Norden 901

[MrKiwi]

Currently I own a 2014 Moto Guzzi California.
This is now being sold and in September I will pick up a used Husqvarna Norden 901.
The bike I am buying is curretnly owned by KTM/Husqvarna New Zealand, it is their training bike and is now being used as their press bike. Be3cause I work in the industry here I am able to do a deal directly with the NZ distributor which means I get this bike for a good price.

Some pics

[MrKiwi]

The bike has heated grips fitted to it and will come with their explorer mode software enabling better control settings for ABS and traction control.
I will at the time of purchase add the side panniers, a centre stand and a pillion comfort seat. The pillion comfort seat will allow MrsKiwi to seat a bit higher behind me and will enable her to see over my shoulder while riding.

I already have a couple of Givi top boxes which I'll fit once I have the bike and I will fit a Scott Oiler for the chain.

[MrKiwi]

I've taken the bike for a short test ride and am very pleased with it.

It rides and feels much like the Africa Twin, but is a lit lighter and a little less bulky. The motor is quite different, more revy and less torque.

The air filter is easy to get to being directly under the seat and the battery is also easy to get to, unlike the AT where it is hidden away.

More to come in September when I pick the bike up.

[zebulon]

nice to have some news from you David  I have some friends who have bought it (waiting for Transalp, but still no news from Honda); and are enchanted for instance, wanting something lighter then AT, because oftently riding solo, and with some interesting off road aptitude ; waiting for your report David, oftently a thought to you and hoping your return in Europe 

[K68]

Hi,
I really like this bike and I am also very interested in your riding experience, I still ride a varadero because I travel with a passenger mostly but I miss the lightness and agility of the transalp 600.

[zebulon]

seems @T is better on duo riding than Husky  , but David had Varadero, Crosstourer,  Africa 1000 , V85, so he can compare if he remember so far 

[Jyrays]

Hi David,

Better than no bike, but it is still a KTM with all the quality issues, just hidden in Swedish clothes... I hope they are getting better!

[MrKiwi]

Thanks all for your comments.

You are right Jyrki, mostly a KTM in Swedish clothes. The clothes are nicer than KTM's in my view. I'm aware of some of the perceived and actual reliability issues with KTM and buying the first version of a new model is not always a good idea. But, I like this bike.

K68 - I intend to ride two up on the 901. Power and torque are the about the same as the 1000cc version of the AT. The 901 is a very capable bike.


Zebulon - yes, looking forward to getting it in September and riding my summer.

[MrKiwi]

Last Wednesday I flew one to Auckland to pick up my new to me 6 month old Norden 901.
This bike has been owned by KTM NZ as their training and press bike, and it had just a few over 2,500kms on it. It now has just a little over 3,600km on it 
After a couple of days of work meetings I eventually left Auckland at midday Friday and arrived home Saturday evening after a day and a half and 900km, an indirect route home.

I like this bike.

In some respects it is a little like the AT1000, but just ever so slightly smaller dimensionally and about 20kgs lighter. It is nimble, has good power and is frugal. 25km/l is my average usage so far.

I have set this bike up with a centre stand, heated grips, comfort pillion seat, off-road engine option and OEM side touring panniers.

I am adding to the bike a Scott oiler (an electric one), gps mount above the dash (there is a factory spot for it), tank bag and top box.

A few pics of the bike as I picked it up and some of the ride home.

Helensville just north of Auckland



A couple of cafes along the way



Top of the Pahiatua Track


Safely home in my garage

[zebulon]

  some more pics when it will be full equipped , and you've ride it a little bit more; sure a nice bike ! lighter then 1000 as 1100 ! 

[MrKiwi]

Went out for a ride on Sunday to test out the tech on the bike. It comes with a quick shifter and of course different ride modes.

The quick shifter is not like DCT but is nevertheless useful. When accelerating you keep the throttle in the same position (no easing off) and just lift the gear lever up. To change down you lift (ease off) the throttle and change down. Very smooth and quick. With quick shift off, use the clutch as normal. The gearbox is smooth o this bike.
There are four ride modes on my bike: street, rain, off-road and enduro.
Enduro permits a lot of customization with turning ABS and traction control off or down.

I took the bike our to eastern Wairarapa hilly country for playing around on gravel roads.

Coffee stop to charge up


Leaving the flat land behind



Gravel, lots of it

[MrKiwi]

and more












Then I got to a point where I was just about completing my loop ride and I came to this sign. Nothing for it but to turn around and ride those gravel roads again back the way I had come from.

[zebulon]

gravel seems very soft there  what are you tires ? have you tried the quick shifter on the CRF Honda ? seems very soft and useful too !
thx David 

[MrKiwi]

gravel seems very soft there  what are you tires ? have you tried the quick shifter on the CRF Honda ? seems very soft and useful too !
thx David 

We have just got through our wettest winter on record and the hill country is water logged. The gravel roads are consequently soft underneath.

The tires are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, although I have today fitted a TKC70 Rocks to the rear.

[zebulon]

all the water stay to you; here hottest and driest summer since 60 years ... still bigs fires in the south west forest ... no more water in the lakes ....  really "global" warning
I've rided extra dry tracks in the Alps this summer