This is probably the only travel ready bike available... | Norden 901 Expedition Review

[@TerrySylvester-ip9on]

My first zero mile Norden didn’t make it out of the parking lot before dumping the coolant into the engine and making the oil look like eggnog. Dealer was great; paid for my hotel (it was a Saturday afternoon) , personally picked up a new bike from the warehouse, and brought guys in on Monday even though they are not open on Mondays to set it up. At 1888 miles, before I had even made this first payment, the throttle body failed. They had the bike back to me in less than two weeks with a new throttle body but I had to make two 340 mile round trips to get it done. I really like riding the Norden and will still give it a chance but my Tenere 700 with 23,000 miles, including riding most of the TAT in 2022, runs like new and the thought of it breaking down doesn’t even cross my mind when I leave the house. I want to love the Norden but this nonsense of “but the KTM/Husqvarna is so much more fun to ride that it’s worth giving up some reliability “ just doesn’t cut it. I love riding both bikes but the Yamaha is the one that has earned my trust so far.

[@SibirskyExtreme]

I dont come out of my box to comment on many bike reviews ... but ... I absolutely loved the French classical music. Saint-Saens and Debussy in a bike review totally works for me. We can never have too much additional class in adventure motorcycling. 5 stars to the editor

[@BrakeMagazine]

Glad you enjoyed it! Editor Joe killed it on this one 🙌🙌

[@BottomLineBassin2]

I agree please give the editor a raise

[@BrakeMagazine]

Yes Sir!

[@Paulk950]

Blimy, comments from Adventure royalty..hope your well Walter.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I had no idea. Thanks for watching Walter! It’s an honour.

[@lukefish7562]

I’ve had mine for right over a year with 11,000 miles and it’s been a dream. Feel very blessed to have one. Great video. Appreciate the content. 🏍️💨😎

[@MADDOG100ful]

Amen I love mine too

[@zonakazika1169]

​​@@gedigan3346the cams was the problem in 790 not in 890.

[@ukaszusielski3606]

i bought expedition in june, after almost 10k km no doubts. it was good decision.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Good to hear. A few comments saying the same thing!

[@NunyaBusiness...]

Glad it's treating you well!

[@2WHEELADVLIFE]

Love your videos. I couldn’t afford the Norden 901 so I bought a Tenere 700 and truly enjoy its road manners and its touring capacity. I started riding back in the eighties never had a bike with technology. The Norden 901 is an amazing motorcycle. But one thing I find that the confidence in my Teneres reliability and that it has taken me to the middle of nowhere and back always is the best feature.

[@iri34iri]

The seat is very comfortable, I love this bike

[@davidmathers1141]

On the Norden Expedition Facebook Group, I posted a link to your review in response to a chap asking for advice on whether or not to change from his Triumph Rally Pro. Turns out it was your review that had made him post the question! I have completed 11,600 miles around the UK and mainland Europe since delivery on June 1st, covering the Italian ACT and a couple of UK RallyMoto events. Not a single reliability issue. As an old and very averagely skilled off road rider I wanted an Adventure bike that would help me as much as possible on the loose stuff while being able to cover long road miles in comfort. This does it. I forgot about the heat around the legs a long time ago and a Coolcover does it for my backside. I also like the classical music.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Awesome comment David. We've had a ton questioning in the comments about reliability. Seems a pretty common and maybe not particularly founded concern.

[@davidmathers1141]

@@BrakeMagazine I bought it because of the reasons stated and despite my own concerns over reliability which had been created from reading far too many comments on KZbin and Facebook. I have no statistics and I am guessing the manufacturers will never volunteer data on warranty claims, but my experience of one machine does suggest the loudly shouted negativity is not borne out in reality. This bike has exceeded my expectations and allowed me to really enjoy off road touring. I do think that careful preparation and attention to detail by the dealer makes a difference to user experience. Final point, every BMW I have purchased in the last 10 years has had a warranty claim or factory recall. Their brand does not seem to suffer from a reputation for unreliability. I put this down to excellent customer experience in processing warranty claims. Again, a good dealer makes a big difference to perception.

[@AUBREYTHOMAS1979]

Another cracking review. Honest, informative and to the point. This bike sounds like the T7 we all wanted.....

[@bens5186]

Great review mate! One request for the review videos… when you do the wrenching bit. Please add a specific callout on ease of owner maintenance (air filters and chain lube) for every bike… some are shocking. This one is fantastic, filter under the seat and center stand as standard for the chain.

[@bens5186]

So many good ADVENTURE bikes out there that I would never consider owning due to the filter being located under the tank. Adventure bikes (dirt tourers) come in two basic guises: 1. dirt bike upgraded for road 2. road bike upgraded for dirt The main differences are things like “dropability”, location of critical components like oil filters being in rock impact zones location of the air filter. Bikes like the desert x, toureg 660 and Tiger 1200 fall into road bike for dirt. Bikes like the 901/890 and T7 are dirt bikes made for the road. Personally after owning a Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer (road bike for dirt) and now moving to the Norden Expedition (dirt bike for the road) I will never make the mistake of buying another bike where the tank needs to be removed for the air filter not a fun weekly maintenance activity when riding on dusty roads.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Will add it into the future review. Will be a while till they get recorded so it’ll be late spring. Nice idea though.

[@bens5186]

If Husky/KTM are watching this and want more money read on. I have the expedition and you nailed it… bloody fantastic. All I did was add propper bark busters, rally pegs, rally seat, Motoz Rallz rubber and put propper pannier racks on the back for added drop protection and better soft luggage options. PLEASE release a limited rally edition so I can throw a lowering kit on my expedition and give it to the Mrs giving me an excuse for a new addition to the shed. 901 Norden Rally/Pro edition: (similar to the 890 adv r rally) - Upgraded Suspension - Rally seat standard. (though I already have one on my expedition) - Rally pegs - Upgraded exhaust and intake (foam filter please) - Rally screen (travel height but more vertical so you get wind protection and the look but do not hit your head when riding hard on the pegs) - Upgraded wheels and dirt tyres. - “bold new graphics” Grey like the 300 and 350 pro bikes?

