Husqvarna Norden 901 - First impression, first smiles

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

Amazing motorcycle looks really cool - more please

[@steffenwurster352]

I love this video, the bike, Portugal and off road, of course

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey, thanks for watching (Again! :D) I dont usually make "helmet cam videos", but this time I had to :D The proper Norden review will be ready probably only in 2-3 weeks :(

[@ferkuzuel]

Wow Diogo I think this is the happiest that I have seen you doing a motorcycle review, am glad you got the chance to spend time using the TC, and quickshifter,

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I didnt even bother to turn off the TC...it never bothered me offroad (as long as he bike is in offroad mode.. in street mode its impossible to ride fast with the TC on). I felt very happy with the bike... Its still a big cow...but perhaps the most pleasant and easy to ride big cow i've tried in a while :D

[@jjp6263]

Seeing this I almost regret buying the T7. But then again: it takes a talented rider to appreciate and handle such a fine piece of engineering.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Dont regret it! The T7 is still a great bike! Actually, i want to try one again now so i can compare both more accurately. It has been a year since i last rode a T7 :o

[@marcochavane3124]

I rode both back to back and prefer the 890/901. I've always avoided KTM bikes but it was a night and day difference in terms of power and low speed technical maneuvering. The T7 felt very top heavy and was much more tame. The 899cc KTM powerplant is on another level. I've had WR250Rs, WR450Fs, a DRZ400E, and recently sold my CRF300L Rally that I had $2k in suspension on and all the power mods like CBR cams. I'm ready for a larger displacement ADV bike and originally rode 3 hours to test ride an Africa Twin but it sold before I got there. Walked next door and test rode a T7 and the 890 Adventure R. My perspective on KTM/Huskys was totally changed after that. They really are incredible in so many areas.

[@MatthewBrigham-1]

I always come here for good reviews, tips and humor.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks man! I am working on a proper review, maybe out in a couple of weeks, maybe 3 :)

[@impact0r]

I am really pleased to have found your channel. I think you provide a great material backed by being and experienced rider, and serve it in a unique and authentic fashion, spiced up with some humour that is not cringe - which is rare. Easily became my one of my top3 moto channel. I am confident the snowballing of you subscriber base is inevitable. By the way, I saw you have access to your friend's Super Tenere. Would be great to watch your perspective on it - it seems to be a very underappreciated big ADV bike.

[@colinshurey976]

Great video Do you think its better than the Triumph Rally Pro

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Ooh, nice! Can't wait to see more vids on this bike. Enjoy!!

[@vidiot9000]

Such a fun video!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I really need to make a propper review now, talking about the goods and the bads... I had so much fun in this one i think most people found it exagerated, considering my previous criticism of big bikes :o

[@jamescummings4130]

Like I mentioned on your 390 video, the quick shift makes sense on the bigger brother bikes

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

It works brilliantly on this one :D

[@miguelprando_959]

Gran prova ed obiettivo come sempre Un piacere seguirti durante i giri nella tua splendida terra :-)

[@joshuaroe3021]

I appreciated your review. I was really leaning towards the 390 until you gave an honest and brutal review of it. I come from moderate off-road riding and focus on that aspect while thinking I need a bike that is amazing on the road. You've helped shape my expectations on these bikes. Thank you.

[@Vegasalieri]

Parabéns Diogo. Amazing work Matteo

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Matteo? O Matteo? Que é feito de ti? :D

[@GFSNic]

Your happiness is contagious, it's great to see you having fun like this. I still have some reservations about the bike, well only about the reliability of the bike really. The experience of big rock moto on YT confirms me in this impression. Great fun anyway.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Richard bought 7 of these, so in a few months I will be able to talk about common problems and other issues...so far so good! (But we only have a total of ~2000km through all bikes) I also have some reservations, especially cause the first time I tried the bike, riding slowly with a few photographers i was "meh!" regarding the suspensions... then a few days later I took the bike for a 2 day trip alone (where I got this footage) and I found everything very good. I really need to understand what changed before I commit to a final opinion and final considerations. But I did enjoy the bike those 2 days... i shit you not :D

[@GFSNic]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse Thanks for your answer, I will follow this with interest because honestly, the rest of the aspects of the bike (chassis balance, weight distribution, quality of the parts, etc) seem to approach a certain idea of perfection. But I still appreciate the simplicity and reliability of my ex cb500x and my current T7. And now, I'm off to create my own adventure. 😄

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@GFSNic if you own a T7 you shouldnt even be looking at other bikes :D Its definitely one of the best possible bikes out there ^^

[@tuskenridertv2678]

I want one! Looks like you were having sooo much fun. I hope it was not some mushrooms you had. Ah ah ah! Great looking bike.

