Never on KTM. Good luck getting parts in anything but Capital. Also they went into salt water with it. Those bikes are notorious for crappy electrical connections. Its like gremlin - don't get it wet.
Similar case with tuareg 660??? What do u guys think about the Aprilia one ... I am currently on a xt650 vstorm .. owning a xt never had an issue with reliability my buddy bought a 790 Duke ..now he wants sell it .. though he had a lot of fun but later alot of pain ... And the waiting time
@@bonjovi1354 If you want reliability, I'd bet on Yamaha over Aprilia or KTM. I actually think Ducati have gotten reasonably reliable, probably due to influence from VW Group.
@@bonjovi1354 Yeah Aprilia has a very shoddy reputation as well. Again, an amazing performing bike, but also a ticking time bomb. A big thing that drives me nuts about the Tuareg 660 is that its god awful to maintain yourself. The air filter alone is so out of the way that the costs to replace it, which you'll need to do a lot on an adventure bike, is ridiculously pricey. The bike is riddled with little things like this. Mandatory dealership services in order to clear the maintenance light, etc, etc. It's just a bloody headache and something that plagues more and more Euro bikes.
You can set up quick buttons, you can change modes in a few presses then. I have the up button as change modes and down button as heated grips on mine.
Next time hit Durban for some quality off-road sections. SA is great for the weather and different riding terrain. Would consider the Norden if I had not already bought the KTM. Great vid.
Not to be too cynical but “supply chain” reasons aside, are manufacturers manufacturing scarcity to artificially increase value or manufacturing motorcycles to meet demand?
I'd so yes, there I believe are post covid supply issues and greater bureaucracy it seems. Hopefully with the economic downturn the lack of free money in the economy with mke pricing competative! My thoughts only.
why is this less "extreme" than the KTM890R? They now both have the same suspension travel, engine and chassis, so only difference seems to be the fairing
In another review they showed how the bash plate prevents the bike from tipping all the way over flat and in effect serves as side crash bars in most situations.
I still don't understand why KTM don't let Husky represent the premium side of the company. They have the looks, and there's an opportunity to make them a cut above on switchgear, brakes, and suspension. But once again they seem to almost pit the two brands against each other. At least this is close enough that I'd go for it over the R.
Great looking bike, sounds like a bargain with all the extras for £900, but whats going on with the panniers, they look like they’re about to fall off the bike every time you hit a bump.
Great bike for all terrain extreme off roading. Not much of that in the UK, and how many owners will want to trash their shiny new toy on rocks, drop it into ditches and pick this tall, > 200Kg monster up multiple times? The seat height is fine as long as your mate brings a step ladder along.
Great review, Adam. I really wanted a 901 but lost interest after seemingly endless teaser video clips in Iceland etc. I gave up and instead have an 890 Adventure (non R) and it’s pretty much perfect for me. The competition (Tiger, Desert X, T7, ATAS etc) are all too tall and top heavy. My 60 mile test ride was a revelation in several ways. I’m 5’8” so no giant either and this is just so manageable and fun. Oh, and close to 70 mpg. That said, you’ve got me thinking about the Expedition. My only criticism is those dreadful panniers which look like an afterthought. Why not team up with, say, Touratech or Bumot and do a proper job? For just £900 over the standard 901 a bargain. I need to stop myself having a test ride……
'''Why not team up with, say, Touratech or Bumot and do a proper job?'' You have answered to your own question with: ''For just £900 over the standard 901 a bargain''. You can improve the panniers by adding another locking mechanism. Instead of having only 2 you can have 3. Many did it.
The bike itself looks great and good value for money. The luggage on the other hand looks trash. The bag are mounted as far away from the bike as Husky could get them, and they flop around like crazy in every video I've seen so far.
You are right. The Norden as a newly-labeled KTM has tons of issues that should be addressed first. However, there are many custumers who like to be fooled by image and marketing. I am not one of these guys.
In the last few years so many more off road focused bikes have come out. Like we really ride off road and on the beach. I ride passes in the Alps. There is no sand or off road if I want to make 500 kilometres in a day, just corners and fast riding. So companys get it together.