[@stavrozinio]

this.

[@BrakeMagazine]

This. Plus OEM brake magazine desert graphics.

[@bens5186]

@@BrakeMagazine link? I do love the bike… not a fan of the graphics and dark colour scheme. I make my purchase decisions based on performance over colour/stickers of a bike though. I do like the kits that come up under a google search lots of white on them.

[@saabydo]

I have one aswell, Full bark busters, Rhemus exhaust and rally pegs were a must. Love the bike,I hate the seat!

[@keesverhagen9227]

I also hate the seat. There is no logic in the form of the seat. Only for people who are buying this bike with adventure in their minds but when owning it allways stay on the tarmac. With this seat you can not slide. It is a seat for a BMW rider. 😢😅

[@ortoacija]

Your videos keep on getting better. I love the writing, narration and edit, with them you've become my go-to bike channel. While still loving my '20 790s I'm getting more interested in 901 since orange support has gotten horrible after new state dealer rolled in... And 790 needs support 😅. Thanks for another great vid!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks a million for the kind words. Really appreciate it.

[@SomeRandoInternetPoster]

Number one priority on a travel bike is reliability. If it’s anything like it’s orange sibling they’re excellent bikes to ride, not so much a great long term ownership experience. I know of many 7/890 motors from Duke/Adventure R now needing new cams, valves, cylinder heads before the second second service (30,000km). I have no eta on parts for mine and know of bike’s waiting months for cams. The bad reliability reputation of Husky’s orange sibling with the same engine has been genuinely earned which makes me wary of the Husky being a KTM Adventure 890 in different clothes

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s interesting cos often people shout when unhappy. There are quite a few comments on this video with glowing long term reports.

[@NunyaBusiness...]

@@BrakeMagazine So some good ones make the bad ones less valid? Brands build reputations based on long term trends, and the less than perfect reliability reputation of KTM and Husqvarna are as equally deserved as Honda and Yamaha's reputations of stellar reliability. That doesn't mean that they will break down immediately or leave you stranded, but it's not inaccurate to point out that a legitimate concern among owners is their reliability, just as Honda is known for being a bit boring in any given class. It may have something to do with the high compression (13.5:1) that is used to crank up performance by the Austrian bikes, and the much lower compression used in the brands known to live a long time. It's almost like there's science and engineering behind it. 🤔

[@NunyaBusiness...]

@SomeRandoInternetPoster Agreed. For travel of any significance there needs to be reliability and serviceability (established dealer network, parts availability, common tools used), unless you have the time and money to weather a delay.

[@defylifeadventure]

Yeah KTMs and Dukes have had their cam issues. That is something you can check well before leaving though. Most of the famed reliability issues are small things that are easily sorted. The cam issue for me is like the rocker arm issue on the 690 before they sorted that.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I didn’t say that. I’m saying that bias colors our opinion. KTM’s unreliable reputation goes back about 25 years, and yet for the most part their dirt bikes are ridiculously reliable and yet the most powerful OEM. They regularly and consistently outperform Japanese bikes on this front. With the 890 platform there have been some documented issues, no argument. But so have Africa Twins, BMW’s and many other bikes. Snapping an AT footing a thousand miles into Africa ain’t great either. The point is that there is a mix of the usage of the product, the brand and more to the equation. I see a huge amount of anti-China comments, and yet that trope is entirely unfounded. The best filming drones in the world come from China. I use them in every video. In my personal exercise my WR 250 is not better quality than my Husqvarna enduro was before it. There are differences but as an overall package KTM make good products that push the industry forward. The T7 has proven very reliable, but the some is a current generation KTM 690. Sometimes it’s not the brand, but bikes being new in development. Now that the 890 platform is a few years older, it seems those crinkles are being ironed out. The same can be said of Hondas being boring. The last few years that’s changing rapidly. The new Transalp and current Honda mx models at present are great examples of that. I think the quality of products is changeable for every brand and that needs to be taken into account when casting judgement. Otherwise no one would have ever bought a Skoda.

[@andyduncan9442]

Great review. I've had the expedition since May and it has been excellent. I don't ride hard but I like to go and find worn out trails to places I didn't know existed. The bike has been very good for that and has done some long days just travelling around too. It's not a trail bike and it's not a BMW GS. It's right in the middle and that is ideal for me.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Well said! I agree completely.

[@JDSFLA]

I love the choice of background classical music. Debussy's Clair de Lune and the 901- exquisite.

[@Graybeard_]

This spring I had the Triumph 900RP at the top of my list, but then I took a practical turn and moved to the Tenere 700. I live on the US/CA border at 4,000' where winters are 5 months long, so I definitely wanted heated seats and grips. I ride solo a lot, so I wanted a center stand. I knew I would upgrade the bash plate and the wind screen, and was torn whether to get paniers with the bike or wait a year. I also wanted cruise control and a speed shifter. Suddenly the Tenere jumped from $11,000 to $14,500! And I had a lot of work to get all that stuff on. Then the Norden 901 Expedition came into my computer screen on a Saturday morning over coffee. Two hours later my deposit was in. I pinch myself after every ride (1,200 miles ). Now it's in my shop with deep snow outside, and I'm going through withdrawals.

[@vseimenazanjalisuki]

and how do you like Norden after Tiger 900 RP?