[@noelbrown6771]

The ability of that motorcycle to perform on any portion of the trail really came across on the video. If I didn't know before hand what you were riding, I would have guessed you were riding a 450cc not an Adventure bike. No wonder you had such a blast!

[@howlinhog]

I've never owned an offroad bike with a steering damper. It took me a while to figure out why my 901 made me look so good in the sand, but I think it's the damper. Has anybody else had the same experience with the 901? Is it the geometry of the bike or is it the damper? Not sure. I'm not taking it off to test my theory. But I am impressed. Oh, and the power, WOW! Linear and controllable. I'd really like a foam filter but the only options I know have you remove the snorkel from the inlet of the airbox and I've already went through water up to my tail pipe and if I had removed the snorkel from my airbox I'd be telling a sad story right now.

[@joaopinto8010]

It's crazy how even a more experienced rider like you feels so much joy when riding a much powerful bike with 2x the HP of your regular bike😅 at the end of the day we're all kids trying to have fun on our new toy🤣 notwithstanding it certainly looks like an amazing bike with a hefty price tag for the common portuguese mortal👌👌✌️

[@miguelpedro33]

Deve se um espetáculo, quando funciona.

[@marksmissaert6471]

You were on John’s bike last time I heard you so excited!!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Exactly! John's bike has even more impressive suspensions (taller, more wheel travel), but this one feels lighter, lower, and it has even more traction/grip... Its perhaps the easiest heavy bike i've tried

[@KenpachiZarakiX]

Here to help the algorithm!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Ahah, thanks man!

[@roverroko306]

I have to say, man really great review, I believe you just convinced me this bike is for me, it's so great on any surface and any difficulty of road and track, it's amazing. The way you rode the bike in this video pretty much made up my mind, I am gonna sell my R9T and buy this bike. Norden is the one bike to do it all. I am 179cm tall, so I am a bit worried it might be to tall for me, well for my stature will the seat be the right height for me? Just seen a review where a 188cm tall guy claims it's a big, tall bike, that he could not flat foot the bike in the low seat setting? 85cm ? My 9T has got a taller seat option it's at about 81cm height, I have bent knees on my bike, so I could imagine another 4,5 even 6 cm up and I would still flat foot no problem. Since I am from Croatia there's no dealers that have this bike even on the show room flor. A Demo ride, well forget it, I am gonna have go to Austria for that. Also probably to buy one a slightly used maybe for 12-13000€.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Thanks for such a nice comment! I am 179cm tall as well and I am doing really well with this bike. However, if you want this bike for offroad and dont have offroad experiencie (I dont know if thats the case) then i think you should spend some time with something smaller first. These bikes are only easy if you know +- what you are doing. After this "first impressions review" i did a propper review (1-2weeks after this one). Please check that one out, its much better =)

[@roverroko306]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse thanks for your answer, I am nota novice rider. I’ve been on bikes since 14 years old, and I am now 46. At this moment I don’t ride an ADV bike, but it’s not like I haven’t ridden off-road many times on many different bikes including scooters even. So I don’t think that would cause any problems for me, just wanted to know if the bike would fit my size and stature. Also I am use to bikes 220kg + so not a problem, all the reviews say this Norden is very compact and easy to ride for an ADV bike, with most of the weight down low. No if I can flat foot this bike it’s gonna be perfect for me. But I don’t need to go crazy fast off-road like you, well at least not right away. FirstI would take it easy to get a real good feel for the bike Just likeI do with every new ride man.

[@Advcrazy]

I think it all depends on your legs. I’m 183 and could flat foot both sides on my 890Adventure R with the +20mm rally seat on. I have long legs for my height though. So depends a bit on your proportioning. Would have though 179cm and normal proportions would have been fine on a norden

[@justsomedude445]

like mine gotta be honest though i wish i could have got the up-spec "R"'s suspension

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I wish i could test it at least :D

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Obviously a high score acheived on the grin factor.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Definitely!... Those extra crazy horses under the hood really made a difference :D But i will conduct further tests and make a proper complete review ^^

[@czesioelektryk]

Did you try Tiger 900 Rally Pro?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

No, not yet :( Did you?

