shifting 9 to 18 speeds transmissions. Then automatic semi trucks came out...love the new automatics but I don't fully trust them for reliability. Oh how me and the times change...
I sat on one of these when I went to buy a new 890 Adventure R last weekend. You aren't kidding about the size. I was stunned by the sheer size of it, but it felt good for my heavy frame.
I have a 22 890r and I totally agree with the fun Factor. My attitude is like well if it breaks down it breaks down and that's it. I'm turning over 6,000 mi now not one issue. I have upgraded to the Rottweiler air box for better filtration. A $20 winglet from Amazon on the windshield Works amazing. Really like your honest review. Love the channel keep it up
Great review. I've been contemplating a 901 vs 890R. I have ridden an 890R for 4 days off-road and really noticed the lower center of gravity the tank design provides. I felt the 890R suspension was too stiff for my style of riding. I don't do jumps. 190lbs older rider. Never ridden a 901. More than enough power for the road and offroad. I never switched to street mode. I'm also considering the T7 and Toureg but don't like the higher-up feel of the tanks. They feel top-heavy after riding the 890R. Thanks again.
This is a fair review, that little nagging anxiety is real. 6K on my 890R and I've had the immobilizer warning pop up in a place where I was afraid to turn the bike off as it would have taken a helicopter to get it out. But its never left me stranded so far. I ride with two 901's and they are definately better looking, more comfortable and plusher on the highway but I like the dirtbike with a windshield feel the 890 provides. I also find myself riding like an idiot a lot of the time because they are just so confidence inspiring and well balanced. Removing the Cat makes a big difference. The bikes are so choked up and are leg burners in stock trim.
Mostly agree. 4000 miles on mine. Love love it. Favorites don’t stay set. Cruise control is recently not setting. It turns on but wont set. Might have something to do with one finger clutch adjustment. Zero other issues! I have owned Ktms in the past without issues. I would ride my norden across the world tomorrow without hesitation. Thanks Dork! Oregon brother
Helo from Canada Mr Dork, I don't usually pipe in on these videos but I had too. I own a KTM 2013 S Adventure the same bike my Friend and local dealer in West Kelowna rode at the dealer launch in Austria. I have put on 120,000 kms so far 0 problems and absolutely wridden. I try to include as much gravel etc as I xan find. KTM reliability is far better than the well I don't want to offsnd anyone would ever admit, but alas would never know wignout actual experience. Mine will hit 150kms this year....Whaw..Hooo from Canada EH!!
Great review Ben. You brought up some good, honest points for those considering grabbing such a ride. Capable, awesome bike for those that can respect that kind of power. Continue doing what you do, being excellent Ben!
Outstanding review as usual. Really enjoyed the setting that you set up. The real test in my opinion is when you ride a bike 20 K or more a year then do a review. But good chances are you’ll probably sell the bike before that. Anyways great video.. keep the rubber side up, and enjoy life to the fullest.
I have a 2021 Tenere and my brother in law just got the Norden 901. We just did 400 miles to four points on the North Grand Canyon. My brother in law never went down and I was down half a dozen times. That low center of gravity sure seems appealing
I just went looking at an Adventure bike more for long distance traveling. I looked at a Yamaha Tenre 700 &1200. Both were nice, but then I seen this. A 23 leftover with a complete set of hard luggage and it was $12,500 with no dealer add ons. I love this review. I'm planning on riding from South Carolina to the top of Maine near Caribou. It comes with Perelli tires and the performance exhaust. I know it's a great deal. My issue, is I am 5'9" and it's a very tall bike. Salesperson was new and didn't know if I could lower it. The seat was on its lowest setting. I grew up riding Husqvarna dirt bikes. I found them fast and handled great. I own a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle, but it's definitely not a good long distance bike. It's great where I live in South Carolina riding the SCAR( South Carolina Adventure Route) but riding at speeds above 65mph feels like it's really pushing the bike. Love the reviews and have been a subscriber since the end of last year
I found it to be on the soft size with not enough rebound on the rear. The rear pops over every scooped out puddle edge. The 901 Expedition settled all the down wonderfully.
Good stuff. Happy to see it is still going strong and a good bike for you. I don’t know if you have seen the stuff coming out of EICMA today yet, but the Honda Transalp 750 looks really good (at least it does to someone with short legs and a preference for Japanese bikes like me). So does the new Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE and the updated standard T7.
You've got about 500 miles on me with the 901. I haven't had any issues and the only reason I can think of for reliability concerns is from the internet. No firsthand experience with failures. I just remembered, i did have the infamous coolant leak and took care of it myself. Also, there are some spare accessory power leads under the seat that have a protective rubber boot which had slid up the wire and allowed it to be shorted out popping the accessory fuse. Neither one of those issues can be attributed to overall quality of build. P.S. one of the first things I did after getting the bike was go through a surprisingly deep mud hole. So deep it was above the muffler. I was freaked out about the thought of sucking water into the engine but the snorkels that are attached to the airbox are pretty high up, so I was really thanking the engineers at Husqy (KTM) for that one. Which brings me to the Rottweiler upgrade. Snorkels are completely removed with the Rottweiler system, and I would not have survived my swim with that setup. Michigan is not necessarily a dusty place, so I think I'll stick with the stock setup until somebody lets me keep my snorkels and have a washable element.
Nice in depth review buddy but the only thing i would say is come back to us in a few years time and talk about reliability not after a few months. I've had nightmares with KTM, Aprilia and Ducati over the years and have given in on anything non Japanese wouldn't touch BMW with a barge pole too many horror stories there also. I'll hang onto my 78k mile VStrom 1000 for the time being it mightn't be all that exciting but it has never once let me down on tour or for my daily commute punctures aside.
I have a Norden 901 I have had it for 9 months and I have 13500 miles on the bike. So far I only had one issue that was the immobalizer but it was replaced under warranty and I haven't had it since. I heard that the coolant can go places where it shouldn't so i'm keeping a eye on that.