Any formed road regardless of surface IS NOT OFF ROAD. A dirt road is still a road ! A gravel road is still a road ! When there is no evidence of a formed road, such as a river bed, a sand dune or a single track or a rock platform, you are traversing "off road". Journos use the term off road way too loosely.
No matter what bike you were on, this makes me want to go to South Africa!
Never on KTM. Good luck getting parts in anything but Capital. Also they went into salt water with it. Those bikes are notorious for crappy electrical connections. Its like gremlin - don't get it wet.
The biggest test will be reliability when you are far away from a dealer...fun is not only a question of performance and equipment.
It’s a KTM engine, so it’ll will break down at any point. I love their engines from a performance aspect, but my god are they woefully unreliable.
@@jabsy5094 indeed.
Similar case with tuareg 660??? What do u guys think about the Aprilia one ... I am currently on a xt650 vstorm .. owning a xt never had an issue with reliability my buddy bought a 790 Duke ..now he wants sell it .. though he had a lot of fun but later alot of pain ... And the waiting time
@@bonjovi1354 If you want reliability, I'd bet on Yamaha over Aprilia or KTM. I actually think Ducati have gotten reasonably reliable, probably due to influence from VW Group.
@@bonjovi1354 Yeah Aprilia has a very shoddy reputation as well. Again, an amazing performing bike, but also a ticking time bomb. A big thing that drives me nuts about the Tuareg 660 is that its god awful to maintain yourself. The air filter alone is so out of the way that the costs to replace it, which you'll need to do a lot on an adventure bike, is ridiculously pricey. The bike is riddled with little things like this. Mandatory dealership services in order to clear the maintenance light, etc, etc. It's just a bloody headache and something that plagues more and more Euro bikes.
You can set up quick buttons, you can change modes in a few presses then.
I have the up button as change modes and down button as heated grips on mine.
Next time hit Durban for some quality off-road sections. SA is great for the weather and different riding terrain. Would consider the Norden if I had not already bought the KTM. Great vid.
I love my 890 AdvR , but hmm ...
Not saying I regret selling my Norden 901 and buying a KTM 1290 Adventure R. BUT I am seriously thinking about the expedition version lol
Awesome review it was cool to see your joy and I can imagine why - Great bike for sure
Thanks
First time I ever seen the man being truly enthusiastic-welcome to the world me old salchicha
990 Adventure 🥲
Not to be too cynical but “supply chain” reasons aside, are manufacturers manufacturing scarcity to artificially increase value or manufacturing motorcycles to meet demand?
Bingo! Reduce production will reduce supply. This will “increase demand”. It won’t meet demand because they won’t have enough. Keeping prices solid.
I'd so yes, there I believe are post covid supply issues and greater bureaucracy it seems. Hopefully with the economic downturn the lack of free money in the economy with mke pricing competative! My thoughts only.
why is this less "extreme" than the KTM890R? They now both have the same suspension travel, engine and chassis, so only difference seems to be the fairing
Sooo goood! Well made review. Thank you!
Thx for the nice test! Love the K interns made bag design and pro level functionality. :))))
Waiting on mime to come in any day now.
Cannot wait.
Excellent review. Thanks
Enjoy!🏍️💨
Great review Chad! That looked dreamy
Those side bags don’t look like they will last long, the securing system seems to be flawed!
I know you are gone already, but a belated welcome to Cape Town 😃
Great review. I see you don't have crash bars. Are they necessary in your opinion?
If you fall over alot then they are definitely necessary 🤣
In another review they showed how the bash plate prevents the bike from tipping all the way over flat and in effect serves as side crash bars in most situations.
I think it's Bore 90.7mm and stroke 68.8mm, else it'll only be allowed to rev to 6500 rpm. The test is good by Chad though 👍
Love it!
Woohoo.... The bike that we thought we were getting at launch! No offense Simon... But this is a proper off road review! Nice work
I still don't understand why KTM don't let Husky represent the premium side of the company. They have the looks, and there's an opportunity to make them a cut above on switchgear, brakes, and suspension. But once again they seem to almost pit the two brands against each other.
