@@JohnSmith-ef8nr , T7 is indeed a great bike, but inferior on tech,handling,comfort and power. I dont think modern day KTMs are un reliable..but generally, European bikes are expensive to own and maintain.
@@abymathew295 For me, I like the low tech of the T7, it has enough power without needing TC ect, the suspension is acceptable with uprated springs. I haven't seen any ADV bike I'd want to change it for, regardless of price.
@@JohnSmith-ef8nr , like i said T7 is a great bike, it has everything that a regular person need and it will continue to function after 30 years..its like comparing a Range Rover to a Land Cruiser.
I think the reviewer missed a point here. I am considering replacing my R1250GSA, because I am planning a long trip. I was looking at the T7, but it lacks some important bits for me. The Norden ticks all the boxes with tubeless 21/18" tires, TPMS, cruise control, a comfortable seat and 15' km service intervals. All of these things matter more on a long ride than speeding off road. So I am looking forward to trying one.
If its of any use I had one for a week or so recently, and It think it makes for a perfect adventure tourer. Its the sort of bike that you just want to go out and explore on.
About the rubber: the STR Rally from pirelli are noticially bad in wet off road surfaces, you can even see the videos of lyndonn poskitt fighting the front wheel trying to get traction on corners... on tarmac and wet tarmac they go great, they are like sport street tyres... on dry surfaces, rockies and that they do pretty welll aswell, but wet off road is their nemesis and probably of any adventure bike tire out there, BUT, this is the most off roadable tyre you can fit in a bike keeping it rideable by a new rider and thats the reason why all the other brands are also using it... i have exactly 10.000km on my set of STR's on my upgraded 790... and i love them, but i know that wet off road its a no-no... for everything else, they ripp.
The Rally STR is an excellent sealed road tyre but a very average unsealed road tyre. No lateral grip with this paddle tread pattern. On a 1200GS at about 20 kph in a straight line the front tyre slipped fully sideways at the speed of light in some unseen mud, threw me on the ground & broke 5 ribs & fractured 3 vertebrae.
So odd how they chose to not make an individual left and right indicator icon for the turn signals. You'd think that'd be especially easy with a bigass display.
That triumph dash is terrible. I know they are receiving piss poor feedback from customers. The new tiger 1200 looks to have the same dash setup as the new speed triple. Which is better but still misses the mark.
If the tyres were squared off how can you actually comment on how the handling is. Surely to meaningfully comment it would need to have new and not worn out tyres. It never ceases to amaze me how poor some demonstrations can be. I had one recently on a Harley Davidson and the handlebars, or the control positions were out of adjustment, meaning it was difficult to operate the indicators without taking your hands off the bars. I told the dealer but they weren't interested and the bike was still the same after two weeks. Needless to say I just walked away with a bad impression. How can manufacturers afford to do this in this day and age is beyond me...
Another UK journo had some new boots slipped on his bike over night. The handling didn’t change although rear grip - on dirt - had improved marginally. The point is that the handling dynamic I mentioned in the video was still very much there.
Good video. Interesting comment about the tires and handlebar feed back. Wonder if how this does side-by-side with the same rubber. I'm not a fan of the pirelli's but I fancy the Michelin Anakee Wilds. Did the Norden ever bottom out on you? Mind sharing what you set the suspension to?
I’d take this test with a pinch of salt, the road tester doesn’t look competent with or confident on the bike, super rigid and tense off road and bolt upright on it. Granted the tyres may be dung but a good rider should see or be able to feel beyond that to the kinematics underneath since 90% of these will be fitted with st road rubber.
The fact that the tester crashed the bike on the launch may have colored his view. Every other outlet that reviewed the bike on the launch had a different take...
@@MotoPumps shit happens I guess but that shouldn’t have a bearing on the appraisal of a motorcycle, these guys are supposed to be professional journalists. All is not lost, it’s a small world and I’m sure the rest of the media crew would make this squid have it at the next gig
@@rickybobby7660 ultimately arent all tests that individuals opinion ? opinions based on each ones prior riding experience skill level age size riding style and probably a load of others things id never have thought of ?? + some are of course heavily swayed by sponsorships or some form of payment i have to believe
Your review is an outlier in all of the other reviews out there currently, not a bad thing in itself. However, its quite confused in the message you're trying to get across and for that reason lacks credibility. On riding modes your tone is negative without providing a negative (unless changing the language used is really that bad). If wanting to differentiate from the KTM is a bad thing, what are you expecting on a Husqvarna? When referring to the handling you highlight the squared off tyres then criticise the bike for the way it handles on them; then go on to say "they've gone for the aesthetics without realising its going to have a detrimental affect on the handling". How are the squared off tyres are a part of the aesthetics? Also, "If you change the tyres it would transform the riding experience, but I don't think it would totally change it"...WHAT!?!?! Do you know what transform means?? I'd be interested to see a genuine comparison on the centre of gravity compared to the KTM but your comment "...screwed it up, thrown it in the bin..." is quite flippant and lacks insight. It may be your "style" of presentation but you sound like you've got a personal gripe so its very hard to accept your review as genuine.