When you mention how fun it is, ripping the Twisties or the gravel and dirt, it seems like you have come to realize, there's an option other than "slow bike fast". I agree with ya, twins are fun
Well done review. Some unique insights on the Norden. I have had an excellent experience with KTM (KTM/Husky) manufactured bikes but share your "trust" concern about the brand; particularly the 890 and larger platforms.
The oil change interval on the T7 is 6,000 miles. No one can answer why the US models listed a 4,000 mile interval. The valve check interval on the Norden is much shorter than the Tenere. You need to check the valves on the Norden every other oil change. 26,500 miles for valves on the T7.
I plan on having my 890 ADV R suspension redone. Stock setting is to still. Offroad comfort is OK and sorta plush on and offroad. Trouble is to stiff is not what I want offroad and stiff on road is great canyon carving but uncomfortable in evert other road riding circumstance. So even the 890 R needs work. Preload is also a head scratcher as KTM doesnt have a concsise measurement for proper front/rear just "turns." So mines getting resprung and revalved/shimmed for my riding weight and style.
@BigSingle it's 43,000km on the tenere (26,500miles). And mine were still in spec. We'll see how the Norden does but I'm not hopeful considering how often I had to adjust my 690s valves.
My has had his 901 a little longer than you have and hasn’t had many problems with it. The main thing is like you said, the availability for any upgrades like saddle bags or a center stand, or anything else is just non existent right now, definitely something to consider.
This is what i have been waiting for. I have been looking at one since i sat on it and love the feel. ON with the show.. Okay great info. So owning one of these would be like owning my Multistrada Enduro Pro. Fun but like you mentioned. Dealer network and it is always in the back of your mind, Will I have any issues on this ride🤦♂️. I think I will just stick with my AT. It is a carefree ride, i hop on it and have no worries of mechanical issues and there is always a Honda network/ parts/ mechanic relatively close. It sounds like it would make a great second bike but I guess my dirt bikes will be just fine. Thanks again for the review, it was very helpful for me.
I have 16,000 miles on my KTM790S. Mostly pavement but have done a moderate forest road and rocky doubletrack. The only annoyance is that sometimes it takes 3 tries to start in the morning--regardless of the temperature. It's the most fun I've ever had on 2 wheels. I did have to trailer it home once when a raccoon ran out in front of me doing 60MPH and it broke the fuel spigot on the left side of the tank. I upgraded to the aftermarket aluminum one and installed lower crash bars to prevent that in the future.
I was a KTM sceptic, but it seems they have redeemed themselves for the last 10 years or so. I have a 2006 KTM 950 SM, which was sort of a impulse purchase, as I was curious, but it has just worked without issues, plus it's a fun bike! The know how to put a smile on peoples faces, same as Ducati🙂
Great bikes, I bought a 950 SM as a cheap winter hack, it turned out to be one of the best handling bikes I have ever ridden (and there has been quite a few). A bolt on screen made it capable of all day 80mph motorway cruising. Only sold it because I wanted a trail bike but it certainly opened my eyes to KTM engineering.
@@roughrider9831 , I did the same thing🙂, bolted on a screen from PUIG. It's not huge, but enough to keep the wind off the chest. I use it mostly for commuting here in Stockholm, Sweden, where the traffic is horrible. Great handling and perfect for seeing over cars, and whats up ahead. Also enough power to "teleport" yourself from one spot to another, when need be😄 Winding roads is where it shines for real though. The only reason I'm thinking about selling it, is that I would like a bike with fuel injection, ABS, and some more goodies. The 950 SM, is very basic in that sense. Not even a rev counter.
good review. btw, odometer goes until 9999.9. I kept it for same reason as you did, but once it hit 10k, that's it. also, mine started mixing oil and coolant at 15k kms so we are pinpointing the problem atm. still best touring adv bike on the market when you put everything to the paper. long tours (3000km and 2000km roundtrips) were done as a breeze. also, no problems with rear shock, and I do go on motocross track and rides with bunch of light enduros now that I have anakee wilds... BUT, I installed heat shield right away from the start so that migh be one of the factors that my shock still holds on.
there were cases on 790 engines where it happened. I will write about outcome on ADVrider forum when we solve it, and will bring it up when I make 15k kms review from my perspective.
The traction control on my 1000 Africa Twin was basically dangerous. It’s like Honda had no idea what they were doing. The ONLY way to ride the AT 1000 was with everything turned off.
The reliability issue is fair and it’s the only question that usually prevents me from falling in love with the Tuareg 660 too. It seems like it’s almost the perfect middleweight if you trust Aprilia. I haven’t got there yet, but I still need another year or so on my current bike before I need to make up my mind on one of these anyway. Both the 901 and Tuareg seem to be holding up well from what I’m seeing thus far though.
@@robmccormick8155 I just got back from sitting on a Tuareg about an hour away right before they closed lol. I liked it too. If felt bigger and bulkier in person, but it essentially has all of the same features for a much more affordable price. It’s not as refined or fast but it’s a good value for what you are getting. Planning to check out the KTM 890 Adventure next week.
The Aprilia Touareg 660 is very appealing, but their dealer network in the US is very limited. I really like it but not crazy about my options for service and parts.
@@Baldhills those are pretty much my feelings too still. The Ducati and the Aprilia look like outstanding bikes. I have sat on both. I keep asking myself whether I really want to try to find and pay for parts and maintenance for either though. Not sure about that part.
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You and Ian do great work.
Looking at moving up from 450RL to a Norden.
Appreciate it.
🏍💨
@@lukefish7562 Why not both? (other than the fact that it's super expensive) I love the versatility of a dual sport/adv bike combo.
@@DorkintheRoad im thinking a 901 , a 450-ish CC dual sport maybe even a 250wr , AND a 1250GS or 1200/1260 Multistrada or the like
I hope husky makes a nordon 390. I know they have the 401 scrambler. I have a ktm 390 adv and would prefer the husqvarna styling. I am unsure if I want to get a whole lot bigger bike current.
