Thanks again, I think you nailed it by 700cc/660 (Aprillia) is too small for long distance travelling (was 4 weeks to Spain & Morocco this year) but fun off-road. My 1200cc GS is absolutely perfect on long distances but far too heavy off-road as I’m not one of those RU-vid-dune-jumpers on even heavier bikes. Not able to … So you have supported me on my theoretical opinion. A practical test is coming up soon. Looking forward to it 🤸🏻♂️🤸🏻♂️
Great review and I completely agree. It’s hard to justify another adventure style bike in the garage when this one does and had everything you need and some.
Hi, thank you for your quick reply. You‘re absolutely right, we have to compare apples to apples but I‘m searching for my sweet spot. Shall I stick to my reliable aircooled GS (1250 GS was too heavy and expensive for me)? Or something lighter like T660, T7? Or something between like 901? That’s why I’m testing many bikes to find out what fits best to my riding style and riding habits (on-/offroad, travelling, commuting etc.) The standard 901 I liked the most was except wind protection (should be fixable) and overheating. That’s I was asking you. Anyway, I arranged a test ride with the 901 exp this week. All the best and a lot of fun Peter
Welcome. Wind protection is better on Expedition but not perfect for me being almost 2 meters tall. Also needed bar risers. Again no issue with heat but heard that from few people maybe because I use off road boots I don’t feel it… For me Norden Expedition hits the sweet spot - if I could only have one bike this is it 🤘😀 I personally found 700cc too small on the road mainly but great off-road. Worth mentioning electronics on Norden Exp. are brilliant and much better than T7 and some other bikes I tested, I love the way off road mode works - it is absolutely fantastic . Let us know what you decided later on I look forward to hearing from you!
Bud. What a great review! An how lucky are you to have amazing green lanes to use. Please keep um commin especially with the 901expo. Absolute joy havin you take us with you on these vids mate.❤❤😊😊
Thank you for taking the time to post your review. As a fellow Expedition owner I can say that I agree completely with your assessment of the bike itself and the comparison with the T7 and GS. I sold my BMW RT and T7 and now have only this bike in the shed. I picked it up June 1st 2023 and it has now got 11,750 miles including a reasonable amount of off road in the UK and the ACT in Italy. I have ridden the GS1200 and 1250 many times over thousands of miles when renting abroad. My view is that if the intention is only ever to stay on the tarmac the GS is a better bet, but as soon as you go off tarmac the Exped suspension and low COG are absolute game changers in terms of confidence. And, it really isn't far behind the GS for on road (tarmac) performance. Would you mind if I ask what tyres you mainly use? I usually go with Mitas. E09 on the rear when doing RallyMoto events in the UK. For European tours inc the ACT I use the E07+ as it gives good mileage. In both instances I pair it with a TKC80 on the front.
Thank you for your comment. I use Motoz Adventure sets as I have good experience with them, they should last me over 5K miles a set mixed tarmac and off road. On my T7 I had Motoz RallZ and they have been brilliant- lasted approximately 4K miles. Both are quite confidence inspiring off road. I found Mitas not suitable for my riding style and not lasting long. I also don’t find TKC80 any good off-road. If you haven’t tried Motoz yet I recommend you do.
Hi Still riding a 2010 1200 GS ac with 105000 km, extremely reliable, I’m about to buy a replacement bike but … After testing a few bikes I couldn’t find one. - 901 Standard Model: I liked everything (wind protection 👎) until I came into the city in summer. The heat coming to my legs was unbearable. Deal breaker. What about this on the Expedition?? - Yam T7: not close to the GS when it comes to handling. Lack of power when fully loaded. Tube tyres are deal breakers anyway. Overrated in my opinion - Tuareg 660: my favourite up to now. Best handling on-/off-road, lightweight, fun to ride. Missing some power. Due to the dealer network in Europe and Morocco I wait buying it - Transalp 750: I miss excitement and off-road capabilities. Tube tyres - V-Strom 800: Not tested. Why should I buy such an ugly bike with the same weight as my GS but less cc, hp, nm?? Peter
Hi, thanks for your comment, everybody has their own experience with different Bikes. I just presented mine. For example I don’t have any issue with overheating with Norden. Everything feels right. I also have different experience with GSs my friend recently returned from trip around Europe on AA trailer so not very good. I had 2018, GS and it had to have drive shaft replaced due to rust so I was very happy with reliability. I think we have to start comparing apples to apples bike with 700 cc engine, will always fall behind 900 cc like Yamaha Tenere in regards to performance comparison with Norden. So everyone has to find their own sweet spot and ideal bike. I’m just voicing my opinions for me if I had more space in the garage on might get Ducati Multistrada instead of GS as on gravel roads it could be equally fine. Good luck with finding your replacement bike.
Nice review. Got a testride this week and ordered one on the spot. Expect it in the next 2 weeks. What high fender is that? Is it the same color as the bike?
Thank you, I don’t blame you for ordering one on the spot, I did the same 😃 I got navy Husqvarna FE 2023 fender and it worked with some washers- worth trying for £25 cost. Colour is very similar to the bike paint, saw some go with black… Good luck with your bike 👍👍enjoy
Have you notice heat on you legs coming from the exhaust line right in front of the rear wheel? I am asking because I had an 890 R, as replacement bike while mine was in the shop for service, and the heat was burning my legs despite motorbike pants. I don't have this problem with mine 1290 SAR.
Your sitting on the bike wrong if you feel the seat is wide. You need to shift your ass forward up to the tank. Then at your hight you may need bar rises for when you are standing while riding.. 🙂🇦🇺👍
I’m mentioning this mainly for shorter guys, not as a negative- seat is comfortable and in context wide like on GS not narrow as on Enduro bikes. Point is shorter guys may find this bike to high - everyone needs to try for themselves. I will be getting bar risers as my next upgrade, thanks for your comment 👍👍
