14kmtnman
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I really like the looks too. Along with the features, power and weight. Now I have to track one down.
Husqvarna 901cc
- Thread starter bimota
- Start date
I didn't realize that the KTM 890 motor was made in China, not Austria. I may be wrong, but I don't see that as a good thing. Yes, I am biased toward Yamaha. But ya' know why? 'Cuz, they've proven themselves. Never have let me down.
Dirt_Dad
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Saw my first one at a dealership in MD last week. Very nice. Feels quite similar to a KTM.
Saw my first one in the wild yesterday. That color means you know what it is the second you see it.
Saw my first one in the wild yesterday. That color means you know what it is the second you see it.
Donk
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The KTM 890 motor is made in Austria.
The Norden 901 is the same frame and engine as the KTM 890 Adventure with a different suspension, better seat and more of a fairing.
EDIT: I can't remember where I originally learned the China origin. But I Googled today.
I Google where they're made and this is what I find:
They'll be made at the factory set up in China as part of KTM and CFMoto's joint venture. Here, CFMoto already manufactures a range of small KTM models, sold in China under the “KTMR2R” brand, and builds the LC8c parallel-twin engine that's used in bikes like the 890 Duke and 890 Adventure.May 12, 2021
https://www.cycleworld.com
I have no dog in this hunt. I was just surprised with the information.
I Google where they're made and this is what I find:
They'll be made at the factory set up in China as part of KTM and CFMoto's joint venture. Here, CFMoto already manufactures a range of small KTM models, sold in China under the “KTMR2R” brand, and builds the LC8c parallel-twin engine that's used in bikes like the 890 Duke and 890 Adventure.May 12, 2021
https://www.cycleworld.com
I have no dog in this hunt. I was just surprised with the information.
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Donk
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According to KTM the 750/790 will be made in China and the 890 is made in Austria. The numbers on my bike and plaque say it was made in Austria. Is it possible that the article is incorrect or something on the internet is incorrect? I don't really care either way as my 890 has been flawless for the first year and that beats my luck with the Super Tenere which did frustrate me with no start issues. Wherever it's made it's still being made and that's more than I can say for many of Yamaha's bikes, S10 included. But let's forget all that. All BMW F series twins are made in China under license, not exactly sure where all Yamahas are made? Most switchgear is made in China on all bikes. I guess the point is don't look too close or you may see your own warts or country of origin!
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Dirt_Dad
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As the owner of both an Austrian KTM, and a Chinese BMW, I can say both have been as reliable as the Japanese bikes I've owned. More than 17k miles on each and my opinion of both brands is dramatically higher than it was when I had owned only Japanese bikes.
Donk
Well-Known Member
I refuse to be limited to 1 brand or only ride bikes from one country or the other. That's different than brand loyalty. I owned a '13 Ducati Multistrada and a '14 FJR at the same time, the FJR was my long distance bike the Multi was for fun close to home. One morning I decided to take the Multi instead of the FJR and it was an Iron Butt ride. To my surprise the Ducati performed flawlessly and in fact was more comfortable. The FJR was sold and I put a bunch of trouble free miles on the Multistrada. I was reading the BMW MOA magazine the other day and came to the section of high mileage awards. I think its great that people document hundreds of thousand miles on bikes but the thought of having spent my entire riding career on one brand horrifies me. There are too many great bikes out there. I am enjoying my KTMs. They are great bikes. I refuse to be so myopic as to believe they are the only company that can produce great bikes because Husqvarna and Gas Gas does too! (joke). Also don't care about what country a bike supposedly comes from because if you dig too deep your illusion will be ruined.
Donk
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Brought my Norden 901 home today. I had some hesitation because its so close to the same as my 890 Adventure I wasn't sure it made sense. After the ride home I knew I did the right thing. The bike is a significant improvement on a bike I love without losing any of the things that make it fun. Better suspension, wind protection and seat for starters and overall a higher level of refinement.
Dirt_Dad
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Congratulations!!
Better suspension and higher level of refinement than your 890. That's saying something. Really interested to get your thoughts as you get to know your new bike.
I'll admit the 901 has run through my head as a potential replacement for my 690. I've started making a few tweaks to the 690 to shape it more to the reality of how I ride it. Far from replacing it, but if that day comes, the 901 will be on the list.
Donk
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Madhatter
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and it makes the 890 look butt ugly.
Madhatter
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my neighbor has an 890 . tells me I should get one ..... I would buy the 901 ,would not even consider the 890.
Madhatter
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me thinks you really like HJC helmets.
Donk
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Photo was at dealer before I brought it home but yes I do like HJC helmets, the ARPHA 11 to be precise. The Norden comes standard with several things that are options on the 890 Adventure such as quick shifter and fog lights that quickly cover most of the $1000. price difference. Not to mention adjustable suspension and a decent seat. Most OEM seats aren't great including the S10 but the stock seat on the 890 Adventure was downright painful.
Longdog Cymru
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I really do like the Norden 901 
Donk
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Well I made it halfway through first tank of gas with my new Norden before I found myself on the side of the road! Gas gauge said I had half a tank and range said 170 miles but sure seemed like the bike ran out of gas. GPS said nearest gas station was .8 miles away and it's a light bike so I started pushing. Bike took less than 3 gallons of gas in a 5 gallon tank and fired right up. Did some research and found out out that with the saddle style tank there is a cross over tube with a petcock on both sides. Whoever prepped the bike at the dealer must have forgotten to open the right side so I did indeed run out of gas with half a tank left! There's always seems to be some silly little things that need to get sorted when you buy a bike, new or used. Glad to get this one out of the way. Bike ran great after and I got my exercise for the day.