This review is Big Rock approved. To each his own, but I am OK trading off a little reliability in exchange for more fun, more power, better suspension, and less weight. That's why all my current bikes are European - a KTM, an Aprilia, and a BMW. But, I'm not riding around the world in super remote areas. If I was, Tenere 700 all damn day. I am privileged to ride for fun, so I want to maximize that fun factor on each ride. Thanks Ben, super great review.
Thanks man! That's a big compliment coming from you!
Hey guys, good points, both of you. I'm sure I'd love this bike. The aggressiveness doesn't concern me, I'm used to that. It does feel big to sit on when considering off-road ventures. My biggest concern is the computer. I'm not doubting that it's great at what it does but what does one do when it glitches or flakes out? Can you wire across it and keep getting it? I imagine they made that difficult. My street bike is 38 years old and rockin'. What happens if you go ten, twenty, thirty years -- to where no new computers available from husky anymore -- yer left checking bike boneyards and maybe an otherwise perfectly good bike becomes a monster paperweight. I'd feel a lot less apprehensive about that if somebody came up with a computer eliminator. If the ride computer and ECU share the same microprocessor then it would take an aftermarket ECU and that would work to have a spare. It just makes me nervous. It's like the cool factor takes precedence to longevity.
Great reviewers both. But, if I was to ride around the world I do the Itchy Boots program and ride a 300 Rally with a suspension upgrade. Slow and steady. Last I heard she had 40,000 km on it & still rolling
@@mikemerrill175
There's a lot to be said for traveling light!
Personally however I'd be a bit uncomfortable on a bike knowing I couldn't outrun trouble.
@@elgringoec No computers
I bought this bike after having not ridden for 32 years. I'm 60, weigh 295lbs and totally out of shape (working on that one). I bought it with the aspirations of motocamping, a little touring and some mild off road riding. My last bike was a KX500 so I have plenty of dirt bike experience. I did have a deposit on the 890AR but having sat on one in the showroom I was staggered at how uncomfortable it was. Then the Norden came out and every reviewer said it was comfy and that was the tipping point for me. After one season and 2000 miles, a few adventure trips I can say that I love this bike and pretty much agree with everything you mentioned Ben, although the comma's don't bug me lol. I need to re spring my bike for my Michelin Man physique and for all the gear I carry as it is like you say, too soft. My only complaint, like yours, was the lack of aftermarket accessories and other than swapping out the forks and shock for the 890AR suspension there is no options for heavier springs yet and my pockets do not run deep for swapping the suspension out. Great video 👊
What did you do to address the springs?
Thks for the comment. I' m four-score yrs old now and 255# and looking for one last bike - except i want highway cruiser for a last fling trip around the U.S.A.
@@nomadpi1this will do it for long highway trips. I’m 70 years old. I was 285 lbs 2 years ago. I’m 245 lbs now, and I find this Norden is perfect for me. I was riding a 2015 BMW R 1200 GSA and traded it for this Norden. That turned out to be a good move. I lost weight primarily so I could ride smaller bikes. I had a 77 Yamaha TT 500 when I started my diet / program. I also have a 01 BMW F 650 GS Dakar. I think losing weight helps me enjoy it a lot more. My wife says- I didn’t lose weight to have a longer life with her or to see my grandsons grow up, I did it so I could ride longer on lighter bikes. She’s a bit jealous. 😹😹😹
After riding for a while 55yrs or so mostly on rice burners, the past 8yrs on KTM's, 2013 690duke 36k+miles of trouble free smiles riding around the country on back roads in 2.5yrs, then came the KTM 1290sdr 49+k miles of trouble free big smiles in 4yrs and 4months! And now on my 2020 790adventure passed 30k miles and I'm still waiting for the dreaded reliably issues!! I'm looking forward to getting my 901norden this winter!
A year late to this review, you still managed to use the one word I've been waiting to hear after watching close to a hundred reviews of various adventure bikes: Fun. Also one of the best and most relevant-info reviews I've seen, so thank you for that. Subscribed.
I received my Norden back in May and have put just shy of 10k miles mainly street riding. I agree that this bike has some excellent power to weight numbers and makes one ride like a hooligan. My daily commute round trip is 134 miles. So for me there’s no boredom moving down the freeway here in California. I sold my Harley SGS to get this bike and love every minute I’m in the saddle. Some of my commute is on two lane country roads through farmland and there’s always some spot next to the river I want to check out. I never could do that on the Harley. As for reliability I had the dreaded counter shaft seal leak appear around 900 miles. My local Husqvarna dealer didn’t have the seal kit but fortunately the KTM dealer did. Swapping out the seal was straight forward and the bike was back on the road in an hour. That’s the only major issue I’ve had. I’ve done all my own maintenance on the bike recently completing a third oil/filter change and I’m bumping the interval up to 4500 miles. I recently swapped out both tires going with an 80/20 tire combo. Chain maintenance is a necessary evil and I do it every 1000 miles. In that regard I do miss the belt drive. Bikes I owned prior to the Harley’s all had chains so I’m used to it. There is one thing that bugs me but isn’t a deal breaker and that’s front fork dive. All my bikes have done it but this one I find it annoying. Anyway, that’s my two cents for what it’s worth. Good spot on review by the way.
134 mile round trip daily commute... i don't know if i should admire you, envy you or call you crazy; all the same, impressive.
Norden is the answer to an experienced “middle-aged” GS rider who wants GS plus performance at a lighter more manageable weight. I tell my friends it’s my mini-GS. Yes, that good!
That makes a lot of sense.
LoL! I have an 890R, and your "ride like an ass" con is felt deeply in my soul! I'm 58 years old, have been riding for 40 years and the 890 makes me do things I haven't done for the past 30 of them! Absolutely crazy how capable these bikes are on and off road. The Norden is the looker of the 2 though. Thanks for the great review!
Same feeling here too. I'm 59 and have been riding bike since 14. I've had my 890r for 6 months, 5400 miles and still no tickets for speeding or aggressive driving. 😁
Maybe the 890r is the bike for me... 🤔
But I ride like an ass on everything. 🫤
2021 890 r owner 10,000 absolute problem free miles .... 40yrs riding exp and this bike just makes me smile every time I ride it.