[@Graybeard_]

@@vseimenazanjalisuki Sorry for the confusion. The Tiger 900RP was at the top of my list (but I had not purchased it yet) when I discovered the Norden Expedition. I now have 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) on my Norden. I love it. It is an amazing bike, and I have zero regrets.

[@vseimenazanjalisuki]

@@Graybeard_ Now I understand 😄 I also struggled for a long time with the choice between the Tiger 900RP and the Norden 901. I didn’t like the seating position on the Tiger - you have to reach for the steering wheel, there is a long distance between the driver and the passenger. In the end, I decided on the Norden 901 Expedition😁

[@Graybeard_]

@@vseimenazanjalisuki Interesting. I thought about having handlebar extensions put on my Norden Expedition but for a different reason. I'm 6', 1" (185.4 centimeters). In my boots, I'm 6', 3". I thought I might need handlebar extensions because of my height. The dealer advised me to ride the bike for awhile to make sure first. His advice was good, as the handlebars are fine stock. Grats on your Norden Expedition!

[@Tiax776]

06:25 I thought the Expedition had an upgraded suspension compared to the regular Norden.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It does.

[@StreetSinner]

Thanks for your candid review and for mentioning the heat. I'm about ready to go electric so I can ride around in the summer without getting roasted. Not to mention being done with oil changes, valve checks, ghosts in the fuel mapping, dirty injectors, inhaling vapor and exhaust, loud exhaust notes which get old, etc. Still nervous about a battery just dying or range being a bummer, but it sure would be nice to enjoy riding in the summer again, instead of doing it like a junkie crawling over hot coals for a fix.

[@waynev5097]

Thanks for the review..... the bike looks great. Thank you for the comments about the heat from the bike. In July 23 (middle of winter in Australia - temps 15 - 18c) I bought a 2017 Triumph Tiger Explorer xcx 1200. All good until November when temperatures rose.... above 25c the heat was bad.... above 30c it was unbearable, unsafe and I was miserable. The Triumph was unsuitable for most of Australia....... and frankly I would say not fit for purpose. Sold it at a loss and bought a GS. I have heard similar complaints about heat from many of the new bikes (including Tiger 900, Norden). Is it a new phenomenon or has it always been case. I notice some of the new bikes have 2 radiators which creates an area for fresh air to get into the engine area - but some of those with the single radiator throw heat. I don't think it is acceptable that a bike should only be rideable for 45 minutes when temps reach 28c - we have weeks on end where temperatures exceed 28c!!! Do the manufacturers provide any feedback to you about this issue?? Thanks again and always enjoy your content.

[@mototrailz]

Decat + powerpart rally seat = go ride 👍

[@BrakeMagazine]

Good call!

[@ehiggins7476]

@@BrakeMagazine Excessive heat is gone after I decated mine. I live in the SW desert of USA.

[@clintbuhs7708]

My dream upgrade bike along with the very tires I plan to put on my 790. You are putting my marriage in serious jeopardy with this teaser. That "smile" may give me nightmares, though.

[@BrakeMagazine]

😂😂😂

[@OrangeManStan]

Great video as always. My thing with all these amazing bikes, if you don't know what the UK green lane is going to be like before you ride it you'll need some good off road skills to not drop it. When you do drop it there's a couple of issues, picking it up isn't easy plus they tend to break when you do costing a lot to fix if you want your bike to stay in good condition.

[@adv6504]

Nice review! I had my 701e stolen. Loved it and gutted. I’m after something with a bit nicer road comfort for all day road riding but also that is capable of getting well off-road. I’m only 80kg 173cm so need something that doesn’t feel like a ship to manoeuvre. I love sliding around, small jumps, rutts etc. I took the ‘24 900 RP for a test ride today. Beautiful motor and machine. Silly road tyres it comes with stock - not sure if they gave me a bad impression but I felt the bike might be a bit road biased and top heavy? Unfortunately there are no demo stock of the expedition for me to try 😢 These two bikes are at the top of my list though. Keen on your thoughts.

[@BrakeMagazine]

The RP is a tiny bit top heavy next to the expedition. Think of the RP as a nice balance between all of the things you use an ADV for. Good road, good highway, good off road. The Expedition moves that slightly to be a bit better off road. If you like to play in the dirt I think you’ll enjoy it.

[@davidbarrois3959]

i bought one ... i enjoy it a lot. i can travel for hours inall conditions without any fatigue...

[@BrakeMagazine]

Great 👍

[@rucksterman]

Not sure if the KLR 650 Adventure is available in Europe, but it is also "Travel Ready", complete with saddle bags, auxiliary power and lighting, and crash protection. A different type of bike for sure, but still ready to go on tour off the showroom floor.

[@Avensur]

Yes it is my friend, travel adventure ready to race to the most hostile terrain in the planet I would say. A Tonka truck in 2 wheels😅. Got an 08 2ndGen, a real special warhorse, love my trusty road companion.

[@BrakeMagazine]

As in, no changes needed? Interesting 🤔 It’s not available in Europe sadly.

[@os6219]

@@AvensurI don’t think it actually is available!

[@brianErickson-bx9hp]

@@BrakeMagazine Exactly. I had a T7 for 2 years before my tiger and I kept finding myself saying "I could be on a KLR".

[@davidancona3294]

Hello! Excellent video and your explanation is very clear and sincere. It helped me greatly in deciding on this beautiful adventure machine. I hope to be riding many trails of the Mayan land very soon. Greetings from Merida Mexico!

[@100CupsColombia]

Came down from Arboletes to Medellin today,everything from stunning asfalt curves to loose gravel curves.The ol 790r still does the trick.I wanted the Dunlops but none in country here-But these Karoo 4's are damn fine allround tyres-A great Colombian 7 hours

[@100CupsColombia]

33c no problem-but my cats been removed

[@BrakeMagazine]

It sure is a good bike still! Sounds like an awesome ride. Stoked you’re back out there man!