I guess you have to start with what Husqvarna wanted the bike to be in the first place . Maybe the didn’t want to take the match with the Ktm? By the look of it they seem to be aiming at a more comfortable long distance adventure bike with god but not class leading of road skills . And by the looks of it it seems to have a less plastic and more rugged quality feel to it . This is maybe more suited to Bmw riders that want something different but not necessarily more gravel intended like the Ktm 🤷♂️
Love the honest and detailed review! Really allows to consider pros and cons before cashing in into something which is not available for test ride yet. Thank you! Tuareg to be the next!
Thanks for vid. 2 things - the Scorpion rally has a ridge at about 50% of the width - this alone will make the bike "drop" across it, giving you the sensation you explained. 2nd, I suspect if the forks were dropped only 2-3mm in the clamps, you'd get less sudden sideways dip on turning. I've experienced both on my 1290 and once attended to, it transformed. Cheers
When I first saw the Norden 901 concept I thought wow 🤩 I love the aesthetic. I’ve read two ride reviews and both say it’s good but….. the KTM 890 is better especially off road. I will test ride it, but it’s too road focused for me! Perhaps Husky have left room for the Norden 901 Rally ???? But that will be even more expensive. The 890 Adv r is getting my money - I just wish it looked better
Interesting comment about Husqvarna screwing up the low weight from the fuel tanks. Did they move more fuel higher? That's a main improvement on the 890!
was hoping that the 901 was going to be the second coming, rather than just a middle variant of the 890. I was initially disappointed but at the end of the day its a great platform which now is available w/o the hideous praying mantis/transformer robot look of the 790/890. But having said all of this will now look to buy a second hand 890R and go through the headache of a headlight change (possible if your prepared to make the effort). This way I spend less, get more suspension travel, no fairing that will break offload and end up having a great looking bike too
If Husky wants to sell bikes in the US, we need some dealerships established. Few want a bike with little to no dealership network for service and warranty claims.
I really don't like the paint job at all. It almost looks retro (I know it isn't), but not in a good way. Considering the Svartpilens looks so damn good (and a few of their others aren't so bad either), this is a bit of a visual let-down, in my opinion.
@@Kincoran there were some pictures of a still heavily camouflaged new, possibly more eye-friendly middle weight kato Adv in the news a couple of months ago.. help is near.. 😄
Hi, Toad!! Please... U can do it more than that, or perhaps show us the jersey that you went to the final dinner of Norden apresentation. Really!? What a freak!!
15,000 Euros for a made in China PoJ that will break down in the middle of nowhere 80 times out of 90? No, thank you! KTM and BMW have some audacity to still put premium prices on their products, while surely paying peanuts to the factory workers. Is there any limit to the greed of these corporations?
Interesting how it looks so much like the Tenere 700. I get it, it’s the style of those bikes, but hell, the color scheme (matte black, white, and fluorescent yellow) screams “TENERE 700” loud and clear. Yamaha should take it as a compliment. Haha!
I just spent all afternoon testing an 890 Adventure R and it was excellent. The Norden will have to be exceptional to beat it. Next try out on my list.
@@peterrick3339 No! I tested a 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sport and fell in love!! Bought it on the spot. Excellent value 2nd hand. Fully equipped and, of course, cheaper than a Norden. I'm going to wait and maybe hunt out a good used Norden in a couple of years.
I can't wait for your review of the April Tuareg, I think that will be the new benchmark in the middle weight segment. So far it looks like it does everything well
To me it seems to be a dialed down KTM, which to me is a good thing. I think it could be competing for the attention with the africa twin, or perhaps V-strom. Probably they didnt make it in order to take buyers from their KTM bikes, but to offer something a little bit different to buyers that are looking for something more road biast touring focused, with the ability to do gravel really good aswell...? In the rewiew it is compared to KTM all the time, and understanably so, but it would be more interesting to hear the rewiew if it was compared to, lets say, the V-strom...
How many more times do you want to mention the tyres? The fact they are squared off then fair enough, but complaining about the stock tyres is like complaining about the colour of a prostitutes underwear. It has zero impact given they will be removed rather quickly. Visor Down are trying but for some reason UK publications just aren't at the same standard as some independents and foreign publications when it comes to reviewing adventure bikes.
This review is flawed from the get go. This bike was not built to be a ktm 890 adventure clone. It is different on purpose. You should review the bike based on its own merits. I think the review missed the mark by constantly comparing it to the ktm.
Good review that tells me what I want to know. I’m a whole inch taller than you and my GSA is getting to be a bit of a handful as I get older. I’m looking for lighter and skinnier (the bike too). The 890 is on my radar and whilst I like the look of the Norden I hate the hard luggage which is just the usual generic metal boxes that are compromised by the needlessly protruding silencer and make the overall width vast. The soft luggage is similarly awful seen on the move despite looking great in the promo pics. Not one for me. With you on the aesthetics of the 890 but some colour combinations make a big difference. I’m holding fire for the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and still have a soft spot for the uncomplicated and much cheaper Tenere 700 which can be upped to a 23 litre aftermarket tank and decent range.