[@cambag77]

Judging on the happiness that shines through to ths side of the screen, I think we may lose you to the James Bond side of things... For the more thorough review, i'd like a comment on the reliability of the electronics (I can't seem to shake off a certain mistrust). Very good video, the fun is so palpable it can double as a husky commercial. And visitportugal. I mean, that bridge crossing? the lonely mountainside dirt roads and curvy asphalt? Beautiful sights. To think that that is your job... you're aware you are a lucky one, aren't you?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I am afraid that indeed i got a bit lured into the "James Bond side of things" with this one :D Now I will have to make a pretty good review and explain very well my position...I think it will be an awesome introspective journey :D As for my life and job... I really am aware of that! Sometimes I even tell my girlfriend: "Things are going so well so fast it makes me afraid.. its just too good to be real". I'm still not making enough money from this KZbinr venture (and associated services, like working here and there as an instructor/guide), I am still in the "investment phase", but if things go right and I can actually earn a decent wage, then definitely this is one of the best "life-styles" I could think of. (Now with the Jarvis Tours maybe finally I will make some money, but we need clients for that...its all very recent and very new),.

[@ricardopuentescottish4211]

Funcionaria de la misma manera su hermana KTM 890?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

The 890R should be even better than this one... The 890 Adventure, probably a bit worse :o

[@mikeisland7382]

Remembers camera, "Whoops, let's set a good example here"

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Im only human xD

[@joaocorreia1151]

Acho que a serra da Lousã te deixou alterado 😜

[@nomadhabit]

Way too expensive and heavy 🙈 what phone mount are you using, any good?

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I'm using a phone mount from ali-express. Cheap, gets the job done but I wouldn't say its good. It shakes a lot and I dont think it holds the phone with enough grip (i have a zip-tie reinforcing the thing) =) As for the bike...yeah, its another 200kg+ bike, but this one feels lighter than most of the same segment. I'm enjoying it quite a lot

[@aib666]

Whoa, you seem clearly way more excited with this one compared to the 690 (aka 701)

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

To be honest , i like my 690 review but i feel i didnt convey correctly my feelings about the bike. The 690/701 are so good they would probably be my choice to replace my bike (the xt660r). The Norden is a very good big bike...still a big bike. Maybe the best i've tried, but perhaps still too big for "true" adventure, where you dont know where you are going to end up...(i mean, we are not pol tarres or chris birch :p) ... But, considering i am going to use them only on curated tracks made specifically meant to be enjoyed on big adv bikes, i am really excited! Its capacities far exceed "the common adv bike". Now i need to try a T7 again so I can compare it in detail. I also love the T7, but right now i think the norden might be superior in most things

[@vidiot9000]

I absolutely love my Svartpilen 701. Incredible speed and handling.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

Rumors of Gas Gas 400 Enduro and Adventure models. If Gas Gas followed up with 500cc and 600cc, it would be heaven :->

[@RazzyBCF]

Would love to see you do a comparison with the KTM it's based on as alot of reviews have the KTM being much better ergonomically etc.

[@ragezor]

How come you are so excited for 901 but you were almost kinda meh when testing KTM 690 Enduro or AJP PR7? It seems like Husky is better offroad than other two (but we know it is not and can't be).

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

No, the 690 or the PR7 are definitely better offroad! They are much more offroad dedicated and weight 50kg less... The norden simply does an amazing job considering its size and engine capacity. I wouldnt choose the norden over the 690/701/PR7 if i was going to race a rally, but perhaps i would prefer the norden for a more 50-50 use. Anyway, the norden does an amazing job as the big adventure bike it is, and thats exciting. the T7 is pretty exciting as well! But i admit, there is a % of extra excitement from my part because i know i will be riding this thing quite often now :D

[@ragezor]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse did you try the KTM 890 Adventure R to compare it to the Husky? I know now is the big marketing push for Norden but would be nice to see real and honest comparison since they are basically the same bike just tuned differently.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

@@ragezor no! But now that i know the "890 platform" is so good, i have no doubts the 890R will be even better! Since it has superior suspensions and basically the same everything else. I will try to test one for sure... Actually, in November i might be involved in test-riding the new 2023 model... Lets hope so >=D