Dork-Man, a wise person in “3 More ways to improve your off-road riding skills” had a pearl of wisdom at 9:35 into the video applicable to your Norden/KTM conundrum.
So glad you havent had any problems and prove the KTM reliability wrong 😂
My '22 890AdvR ~5000 miles and:
1) partial wiring harness failure (dealer swapped for new bike)
2) break in oil in the airbox
3) front brake calipers not greased properly causing pulsing in front brake
4) ignition cylinder snapped in half causing abs/tc/cc to stop working
These do seem to be a little better than the 890s so far
What where you greasing on a radial caliper ????
Riding the Norden is like dating a stripper. You really like it, it makes you feel like you’re better than you really are, and you don’t quite trust it!
Excellent review, Sir!
And you are paying through the nose for the experience.
I don’t think you’ve dated a stripper.
@@freeheelsak nor have I ridden a Norden. You caught me….
Never rode a Norden... but have done the other and you are 100 percent right on that feeling lol
haahahahahah=)))
The more fancy and technical these new ADV bikes get, the more I appreciate my 2016 Africa Twin! But I am debating on getting a Tenere 7 next…
Dork, can't wait to see your review of the Expedition. That Expedition seems to address a couple of your cons, so seems like it "should" be a great bike. Thanks for the review.
I‘ve enjoyed watching your videos and this was no exception - good to hear your open and honest feedback. I’ve had my 901 for 9 months and done 3500 miles. Its the most engaging bike I’ve ever owned and although I’ve had the small water leak (easily fixed) it’s been incredible. It’s made me extend my road riding season already as it’s so confidence inspiring even in a heavy storm. Every mile makes me smile and that’s what it’s all about.
Engaging is a great word for this bike.
Regarding your concluding comments re reliability, to be fair, they speak more to your mental state than they do to the actual mechanical and electrical integrity of the Husqvarna Norden 901.
Having owned a large number of KTM’s (as well as many Triumphs, BMW’s and various Japanese brands of motorcycles) over many years, reliability creates no such doubts in my mind each time I set off on a ride.
I have purchased my local dealers demo 901 but have to wait till February to take delivery. During the year 2022 I owned a KTM powered CFMoto 800MT, a KTM Duke 890 as well as a great little KTM 390 Adventure with zero issues on any of them. In 2003 I owned a KTM 950 Adventure, an EXC450 and a 640 Hard Enduro then in 2013 I owned a KTM 1190 Adventure. For the life of me, I do not recall ANY ISSUES with any of these motorcycles.
To be wedded to Japanese motorcycles because of a perception of reliability is much the same as a little 4 year old sweetie being wedded to her security blanket!
Hey Dork, I'm gonna say I'm an Enduro guy that bought it for mostly cruising Montana County roads after work. I'm loving it so much that I fired Ian from my TH-cam when he sold his, after all his post on it helped the dealer make the sell to me. I've become a fan. Thx for the content.
Picked up a 901 with 600miles on it 6 weeks ago it now has 2800 on it, ZERO issues but thats no surprise, previous bike Super Duke GT 34000 miles ZERO issues in 2 years before that Super Adventure T 40k, before that BMW 1200 GSA only had it 7 months when wrong 7 times cost me a fortune. Waiting for the Norden 1301!! Good vid excellent work
I'm a Japanese bike fan too. It's been great to learn of your 3k mile experience. You're a courageous and crazy man. I love it. Looking forward to more reports and adventures! Thanks.
Great review. I just bought my first off-road bike, KTM 390 Adv. 1,600 miles and loving it.
I loved my 390 Adventure
Subscribed. I like your humility and honesty. You seem to be very grounded. Keep up the good work. When I was a teenager I pushed my bike / bikes home after breakdowns many times. I think that conditioned me to be paranoid about breakdowns. So even tho my DRZ has never let me down I am terrified I will be stuck 50 miles out in the boonies with no rescue. I empathize with your feeling of not trusting your bike.
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but quick shift won't forget the ride modes if you make sure that you don't start the engine until the dash fully loads. If you start before the dash loads, then quick select will lose the ride mode settings.
I’ve got 8000 miles on mine, bought it in April. Still waiting for my heated grips. I love this bike. The buffeting was way works with my Krios Pro. When I sold that and got a shoei it was much improved. YMMV.
Forgot to add, I’ve had no issues at all. It has been an awesome bike and exactly what I was looking for.
I ordered grips and the HCU for the 1290 and they work perfectly.
Thks for the helmet tip!
Great review. I know what you mean about lack of confidence in a motorcycle. After three problems with my final drive on my BMW 1200 GS adventure, I never really felt confident in it again. Back on a Japanese motorcycle now, the T7 of course.
Got my Husky heated grips a few weeks ago in the UK so supplies must be starting to come through.
Only done 2k so far, bike has been issue free and is the most versatile bike I’ve ever owned. Surprisingly quick on tarmac and being new to off-road it looks after me and flatters my ability.
Mine has forgotten the favourite settings a few times and I’ve had the immobiliser unavailable warning after stalling the bike and restarting but it cleared when I keyed off and on.
Thanks for your videos they helped me when considering all the other mid weight adventure bikes.
how about comparing to tiger 900 rally pro?
Great review. Fair and balanced. Especially around the 'suspension' issue that people seem to love pointing out on this bike as being deficient. I think for most of us the Norden has more than adequate suspension. More may be better but if we are realistic about our riding styles and skill I think the Norden is great for most of us. I have bottomed it out, but at 230lbs, with full camping payload, and Intermediate skill I probably should be trying to jump it out of washouts all day long! :)
Sounds like the first delivery on Nordens has some unfortunate assembly line issues (loose hoses, rear shock oring, etc) which I think were corrected on the subsequent rounds of deliveries.