[@procesgnilny]

Excellent shots of the Plaines! Pleasure to watch. With temperature its the same on my '23 890R - ridiculously hot. It got little bit better after throwing away CAT, but not much.

[@BlackThor15]

Amazing review Llel, as usual, but soundtrack choice was something else! Well done you team Brake Magazine!! 👍👍

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks!!

[@SideQuestStijn]

I have one of these. Rode a 1200GS LC before. Had to get used to the dive. Easy fix? Just close all damping valves a few clicks! 10x better! This is why you buy the expedition.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Agreed!

[@mabecka]

I'm getting the Transalp 750. For me it has it all since I already got a lightweight offroader. Nice video. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

[@inked-96]

No cruise and tubed tyres. No thanks

[@muerdelavida]

I have an Expedition since middle March, 20.000 on her and I love it. The heat is the main issue

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s not the worst to overcome though?

[@muerdelavida]

probably is, yes@@BrakeMagazine

[@RedRupert64]

A good vid. Thanks. Please, what sag figures did you get? KTM state for my 890AR, with a 75-85 kg rider, there should be 80mm sag at the rear, but I get nowhere near that (50mm) even with zero preload. Is the suspension similar to the 890AR?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Can’t remember sorry. Was a fair while ago now! How much do you weigh?

[@RedRupert64]

@@BrakeMagazine 90 kg with kit.

[@BrakeMagazine]

The suspension is identical. You should be able get it about right at that weight. Was it new when you bought it? It might be worth checking if the spring is stock.

[@RedRupert64]

​@@BrakeMagazine Yes, the suspension is standard (including the springs). I purchased the bike new and have done around 10k miles on it. I did know that the Norden's suspension is similar, which is why I asked if you had a note of the sag. Thanks for your vids, they're useful and interesting.

[@2525tyler]

Late comment so not expecting a reply but currently have a r1250gs (sport suspension). Have really enjoyed the bike for a few years but have been considering going down to a midsize. I take the GS places most people won't but wonder if the Norden would be enough of an improvement offroad to consider a swap. The pavement prowess/comfort of the GS is hard to ignore. Everything is a compromise but wonder what your opinion would be as someone who has ridden the Norden and spent quite a bit of time on the r1250gs.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It's kinda what you said. I think 1250 w/ Sport suspension is an incredibly underrated bike. Very capable, but has some weaknesses. It depends a bit of what your terrain is like. You gain some off-road with the Norden EXP, no doubt. It's really capable but you loose a little on the road. Not as much as you'd think, and certainly not as good at crunching distance but honestly, it's a great bike. However, the GS, if you're riding in places without a ton of mud is hard to beat. It's a tough one, and would kinda come down to how much sand and how much mud I was planning on riding. If it's a lot, I would start to look at moving away from the GS, but if it's not then you're still on one of the best bikes around. Cheers.

[@2525tyler]

Always in search of the unicorn I suppose. Usually just getting out and riding makes me forget the new bike questions. However, in world of new is better and in this case lighter is better definitely gets the mind wondering. Thanks for the reply@@BrakeMagazine Keep up the great work.

[@glossblack1098]

Thanks for your excellent video. Is the 901 Expedition hotter than the 890 ADV R. I ride in Australia in hot climates. Is the 890 cooler due to less fairing? Cheers

[@BrakeMagazine]

Maybe a bit. I think it’s mostly just the issue with the exhaust heat. Seems to be easily solved from the comments.

[@StuHNomadBiker]

Id love to see you review the Yam World Raid with the GYTR kits on !! Looks an awesome machine, not seen any prices yet of the kits... but who cares when it looks so so good 👍 😅😅

[@BrakeMagazine]

Noted!

[@Blockbuster2033]

I've seen prices. It's bloooody expensive. The fork is 3500, needs different triple clamps tho, that's another 900. Fuel tanks are nearly 2000, another 2000 for the rear tanks. 2000 for the upgraded wheels, 1000 for the single oversized front brake. 2500 for the titanium akrapovic exhaust. And that's just the basic stuff.

[@BrakeMagazine]

@@Blockbuster2033 It’s basically 20K bike then.

[@Blockbuster2033]

@@BrakeMagazine If you do just the suspension, yes. If you get all the other stuff like motor performance improvements and fairing stuff, rally tower, lighting etc, it goes far beyond 30k real quick. But it's gotta be noted that it's a full on factory race bike at that point.

[@northwoodinc5520]

Interestion to note your mention of Tuareg suspension. We'd love to see a full review of that underdog motorcycle.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Next month 🙏🙏

[@SuperCheesyMan]

Great video like always! (Still waiting for your Tuareg review to drop 😊)

[@BrakeMagazine]

Coming soon! Will be in Jan, post Dakar.

[@SuperCheesyMan]

@@BrakeMagazine awesome it's around the corner. And the Dakar is gonna be super cool to follow

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Nothing wrong with a luxurious mullet.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Agreed

[@nomading_in]

I test rode this one, but preferred the new CFMOTO KTM 790 Adventure so bought that instead. Although it's a bigger cc I felt the power higher up (so it went fast when it was fast), whereby the 790 feels a little more aggressive and responsive on the lower end (might be do with the weight saving). Nowhere near the same level of suspension, but I kind of like the middle of the road never have to think about it simplicity aspect of that. Agreed on the STR tires and offroad, limits the bike against everything else it has going for it, I don't think anyone buying these bikes is not going to take them offroad at every opportunity, we're no BMW owners group lolol

[@MotoSly]

And another great review!!

