Can the Husqvarna Norden 901 topple its adventure bike competition? | MCN Review

[@tonebonetones]

MCN a bit late to the party with this review. As it is, it's a bit of an irritating, snowflake review....watch the 44 teeth review, instead.

[@JK-tu1xx]

I would hardly say that at the price it's at it's "Knocking on the doors of big adventure bikes like the 1250 GS", it's about $5000 cheaper...

[@allant9432]

You get a gs for roughly the same price

[@johnmurphy4387]

@@allant9432 I have ordered this bike with a few extras ended up at about £13,500. Some of the extras like heated grips i didnt buy as they wanted £260.. Felt expensive to me..not sure how much they might be as an extra on a gs.

[@flattopwill]

Ya I don’t know anything about UK prices but in the US a base model R1250GS is at least $6k more. Not even close.

[@straightup1234]

@@allant9432 were u looking 👀, so expensive also in uk

[@justsomedude445]

@@allant9432 in the US a base GS is $20k and thats a hard find as all the ones in dealerships are $23k+ from what i saw , this bike is $14k

[@vidablue734]

These chaps must not be getting paid. Its not all about the English dude! Your reviews are sour as you clearly have some kind of medieval axe to grind?

[@unknown_user283]

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

[@JohnJay1745]

Prior to this review, I had a genuine interest in this motorcycle. Life is too short for motorcycles with tepid reviews. Today's motorcycles have become super refined and there are so many great choices. It's a great time to be a motorcyclist. PS - In this U.S. the MSRP for new BMW 1250 GS's as configured is in the $24,000 range, while the Norden costs about $14,000; i.e., the Norden is significantly less expensive than the GS and GSA.

[@tonebonetones]

If you base your bike purchases based on reviews by this guy, then you're going to need all the luck you can get lol. Watch the 44 teeth review.

[@chrishart8548]

Bmw are just overpriced in the US. Its £19k UK vs $24k US starting is £13,625 UK

[@timourr4572]

@@chrishart8548 umm 19k gbp is about 25k usd. Not sure of the point you’re making there.

[@1990-t1j]

Make your own mind up. Have a test ride.

[@Porsche996driver]

Is that you Captain Obvious? Those 2 bikes are not in the same class.

[@johnmurphy4387]

I have ordered one of these, I wanted a less power than my 1190 and couldn't live with the looks of an 890. Tenere 700 did not have enough tech for me and would only consider the Tuareg in the tricolore detailing they aren't available in UK at the moment...only time will tell if I made the right choice..

[@movem1]

Congrats and Hope you report back 👍. Norden reminds me of the 1090R.

[@beamdoctor5637]

@@movem1 Agree give us some updates after you have had it awhile. Price doesn't bother me. I am worried about his opinion on the feel to the handlebar and control.

[@johnmurphy4387]

@@beamdoctor5637 i did see it at the bike show NEC and sat on it, didnt really notice the reach to the handlebars although i am 6ft 5in so lack of reach has never really been a factor🙂

[@mathiasekarlsson]

Why not the Tiger 900 Rally Pro? Asking because the Norden and Tiger are on the top of my list.

[@johnmurphy4387]

@@mathiasekarlsson hi, I did test ride the tiger and I have had triumphs before.. I liked the sound of the engine and I felt comfortable on it immediately, very easy to ride..maybe too easy. I like something that excites me and I guess the step down from my 1190 was too much..bit more hp from the norden and I am guessing a slightly more punchy power delivery..

[@paulocarreiro5855]

It's interesting how different people can feel different things about the same bike! I went on a 30 km test ride, on those exact same roads you rode for the press launch (tarmac only), in the wet, and I found it to be the best bike of all the middle-weight adventure-style bikes I've ridden (4 or 5). I was really surprised! A personal preference, obviously, but I also think the bike is beautiful, and that would be, for me, a really strong selling point. I think you rode production bikes, since the dealership who welcomed you to Sao Miguel was selling their first Norden 3 or 4 weeks after the launch.

