Swedish bike manufacturer, Husqvarna, recently launched their first and much anticipated adventure bike, the Husqvarna Norden 901. The Norden 901 is basically a re-dressed KTM 890 Adventure. It features the same engine, drivetrain and a host of other components which you would not immediately see when looking at the two bikes side-by-side.
Before we look at the differences between the Husqvarna Norden 901 and the KTM 890 Adventure, here are the basic specs:
| Husqvarna Norden 901 | KTM 890 Adventure | KTM 890 Adventure R | |
| Price | $13 999 | $13 099 | $14 199 |
| Suspension | WP APEX (43mm) | WP APEX (43mm) | WP XPLOR (48mm) |
| Suspension travel (f/r) | 220/215mm | 195/195mm | 240/240mm |
| Tires | Pirelli Scorption Rally STR | Avon TrailRider | Continental TKC80 Twinduro |
| Seat height | 854-874 mm | 830-850 mm | 880 mm |
| Dry weight | 450 lbs (204 kg) | 441 lbs (200 kg) | 441 lbs (200 kg) |
| Tank size | 5 gal (19L) | 5.3 gal (20L) | 5.3 gal (20L) |
| Wheelbase | 1 513 mm | 1 509 mm | 1 528 mm |
| Ground clearance | 252 mm | 233 mm | 263 mm |
| Steering head angle | 64.2 degrees | 64.1 degrees | 63.7 degrees |
| Ride modes | Street, Rain, Offroad, Explorer (opt) | Street, Rain, Offroad, Rally (opt) | Street, Rain, Offroad, Rally (opt) |
| TPMS | Standard? | Optional | Optional |
| Heated grips/seats | Standard? | Optional | Optional |
| Cruise control | Standard | Optional (switch is there) | Optional (switch is there) |
The manufacturers’ websites do not always give enough information on the detailed specifications, so I consulted the brochure of the Norden 901 from Husqvarna’s website as well as the owner’s manual of the KTM 890 Adventure from KTM’s website.
Here are the most notable differences between the Husqvarna Norden 901 and the KTM 890 Adventure models:
Norden 901 vs KTM 890 Adventure: Suspension
The KTM 890 Adventure R is renowned for being a superb off-road machine. This is partly due to its impressive power to weight ratio compared to other modern adventure bikes, but the main reason is the suspension. The KTM 890 Adventure R is fitted with KTM’s inhouse brand WP XPLOR upside down fork with a 48 mm diameter up front and WP XACT PDS mono shock in the rear.
The Husqvarna Norden 901 shares the suspension of the more street-biased KTM 890 Adventure, with WP APEX suspension front and rear. The front fork diameter on the Norden 901 and the 890 Adventure is 43 mm. The suspension is probably the single biggest difference between the bikes, apart from the look.
Norden 901 vs KTM 890 Adventure: Suspension Travel
The Norden’s suspension travel is 220 mm in the front and 215 mm in the rear, which is less than the KTM 890 Adventure R at 240 mm front and rear. This is as a result of the different suspension systems on these bikes. Interestingly, the KTM 890 Adventure that has the same WP APEX suspension as the Norden, has much less travel at only 195 mm front and rear.
Norden 901 vs KTM 890 Adventure: Seat Height and Ground Clearance
When it comes to seat height and ground clearance, the Husqvarna Norden 901 slots right in right in the middle between the KTM 890 Adventure and Adventure R. This is mostly thanks to use of WP APEX suspension in the Norden. That said, it is still taller than the 890 Adventure with the same setup.
The KTM 890 Adventure R has a seat height of 880 mm, which is taller than the upper end of the Norden’s 854-874 mm seat height range. The KTM 890 Adventure’s seat height can be adjusted between 830 and 850 mm.
Similarly, the ground clearance of the Husky Norden 901 is 252 mm, right between the KTM 890 Adventure R (263 mm) and the KTM 890 Adventure (233 mm).
Norden 901 vs KTM 890 Adventure: Electronics and Standard Features
There are bound to be many small differences and this will only be confirmed once I get hold of a press bike. To stay up to date, go subscribe out my YouTube Channel. I did, however, scan the marketing material for small differences between the Husqvarna and the KTM.
Both brands have all the electronics you’d expect of a modern adventure bike, including lean-angle ABS, traction control, and three standard riding modes (Street, Rain & Offroad). In addition, the Norden and KTMs have an optional ride mode called Explorer or Rally respectively. They will probably not differ much.
Standard features always depend on the specific market where the bike is sold, but from the U.S. sites and marketing material, it looks like the Norden 901 may have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and heated grips and seats as standard, while these are optional on the KTMs. Cruiser control is standard on the Norden, while only the switch gear is fitted to the KTMs at the factory. The software to ride the KTM with no hands is an optional extra.
Which is Best? Norden 901 or KTM 890 Adventure?
It really is impossible to say and it will 100% depend on what you want to use it for and your personal preference. All I can say is that the Norden 901 looks 200% better than the KTM and I can’t wait to ride one!
