Husqvarna Norden 901 vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - Side By Side Comparison 

I just found this video. I was comparing these at my KTM dealership, and all I had to do is watch this video. They have this exact Nordon 901 with or without hard Paniers. I need something that will cruise at very high, highway speeds. Going to visit my daughter in Texas, which has 140km / 85mph speed limits . Great video.

Had a 1090r. Tested the Ktm 790r, and it didn´t click for some reason. Didn´t like the engine. Then came the 890. I was so like "praise the lord halleluja!" Went for a testride and the same thing... something just didn´t click. The dealer had a 1290 Sar and tested that and ohboy ohboy.😍 It´s all about that engine. It´s so addictive like a drug. I dont mind the thing its heavy because the new tank desing makes it so much easier in offroad and in tight turns. And soon as you open the throttle😲. Buy the bike that you like. Dont buy what they tell you what is the best or the lightest or with the best suspension... IMO.

This is exactly the comparison I want. Both are in my next purchase wheelhouse.

Cool overview Man ! I was actually debating between these 2 bikes in January… Finally got the 1290SAR and sooo glad I did. What a bike!!! Great off & on road, instant emotions every time you twist that throttle… Been riding sport bikes 25 years and adv bikes 10 years… Nothing comes close to the feeling the KTM gives you, anywhere you ride it! Just make sure you have some friends with you to help pick it up if you plan do ride some nasty stuff… It’s a beeeast :-) Keep up the good work Chris, nice to see something different from usual reviewers !

Great video and excellent comparison that a lot of people struggle with. You have some excellent riding skills.

You are the best bike reviewer I’ve ever seen love it keep doing it Smokey you’re the best

The KTM 1290 SAr is badass. One of my favorite bikes

Nice comparison, I had a Husky TE610 and loved it!. Also, now I don't feel so bad dropping my 1090R when turning off the curb from my driveway :)

901 honestly sounds like it does a lot more with the stock exhaust than all the other adventure bikes. A really good sound.

Bro that was an absolute great video. You had it all covered. Answered so many QST I had. My current bike is a 2018 1090 r. And thinking about getting a norden. Now I k ow what to do. Thanks mate

Good comparison mate. I had KTM 890 Adventure R traded and got 1290 SAR love the bike and they way it even handles off road , Forest service roads etc..and pavement. And yes 1290 does have few issues as most reported like coolant leak etc.. but once those are fixed in warranty bike is solid to go. The reason by I traded my 890 as I have husky FE350 s perfect Enduro bike for my Hardcore off road and which I mainly ride single track on so no reason for mid 890 Adv r and moved to the beast.

NORDEN 901 plus 701 is the perfect combo. All bases covered🤘🏾I’m picking my NORDEN up in July, and next year I’ll get my 701 for the rough stuff

I just picked up a new Norden and I can't fault it! Very happy

I have the same type KTM 1290 Super Adventure R 2022 as you and I have been debating on getting one of those Husqvarna Norden 901 motorcycles as a midweight adventure bike as a backup riding machine and this is really causing such an itch to get the Norden 901 and I really love riding my 2022 SAR. Great video!

I’m 70 years old with bad arthritis, so the Norden is perfect for me. I’ve ridden big BMW Adventure bikes for many years. I’m afraid the 1290 R would be more of the same. I had trouble getting my leg over the big GSA Adventures. It would be the same with the 1290. I’ve sat on them. The comfort of the Norden is good for my old body. I can ride it more miles. I know the 1290 has a better / stiffer front end. I could but heavier springs / kit in my front end and have the same thing. But then my front end would be stiffer on the tarmac. I don’t want that. It would be harder on my arthritis. And I’ve always wanted a Husky. I wanted one in the 70s when I was enduro / MX racing. But I had to settle for a Maico. Such is life. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Great review!