[@BrakeMagazine]

I appreciate that

[@eprohoda]

yo~ Brake~breathtaking uploading-:))

[@zoltanrakottyai]

Hhi5 for episode, really enjoyed it. However, I feel that I have to defend the Norden a bit here regarding the heat coming from the cat converter . I took my Norden Exp. straight to Morocco as I got my hand on it, from March to April was already hot and I cannot really say a bad word because only in the slow city traffic had some situation where the heat was really coming. All in all, I am really happy , the bike completed the the trip without any flaws and it is super fun to drive, especially on dirt roads. The bike's handling is just as you described, super intuitive and easy. Sometimes I wished it was 30kg less of course, the weight surplus is there thanks to the Armageddon ready bash plate and center stand. Regarding street riding performance, the front fork dive really sucks. The default settings of the suspension are on "comfort" which is super soft.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think this is a common issue with bikes and how the distribute heat. I have had the same thing said to me about the Aprillia, but I didn't notice it. However, all of us that rode the Husqvarna found it really hot, but others say it doesn't bother them. Either way, there is a decently easy solution for those it does bother and I'm stoked for you that it doesn't bother you! As for the fork dive, it's not the best. I think it makes the brake feel a bit vague too right? However, most long travel bikes struggle with this to some degree and the Norden isn't the worst :)

[@martyn_g]

Depends on where you’re travelling- if it’s across many cities, a Vespa 300HPE will do. If it’s 60/40, a GSA will do the job, just add panniers.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean in regards to not having to buy any extras. You don’t even need to upgrade the handgaurds or buy crash bars. It’s good to go.

[@Wollestar]

And the Norden, at least here in Germany, is currently some 10.000€ cheaper than the GSA, not to mention the new 1300GS. That is a lot of traveling and additional goodies. Basically I could buy an additional street bike, just for on road fun...

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Awesome review 👌 initially I was thinking 901s but now I'm a bit unsure think that's the sign of a brilliant review that covers the pros n cons, its really interesting to get both the pros an cons before spending money. Dad an I have been looking at two new bikes to buy over the past week or so an the Ktms/Norden really caught our attention. We had the 390s in the past an im on an 1150gsa. The expedition was to tall for dad an i struggled with the step through on a nerve injury I have, then sat on the 24' 890r an although i was just on the one foot or tip toes the seat was way comfier, still to tall for dad though. Currently trying to decide between the 890s/901 for dad an 901/890r/890s for myself :) Hoping to go to Norway/Nordkapp/iceland on a tour together providing his mri goes well for his prostate so all fingers crossed 🤞 Awesome review as always an loved the Debussy. Would be super interesting to see the ktm 890s vs the Norden 901s. Have you had any chance to ride the 890s off road after the last vid? Sounds a real shame about the road comfort on the expedition. Did you find the heat better on the 890r/s ? Thanks in advance 😊

[@defylifeadventure]

Top review as always. Interesting comment about the seat, as the original 901 was supposed to have an all day comfortable seat. In terms of heat, many complained about that on the 790/890, but I've never noticed on my 2021 890R even at 44c in Zaragoza. If I had to buy something right now though, I'd probably get the Tuareg but then it needs additions and you have to live with the parasitic battery drain that Aprilia is common for (had on my Falco too).

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean, I think the heat thing hits different people differently. I have had the same feeling as you on previous rides on the 790/890z . I didn’t know that about the Tuareg 😊

[@jimmiddleton3170]

Please please post your exact suspension settings

[@jamesonpace726]

For our algorithm overlords: I love brake mag! Excellent review! Top notch & charming, too! Supercalla fragalistic expeally dociuosly great, greater, greatest....

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks a million. Kind words indeed.

[@thecorporategypsy]

Very good thanks. Looking forward to the review of the new BMW 900 GS

[@BrakeMagazine]

You and me both!

[@nscott26]

Do you guys have a video on the Aprilia Tuareg? I tried searching but didn't find one, curious on your thoughts about the bike.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s coming in January. The review is done.

[@nscott26]

@@BrakeMagazine sweet, look forward to it!

[@PaulBouchard-u4o]

My compliments. I'd like to know how you FILM yourself while RIDING. Is that a drone flying?...or is it an attached "stick" of some kind holding a camera. I'm no a drone guy but the right "stick" would be good to know of... Quite impressive and good on you!

[@BrakeMagazine]

I have a video coming soon on this, but for now, the product I use is called a 360 Camera. It's very easy to use and is on a stick that attaches to the crash bars or something. It's witch craft how good it is. The exact model is the Insta 360 X3 with Motorcycle bundle.

[@ericstephenson3607]

Wondering what seat you would change the standard for?

[@BrakeMagazine]

I don't have any idea. Probably try a seat concepts or something.

[@seanfarley8382]

Have you been able to test ride the Dunlop trailmax raid back to back with the Batt axe AX41? Im torn between the two for my next tyres. Going to ride the Pyrenees ACT

[@MeerkatADV]

You don't consider the T7 travel ready?

[@clintbuhs7708]

With that skinny ass seat? 😀 In seriousness, can you buy a T7 with luggage on it?

[@Jay-hv4lb]

This commercial was not funded by Yamaha.

[@clintbuhs7708]

​@@Jay-hv4lbthat's pretty cynical.

[@Rdissss]

You probably need to fix the suspension before you put any kind of luggage on it.

[@MeerkatADV]

@@Rdissss as with any bike

[@gustafjacobson6558]

Interesting and nice review! Looking a little at the Norden Expedition if I am to change bike from my current AT trico 2017 DCT. Can’t get my head around what to have 🤪 a newer Honda (I love my AT), a bigger bike maybe the Tiger 1200 rally pro, or a midsize adv 🤔 Love to ride gravel and countryside but also like to tour longer trips including pavement.. bigger bike means more weight but also more power and features. But the 901 seems to have most of the features I want. Hard choices these days 😂

[@BrakeMagazine]

It kinda sounds like the 901 or the DX would be great bikes for your use.