The Husqvarna has been given a distinctive design, which is better than the KTM ugly headlight design, whoever at KTM thought that looks good, needs to see a optician.
Nonsense. The 890 and 901 have virtually the same tank configuration. The center of gravity on the Norden is lower than the 890 and improves the handling. Everything you say is ‘above’ the handlebars is cosmetic and has no effect on handling. But yes the screen is bad and needs to be raised and/or fork draft redirected.
Interesting how it looks so much like the Tenere 700. I get it, it’s the style of those bikes, but hell, the color scheme screams “TENERE 700” loud and clear. Yamaha should take it as a compliment. Haha!
Damn!! 15000 euros is like 17+ US dollars. Better styled and more touring focused ktm for a couple grand more. Not sure if that’s what people wanted but hell the triumph is tiger is about that price🤷🏾♂️ so it’s “market priced” I guess
@@flattopwill it’s def way better value than the tiger. Much better looking than the ktm. Better touring than both ktm models but Not as good off road. This fits the bill to me
What do you mean not as good... not as good on the road, off road, overall... there is some bias to it but you haven't given any actual comparison. Just general critique with no specifics.
Wow, an honest bike journo. I’m in shock, have never seen anything like it. I agree with his comments, a dull looking bulky rehash of the 890 adventure with crap dirt tyres and an ugly old fashioned front light.
They’re only tyres, and more importantly, why would they just make another adventure r or standard. And, watch Chris Birch’s video’s , weight over the front. Pommie nufty.
Someone not liking a bike doesn’t instantly mean “honesty”. I guess he’s honest about not enjoying the bike but that doesn’t mean all the other (more positive) journos are wrong. With all respect to the reviewer, he’s not the best rider in the world and also fell off I believe which may cloud his judgement, hence not enjoying the bike so much. No mention of the crash in the video mind… that would be honest to mention wouldn’t it? I have nothing against ‘Toad’ (other than the ridiculous name) but everyone is acting like he’s calling out the old guard when the reality seems to be he struggled to ride the bike and fell off it… which as I said of course would affect his opinion. He’s also constantly comparing it to the Adventure R, which this is definitely not intended to compete with 🤷🏼♂️
@@Mockle07 oh man, if only you had heard reviews by "professional" journalists in my native language, I would never have expected that you could go so deep up someone's ass. As soon as I see that a review is done on one of these press trips, I already know that the motorcycle will be the best in the world, there has never been a better one and there won't be, of course until the next press trip with another manufacturer. And here I heard both the pros and cons, I take that as honesty, even if it is a subjective opinion, but isn't every opinion subjective? Crash? So what, it's an ADV motorcycle, after all, rolling over on them is inevitable. I do not want to take part in some wars between the channels it is unfortunately also very visible in my country.
@@wiktor88 hahaha that’s a fair comment, I do realise that many of these press reviews do seem somewhat glowing in their praise, I have seen it get worse and worse over the last 20 years. Nothing wrong with crashing an off road bike, but my point was that ‘Toad’ may have been a touch out of his depth here and his lack of enjoyment is blamed on the bike rather than his ability. (This is conjecture of course, as I wasn’t there) I just don’t get why he was comparing it to the Adventure R and saying it’s basically not a hardcore off road bike... it’s very clearly not supposed to be. I have no affinity to any channel, there are numerous things about 44 teeth I don’t like but this situation does seem a bit odd.
@@montaego but how can a so much heavier bike be better than a lighter bike. 990 stripped is so much lighter than a stock 890 adventure/r. How can a heavier bike be a better adventure/offroad bike?
i had a 990 & 1090R both , havent ridden the 890r yet but got a brief ride on a 790s and seat of the pants feel it felt like half the heft of the 1090r
strange biased review. the frame, engine and fuel tank is 1:1 from the 890. only the seat has a different shape and the front fairing is different, but this can only have a minimum to non influence on the center of gravity, handling or make it „top heavy“. But for sure the suspension is softer and does make the Husky more comfortable and less sportive. But that‘s a matter of taste and you can dial in and harden the setup of the suspension
You’re both wrong. The Norden loses a litre over the 890 and the tank is slimmer at the bottom. That pushes the fuel up, like squeezing a balloon. That plus taller suspension, more top fairing, has, in my mind, altered the handling dynamics. Ps, I was in the press briefing re fuel tank changes, that info came from Husky…
The top is the first bit of fuel to go under consumption so did the top-heaviness feel the same through out? Fairing feel is interesting, if the fairing was bolted to the front fork (like the Harleys) then I could see that. Is the rake angle still the same?
