Despite their identical underpinnings, these two adventure bikes offer vastly different experiences

Background

KTM 890 Adventure R: Known for its ability to build highly capable off-road machinery, the precursor to the 890 Adventure was the twin-cylinder 790 Adventure, first seen in 2017 at EICMA. With its innovative fuel tank straddling the engine to keep weight low, the 790 was released in 2019 and kicked off the mid-sized adventure craze. Two years later it was replaced by the 890 Adventure. The R version has 50 percent of global sales.

Husqvarna Norden 901: KTM and Husqvarna are sister brands under the Pierer Mobility Group banner, which means the Norden 901 shares much of its underpinnings with the 890 Adventure platform, particularly the chassis and engine. However, the Norden 901 has a distinct personality, catering to a different type of adventure rider. The concept was unveiled in 2019 and arrived in 2021 in base model and Expedition versions.

Nuts and bolts

KTM 890 Adventure R: Both are powered by the same 889cc parallel-twin DOHC engine capable of 77kW (103hp) and 100Nm of torque, and mounted in the same tubular-steel frame. The KTM takes a harder-edged off-road approach with less protective bodywork, a narrower seat, lighter overall weight and more off-road focused Metzeler Karoo 3 tyres. Both have a 48mm fully adjustable upside-down Xplor fork and matching PDS monoshock from WP, and identical braking packages.

Husqvarna Norden 901: Given the on-paper similarities, the success at which the Norden puts the touring into the adventure-touring segment is impressive. The two bikes feel completely different to ride, thanks to the Norden’s design focus on long-distance touring. As well as the soft luggage, there’s heated grips, adjustable ergonomics, a higher screen, more relaxed steering geometry, a wider (heated) seat and a lower, road-oriented front fender. 

Ones and zeros

KTM 890 Adventure R: Both use a Bosch engine management system with lean-angle sensitive traction control and ABS. The KTM gets three switchable ride modes (Rain, Street, Off-Road), while the optional Tech Pack adds control, a two-way quickshifter, motor slip regulation (MSR) to prevent the rear wheel locking and a fourth Rally mode. In both Off-road and Rally modes, the rear-wheel ABS is completely deactivated and reduced on the front.

Husqvarna Norden 901: With more electronic goodies as standard than the KTM, the Norden includes cornering ABS and traction control, MST, cruise control and a quickshifter in the price, as well as four selectable ride modes (Road, Sport, Rain, Off-road), as well as Explorer, which allows full customisation. The lean-angle sensitivity is deactivated in Off-road mode, and the ABS system assumes the same functionality as the KTM.