[@gustafjacobson6558]

Yes maybe, just worried about the power when driving longhaul and need to overtake 2-4 cars at a time. The CRF1000 with 95HP and fully loaded with cargo is SLOW!! 😂

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean I think they're both pretty quick but I can't answer that for you sorry. @@gustafjacobson6558

[@brianErickson-bx9hp]

Get a tiger 900 RP. Plenty of personality in 6th gear and the new one has more nut. Way better in the dirt than the AT I've ridden too.@@gustafjacobson6558

[@BrakeMagazine]

Agreed

[@steeltube195]

Exactly, when you need reliability and world wide dealerships, in case you crash ... people think Huskvarna/KTM. The only way to go.

[@NunyaBusiness...]

Really hoping that's sarcasm.

[@steeltube195]

@@NunyaBusiness... Of course it is. I hope they paid good money for all this nonesense.

[@BrakeMagazine]

You have got to be joking. Why do you think that a review that openly criticises some things about a bike is paid for? Explain it me 😂

[@steeltube195]

​@@BrakeMagazine So the : Huskvarna "only travel ready bike" was for free ? that´s even dumber...

[@NunyaBusiness...]

@@steeltube195 I don't think Husqvarna paid for that. It's more about what creators have to do to get people to click into videos. I solidly blame youtube for that one. It may also be his genuine opinion, and that's totally fine as well.

[@LooxJJ]

I had a 2022 KTM 890AR - virtually same as this bike with different badge (and made from the same factory). Lets just say I did not trust my bike to go off-road adventure alone. That should tell you something. If its not about reliability gamble, this bike would be on top of my list.

[@whza75]

Llewellyn, I've noticed a Suzuki DL800DE with Brake decals on it... Review coming at some point?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Yes! In Jan. All shot, just editing other stuff first :)

[@actstuntcam]

Nice review Llewellyn and kind of Merry Christmas to your viewers. Always an awesome moment when you've posted a review, made to your always high standards. Hope you, Simon, and your whole family have an excellent Christmas. And hope I can win the Lottery, so I can fly over and spend a couple of days at your ride school. VERY BEST REGARDS, and of course a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, Cam From NZ :) 😃😄😁👍👍👍👍

[@BrakeMagazine]

Thanks, you too!

[@maverick205205]

Another cracking review chap! And yeah, that width in the seat and rear plastics is kinda annoying, and hard to fix

[@BrakeMagazine]

Indeed it is!

[@ukaszusielski3606]

remove plastic, it's just for cosmetic purpose, and buy for cheap seat from first norden (not expedition) or rally seat

[@BrakeMagazine]

Noted!

[@timothydrake1030]

Will the Dunlop Trailmax Raid do an 8,000-mile road trip?

[@duncable1]

So an Expedition or a 1250GS?? One picks up where the other drops off Road/Off Road, which do you keep, which do you sell if you had both....

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean, they’re really quite different. Would depend on you as a rider and the riding you’re doing.

[@duncable1]

My 1250 driveshaft let go 1 week before a month long trip so picked up the Norden Ex on the insistence of my wife (she is great and on a 890). Immediately comfortable on it. Smashed the same terrain where it felt like I was just being beating on the GS , you are bang on with the big dirt bike feel. But the GS is so so so! nice on the road/gravel. Picking up the GS soon, motor end of the driveshaft U-joint came apart, corroded and seized, wheel end was mint!!?? looked like a different part. Swingarm blistered from the heat of the shaft bouncing around. I love it, and hate it left me stuck.

[@SPENJERE]

Beautiful bikes, even more so when paired with Suite bergamasque 🙌.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Couldn't agree more!

[@infinityphotorob]

I love the way the Norden looks. My buddy and I got to demo a standard 901 and a standard 890. My take away from both was this. The ergonomics are weird for me. The pegs felt sorta high and the bars felt kinda low and too far back. I end up is sorta a weird squatty position while standing. And I am 5'9". So not a tall guy. I am riding an 1190r now with bar risers and it is perfect feeling to me. Especially when standing. It is just neutral and natural. LIke you are just standing there. For dirt road cruising this is pretty optimal. The Aprilia and the Desert X feel the exact same way to me. The other thing that bugged me was the traction control. We did have it set to some street mode. But punching the gas on a little dirt road made the bike stutter. So this style of traction control to me is super intrusive to riding. You feel like the bike is just stalling. Vs the fly by wire setup of my 1190 or the Desert X that you do not even notice. The suspension on the OG 901 feels great. Sorta squishy but would hammer dirt roads all day. I need to ride a 890 R or this new 901. Maybe my opinion would change on the ergos? But I doubt it. I think with different bars it could be workable. And just turn the traction control off. It could be a cool bike for sure. But right now loving the 1190r.

[@BrakeMagazine]

The TC on the 901 in Explorer mode is ridiculously good. Modes matter on modern bikes.

[@infinityphotorob]

@@BrakeMagazine obviously we were not on the right mode. But the ignition cut style TC is not my jam.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s mostly just because the mode is wrong and limit drops out. The only TC on and ADV that doesn’t work like that is the Suzuki. The retard the ignition timing rather than adjust the fuelling. The way the 901 limits power in the Explorer mode is buttery smooth. It’ll even hold a power slide as long as you’re not too aggressive on the throttle. Best in class basically.

[@XLAdvRider]

Love your videos but I have yet to see a single 901 travel internationally outside of Europe.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I mean, Husky aren't exactly the best know brand

[@Davidkxf]

How does it compare to the Rally Pro for this type of riding?

[@BrakeMagazine]

A little better.