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@OFFroad-OFFcourse It would be interesting if you were invited and got to test drive the new Husqvarna Norden 501, KTM 490 Enduro (R?), KTM 490 Adventure (R?), Gas Gas ES700 Enduro and have the opportunity to test drive and compare with KTM 500 Exc and Husqvarna Fe501S. According to riders on dualsport forums, US has dual sports versions of the KTM 500 Exc and Husky 501 which apparently have longer service intervals, as they can carry more oil. They are apparently compression lowered, throttled and made to run generally. Have asked local dealers and they know these models and would also like to start selling them. Imagine if the European market could get these models. It's an exciting time when 450cc-650cc dual sport, lightweight adventure and travel enduros will be launched.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I would kill to test allt those bikes :( On the US they have a lot of cool dual-sports and "performance dual-sports" we dont have here. But..you are telling me that there is a US version of the 500EXC that is more "dual-sporty"?? I didnt know that. Are you sure? Maybe thay would explain why they love them over there and here we kinda neglet them :o

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse We have a limited budget and ride more and more off-road. So after riding almost all used Japanese dual sports bikes available, we became interested in, among other things, Husqvarna Fe350, KTM 350 Exc (15-17) which costs much like a Japanese used 600/650 dual sport from the mid-2000s. In some episodes, you tested a Husky Fe450 and seemed to like it off-road. Did you drive it on the highway? Many of the younger generation in Asia and the West, North / South America, Europe drive used and new Supermotos in the form of Drz400, plated 450 enduros from the big4 and KTM, Husky 350-500cc. They ride almost exclusively on asphalt and these bikes are enough for them, so they should be enough for us dual sports riders as well.

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse In the search for our next dual sports bikes, we were told that KTM, Husqvarna 350-500cc in the USA is marketed as Dualsport bikes. They differ from European models which are purer enduro competition models with shorter service intervals. Ktm 690, 701 etc. is a motorcycle that you can only ride "lighter enduro" with. KTM 690 Enduro (-14) which among other things was test driven is a little better offroad than Husqvarna 701 Enduro (-21) up gnarly single track, Husqvarna 701 Enduro felt a little more top heavy and not as well balanced offroad as 690 Enduro. Just slightly! But all the better on the highway at speeds 80-90 mph. We do not want and can not afford to buy brand new bikes that will still be dropped offroad. The decrease in value is also the worst in the first three years. We could definitely buy new lightweight 500cc-600cc bikes if the model was spot on and under 10k. But there are none ... yet!

[@dualsportscandinavia353]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse After testing sooo many many 400-700cc dual sport bikes, we have come to this conclusion: 1.Test drive newer used 2015-2017 KTM 500 Exc and Husqvarna Fe501S to see how they behave on the highway. Offroad, they are a dream. 2. Wait for the KTM 490 Enduro (R?) And Adventure (R?) Crucial is "weight and price!" 3. Husqvarna 701 Enduro 2017 at a reasonable price. If the KTM 500 Exc and Husqvarna 501 are the models we are looking for, we picked up that some riders have fitted steering dampers, e.g. from Scott and MSC Moto, which have improved stability off-road and on the highway. Before that, you have to ensure the correct setting for suspension and balancing of tires. Finally conclusion, never ever thought that it would be such a difficult luxury problem to find the right Dsb just to enjoy a little bit of freedom with fellow riders. Everything would be much easier and cheeper if we choose a naked bike from the big4 instead : ->

[@drciio]

Nice

[@euruidelgado]

Sem luvas? Eu nunca saio sem todos os epi...e tenho uma scooter!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Eu nao gosto de andar sem luvas, mas tenho 3 camaras e 1 gps para mexer... Mesmo com luvas touch screen é uma moléstia. É um risco que tenho de correr para vos conseguir trazer conteúdo sem dar em doido pelo caminho :p

[@pabloricardodetarragon2649]

It's off, and out of the subject of the day. There is no light 450cc true dual purpose in the market, that explains the indecent prices in the European used market of the 20 to 30 years old monos DR 350, DR 650 RE, XR 600, XR 400 and DRZ 400. However there is a dim light of hope, I say just hope because I've no seen a true paper about the off road capabilities of the Fantic Caballero 500 declined in different versions. The most expensive and most interesting is the Rally at 7500 €, just half price of the Norden 901. On the paper it seems pretty decent and able to make a correct adventure dual purpose bike with fully adjustable 200 mm rear and front suspensions, the Zongchen 450 Euro 5 gives 40 HP at 7500 RPM. 150 kg dry. Gas tank 12 l. Maybe have you heard of it. Addendum a video of the Rally pushed a bit on TT kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4W0kpyDerh8eMk