At least this is close enough that I'd go for it over the R.
It's really good value if your looking at the 890 R as well. Great value.
Have you all improved the buckle so that it doesn't get scratched up? I love, love LOVE this belt except for the finish on the buckle.
Nice job god bless
Did husqvarna fit better tires than the standard 901 or do they still have the scorpion str?
I think I’ll stick with my ‘91 Africa Twin
Great looking bike, sounds like a bargain with all the extras for £900, but whats going on with the panniers, they look like they’re about to fall off the bike every time you hit a bump.
Makes them flexible. Sturdy panniers can break. My guess, anyway!
Normally sturdy ones can cause wobbles at speed
They were ok after many crashes and two days riding
That bag looks really bad
Husqvarna can't sell stuff like that for money.
Great bike for all terrain extreme off roading. Not much of that in the UK, and how many owners will want to trash their shiny new toy on rocks, drop it into ditches and pick this tall, > 200Kg monster up multiple times? The seat height is fine as long as your mate brings a step ladder along.
do more squats and or birpees
do more squats/birpees
Looks wise I think this is better than the KTM 890 ADV.
Anyone has a experience with any of Husqvarna models, are they more reliable than ktm?
No is the simple answer, I found out the hard way !!!
Those bags are all over the place. They're going to get shredded in no time at all. Why put useless bags which are just going to break?
Great review, Adam. I really wanted a 901 but lost interest after seemingly endless teaser video clips in Iceland etc. I gave up and instead have an 890 Adventure (non R) and it’s pretty much perfect for me. The competition (Tiger, Desert X, T7, ATAS etc) are all too tall and top heavy. My 60 mile test ride was a revelation in several ways. I’m 5’8” so no giant either and this is just so manageable and fun. Oh, and close to 70 mpg. That said, you’ve got me thinking about the Expedition. My only criticism is those dreadful panniers which look like an afterthought. Why not team up with, say, Touratech or Bumot and do a proper job? For just £900 over the standard 901 a bargain. I need to stop myself having a test ride……
'''Why not team up with, say, Touratech or Bumot and do a proper job?'' You have answered to your own question with: ''For just £900 over the standard 901 a bargain''. You can improve the panniers by adding another locking mechanism. Instead of having only 2 you can have 3. Many did it.
@@oross99 My point is why scrimp on this? They’re the same as the original 901 and look like a pair of bin bags plus they stick out and flap around.
There are lots of after market options for panniers.
@@oross99 I did that.
@@mechcavandy986 For sure but these spoil an otherwise great and coherent, quality package.
How is the screen? Looks like when you sit it is just in your eyes…
Great vid i bet your pals are jealous
What crashbars can you use with that new skidplate?
Why would you want them
The bike itself looks great and good value for money. The luggage on the other hand looks trash. The bag are mounted as far away from the bike as Husky could get them, and they flop around like crazy in every video I've seen so far.
Bike looks mint... miles better with longer suspension.. looks more aggressive.... those saddlebags though .... WTF 😮... horrendous
Remember when they used to make the same motorcycle better? Now they upsell you!
You are right. The Norden as a newly-labeled KTM has tons of issues that should be addressed first. However, there are many custumers who like to be fooled by image and marketing. I am not one of these guys.
In the last few years so many more off road focused bikes have come out. Like we really ride off road and on the beach. I ride passes in the Alps. There is no sand or off road if I want to make 500 kilometres in a day, just corners and fast riding. So companys get it together.
You mean like all the other bikes all these companies make. Why comment on a review of an off road themed bike crying about not being a road bike?
How about the camsaft broplem??? No one want to say anything adout that, spesialy engine factory people.
Do you biking journo's never ride in the U.K. between November and June?🙊
Polar circle here i come
Grey Norden looks so much better than this.... I think I will stick with the previous version it is able to do a good offroad too...
Any formed road regardless of surface IS NOT OFF ROAD.
A dirt road is still a road !
A gravel road is still a road !
When there is no evidence of a formed road, such as a river bed, a sand dune or a single track or a rock platform, you are traversing "off road".
Journos use the term off road way too loosely.