[@Davidkxf]

@@BrakeMagazine So I should keep my TRP?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Yes. Yes you should.

[@brianErickson-bx9hp]

Would a suspension upgrade on the 900RP close the gap. I'm 100kg and love my Tiger. Smitten with the new one with more ponies.@@BrakeMagazine

[@BrakeMagazine]

I think so. Not completely, the chassis on the KTM/Husky is superb but it will make the Tiger a really superb bike. @@brianErickson-bx9hp

[@BrettsGarage]

I’ve been looking a lot at the Norden and the Desert X (non rally). I currently ride an 07’ TE450 so naturally I’m biased towards Husqvarna, but the Duc sounds equally amazing and I prefer the aesthetic of the Desert X. Does anybody here wish they went with the Duc instead of the Norden?

[@trailrider1980]

Beautiful bike

[@BrakeMagazine]

We agree!

[@powertrip1050]

...and of course, Mr Pavey, now you just need to provide a small update "Norden is fantactic, as stated, but somewhat less than the Tuareg." ....🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣....anyway, i concur with the comments below which admire the production quality of your videoa. Awesome jobs!!

[@Klaus53123]

The Norden 901 Expedition is a Bike for not too short drivesrs. Mine will be delivered in March. I am 178 cm. Would you recommend the lowering kit?. I am not a hard off road driver. I am 63 and only started off road few years ago. I am not shooting for the most technical roads.... Best regards Klaus

[@Rdissss]

Im 176 and for me it was perfectly fine, never felt that I was out of reach.

[@RedRupert64]

Perhaps you should have gone for the KTM Adventure - it's a fair bit lower. Sorry.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Maybe, but I think you should try it first. It will depends on your comfort.

[@Theravadinbuto]

My solution to that was the KTM adventure (non-R), with a serious suspension upgrade. Kept the height down while seriously rocking the off-road bits.

[@Wollestar]

The Austrian channel Wolf's bike on tour has installed the lowering kit and is absolutely happy with it. It does reduce the ground clearance slightly, but that is outstanding to begin with anyway. He said, he would do it again.

[@ogasi1798]

Frankenberg 🙂 Gorgeous for a mahoosive monster

[@samhill3496]

Have a centerstand?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Option

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

What jacket is that?

[@BrakeMagazine]

Leatt 5.5 Enduro

[@benjohnson7170]

Bahaha, doesn't need any extras, except maybe a Brake Magazine Decal kit....😆

[@marcnoujaim8943]

What is your ranking on all adventure bikes ? 👌🏻🙏🏻

[@armoth6958]

Note that the frame is also different from the 890

[@BrakeMagazine]

I’m pretty sure that the base bike, including the engine and entire chassis is identical.

[@armoth6958]

Nope actually not. I’ll get the reference and send to you

[@armoth6958]

Note, I’m not the expert here and will definitely admit if I’m wrong - I was not trying to challenge - just wanted to highlight this.

[@armoth6958]

@@BrakeMagazine hey, I re-checked on this - you’re right re the frame however the overall geometry is different for instance a longer swing-arm. Apologies for my first incorrect comment.

[@Albie-f5k]

What about the cam issue any update on recall

[@BrakeMagazine]

No idea.

[@bigleftlcn]

Great bike, I own it, super fun, engine heat even after decat is too annoying for me to keep the bike, for where I live, the heat ruins the fun for me. By the way resale is horrible on the norden.

[@BrakeMagazine]

What about trying the heat shield?

[@bigleftlcn]

@@BrakeMagazine do you mean the heat shield for the catalytic that I removed? Even with the catalytic converter removed these bikes and ktms run hot, the pegs get almost too hot to touch, don't believe me, touch them after a ride. The bike inherently generates heat that I personally am not interested in riding in. My friend has a 890r same thing, but he doesn't care, I do

[@bigleftlcn]

@@BrakeMagazine the design of the radiator and fans, blowing boiling temp air at your legs is not for me, it literally at any speed is blowing on your legs. Don't get me wrong the catalytic heat was insane, it's much better now with it removed. I can ride the bike for and hour or so. But it becomes annoying, why can I ride my air cooled Harley with no issues but the Norden which I love sucks for me to ride? All the I don't feel the heat guys are full of it, the Norden, and the 890R could have been designed differently in a wind tunnel

[@BrakeMagazine]

No, Camel ADV make a heat shield. Interesting though. @@bigleftlcn

[@howlinhog]

I bought the first year 901. Although I'm jealous of the Expedition, I'm fine with what I have. I love it, and quite honestly, it's the most fun I've ever had on a motorcycle. I was sooooo close to buying the KTM 890. Can't stand the looks of the KTM but I had talked myself into looking past the butt ugliness of it. The very day before I was to put money down on it, I discovered the 901. End of story

[@BrakeMagazine]

The stock 901 is a much prettier bike and to me that matters 😂

[@howlinhog]

@@BrakeMagazine I'm 62 and I grew up with round headlights and smooth lines. The KTM looks like it was designed by a ten year old Transformers fan.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Agreed and I’m 32 😂

[@Pytte]

1:33 thats an SL25 ...

[@BrakeMagazine]

Correct. Small typo

[@burtonparsons7717]

I have a 2022 norden 901 and love it

[@BrakeMagazine]

I fully get it!

[@syncrosimon]

I like it, but I couldn’t own one of these, it’s uncool in a cool way. Like a high power Audi.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Buy a t-shirt.

[@timsalabimbombassa]

dad bike

[@flattopwill]

Wow you seem really unimpressed with this bike! I have a base Norden and am looking at upgrading to either an Expedition or DesertX. Just watched this vid and your DesertX vid back to back. You really glowed about the DesertX but my demo left me totally underwhelmed.