Im bummed to hear about the performance of the norden... but it still sounds like a good buy because the ktms are SO UGLY i could NEVER own one. I couldnt park my bike, walk away, look back, and think "f×@# that thing's ugly" So after a few years when people get the Norden squared away itll be the way to go. 🤷♂️
You must have crashed your bike!? Whinny much brother...Perhaps you should have had someone ride for you. Sorry you had a horrible time with such an awful bike. I like it and think it'll be amazing.
Ooof, I can never take this reviewer seriously. As for this Norden, it just looks like a bloated 890R. Probably better to save the extra and go for that instead.
@@kloppskalli He has openly stated that he has found bikes boring to ride in the past. I can't trust a reviewer that can't have fun on every bike he rides. Sure you can have less fun on some bikes, but I have never found any bike boring to ride. 125's all the way up to 1200cc monsters, they all have their place and are fun to ride, but not outright boring. To me it says more about the person rather than the bikes themselves, hence my comment. Just my opinion, though.
@@Mtthwpez well, if that is the problem, I can get over it.. Good thing is he's obviously not scared of not getting an email when the next new bike launches..
Here in Australia I waited…waited…waited…went elsewhere! The biggest thing that pissed me off about the Norden was the ridiculous time frame from tease to disappointment. Badly played Husqvarna.👎🏼
I think that KTM 890 Adv R is the best adv bike of this decade, and i dont think anything gonna beat it anytime soon.
The T7 is the best adv bike, the KTM is too high maintenance.
@@JohnSmith-ef8nr , T7 is indeed a great bike, but inferior on tech,handling,comfort and power. I dont think modern day KTMs are un reliable..but generally, European bikes are expensive to own and maintain.
@@abymathew295
For me, I like the low tech of the T7, it has enough power without needing TC ect, the suspension is acceptable with uprated springs.
I haven't seen any ADV bike I'd want to change it for, regardless of price.
@@JohnSmith-ef8nr , like i said T7 is a great bike, it has everything that a regular person need and it will continue to function after 30 years..its like comparing a Range Rover to a Land Cruiser.
depends but best performance yes hands down
44teeth had quite the contrasting opinion. 19:50 in their video … Even got a dig in ….. did you crash the bike ?
Shhhhhh lol.
Hahaha its pretty lame to hate on a bike and make excuses just cause you crashed out.
44T FTW......
No, another journo did tho, five broken ribs…
@@visordown Wow! glad it wasnt you mate, been watching your videos for a while - I thought you would have mentioned it !
Came here after the 44teeth video. You guys could learn a lot from them 😂
Seems like 44Teeth have a completely different opinion. And Fagan knows his stuff
I think the reviewer missed a point here. I am considering replacing my R1250GSA, because I am planning a long trip. I was looking at the T7, but it lacks some important bits for me. The Norden ticks all the boxes with tubeless 21/18" tires, TPMS, cruise control, a comfortable seat and 15' km service intervals. All of these things matter more on a long ride than speeding off road. So I am looking forward to trying one.
exactly where i am at
If its of any use I had one for a week or so recently, and It think it makes for a perfect adventure tourer. Its the sort of bike that you just want to go out and explore on.
About the rubber: the STR Rally from pirelli are noticially bad in wet off road surfaces, you can even see the videos of lyndonn poskitt fighting the front wheel trying to get traction on corners... on tarmac and wet tarmac they go great, they are like sport street tyres... on dry surfaces, rockies and that they do pretty welll aswell, but wet off road is their nemesis and probably of any adventure bike tire out there, BUT, this is the most off roadable tyre you can fit in a bike keeping it rideable by a new rider and thats the reason why all the other brands are also using it...
i have exactly 10.000km on my set of STR's on my upgraded 790... and i love them, but i know that wet off road its a no-no... for everything else, they ripp.
The Rally STR is an excellent sealed road tyre but a very average unsealed road tyre. No lateral grip with this paddle tread pattern. On a 1200GS at about 20 kph in a straight line the front tyre slipped fully sideways at the speed of light in some unseen mud, threw me on the ground & broke 5 ribs & fractured 3 vertebrae.
So odd how they chose to not make an individual left and right indicator icon for the turn signals. You'd think that'd be especially easy with a bigass display.
It's the same on the KTM
I'd rather have the 890R ... with the Norden's headlight.
same. but had the same headlight in my vitpilen and the condensation issue was real lol
@@bella_testastretta but also, the headlight arrangment is part of what - in my mind - has affected the handling.
id like the Norden with the "R"'s upgraded suspension
at this point Husqvarna Motorcycles is just a cool-looking fairing making brand lol
I appreciate the honesty. I wanted a similarly performing yet better looking 890R and I’m not sure that’s what they’ve delivered.
Style over substance perhaps?
They delivered NOTHING!
For what it’s worth literally no other reviewer has anything bad to say about the handling.