[@1990-t1j]

I'd rather have an 890R.

[@paulocarreiro5855]

@@1990-t1j I'm a very poor dirt rider, so I never tried the R. I rode the base 890 and I prefer the Norden in every way. The 890R looks magnificent, though!

[@elgringoec]

@@paulocarreiro5855 A poor dirt rider is looking in the wrong segment of bike.

[@anxiousappliance]

@@elgringoec ahh - the adv snob strikes.

[@elgringoec]

@@anxiousappliance I'm not seeing snobbery. People should get what they want. That said, there are different tools for different applications. Any of these adventure bikes, even the lightest middleweights are going to be a handful in the dirt for even a highly accomplished dirt rider so for a self proclaimed "very poor dirt rider" (I take that to mean unaccomplished, not financially deficient) to be looking in this segment (bikes optimized more for dirt performance) means paying extra for capabilities that won't get utilized. Someone not planning to hammer these off-road can get better road performance for less cash outlay and use the savings for bidenfuel.

[@cybu6466]

Thanks for sharing an honest point of view. There is no perfect bike but there are good reviewers and you set higher standards compared to the other tepid reviewers that basically repeat the marketing material of their hosts. Thanks!

[@justsomedude445]

fix the suspension and ergo's ect.. and yes this bike is pure magic , like cheating its soo damn good

[@AussieDazza]

Husk- a- varna ? 🤔 Husqvarna is pronounced like it is spelt. There is no letter a in the middle of the word.

[@MobilitySRU]

Damn dude. Seemed a bit of a whiney review. And all of the bikes you tried to compare it to, aside from the KTM's, cost much more for less offroad performance.

[@vidablue734]

Also, in terms or comfortable road going and super off road capable , I believe it’s peerless! You are missing it’s new Niche’. Hello dude !

[@MrEtnorb]

Amazing, what seems to be an honest review rather than showing a journo hooning about and sucking up to the brand.

[@gilbertoalvarez29]

Buying a 23 Husqvarna norden 901 expedition is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life so much fun is like my Tacoma I can go anywhere I love it

[@Porsche996driver]

Curious why the front end felt squirrelly off road. Flip side is the Tenere beats you to death. There are a lot of options here, but clearly you get what you pay for. 💯

[@Billsy69]

Worst bike review for this bike I’ve seen. MCN needs to up its game with this review. Go look at other reviews and ride the bike before making your mind up.

[@howlinhog]

The quick shifter on my 690 Enduro R is awesome! Full throttle up and down shifting is unbelievable. I don't ever want another bike that doesn't have it.

[@vidablue734]

This original tested dropped his bike. These people have axes to grind. Not sure why?!! Skewed review here !

[@Stefan-yw7ce]

Huskvarna not huskevarna, thank you 😁

[@pgkr67]

He forgetting that all the other bikes in that class, At, 850Gs, 900 Tiger etc are down in power and 15-20 kg heavier than the Norden. Regarding the 1250 gs. Here in Dk, the Norden only cost about half of that..

[@chrishart8548]

The tiger 900 is 220kg even a 790 adventure is 213kg this must be at least 220kg. I've found 217.7 kg wet.

[@flattopwill]

@@chrishart8548 the Norden weighs the same as a 790 (measured by Rottweiler Perf). The Tiger is 15kg heavier, 11hp fewer, and $3000 USD more….

[@chrishart8548]

@@flattopwill since this I've seen the specs on the 901 it's remarkable the power the weight and the price. 105hp 214kg price is lower than any of the the competitors. I think if they can deliver the bikes. Its a win. Even has 19 litres of fuel.

[@richwilson5412]

It’s not just the lower weight - having picked mine up yesterday, those low tanks ‘hide’ the kilos so well. It is pretty tall though.