I've had my Norden for 5 months and done over 15,000 kms. Including most of the WABDR (friends bike had issues so we had to pull out) and a trip from Vancouver BC to Tuktoyuktuk (the Arctic Ocean) and back. ZERO problems. ZERO.
All in all I think the Norden delivers on what it was intended for.
I'm in the market for an ADV bike now and the 901 is top of my list and the ride from Van to Tuk is on the shortlist. Been up to AK a couple times already in cars. Good to hear you give it the nod.
I live in Vancouver Island. I’m buying the Norden 901 expedition this month. Glad to hear of fellow Canuck talk about this brand. Sounds like an amazing trip! Hopefully I’ll be ready for that type of riding one day lol.
I bought my 2023 Norden last year, had it 15 months now, and have done over 18,000kms (sorry, don’t know what that is in archaic measurements) and the list of problems I’ve had with it are……zero, nada, nothing has gone wrong, I’ve done about 35-40% on dirt roads, done some long trips (1,000kms+), and am starting to prepare for my big lap of Australia in July 2025…….i love the bike, and I do trust it…..😊
Most informative review I’ve watched yet. The Norden is more off road biased than I need. However at age 70, my adult son would inherit this bike within the next 10 years, and he could put it to good use in the mountains of Montana. Having ridden my 1995 Kawa KLR 250 in our Wyoming mountains, I probably would be happier on a Honda CB500X. I would just ride on fire roads, occasionally. And we have a local Honda dealer, but the nearest Huskie dealer is 145 miles away in Montana. I’m looking for my last bike to finish my 50 plus years of riding. Good review. Keep the shiny side up.😎👍
Don’t throw it in yet, I’m 72 & riding a 1250 GS & had it off road at a riding clinic just yesterday.
Always amazes me to hear people say KTMs are unreliable. I have ridden and raced them since 1998. Never had any problems.
I have a KTM 890 ADV R. I have had the Immobilizer issue as well. But, searching around the internet, it seems that this might be related to having a phone plugged into the USB port. Once I switched my phone to a cig-lighter adapter, the issue disappeared.
Excellent review. Somewhat, "Ian like" ... "Ian - esque??" ...... incredible trails and scenery in this clip!!!!
Great review! I like how you have the comma in the title 😜👍🏻
We use them in whole numbers, but not where a decimal point should be.
@@DorkintheRoad right, I’m an idiot 🤣
I rarely use a comma for thousands. Still a great review tho 👍🏻
Man this video is epic. Thank you. I ride an awesome KLR 650 every day. I need to get a car. My dream bike. I love your review
l sell this and Africa Twin's here in Washington. The shock and radiator clamp is the only issue we have had with the 10 Nordens we have sold. Africa Twins have not been flawless either! I'll take fun factor and am very hopeful for a Norden 1301 R someday.
Great review, every bit of info one would need to decide if they wanted to purchase one. Your last point tells me everything, if you can't trust your bike regarding getting you there - no way, not for me. Glad you enjoyed it.
Nicely done Ben, I had the same concern with my 901. But having put 11,645 miles on the bike it has never left me stranded. I also have had the immobilizer come on a hand full of times but has always cleared and never been a problem. On 4 or5 occasions it's started and ran rough and i've hade to restart sometimes twice to clear it out. always when cold, a little unnerving. All and all the bike's a HOOT to ride and very happy with it!
I took the 901 to Plain for the Touratech Rally this summer and it was a pleasure meeting you and Travis at your came site. Also entered the slow race where the last two standing moved to the final, I was third, Rat's almost! All that to say the fuel being low really help's with keeping the weight on the bike low and it handles well for it's size. Enjoy your channel. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks, man. Glad to meet you, too. I'm happy the bike has been good for you.
This is such an excellent review, Ben! I am trying to get over my addiction to KTM performance, because of a series of fuel pump failures on my 990, and now my 1090. That said, the Norden is still on my shortlist. Thank you! 🤙🏼
Great review! I got one of the first Nordens in California and then rode it up to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska and back with a buddy (who had a T7). Just a bit over 9,000 miles and no problems.
How did the T7 do?
Reliability - and that is the reason why I didn't buy the 901! I was in the shop, cash in hand, and just couldn't do it! For me, RTW reliability is THE No.1 priority. No matter how much fun your having, or how much power it has, or how good the suspension is...if you have to push it home or it comes home in the back of a ute (read: pickup) then what good is all that power and suspension etc when all the fun has been taken out of it! Maybe when they bring out the updated version with all the issues fixed......I dunno! But anyway, great review Ben and very honest! Keep 'em coming!
Power is exhilarating! You hit the nail on the head. I had a CRF300L this past summer and it was an amazing fun bike but in the end I sold it because it was just fun. So now I'm either going to buy a DRZ 400, KTM 500 or the oh so sexy 72 HP KTM 690! Yeah! Love your reviews!
690 is a ton of fun and pretty versatile!
I have the 701... and yea it's a nice balance of on/offroad ability (74hp on the newer ones)
A very fair and honest review.Appreciate your approach.Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Japanese fan boy here. Also a norden owner. I'm actually not concerned about the reliability. I'll wait for it to prove me wrong... Also agree that the rider aids are fantastic although my happy place is in explorer mode. I like rally power and slip control 4 or 5.
ive had 0 issues with my 1290 and its a absolute stunner.
Great review, one of the best I have seen 👍
15:35 One of the reason I bought a KLR. I just accept that going slow is the best course of action :)
Totally. Honda CRF300L Rally all day long for me. :-)
I’m test riding one tomorrow, thinking about selling my Africa Twin AS.
Great video & advice. Thank you 👍
Mate, the landscapes where you ride are just mindblowing. You are lucky. Enjoy!