Just because it’s negative doesn’t make it honest, just opinionated. I ‘honestly’ think the Norden has a lower COG and handles better than the 890
Honesty, direct and most of the questions I had you addressed, clearly. Respect you even more. Thank you👏
LOL I wouldn't listen to a word of this test, Look at every other test and they rave about the bike, This guy has sour grapes after crashing it. :)
Really hope a 501 Norden is released eventually too.
Based on the concept, I had convinced myself that the 901 would be my next bike. While I'm not ruling it out, it is not what I hoped it would be.
Interestingly enough, I'm on the same damn boat.
Aprilia Tuareg is going to be the one
Happening to me too, just lost a certain je ne sais quoi. Now the new XSR 900 appeals more to my heart. And I can do light gravel on either.
@@Outdawrzman it does look like a great bike.
You be a fool to just take this guy’s opinion, check out 44 teeth when they put there review up.
Where is the air filter located on the 901? Is it as easy to reach as on KTM 890?
Most honest review I’ve ever seen, well done and thank you
when is the 501 ?
The fuel tank is in the same place as the KTM. So how can it be top heavy?
Any news or info on when we might see a Svart/Vitpilen 901?
It seems a pity that Husqvarna may have missed the mark with this one but a word to Triumph, THIS is how your TFT dash could look on the Tiger 900.
That triumph dash is terrible. I know they are receiving piss poor feedback from customers. The new tiger 1200 looks to have the same dash setup as the new speed triple. Which is better but still misses the mark.
It's exactly what I expected. It's gorgeous.
If the tyres were squared off how can you actually comment on how the handling is. Surely to meaningfully comment it would need to have new and not worn out tyres. It never ceases to amaze me how poor some demonstrations can be. I had one recently on a Harley Davidson and the handlebars, or the control positions were out of adjustment, meaning it was difficult to operate the indicators without taking your hands off the bars. I told the dealer but they weren't interested and the bike was still the same after two weeks. Needless to say I just walked away with a bad impression. How can manufacturers afford to do this in this day and age is beyond me...
Another UK journo had some new boots slipped on his bike over night. The handling didn’t change although rear grip - on dirt - had improved marginally. The point is that the handling dynamic I mentioned in the video was still very much there.
He crashed the bike!!! That's why he hated it!
Good video. Interesting comment about the tires and handlebar feed back. Wonder if how this does side-by-side with the same rubber. I'm not a fan of the pirelli's but I fancy the Michelin Anakee Wilds. Did the Norden ever bottom out on you? Mind sharing what you set the suspension to?
I’d take this test with a pinch of salt, the road tester doesn’t look competent with or confident on the bike, super rigid and tense off road and bolt upright on it. Granted the tyres may be dung but a good rider should see or be able to feel beyond that to the kinematics underneath since 90% of these will be fitted with st road rubber.
The fact that the tester crashed the bike on the launch may have colored his view. Every other outlet that reviewed the bike on the launch had a different take...
@@MotoPumps shit happens I guess but that shouldn’t have a bearing on the appraisal of a motorcycle, these guys are supposed to be professional journalists. All is not lost, it’s a small world and I’m sure the rest of the media crew would make this squid have it at the next gig
@@rickybobby7660 ultimately arent all tests that individuals opinion ? opinions based on each ones prior riding experience skill level age size riding style and probably a load of others things id never have thought of ?? + some are of course heavily swayed by sponsorships or some form of payment i have to believe
Your review is an outlier in all of the other reviews out there currently, not a bad thing in itself. However, its quite confused in the message you're trying to get across and for that reason lacks credibility. On riding modes your tone is negative without providing a negative (unless changing the language used is really that bad). If wanting to differentiate from the KTM is a bad thing, what are you expecting on a Husqvarna? When referring to the handling you highlight the squared off tyres then criticise the bike for the way it handles on them; then go on to say "they've gone for the aesthetics without realising its going to have a detrimental affect on the handling". How are the squared off tyres are a part of the aesthetics? Also, "If you change the tyres it would transform the riding experience, but I don't think it would totally change it"...WHAT!?!?! Do you know what transform means?? I'd be interested to see a genuine comparison on the centre of gravity compared to the KTM but your comment "...screwed it up, thrown it in the bin..." is quite flippant and lacks insight. It may be your "style" of presentation but you sound like you've got a personal gripe so its very hard to accept your review as genuine.
That price is pretty steep...the Tuareg will be bought in Belgium for about 12000km. That's a massive price difference
I guess you have to start with what Husqvarna wanted the bike to be in the first place .
Maybe the didn’t want to take the match with the Ktm?
By the look of it they seem to be aiming at a more comfortable long distance adventure bike with god but not class leading of road skills .
And by the looks of it it seems to have a less plastic and more rugged quality feel to it .
This is maybe more suited to Bmw riders that want something different but not necessarily more gravel intended like the Ktm 🤷♂️
Love the honest and detailed review! Really allows to consider pros and cons before cashing in into something which is not available for test ride yet. Thank you! Tuareg to be the next!