[@justsomedude445]

@@chrishart8548 ride one , on paper is 1 thing but the 901 much like the 890 is deceptive , seat of the pants feel it feels like it is at least 100Lb's lighter than my buddies 850gs and feels like it is half the weight or less of the africa twin

[@BS32768]

Thanks for bringing out the negatives and the positives - 44teeth basically clowned visordown for their criticisms in their review and gushed all over it. Wonder if they are willing to question the riding skills of MCN now.

[@drstumpltd5131]

have they sorted to ABS on/off road issue yet mentioned in the vid?

[@JeffGillis1]

Your review has crushed my anticipation and exuberance for this bike. Glad to hear your brutal yet honest review of the bike though.

[@paulhobbs635]

Wow neeveys reviews are drab 🙄 but this fella is as dull as dish water please no more reviews 🤣🤣🤣

[@windinthewillows6248]

One of the worst reviews I’ve ever watched, its an adventure bike not a sports bike. Oh and it £12,349 in the UK, not near 13k, and a basic GS1250 starts at £13,945, before you add any extras!

[@redmandubblyou9833]

So were you the journo that crashed on the launch? That was the most mundane MCN review I've seen. All the other journalists loved it.

[@Mockle07]

No that would be the guy from Visor Down, who was also a bit underwhelmed by the bike. It does seem that the less confident/competent off road riders of the journo group seemed to like it the least… fancy that 😂

[@evoemperor3776]

Ktm and husqvarna should build a true lightweight adv with the 690 engine.

[@Tiax776]

Can't topple if the coolant hoses aren't even tightened at factory.

[@pistonhead31]

Desagree! What is the better option for the money? 1250 gs it's 16 500

[@ashleyrhodes9974]

Great, authorative no-nonsense report. Not sure about the sweater, though!

[@fredrik999z]

The worst review I have ever seen for this bike. Complaining about the windshield and handlebar as a deal breaker when there are cheap aftermarket parts that can fix that. Even Husqvarna sells a branded windshield extender. For the price there are no better spec bike. It blows the bigger bikes away in terms of handling and performance. It got quick shifter and cruise control as standard for $14 000, if you want that on BMW 850 GS you have to pay well over $15 000 and it's an older platform. Yamaha Tenere 700 is cheaper but also a lot simpler bike with too soft suspension and high center of gravity. T7 only got 70 hp compared to 105 hp for the Norden 901. This guy do not know what he is talking about...

[@peterrick3339]

While it's subjective, if windshield & handlebars can be rectified by cheap (NOT) aftermarket parts, why not fit stuff that works in the first place. Cheaper for Husqvarna to do it than owners. Maybe you should start a web site and then you can give us your expert opinion on bikes and things. I can't wait.

[@richwilson5412]

To be honest I believe the handlebars adjust up to 30mm as standard so he hasn’t tried very hard to get comfy. At 5ft6 he us a little shorter than ever age so should have considered adjusting. The value comparison is garbage too. We live in a world of expensive bikes now and this is firmly in line with others.

[@fredrik999z]

@@peterrick3339 Norden 901 is by it's name designed for the riding conditions in Norway, Sweden and Finland which is a combination of long distances of twisty gravel roads, highway touring and light offroad trails. Adding to that you should be able to take pretty much camping gears with warm cloths. For that purpose the Norden 901 is probably the best bike on the market. The average scandinavian male is around 180 cm (5'10") which this bike is designed for. The test rider is shorter and have not ride it in standing position for lots of km on twisty gravel roads which require a push forward position for not getting exhausted. I would say it is not the bikes problem is the test riders problem that he can not feel comfortable for the type of riding he prefer (sitting).

[@justsomedude445]

@@peterrick3339 because every rider changes ergonomic things like that , they pick a middle ground , i dont remember ever not changing out bars/wind shields , pegs ect on any bike ive ever bougth

[@martinmackye9865]

What does this dude look like he won the Heisman in 1947.