Very lucky for sure
Nice review and summary. Norden owner here since March with 3400 miles. No issues here other than the lost favorites setting. My experiences and assessment is pretty much spot on with yours. One little niggle I would like to see changed is the ability to change the order of the ride modes. Since I switch between street and off-road 95% of the time, it would be nice to pin these as the first 2 for quicker access especially given the lost favorites issue :). One other niggle to be fixed is the ability to permanently set the rear abs setting to the ride mode. On for street and off for off road. An awesome bike though. Owned several KTM/Husqvarna/Husaberg bikes and have been fortunate with no significant reliability/repair issues. Try to stay positive and bring some good karma to your Norden :). Cheers!
It's interesting all empirical data you presented (the FB poll) demonstrates >90% reliability, combined with your personal experience being very good, you still feel unsure about trusting the 901. The hope is these comments A.: Are echoed enough by others Husqvarna addresses the issues. And B.: Potential converts to the 901 are able to make their own decisions using their personal thresholds of trust. That said, this is a great review I enjoyed watching from beginning to end. Thanks for you transparency and sharing your experiences of your time in the saddle.
Electronics that have a lot of moving parts that can break? Certainly not!
People who think that features like riding modes or traction control should consider: which ADDITIONAL parts does a modern bike need for that?
All modern bikes at leadt in Europe need to have ABS by law and there can be no discussion that this is a life safer. So those components must be there anyway.
Riding modes? You need ride by wire for that, so an electronic throttle instead of mechanical wire. How many defect reports do you find about that?
Lean sensitive ABS? Yes, some additional sensors. Any defect reports?
TC? Uses ABS sensors that the bike needs to have anyway.
The rest is additional software, which does not brake.
So: no, those features do not add unreliability factors!
Great review by the way, I love my 901, too! 😊
PS: i actually went from the 790R to the 901, because i found the R a bitt too uncomfortable for long trips, just like you mention. And mine is also forgetting the favorites settings.
Thanks for another great video!
The long oil change intervals you mention really don't matter. It will be in the shop for something way before that. Lol
Fantastic review! I really appreciate your honesty and thought process.
Some of that trail footage scared me, and I'm only sitting in my office!
Over 4,000 mi. on my Norden, zero problems. Rented a T7 in the NE and rode it 2600 mi and was not impressed. Sold my ATAS and couldn't be happier with the Norden which i take on stiff i wouldn't take the ATAS or the T7 even. Great review.
I think when going on an adventure ride or long trip, you have to ask yourself: “‘is it about the bike or the trip as a whole”
I personally think the T7 is a boring bike but I’d take it over the 901 if I was doing multiple day trips all the time. If I’m doing 100 mile radius loops that bring me back home, then I’d take the 901 (‘or whatever) every time.
Great video, thanks for your insight.
Great review. As a T7 owner, it's interesting to hear this perspective and comparison. I have no Illusions about the relative performance of the two bikes. At the end of the day though, I'm willing to trade some performance/comfort for overall Yamaha reliability, availability of service and aftermarket parts for the T7. I'm very interested to see how the 901 performs over the long term. 3,000 miles is really just breaking it in. I hope for your sake it continues to be relatively trouble free. That said, having a higher level of confidence in my ability to get to my next destination trumps almost all other issues for me in an ADV bike. I ride solo almost all of the time, including an 8 day, 1,400 mile trip this past September in SW/SE OR. One small problem, whether it's the bike, a fall or some other mishap could turn into a bad situation. Anything I can do to minimize the chance of getting stranded is my primary focus. Come down to Azalea sometime for some great riding Dork!
I agree 100% with you. Reliability etc is most important to me. I go very remote alone often and simple and reliable is for me. My current ride is a new 300 Rally. I'd like a T7 also but using my money to obtain my pilots license. Been riding 30+ yrs and want a new challenge.
The performance difference is really overplayed. A T7 will keep up with a Norden in all but professional racing circumstances and even then it would be dependent on the circuit and rider.
@@SimonBrisbane. Personally I want nothing to do with ride modes. I guess I'm old school but I want very little electronic gizmos when riding.
Actually, I'm a bit of a hypocrite here. I had an African twin AS with the DCT and loved it. Over 30+ yrs riding off road and swore I would never own an automatic motorcycle. Dead set against DCT. Oops, I was wrong about that. Whats even more weird is I say I wouldn't want it on my 300 Rally....but I could even be wrong about that. I used to drive 18 wheelers. Amost a decade of shifting 9 to 18 speeds transmissions. Then automatic semi trucks came out...love the new automatics but I don't fully trust them for reliability. Oh how me and the times change...
I sat on one of these when I went to buy a new 890 Adventure R last weekend. You aren't kidding about the size. I was stunned by the sheer size of it, but it felt good for my heavy frame.
I have a 22 890r and I totally agree with the fun Factor.
My attitude is like well if it breaks down it breaks down and that's it.
I'm turning over 6,000 mi now not one issue.
I have upgraded to the Rottweiler air box for better filtration.
A $20 winglet from Amazon on the windshield
Works amazing.
Really like your honest review. Love the channel keep it up
Great review. I've been contemplating a 901 vs 890R. I have ridden an 890R for 4 days off-road and really noticed the lower center of gravity the tank design provides. I felt the 890R suspension was too stiff for my style of riding. I don't do jumps. 190lbs older rider. Never ridden a 901. More than enough power for the road and offroad. I never switched to street mode. I'm also considering the T7 and Toureg but don't like the higher-up feel of the tanks. They feel top-heavy after riding the 890R. Thanks again.
This is a fair review, that little nagging anxiety is real. 6K on my 890R and I've had the immobilizer warning pop up in a place where I was afraid to turn the bike off as it would have taken a helicopter to get it out. But its never left me stranded so far. I ride with two 901's and they are definately better looking, more comfortable and plusher on the highway but I like the dirtbike with a windshield feel the 890 provides. I also find myself riding like an idiot a lot of the time because they are just so confidence inspiring and well balanced. Removing the Cat makes a big difference. The bikes are so choked up and are leg burners in stock trim.