Ooh, you’ll not be invited back 😱🤭😀
Thanks for vid. 2 things - the Scorpion rally has a ridge at about 50% of the width - this alone will make the bike "drop" across it, giving you the sensation you explained. 2nd, I suspect if the forks were dropped only 2-3mm in the clamps, you'd get less sudden sideways dip on turning. I've experienced both on my 1290 and once attended to, it transformed. Cheers
Everyone replaces stock tires so a moot point...
I didn't change my cb500x stock tires ans already on 11.000km on them. Not all people replace those
@@henrietn I agree. I should've been clearer by saying many will (should) change tires to fit the type of riding they will mostly do.
@@ThrillaPark absoluty correct
@@ThrillaPark exactly , in comparison tests where they dont put all the bikes on the same tires it is disappointing , to me almost voids said test
When I first saw the Norden 901 concept I thought wow 🤩 I love the aesthetic. I’ve read two ride reviews and both say it’s good but….. the KTM 890 is better especially off road.
I will test ride it, but it’s too road focused for me!
Perhaps Husky have left room for the Norden 901 Rally ???? But that will be even more expensive.
The 890 Adv r is getting my money - I just wish it looked better
They said it was going to be class leading lightness, it´s even heavier than the bike it´s based on, let alone the competition.
Interesting comment about Husqvarna screwing up the low weight from the fuel tanks. Did they move more fuel higher? That's a main improvement on the 890!
they have made textbook bike but haven't tested properly on ground.
I like the opening with engine sounds and quiet music
was hoping that the 901 was going to be the second coming, rather than just a middle variant of the 890. I was initially disappointed but at the end of the day its a great platform which now is available w/o the hideous praying mantis/transformer robot look of the 790/890. But having said all of this will now look to buy a second hand 890R and go through the headache of a headlight change (possible if your prepared to make the effort). This way I spend less, get more suspension travel, no fairing that will break offload and end up having a great looking bike too
How did it crash for you ?😬
You can get lower foot pegs too.
Hope you enjoyed my island riding the Norden.
Great review and photage. 😉
I love it!
Beautiful setting…where is it?
@@yarub1 Ilha de São Miguel Azores
If Husky wants to sell bikes in the US, we need some dealerships established. Few want a bike with little to no dealership network for service and warranty claims.
Another fine review, Toad ! 👌🙂👍
I always come to you guys first because USA based websites fail to deliver in a timely manner.
Keep up the great work.
Nicely reasoned and explained ...I agree that it looks like they've aimed it more as a soft adventure bike than like the R. Cheers
You are the only tester that critizaized the Norden in that way....🤔
The only one that crashed it too apparently 👀
I really don't like the paint job at all. It almost looks retro (I know it isn't), but not in a good way. Considering the Svartpilens looks so damn good (and a few of their others aren't so bad either), this is a bit of a visual let-down, in my opinion.
the front looks dull and heavy. let's see what the next generation KTM 890 fairing will look like
@@kloppskalli haha, yeah! On that exact point, after posting this I went straight to the KTM site to see if they had any 2022 models up for show yet!
@@Kincoran there were some pictures of a still heavily camouflaged new, possibly more eye-friendly middle weight kato Adv in the news a couple of months ago.. help is near.. 😄
Love your honesty👍
Hi, Toad!! Please... U can do it more than that, or perhaps show us the jersey that you went to the final dinner of Norden apresentation. Really!? What a freak!!
I WAS very excited for this bike, i don’t know how you can say this is very close to the concept! I’ll be sticking with my 1190 adventure R.
15,000 Euros for a made in China PoJ that will break down in the middle of nowhere 80 times out of 90? No, thank you! KTM and BMW have some audacity to still put premium prices on their products, while surely paying peanuts to the factory workers. Is there any limit to the greed of these corporations?
Good looking bike. This bike reminds me quite a lot of my ktm990 adventure. Bit pricey though.
Personally, I love the desain...
Interesting how it looks so much like the Tenere 700. I get it, it’s the style of those bikes, but hell, the color scheme (matte black, white, and fluorescent yellow) screams “TENERE 700” loud and clear. Yamaha should take it as a compliment. Haha!
I just spent all afternoon testing an 890 Adventure R and it was excellent. The Norden will have to be exceptional to beat it. Next try out on my list.
And, have you ridden a Norden yet & if so, your verdict please.
@@peterrick3339 No! I tested a 2018 Africa Twin Adventure Sport and fell in love!! Bought it on the spot. Excellent value 2nd hand. Fully equipped and, of course, cheaper than a Norden. I'm going to wait and maybe hunt out a good used Norden in a couple of years.
I can't wait for your review of the April Tuareg, I think that will be the new benchmark in the middle weight segment. So far it looks like it does everything well
Very good and honest review!
Handsome bike... can't really say that about the orange one
To me it seems to be a dialed down KTM, which to me is a good thing. I think it could be competing for the attention with the africa twin, or perhaps V-strom. Probably they didnt make it in order to take buyers from their KTM bikes, but to offer something a little bit different to buyers that are looking for something more road biast touring focused, with the ability to do gravel really good aswell...? In the rewiew it is compared to KTM all the time, and understanably so, but it would be more interesting to hear the rewiew if it was compared to, lets say, the V-strom...