Thanks for the video. This two beautiful machines! Which one would I choose? Difficult question, because I enjoy more the grunt of the 1290 engine sound, and power, but surprisingly the Norden is a looker! The design is incredible. I wonder how it fits with the side panniers for it. The bike really impresses. The KTM is a little more well equipped concerning the electronic assets … the price is very different between the two bikes. I don’t know, but I think I would give the Norden a shot!

I just bought the 1290 SAR and love it, but also HATE the turn signal switch.

The huski is more easy come,easy go, the ktm with 160 ps. Need more experience, and what you say, one miscalculation can lead to tragic consequences, for daily use is better the huski, we are not all pilots , I congratulate you because in four words you have described the differences between the two better than all the reviews I have seen

1290 sounds next level better.

I still haven't seen Norden not even once! KTM is amazing but probably not for me - I don't need that much power. I was hesitant which one to buy - and because I don't do any serious off road, I decided not go get a T7. Bought Africa twin, have done so far around 60k km, not a single issue! In a couple of days going again to Nordkapp, I love the bike. Thanks for the review!

That was hilarious smokey I love the norden the best even though I'm A KTM man

Thanks for another fine video and “comparison”. The Norden looks very charming and it means that you can take it on a suit to an hotel party dinner without any embarrassment and you still can take it perfectly to an off-road trail and have a lot of fun, or even on a road trip, and you still rock. On the 1290 Adventure R ,by the sound test it immediately takes you to another level of riding style and probably is not a so all around bike as the Norden. The question here is, to know if with the Norden it will be fully satisfying from a riding pleasure, point of view…If we can pay the difference I think I would go for the LC8 Engine of the Adventure R, it is purely addicting. But by the other hand with the Norden you have a more eclectic and price wise, more generally well suited option. The Adventure R is a bit more a luxury Joel for a Guy, not just a good and powerful motorcycle. Ho Man, what am I talking here about?…My better option would be to get both. That would be awesome 🤩 You’ve ridden both. So, I ask you, are they really comparable? Between the Norden and the Honda Africa Twin, I would take the plunge for the Husky!🤘 Be well my friend and keep on doing this fantastic videos!😎🤙🤙

As far as the rev battle, I own the 890 with the akrapovich exhaust. The sound is magnificent, especially at rally mode. P.S. The only reason I’d go for the 1290 next time, is because of its phenom suspension. I had to re-spring my 890’s fork and rear, right off the first 3mo I owned it.

you are hilarious. keep up the good work👍🖐learning a lot and laugh as well=))

I've had theNorden for nearly a year now(I love it)...I will keep it for another year then get a 2024 1290 SAS

Hi Smokey, you can also use the key (with dead battery) on the side so you can leave the "little thingy" at home.

Cut open a piece of rubber tubing, clamp it around the part the crashbar will hit the ground and fix it with a tierap.

I want both 😂👊🏽

Hey Smokey, I like your style but I’d go for the Norden because being lighter, it probably won’t end up on the floor when I leap-frog on from de back! Cheers mate from Oz.

i m wondering this gen of 1290 sar still has speed limiter？

Magnifique !

Traded in my 1290 in on a 701 enduro. Really like the 701 but miss my 1290. Wish I could of afforded both.

901 sounded better IMO with the higher revs but that headlight just doesn't grow on me. My next ADV is between the 890R, black Ducati Desert X, or the 1290R at this point.

I can't help but the Norden reminds me of the Adventure 990s.

I’ll take the 1290 or 890 R over the Norden

1290 r ❤️

the sound of the 1290 with the open akrapovic is brillant and the bike is awesome. but 6000€ is a deffrence. you can get for this the xplor pro suspension and ather nice stoff and in the end you have the better bike with the norden.

swap out the nordens suspension and it will convince you !! suspension and hydro clutch conversion is a TOTAL GAME CHANGER on that bike !!!!! now i am more off road oriented than some but NO WAY EVER will i go back to a 1090/1190or1290 after these mods on the 901

Hello hope you are well. My question to you : how would the Norden 901 compare to the 990r ( not sure if you have any experience with the 990)

I prefer 1290ADV R 😻👍I have a KTM 1290 SDR 2020 and KTM 500 EXC 500 2022 ,it’s the Top 😻👍

Hello, question: owner of a classic N901, I would like to upgrade to the 901 Expedition for the damping of the WS in 48mm, but I am also looking for the 1290 S or R, I am not very tall 1.73cms, road trip twice per year solo, for 8000kms 70/30 rte // tt soft. what do you recommend ???? thank you Alain.