[@jimperry4420]

Just needs a Derby hat and a cigar! 😂

[@azoresunique]

Filmed on Sao Miguel Island #azores islands.

[@philipjames3526]

Due to all the videos on this bike - I’m now off to the Azores next week! So it’s at least helped the tourist board :-)

[@samjanko8946]

Haska-varna ,as you mangling their company's name didn't impress you- to say at least. Some good points, though. Hus-qvarna supposed to deliver a batter final product, especially after so many years of teasing the bike. Much ado about just good enough.

[@MrEtnorb]

Thanks for putting him right with his incorrect pronunciation of the name. Says a lot about the bike journos.

[@filthymcnastyazz]

Whut?

[@ulihanel7078]

and KTM is owned by an Indian company

[@thevtadventure1062]

I’m hoping they are going to make a 1301 Norden more suited for two up riding. Love the styling and colors.

[@richwilson5412]

Mine just arrived. It feels to have more pep than my BMW f800gt and the tiger xc it replaces both of which did fine two up. I’d be surprised if it struggled too much.

[@miro_s]

Thanks. Have you ever tried the KTM 890 adv R? How does it compare?

[@justsomedude445]

same bike with diff suspension and bodywork

[@JeffGillis1]

What’s interesting is you and bike world bothe use the same static photo and appear sequentially in my video feed, yet your reviews are near completely opposite 😜

[@danieledifonzo3744]

Too bad that the only tires listed in the booklet have speed code V (240 km / h) and there are no alternative tires ... (it is difficult to find something less road with code higher than Q or at most H). Husquarna (ktm) made the same mistake that Honda made with the Africa twin just released (which he remedied with the clearance before ... for those who want to argue with the Civil Motorizations ... and with the update of the booklet then). This information that almost never gives anyone is that you discover only after buying the bike

[@s.venkateswarpatnaik2484]

Very Nicely you have briefed about the Market Leder Motorcycles Company's Motorcycle.You looked very Active and Good during your briefing.Keep Enjoying🏍️🏍️🏍️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@SCQT]

The Norden is the first bike I've gotten that i didn't have to replace the seat, they pretty much nailed that part. Overall an awesome bike, but the suspension really is definitely too softly sprung. Fork dive even just on the street is deeeeeep Im sure the incoming expedition version will solve all suspension woes, and totally piss me off that they didn't just offer it like that from the start.

[@mechcavandy986]

I put a taller screen on my Norden. That solved the wind problem. And I put risers on the bars and moved them back a little.

[@MrEtnorb]

Motorcycle windscreens are the enduring fail of all makers. Nobody cares about rider comfort. Seats are equally bad.

[@micaKTM1290]

Just because you want a certain mode for a condition doesn't mean you want another automatically changed. I have a KTM 1290 and like that it doesn't link the 2 together. More options for the rider.

[@ianross225]

I got very bored with the delays and excuses for them. One such was that there were patent issues with the adaptive cruise control which, I’m not mistaken, isn’t even fitted. Even getting a response from a dealer was fruitless let alone a test ride. I’m sure I’m not alone. Honda got my business in the end.

[@Aprival]

Great and what I like super honest review. Can t wait for your new review!!!

[@Firestorm637]

Husky bikes always are cool designs

[@bella_testastretta]

cool designs but so cheaply made :/

[@NudaMan]

@@bella_testastretta not when they were owned by bmw ( for example “TheRoyalJordanian’s” 2012-2013 Husqvarna Nuda 900 R with a BMW F800 engine in it bored out to 898cc’s) bike was put together in Italy, if you look closely at the switch gears you’ll see them on aprilias too 😉 and we all know aprilias aren’t that much cheaper than ducatis lol

[@swedbear4035]

I think the production bike looks like a prototype and the prototype more like a finished product, tbh. Bit like throwing together parts from different bikes that don't really add up 🤔

[@bigred8438]

I thought the tank had been slimmed down because they managed to have two additional separate petrol tanks lower down on either side?