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

I agree... we desperatly need more dual-sports. From the big manufacturers we only have the KTM 690 and Husq 701.... then everything else is either a gamble or just skecthes on a paper :( One of the reasons why the CRF300L/ Rally is so sucessful is because its competing against basically nothing :P I would love to get my hands on a Zongchen 450 :D That Fantic Rally is looking really good too...although I tend to prefer bikes with a decent aerodinamic protection, since the point of having "an adventure bike" is to be able to ride fast (enough) on the road for long hours if you have to =)

[@pabloricardodetarragon2649]

@@OFFroadOFFcourse A good tower windshield. It's just plastic.That's easy to solve for 100 € in Ali Express and some elbow grease. The most important, as it's impossible to make it DIY, it's the engine fully legal Euro 5 with a weight I would like 130 kg but actually the ratio HP/weight is pretty close to the old 600 cc bikes. In the video in french, the pilot (a former good competitor) says it's a true trail, a true adventure bike after pushing it a bit on a motocross track and around. And finally the Fantic is rather pretty.

[@wranglertr]

Waiting for a bike more powerful than CRF Rally, lighter than Tenere 700

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Well, we already have the 690 and the 701...but i am with you, we need more of that in the market! Thats the segment i would want for myself too :)

[@pabloricardodetarragon2649]

Interesting. Good engineering. At a 15000 € tag, the Husky has the obligation of good engineering. It's certainly very good on dry relatively easy tracks used by cars and trucks, and it's in fact its real purpose. Not made for technical passages unless you're a extremely good pilot simply because it weights 215 kg wet. So mistake forbidden, and a bike winch highly counseled. As always with all the products by KTM reliability is a hard topic, some have had sad experiences recently. Personally after having a very long time ago a brand new enduro 2 stroke KTM and the trailer of mechanical problems offered for free with the bike but extremely expensive for the poor customer, le sound of the name gives me eczema. The price is simply very high, to much for most people at least for my humble opinion. The Mexicans would say half serious half jokingly you have to be politician or narco to afford it.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Hey Pablo! Well, I wouldn't have money to buy one, thats why I am so grateful to Richard (from Jarvis Signature Tours) to let me use and abuse his fleet :D Regarding the off-road capabilities of these bikes... they certainly will be much better on a dirt trail (where a car/truck could drive, like you said) than they will be on an hard enduro track, or a mud area...but what I liked about the Norden (and the "890 platform", becuase they are basically the same) is that they really feel way better than the typical adventure bike. Meaning that, of course, you will prefer to ride on easy roads (where you will use all the comfort, power, etc of a big bike), but if you end up on a hard track, you might be able to keep enjoying, or at least survive it without too much effort. The center of gravity is low, the weight is not terrible, the traction helps a lot, and the power delivery is very easy to manage..so the Norden seems to deal very well even with the hard stuff (very well for a 215kg bike, of course... but it is what it is :P)

[@OMotoViajante]

claro que é uma moto LEVEZINHA e Maneável , só para o RAV a que será um monstro pesadissimo !!! eheheh ... ;-)

[@yorkchris10]

I need war stories from the rides. Bullet holes and crumples.

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

So far so "good"! No war stories, no worries, no crashes... I'm still in that stage where everything seems bright and hopeful xD

[@telhinhas]

First

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Muito obrigado! :D

[@herissonsudo3571]

Great bike. Low reliability …

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

hope not... Richard bought 7 of these... xD So fa so good... but yeah, only 1000km into the tests

[@mario-silva]

Não gosto de publi reportagens e desta tb não gostei. Lá se acabou a imparcialidade e a frontalidade. Chegava dizer que essa moto é uma 890 com outra roupa e eu diria como o Rad Raven, mais um charuto de 200 kg, mas até esse sucumbiu quando lhe puseram nas mãos novissimas KTM. Foste honesto no início do vídeo, mas faltou despedir-te. Na falta disso faço-o eu. Felicidades! 😉🙂

[@noelbrown6771]

The ability of that motorcycle to perform on any portion of the trail really came across on the video. If I didn't know before hand what you were riding, I would have guessed you were riding a 450cc not an Adventure bike. No wonder you had such a blast!

[@OFFroadOFFcourse]

Well, not a 450cc...but maybe a 650 dual-sport or something... which would be AN AWESOME compliment to the bike anyway :D I'm really enjoying it...and ansious to work on a proper review :o