I am actually trying to choose between the Norden 901 and the KTM 1290 (S or R). I’m a long time off-road racer more recently getting more into Adv Touring. Just sold my TX300, 690 Enduro and Super Tenere. Looking for a single bike scenario to do some light exploring to tarmac touring with my wife at times.

hello! How can we talk in private? I am researching to buy my new motorcycle and I would like to know if you could solve my doubts on the subject. I doubt between 1290 and several others thank you!! I love your channel!!

Muy bueno 🤫

Just did a few 5-7 hour highway days on my 21' 890 R and can't stop thinking I should have bought the 1290 S or R.. anything above 80mph and my front wheel just wobbles around. Very unnerving. I've gotten it up to around 115 but it was not pleasant. Motoz rallz front tire so that's probably the culprit but I need to be able to cruse at at least 85mph and throttle stomp past 100mph for long interstate trips.

1290 for sure 😍

Hey, Smoke, great video. I am enjoying your channel. (I have one too, by the way. Hint, hint!). I am looking at both these bikes. For me, I'll be 90% on road, and here in Southern California, I have to go long distances on highways (where average speeds are 75-80 miles per hour). As crazy as it sounds when comparing two bikes meant to handle offroad better than other adventure bikes, I need to know which one of these would handle all those highway miles better? Do I go with the bigger engine of the 1290, or the more road oriented suspension of the Norden? Or is there something else I should be considering as the deciding factor? Thanks! PS Second question: What changes do you anticipate for the 1290 SAR for 2024?

If you could just put that awesome 1290 engine in that Norden frame.

How about a video on the Norden Expedition?

I really like the Norden,but I have a smaller bike on order KTM 390 Adventure it's so much lighter for me and my experience/age .I have all the mods but still waiting for my bike delayed once already.

1290 ❤️❤️

Sound: 1290 : Jackhammer 901: sewing machine, just as the KTM 890 Compared to what i drive right now, both of them don't realy do the trick for me when it comes to sound. Is that realy a stopper ? Well, not necessary, but still... i think the Norden (just as the KTM 890) both need some extra low grund to their sound

Still cannot make a decision...but it doesn't matter because I can't find either bike

..both

I'm waiting for the Norden 1301

If you have ridden it? How does the 901 compare to a Honda AT 1100

Видео супер.

Hello, imagine une 1290 Ads avec roues à rayons et protections, ça serait pas le Top pour route et TT comme une GS 1250🤔😁tu en penses quoi ?

How about the 1290 Adventure S as I'm 80-20 road-trail ratio? I'm coming off a 990, so there is some KTM blood in me. Norden 901 price is certainly better.

TRUST ME !! keep the 901 and upgrade the suspension , on my budget the Tractive swap is a total game changer if money is no or less an object do the cone valve W.P./Pro boingers im sure they are even better , , swap out the clutch for a Magura hydro unit , do the cat & cannister delete rotty intake & arrow exhaust rapid bike tuner and add soft luggage of choice !!! monster bike travel off road warrior accomplished i think .........but i am a way more off road focused rider than on so the smaller bike is bes

Passenger 2up accommodations. Which is better?

Traded in my 1290 for the 890 advr, better bought a new 1290, but now the risk of losing my license has dropped massively.

Hello, I saw you tes so I am wondering if I will be happy with the Husqvaen norden 901. So far I have ridden a KTM Adventure 1190?. Thank you

When is the video on the poop coming out?