How many more times do you want to mention the tyres? The fact they are squared off then fair enough, but complaining about the stock tyres is like complaining about the colour of a prostitutes underwear. It has zero impact given they will be removed rather quickly. Visor Down are trying but for some reason UK publications just aren't at the same standard as some independents and foreign publications when it comes to reviewing adventure bikes.
Excellent as always
I'm thinking at 5 foot 7 you feel forward I am 5 9 I feel pretty ok but if we were 6 2 I bet it's perfect...
Did you seriously crash the bike????
This review is flawed from the get go. This bike was not built to be a ktm 890 adventure clone. It is different on purpose. You should review the bike based on its own merits. I think the review missed the mark by constantly comparing it to the ktm.
That was exactly my thought as well and I totally agree.
well it is the same chassis engine ect so its more than a fair comparo
Good review that tells me what I want to know. I’m a whole inch taller than you and my GSA is getting to be a bit of a handful as I get older. I’m looking for lighter and skinnier (the bike too). The 890 is on my radar and whilst I like the look of the Norden I hate the hard luggage which is just the usual generic metal boxes that are compromised by the needlessly protruding silencer and make the overall width vast. The soft luggage is similarly awful seen on the move despite looking great in the promo pics. Not one for me. With you on the aesthetics of the 890 but some colour combinations make a big difference.
I’m holding fire for the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and still have a soft spot for the uncomplicated and much cheaper Tenere 700 which can be upped to a 23 litre aftermarket tank and decent range.
The Husqvarna has been given a distinctive design, which is better than the KTM ugly headlight design, whoever at KTM thought that looks good, needs to see a optician.
Nonsense. The 890 and 901 have virtually the same tank configuration. The center of gravity on the Norden is lower than the 890 and improves the handling. Everything you say is ‘above’ the handlebars is cosmetic and has no effect on handling. But yes the screen is bad and needs to be raised and/or fork draft redirected.
901 R 🤞
Interesting how it looks so much like the Tenere 700. I get it, it’s the style of those bikes, but hell, the color scheme screams “TENERE 700” loud and clear. Yamaha should take it as a compliment. Haha!
Damn!! 15000 euros is like 17+ US dollars. Better styled and more touring focused ktm for a couple grand more. Not sure if that’s what people wanted but hell the triumph is tiger is about that price🤷🏾♂️ so it’s “market priced” I guess
US pricing was announced at $13,999 USD
@@flattopwill it’s def way better value than the tiger. Much better looking than the ktm. Better touring than both ktm models but Not as good off road. This fits the bill to me
one could also get a CB500X for 7000 EUR and that's goina take you everywhere the KTM and the Norden go.. just a tiny little bit slower
@@kloppskalli 👌🏾 bit.
@@flattopwill It's $15,199 in Canada, which is $12,168USD today, or 10,600 Euros, so for once we Canucks seem to be getting the deal!
What do you mean not as good... not as good on the road, off road, overall... there is some bias to it but you haven't given any actual comparison. Just general critique with no specifics.
Oh dear. 44 teeth said it was the best bike ever..
You’re just starting shit 😂
44T would actually know........
@@bjm4148 hmmmm. $$$$$$
@@alrightdave6135 or just actual riders with a modicum of talent ? ( And personality ?)
@@bjm4148 I would normally agree but Maybe £ talks? Very odd
I love the looks over the Ktm
Between 14-15 HA! More like €17.400 in the Netherlands.
Crashes bike, gives it a bad review when all other reviews rave about it LOL
He didn’t, it was another journalist
Say it like you see it Toad! 👍
not sure if it worth it, for this price I can buy the africa twin 🤔
overly biased review
Ahh yes the “Hipsters” KTM
You do get that feeling.
Wow, an honest bike journo. I’m in shock, have never seen anything like it. I agree with his comments, a dull looking bulky rehash of the 890 adventure with crap dirt tyres and an ugly old fashioned front light.
Possibly not a bike for me
They’re only tyres, and more importantly, why would they just make another adventure r or standard. And, watch Chris Birch’s video’s , weight over the front. Pommie nufty.
It would transform the bike, not change it? 😂 love it. Good review though.
I meant totally solve it. The pain of having to clear a review in one take!
@@visordown it’s all good. Great 1-take review.
Subscription for honesty!
Someone not liking a bike doesn’t instantly mean “honesty”. I guess he’s honest about not enjoying the bike but that doesn’t mean all the other (more positive) journos are wrong. With all respect to the reviewer, he’s not the best rider in the world and also fell off I believe which may cloud his judgement, hence not enjoying the bike so much. No mention of the crash in the video mind… that would be honest to mention wouldn’t it?