[@georgepasson5656]

Wow, the frankness on you! Thank you, much appreciated.

[@mabsbry1318]

Hi. Twitchy front end feeling- that doesn’t sound good for an adventure bike. Does it feel more twitchy than the ktm stable mate? Thanks

[@justsomedude445]

i did not experience that and this is the first ive heard , tire choice or dialing in suspension id say

[@sbrew9033]

Such a great review..how about the F850 adventure?

[@bens_gone_nomad5299]

I was interested in the bike till I seen the expected 34kAUD pricing in Australia which is 1290R money and after owning a 2016 1290R it’d be hard to justify forking that amount of cash for a bike that does nothing particularly better than either 7/890 or 1290’s. I’d also like to see a review where they mention general costs associated with the bike and any known faults as with the TFT screens which still fail after a short time or have defects.

[@redmandubblyou9833]

$25050 Aud ride away.

[@DarKRid3R21]

I dont want to see your face i want to see the bike !

[@specialized500]

Nice jumper

[@stefankoles]

that's also what I was thinking about

[@JeffGillis1]

If you had to choose the best value for a middle weight adv bike from BMW, Triumph or ? (Not going to buy a ktm as they look like insects, not going to buy a Yamaha because they make great musical instruments but I’m just not into them) so what’s left Ducati desert sled? Great bike but the name alone triggers an insurance premium…. What’s a mixed terrain rider to do?

[@flattopwill]

The T7 is the best value. Next is Norden. If you don’t like those consider the Tuareg?

[@justsomedude445]

best value is the Yamaha T7 of course but top heavy and just 70hp , then you exclude the hands down best performing bike in the class , by a comfortable margin , because of looks ??

[@Blazemon9999]

Where's Neevesy? Bikes a little to boring for Michael?

[@Mockle07]

He’s not the only journalist at MCN 😂

[@Zbroja69]

Are these made in India like KTM?

[@chrishart8548]

Bmw r1250gs from £13,625 f850gs from £10,015

[@TestingTesting1]

Excellent review

[@Rwar007]

Any other color options?

[@MrMountainHawk]

For that sweater 😂?

[@nickthequick]

I definitely hear a 6 out of 10 score

[@kevinleeratanankorn2773]

Learn to pronounce Husqvarna first maybe ffs

[@Firestorm637]

70-100 pounds lighter than Pan America, BMW 1250 gas, african twin, Super Adventure 1290r. Less weight off road really helps. Halo bikes becoming too expansive anyway. This is more a Goldilocks bike

[@oldtimer3824]

Norden 901 is 482 pounds wet. Only 20-25 pounds lighter than base Africa Twin 1100 with manual transmission, not reasonable to compare it to the mega full-sized ADV touring BMW R1250GSA - which as you state is 101 pounds heavier.

[@justsomedude445]

@@oldtimer3824 seat of the pants feel it feels like half the weight of an africa twin , way outperforms it by a country mile and then some

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

AWESOME AMAZING FANTASTIC MAGICAL

[@bella_testastretta]

given that this is a KTM in a husqvarna body suit (cheap plastic fairings and half-assed paint job), it will be a fun bike but cheaply made. Had the same headlight on my vitpilen 401 and my buddy's svartpilen 701 and both had never ending condensation issues even after getting them replaced twice. This bike will also have guaranteed headlight condensation issues too. Save yourself some headache and just get another bike lol

[@markjacobs3956]

It's a KTM 890 with a round headlight, same gremlins and a much smaller dealer network. I'll stick with my tried and proven T Rally Pro.

[@perryburns6515]

Unfortunately this Norden, like a lot of new bikes, are just marketing exercises

[@justsomedude445]

how is that ?? you mean the bike doesnt exist just marketing for it or ??

[@pistonhead31]

Change end of your video and do it quickly!

[@honeycbr9370]

Motorcycle launch in India ?????

[@Mike-hk6rw]

Most underrated channel .