Mostly agree. 4000 miles on mine. Love love it. Favorites don’t stay set. Cruise control is recently not setting. It turns on but wont set. Might have something to do with one finger clutch adjustment. Zero other issues! I have owned Ktms in the past without issues. I would ride my norden across the world tomorrow without hesitation. Thanks Dork! Oregon brother
Helo from Canada Mr Dork, I don't usually pipe in on these videos but I had too. I own a KTM 2013 S Adventure the same bike my Friend and local dealer in West Kelowna rode at the dealer launch in Austria. I have put on 120,000 kms so far 0 problems and absolutely wridden. I try to include as much gravel etc as I xan find. KTM reliability is far better than the well I don't want to offsnd anyone would ever admit, but alas would never know wignout actual experience. Mine will hit 150kms this year....Whaw..Hooo from Canada EH!!
Great review Ben. You brought up some good, honest points for those considering grabbing such a ride. Capable, awesome bike for those that can respect that kind of power. Continue doing what you do, being excellent Ben!
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
Outstanding review as usual. Really enjoyed the setting that you set up. The real test in my opinion is when you ride a bike 20 K or more a year then do a review. But good chances are you’ll probably sell the bike before that. Anyways great video.. keep the rubber side up, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Actually, this was an excellent video & the best i have ever seen you do. I was not a fan of the norden, but your review makes me want to try it.
We'll welcome you back with open arms!
I have a 2021 Tenere and my brother in law just got the Norden 901. We just did 400 miles to four points on the North Grand Canyon. My brother in law never went down and I was down half a dozen times. That low center of gravity sure seems appealing
I just went looking at an Adventure bike more for long distance traveling. I looked at a Yamaha Tenre 700 &1200. Both were nice, but then I seen this. A 23 leftover with a complete set of hard luggage and it was $12,500 with no dealer add ons. I love this review. I'm planning on riding from South Carolina to the top of Maine near Caribou. It comes with Perelli tires and the performance exhaust. I know it's a great deal. My issue, is I am 5'9" and it's a very tall bike. Salesperson was new and didn't know if I could lower it. The seat was on its lowest setting. I grew up riding Husqvarna dirt bikes. I found them fast and handled great. I own a Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle, but it's definitely not a good long distance bike. It's great where I live in South Carolina riding the SCAR( South Carolina Adventure Route) but riding at speeds above 65mph feels like it's really pushing the bike. Love the reviews and have been a subscriber since the end of last year
I've been looking at the KTM 890 Adventure. I love everything about it, except the styling. I just discovered the Norden today, and I'm in love. Wow.
I found it to be on the soft size with not enough rebound on the rear. The rear pops over every scooped out puddle edge. The 901 Expedition settled all the down wonderfully.
Appreciate the honest opinions. Currently out of my price range. Maybe I’ll try to convince a friend to buy one so I can test it out.
Do I understand correctly that Norden can be equipped with WP 48mm shocks, for example from 890r?
Good stuff. Happy to see it is still going strong and a good bike for you. I don’t know if you have seen the stuff coming out of EICMA today yet, but the Honda Transalp 750 looks really good (at least it does to someone with short legs and a preference for Japanese bikes like me). So does the new Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE and the updated standard T7.
You've got about 500 miles on me with the 901. I haven't had any issues and the only reason I can think of for reliability concerns is from the internet. No firsthand experience with failures. I just remembered, i did have the infamous coolant leak and took care of it myself. Also, there are some spare accessory power leads under the seat that have a protective rubber boot which had slid up the wire and allowed it to be shorted out popping the accessory fuse. Neither one of those issues can be attributed to overall quality of build. P.S. one of the first things I did after getting the bike was go through a surprisingly deep mud hole. So deep it was above the muffler. I was freaked out about the thought of sucking water into the engine but the snorkels that are attached to the airbox are pretty high up, so I was really thanking the engineers at Husqy (KTM) for that one. Which brings me to the Rottweiler upgrade. Snorkels are completely removed with the Rottweiler system, and I would not have survived my swim with that setup. Michigan is not necessarily a dusty place, so I think I'll stick with the stock setup until somebody lets me keep my snorkels and have a washable element.
That outro jingle gives me a chance to turn my phone vertical and hit like before I lose the option.
Nice in depth review buddy but the only thing i would say is come back to us in a few years time and talk about reliability not after a few months. I've had nightmares with KTM, Aprilia and Ducati over the years and have given in on anything non Japanese wouldn't touch BMW with a barge pole too many horror stories there also. I'll hang onto my 78k mile VStrom 1000 for the time being it mightn't be all that exciting but it has never once let me down on tour or for my daily commute punctures aside.
Loved the format…and the shout out to BRM. BRM, Dork, and The Missenden Flyer are my go to bike channels.
Well that's a nice compliment. Happy to be in such illustrious company!
BRM is pretty boring
@@BigRockMoto I prefer the term pragmatic…love the channel.
Don’t forget Fort 9 & itchy boots the long haul stud muffin
These bikes are beautiful imo. They look even better with the matching topo soft luggage from Husqvarna.
I have a Norden 901 I have had it for 9 months and I have 13500 miles on the bike. So far I only had one issue that was the immobalizer but it was replaced under warranty and I haven't had it since. I heard that the coolant can go places where it shouldn't so i'm keeping a eye on that.
Glad to hear it's working out well for you.
When you mention how fun it is, ripping the Twisties or the gravel and dirt, it seems like you have come to realize, there's an option other than "slow bike fast". I agree with ya, twins are fun
Well done review. Some unique insights on the Norden. I have had an excellent experience with KTM (KTM/Husky) manufactured bikes but share your "trust" concern about the brand; particularly the 890 and larger platforms.
The oil change interval on the T7 is 6,000 miles. No one can answer why the US models listed a 4,000 mile interval. The valve check interval on the Norden is much shorter than the Tenere. You need to check the valves on the Norden every other oil change. 26,500 miles for valves on the T7.
Engine oil change interval on the Norden is 9,300 miles (15,000 km). Valve check is at 18,600 miles (30,000 km).
@@RangeRoversAreRad so like I said, every other oil change...