👍

make sure you do something about the airbox that doesnt seal up well , Rottweiler sells a power plate that will deal it up good while slight improvement in flow or the whole rotty intake kit , which is what i always do , cat & cannister delete intake & power commander

Where did you get those cool graphics for that 1290? Looks much better like that imo.

1290 !!!

I went with 901 expedition

You gonna take a poop?! I know what that means in Belgium 😏 nice compare, but I will take the 1290 in a heartbeat! Greetz, your northern neighbor 😉

1290 😍 sounds and looks better 🙌🏽 husky ideal if you’re short 🙊

Have to admit. I absolutely love your style of reviews! Listen to the feedback and then let’s dive deeper into stuff that peeps wanna talk about. @5:50 in this vid! #1290SARFAM

For as much I would love to have the KTM the Norden is looking like more of an all-round bike. Good at just about everything - just not the best. The 901 would also reduce the 'Need for Speed' factor from the 160Hp of the KTM.

1290r - if your gonna be a bear be a polar bear.

Have you rode the Suzuki 1050 DE

901 sounds like a crotchrocket

Ktm 1290 r all day long👍

I didnt like the KTM of 2022 but with this graphics are awesome!!!!

901 and 690 Enduro R for the rough stuff

Why is there a license plate from Braunau, Austria on the Norden?!? 🤔

I prefer 1290 ADV S😊.

The indicator knob holds me back from the KTM, if KTM fixes this in a update ....than i buy one. The Norden is from outer space with the ugly dash ,and as a tall rider i don't like the fixed windshield. Great video again Smokey ,like the humor a lot. 🤡

GO WITH 901 NORDEN !

well, one could also compare a Porsche Boxter with a 911!

Maybe get a 390 adventure too?🤣

Both great bikes, but you are comparing apples to oranges.

901 is the smart man’s choice. 😉

like my Norden 901 but i am disappointed , and surprised honestly , in the suspension they used and the lack of hydro clutch , i wish i had the option of ordering it with the "R" upspec suspension so i knew the stockers wouldnt be as good but assumed they would be tuneable and rebuildable like those from the 1090r & 690r i had prior but sadly not so , heck even my crusty old 1999 380exc has the hydro clutch and reservoir shock ? both easily fixed just costs $ i wish i didnt have to spend , anyway otherwise the bike is awesome light feeling low weight and handles like a sport bike on the road , once i get the Tractive suspension i ordered it should be awesome off road also

KTM fan but Huskey makes more sense for on and off road use. U going to get super stressed picking up the KTM and doing trails

Надо сравнивать с КТМ 890

Sound 901.

4000€ diff. in Ro.

Came from a 990 and swore if KTM ever offered a machine with similar capabilities but 20+ kg lighter, I would go for it. The 790/890 arrived and I thought my prayers had been answered. Then the 1290R showed up and my will power was seriously tested. In a lot of ways I wanted it more than the 890R. In the end, recalling during my limited number of off-road adventures on the 990, never once did I say to myself while dragging the 990 through a mud bog, "You know what would make this ride even better? Another 60 hp." Rather, I often thought in my sweat drenched helmet, "I will happily give up 25hp if I can lose 50kg of weight" (had the 950SE in mind). In the end, I am 20ish kg lighter with a lower c.g. and 50% better fuel consumption. My biggest regret is sound: the LC8c just does not come close to the rubble of the 75° Vee, no matter what KTM says it did with the crank and ignition timing. I was tempted to wait for a Norden, but didn't like the idea of the suspension trade off and got over 3000 Euro off a left over 2021... No regrets.

V4S Ducati Multistrada is best.

You look better on 901 Norden.

I have and will stick with the KTM1290R. Looks to kill. Sounds beefy and goes like stink. And I am 72 years old.

Odd choice of bikes to compare.

The 1290 SAR

Ktm only 135cv no 160cv como dice ktm

Hahaha 😁