I have nothing against ‘Toad’ (other than the ridiculous name) but everyone is acting like he’s calling out the old guard when the reality seems to be he struggled to ride the bike and fell off it… which as I said of course would affect his opinion. He’s also constantly comparing it to the Adventure R, which this is definitely not intended to compete with 🤷🏼♂️
Honesty would be admitting he crashed the bike and that soured the review
@@Mockle07 oh man, if only you had heard reviews by "professional" journalists in my native language, I would never have expected that you could go so deep up someone's ass. As soon as I see that a review is done on one of these press trips, I already know that the motorcycle will be the best in the world, there has never been a better one and there won't be, of course until the next press trip with another manufacturer. And here I heard both the pros and cons, I take that as honesty, even if it is a subjective opinion, but isn't every opinion subjective? Crash? So what, it's an ADV motorcycle, after all, rolling over on them is inevitable. I do not want to take part in some wars between the channels it is unfortunately also very visible in my country.
@@wiktor88 hahaha that’s a fair comment, I do realise that many of these press reviews do seem somewhat glowing in their praise, I have seen it get worse and worse over the last 20 years.
Nothing wrong with crashing an off road bike, but my point was that ‘Toad’ may have been a touch out of his depth here and his lack of enjoyment is blamed on the bike rather than his ability. (This is conjecture of course, as I wasn’t there)
I just don’t get why he was comparing it to the Adventure R and saying it’s basically not a hardcore off road bike... it’s very clearly not supposed to be.
I have no affinity to any channel, there are numerous things about 44 teeth I don’t like but this situation does seem a bit odd.
@@daviebanks1065 but he didnt
So heavy, just buy an 990 and mod the heck out of it ie just strip it :P and walla you got perfect adventure bike.
Been there, done that. Was a great bike but the 890advR is better
@@montaego How can an 200kg+ curb weight bike be better than a bike with up to 40-50kg less?
@@Pillokun the proof is in the pudding
@@montaego but how can a so much heavier bike be better than a lighter bike. 990 stripped is so much lighter than a stock 890 adventure/r. How can a heavier bike be a better adventure/offroad bike?
i had a 990 & 1090R both , havent ridden the 890r yet but got a brief ride on a 790s and seat of the pants feel it felt like half the heft of the 1090r
The tank is exactly the same as from the ktm 890 adv and r. first bad review out of dozens which all praised the handling. don‘t belive it, sorry.
Agreed
strange biased review. the frame, engine and fuel tank is 1:1 from the 890. only the seat has a different shape and the front fairing is different, but this can only have a minimum to non influence on the center of gravity, handling or make it „top heavy“. But for sure the suspension is softer and does make the Husky more comfortable and less sportive. But that‘s a matter of taste and you can dial in and harden the setup of the suspension
You’re both wrong. The Norden loses a litre over the 890 and the tank is slimmer at the bottom. That pushes the fuel up, like squeezing a balloon. That plus taller suspension, more top fairing, has, in my mind, altered the handling dynamics.
Ps, I was in the press briefing re fuel tank changes, that info came from Husky…
The top is the first bit of fuel to go under consumption so did the top-heaviness feel the same through out? Fairing feel is interesting, if the fairing was bolted to the front fork (like the Harleys) then I could see that. Is the rake angle still the same?
Agreed.
Im bummed to hear about the performance of the norden... but it still sounds like a good buy because the ktms are SO UGLY i could NEVER own one.
I couldnt park my bike, walk away, look back, and think "f×@# that thing's ugly"
So after a few years when people get the Norden squared away itll be the way to go. 🤷♂️
You must have crashed your bike!? Whinny much brother...Perhaps you should have had someone ride for you. Sorry you had a horrible time with such an awful bike. I like it and think it'll be amazing.
Best part of the bike is the riding gear. 👌
Thumbs up is for the reviewer, thumbs down for the bike 👎🏼
thank you for your honesty. seems like it needed a few more minutes in the oven.
But its really ugly
Ooof, I can never take this reviewer seriously. As for this Norden, it just looks like a bloated 890R. Probably better to save the extra and go for that instead.
why? what's your problem with the reviewing..
I agree with you that the bike looks bloated.
@@kloppskalli He has openly stated that he has found bikes boring to ride in the past. I can't trust a reviewer that can't have fun on every bike he rides.
Sure you can have less fun on some bikes, but I have never found any bike boring to ride. 125's all the way up to 1200cc monsters, they all have their place and are fun to ride, but not outright boring.
To me it says more about the person rather than the bikes themselves, hence my comment. Just my opinion, though.
@@Mtthwpez well, if that is the problem, I can get over it.. Good thing is he's obviously not scared of not getting an email when the next new bike launches..
@@kloppskalli True!
Here in Australia I waited…waited…waited…went elsewhere! The biggest thing that pissed me off about the Norden was the ridiculous time frame from tease to disappointment. Badly played Husqvarna.👎🏼
first 😜
thanks!
You won a close battle! Congratulations
It's kinda ugly
3 words, heavy, ugly and expensive :(
Looks weird