I plan on having my 890 ADV R suspension redone. Stock setting is to still. Offroad comfort is OK and sorta plush on and offroad. Trouble is to stiff is not what I want offroad and stiff on road is great canyon carving but uncomfortable in evert other road riding circumstance. So even the 890 R needs work. Preload is also a head scratcher as KTM doesnt have a concsise measurement for proper front/rear just "turns."
So mines getting resprung and revalved/shimmed for my riding weight and style.
@@MeerkatADV it's 30.000 vs 40.000KM, still a huge amount on both bikes and most people won't even do it more than once
@BigSingle it's 43,000km on the tenere (26,500miles). And mine were still in spec. We'll see how the Norden does but I'm not hopeful considering how often I had to adjust my 690s valves.
Love the nod to big Rock, and love your take on his style of review. I 10000% agree with the riding like a butt sentiment as well.
So glad I found your channel. So today I rode both the T7 and Norden 901,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, can’t decide please help
Here is your answer: Are you a Subaru/Toyota, or Audi/Land Rover person?
Good info..thanks! I would hope at 3000 miles you wouldn’t have any issues. Time will tell.
My has had his 901 a little longer than you have and hasn’t had many problems with it. The main thing is like you said, the availability for any upgrades like saddle bags or a center stand, or anything else is just non existent right now, definitely something to consider.
Dork, suck it up about the , vs . on the dash. Great video and great job big rock motoing this review!
Totally how I feel about my 701
This is what i have been waiting for. I have been looking at one since i sat on it and love the feel. ON with the show..
Okay great info. So owning one of these would be like owning my Multistrada Enduro Pro. Fun but like you mentioned. Dealer network and it is always in the back of your mind, Will I have any issues on this ride🤦♂️. I think I will just stick with my AT. It is a carefree ride, i hop on it and have no worries of mechanical issues and there is always a Honda network/ parts/ mechanic relatively close. It sounds like it would make a great second bike but I guess my dirt bikes will be just fine. Thanks again for the review, it was very helpful for me.
I have 16,000 miles on my KTM790S. Mostly pavement but have done a moderate forest road and rocky doubletrack. The only annoyance is that sometimes it takes 3 tries to start in the morning--regardless of the temperature. It's the most fun I've ever had on 2 wheels.
I did have to trailer it home once when a raccoon ran out in front of me doing 60MPH and it broke the fuel spigot on the left side of the tank. I upgraded to the aftermarket aluminum one and installed lower crash bars to prevent that in the future.
I was a KTM sceptic, but it seems they have redeemed themselves for the last 10 years or so. I have a 2006 KTM 950 SM, which was sort of a impulse purchase, as I was curious, but it has just worked without issues, plus it's a fun bike! The know how to put a smile on peoples faces, same as Ducati🙂
Great bikes, I bought a 950 SM as a cheap winter hack, it turned out to be one of the best handling bikes I have ever ridden (and there has been quite a few). A bolt on screen made it capable of all day 80mph motorway cruising. Only sold it because I wanted a trail bike but it certainly opened my eyes to KTM engineering.
@@roughrider9831 , I did the same thing🙂, bolted on a screen from PUIG. It's not huge, but enough to keep the wind off the chest. I use it mostly for commuting here in Stockholm, Sweden, where the traffic is horrible. Great handling and perfect for seeing over cars, and whats up ahead. Also enough power to "teleport" yourself from one spot to another, when need be😄
Winding roads is where it shines for real though. The only reason I'm thinking about selling it, is that I would like a bike with fuel injection, ABS, and some more goodies. The 950 SM, is very basic in that sense. Not even a rev counter.
I'm so glad that you like it! I Was worried you'd hold me responsible if you didn't like it.
Nah. I blame you for how much I like it instead ;)
Great review Thorough balanced and honest
good review.
btw, odometer goes until 9999.9. I kept it for same reason as you did, but once it hit 10k, that's it. also, mine started mixing oil and coolant at 15k kms so we are pinpointing the problem atm. still best touring adv bike on the market when you put everything to the paper.
long tours (3000km and 2000km roundtrips) were done as a breeze.
also, no problems with rear shock, and I do go on motocross track and rides with bunch of light enduros now that I have anakee wilds... BUT, I installed heat shield right away from the start so that migh be one of the factors that my shock still holds on.
Mixing oil and coolant? Yikes! I’m following you to hear more about how that goes…
there were cases on 790 engines where it happened. I will write about outcome on ADVrider forum when we solve it, and will bring it up when I make 15k kms review from my perspective.
Tiger 900
I'm right there with you on the commas instead of decimal points.
I really hate quoting metric prints.
The traction control on my 1000 Africa Twin was basically dangerous. It’s like Honda had no idea what they were doing. The ONLY way to ride the AT 1000 was with everything turned off.
Great comprehensive review Ben. Ian would be proud. Guessing you're going to let the T7 go and pick up the Transalp or maybe a T9? 🤔
Not sure yet
Dude you are the man
The reliability issue is fair and it’s the only question that usually prevents me from falling in love with the Tuareg 660 too. It seems like it’s almost the perfect middleweight if you trust Aprilia. I haven’t got there yet, but I still need another year or so on my current bike before I need to make up my mind on one of these anyway. Both the 901 and Tuareg seem to be holding up well from what I’m seeing thus far though.
I feel the same way about the new Ducati. Reliablity and maintenance are a big thing for me... not just that but cost of repairs and parts.
@@robmccormick8155 I just got back from sitting on a Tuareg about an hour away right before they closed lol. I liked it too. If felt bigger and bulkier in person, but it essentially has all of the same features for a much more affordable price. It’s not as refined or fast but it’s a good value for what you are getting. Planning to check out the KTM 890 Adventure next week.
The Aprilia Touareg 660 is very appealing, but their dealer network in the US is very limited.
I really like it but not crazy about my options for service and parts.
@@Baldhills those are pretty much my feelings too still. The Ducati and the Aprilia look like outstanding bikes. I have sat on both. I keep asking myself whether I really want to try to find and pay for parts and maintenance for either though. Not sure about that part.