[@JoeBrashaw]

Aw yeah!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Yizzle

[@josephwilliamsiv]

You could totally pull off a mullet.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I would but I think Lucy would leave. Like it’s the only deal breaker 😂😂

[@Dazza-u4c]

They lost me when they decided to get the parallel Twin’s made in China.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It’s only the 799 that’s made in china. Also, what is with the China hate?

[@defylifeadventure]

The Chinese ones are probably better put together than the Austrian ones. Looks how many people had loose bolds or hose clamps etc.. with the Austrian finished ones.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I rode the Chinese one recently. Literally no difference that I could tell.

[@andyupsidedown]

Never paid for product reviews... except maybe dunlops? ; ) Love your stuff man, that just stuck out to me, but go get that money. Thanks for all the riding tips!

[@BrakeMagazine]

I don’t review products, only bikes for this reason! 🙂🙂

[@RandomGRK]

The heat is the major reason I never bought this bike.

[@stephtraveler7378]

Why does it need a steering damper? Does it have a balance problem or suspension shortfall? Kind of a red flag as the bike you actually purchase doesn't include the damper. You have to purchase it. Also, what's with this Husky/KTM subscription pricing on luxury items like cruise control, heated components, or off-road modes??? Why not just include in the original pricing???? I hope this is not an industry trend.

[@BrakeMagazine]

It's a wider motor vehicle trend. I didn't see that husky are doing that. It was an optional extra for a one time fee. Who said it NEEDS a steering damper? Dampers kinda depend on the type of riding, but for faster/aggressive riding they are nice. That's a lot of question marks 😂

[@luismoreira729]

And the tenere 700 its more then prepare

[@BrakeMagazine]

What?

[@luismoreira729]

@@BrakeMagazine for off road out from the stand?

[@BrakeMagazine]

The Tenere 700 probably needs money spent for most people. A better sump guard, crash bars, hand guards, luggage.@@luismoreira729

[@luismoreira729]

@@BrakeMagazine got it

[@janchmiel7302]

Highlights how a new brand can brake into the market by triangulating customer needs. The hole the GS has left. It has a strange ‘word of mouth’ feel about it.

[@ronboe6325]

Well, like you, I want a decent seat. :)

[@BrakeMagazine]

😂

[@bitterlifes]

Overall both husky models are awesome, the standard and the expedition model, i like tham both! But !!! if i decide to take long trip to Asia or somewhere in Africa, I would think twice!! Why ??! because the reliability might be an issue!

[@BrakeMagazine]

Pretty common thought process.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

More hypeomatics. I want a T9 WorldCrosser GT from Yamaha at weight levels of a T7 WorldRaid with integral crashprotection avoiding the additional piles of steel and aluminium. I know, that’s what ADVs are about, it’s the Lego kit for the grown man with a bottom full of gold, instead of skills. Why? I don’t buy Honda or Triumph - Warranty - rejecters for own design and production failures and stubbornly anti-customer about it - with “buy a new bike” with new warranty resolution schemes. There’s no brand I blindly trust more than Yamaha. And the stats show it. They build bikes so that people come back with a smile into service and go with a bigger smile out into the wild. Be it with an XS1100, a XT500, Tenerés later with the T7, still going, same on the triples and fours. BMW loves the controlled experiments on customer bikes, so they never reach perfection on any level as with one side’s perfection the other side gets experimental, and on and on, which in fact gives them the continuous lead, but as a customer, you’ve got to go with them… and their complexity. Until then, I see a Voge 300rally, a AJP PR7, a vstrom650 (road), T7yourchoiceversion, and the BMW 1250GSA (non-shiftcam) as the only bikes of choice for traveling (you see a AT1100 excluded, yes, see above and so is the Tiger1200rallypro, and anyway to fat, so that the fat-leader can be chosen comfortably, as that’s what it is a high-heels bagger motorcycle), and a KTMEXC500 for rallying. Influenzas trying to convince the pack that a new transalp is it, are just a joke. You can make any bike look like a rally bike, even an old harley sportster and it’ll be brutal looking on video. Niche-fans might love a guzziv85tt for roadgoing travel over some potholes, too, looks nicer than a vstrom650 and works, just that the clutch is hard to come by when servicing and the engine oil reservoir is rather urban sized to say the least.

[@BrakeMagazine]

I agree. We’re really well known on this channel for being influencers and pushing the agenda of the big brands to masses. I’d recommend only watching channels that do the opposite

[@alelectric2767]

Good luck when it breaks down. Parts and service isn’t what the Japanese have.

[@Wollestar]

But, at least in Germany, you have a mobility service by Husqvarna. In case the bike breakes down (all over Europe) you will be picked up by them, brought to the next dealer, get a hotel room and if the issue is not solved within 4 days, they bring you back home. Still prefer not to have a break down, but it is a nice addition. That service is valid for as long as the bike is serviced once a year at an official dealer. And you can extend the warranty of the bikes for up to 12 years if you want to

[@MrNatureartist]

" Travel ready bike"- but don't forget to bring a new camshaft with you😆

[@BrakeMagazine]

🤦

[@judod97]

only travel ready bike?wtf is this statement

[@superdukerandy]

The KTM 890 is a better off-road bike.

[@BrakeMagazine]

Maybe, but it’s basically the same.

[@alexk.6022]

The problem is reliability because of the KTM Motor.

[@_Akicita_]

Heavy sigh. . . . . . . . . .

[@BrakeMagazine]

Mate, you’re on a horse. Stop watching ADV videos. You’ve got it right 😂

[@_Akicita_]

@@BrakeMagazine Exactly - I know the difference between a horse and a unicorn. Waóhola, Akicita

[@BrakeMagazine]

😂 Fair one!@@_Akicita_

[@REDFred]

First 😂