My friend who bought two 890r (one for him and one for the wife) had to bring them both to a suspension shop to soften the suspension as it was way too stiff from factory for doing mostly road riding. Now that we know that the Expedition is getting the same suspension it might be necessary depending on your needs
Expedition Road manners
With All the great comments from owners of the 2022 901 “ base model” as it relates to on-road handling for those of us that will have a fair amount of on-road riding in addition to off road, I wonder how the new Expedition model will be for road manners with the 890R suspension components (front forks and rear shock) that appears to be slated fro the Expedition. Any thoughts or insights? Thanks
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At 230lbs I tend to soften the suspension pretty well
...right there with ya, Deeve...At 230lbs I tend to soften the suspension pretty well
I suspect that the EXP suspension will have softer factory settings than the 890R, as the taller windscreen and other touring features (heated seat/grips) suggest comfort is a priority. They are also very easy to adjust/dial-in.
The suspension from the 890r are apoarently already softened up pretty considerably on the 2023 model. So even if we get an exact transfer from the 890R, we're getting a comfirtable setup on road. Also the reviews available now on the expedition are all saying the bike is comfortable and well adjusted for road as wellI suspect that the EXP suspension will have softer factory settings than the 890R, as the taller windscreen and other touring features (heated seat/grips) suggest comfort is a priority. They are also very easy to adjust/dial-in.
Some reviews mentioned a firmer suspension than the regular 901 and that they would soften it for the road.
The standard Norden has a totally different suspension (Apex), they are by design much more soft and also the smaller diameter forks will have lateral flex which will increase suspension smoothness. The Expedition has the Xplor suspensions front and rear which are stiffer by design to take on more challenging terrain. That being said, being higher spec components and with lot's of adjustability they are quite nice on road as well from what reviewers have been commenting.Some reviews mentioned a firmer suspension than the regular 901 and that they would soften it for the road.
...my thoughts exactly...
^^^up there^^^
^^^up there^^^
All good comments. Thank you
This article seems to confirm a different tuning of the Xplor setup on the Expedition vs 890R:
"The KTM 890 Adventure R also has Xplor suspension, but the Expedition has softer damping for a more comfortable ride."
ridermagazine.com
"The KTM 890 Adventure R also has Xplor suspension, but the Expedition has softer damping for a more comfortable ride."
2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition | First Ride Review | Rider Magazine
We test the new Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition, a more off-road and touring ready Norden 901 with up-spec suspension, a beefier skid plate, luggage, and more.
ridermagazine.com
2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition First Ride Review - ADV Pulse
I read this review and then asked a question about the on-road performance of the Expedition versus the base model. Here’s the answer I got from Rob, the author:
There is definitely more dive and squat when riding fast in the turns So the standard Norden 901 has a sportier feel. I would not go as far as saying its an issue though. Those coming from a sport bike or sport touring background might find it more distracting. The center stand scraping was a little annoying too but that may not be an issue if you are aren't a heavier rider. For me, I like going fast in the turns on the street but I prefer to have better off-road performance. You gain a lot more in the dirt than you lose on the street going from standard to Expedition. So for that reason I would choose the Expedition. However, if I was more of a sport touring rider who likes the option of going off-road from time to time, the extra suspension travel would not be worth it and the standard Norden would be a better choice. The standard Norden remains a good off-road bike that I've taken into some very gnarly trails before. It does just fine and will get you where you want to go but just doesn't put the smile on your face off-road like the Expedition.
I read this review and then asked a question about the on-road performance of the Expedition versus the base model. Here’s the answer I got from Rob, the author:
There is definitely more dive and squat when riding fast in the turns So the standard Norden 901 has a sportier feel. I would not go as far as saying its an issue though. Those coming from a sport bike or sport touring background might find it more distracting. The center stand scraping was a little annoying too but that may not be an issue if you are aren't a heavier rider. For me, I like going fast in the turns on the street but I prefer to have better off-road performance. You gain a lot more in the dirt than you lose on the street going from standard to Expedition. So for that reason I would choose the Expedition. However, if I was more of a sport touring rider who likes the option of going off-road from time to time, the extra suspension travel would not be worth it and the standard Norden would be a better choice. The standard Norden remains a good off-road bike that I've taken into some very gnarly trails before. It does just fine and will get you where you want to go but just doesn't put the smile on your face off-road like the Expedition.
Interesting perspective for sure. Thank you for passing along the response. I have heard from a suspension tuner that the regular Norden suspension could be made quite good...even better than the stock XPLOR suspension without spending a lot of money.
The author mentioned premium finishes that the KTM's do not have. Having owned a Svartpilen and a 690 Enduro I would agree that somehow the Husqvarna's feel better made even though they share so many of the same parts and probably are even made in the same factory.
The author mentioned premium finishes that the KTM's do not have. Having owned a Svartpilen and a 690 Enduro I would agree that somehow the Husqvarna's feel better made even though they share so many of the same parts and probably are even made in the same factory.
2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition First Ride Review - ADV Pulse
I read this review and then asked a question about the on-road performance of the Expedition versus the base model. Here’s the answer I got from Rob, the author:
There is definitely more dive and squat when riding fast in the turns So the standard Norden 901 has a sportier feel. I would not go as far as saying its an issue though. Those coming from a sport bike or sport touring background might find it more distracting. The center stand scraping was a little annoying too but that may not be an issue if you are aren't a heavier rider. For me, I like going fast in the turns on the street but I prefer to have better off-road performance. You gain a lot more in the dirt than you lose on the street going from standard to Expedition. So for that reason I would choose the Expedition. However, if I was more of a sport touring rider who likes the option of going off-road from time to time, the extra suspension travel would not be worth it and the standard Norden would be a better choice. The standard Norden remains a good off-road bike that I've taken into some very gnarly trails before. It does just fine and will get you where you want to go but just doesn't put the smile on your face off-road like the Expedition.
If the Expedition has better components in the shock and forks, why wouldn't the new buyer simply turn up the fully adjustable components and make it there's.
IE : if it's squatting on hard front braking or not doing what you want in a corner, dial that bike in to what you want....it has the components that will allow for that.
I'm not understanding how there is any argument.
I was wondering the same thing but then thought the author probably has more experience than me. I would think you could dial in the preload and other settings to firm it up but maybe Im wrong.If the Expedition has better components in the shock and forks, why wouldn't the new buyer simply turn up the fully adjustable components and make it there's.
IE : if it's squatting on hard front braking or not doing what you want in a corner, dial that bike in to what you want....it has the components that will allow for that.
I'm not understanding how there is any argument.
I’m definitely not an expert but the way I look at it, no matter how you tune the suspension, you still have the additional travel. The bikes sits higher over the road so the CoG is higher. It’ll dive/squat more and it’ll be a little slower to flick left and right in tight corners. Think of how sport bikes are low and compact with little suspension travel.If the Expedition has better components in the shock and forks, why wouldn't the new buyer simply turn up the fully adjustable components and make it there's.
IE : if it's squatting on hard front braking or not doing what you want in a corner, dial that bike in to what you want....it has the components that will allow for that.
I'm not understanding how there is any argument.
I’m sure you can compensate for a lot by adjusting the forks and shock but do you really want to readjust them every time you go from road to dirt and back?
In my case I also have to factor in that I’ll likely lower it so it may not make much difference.
Both you and Deeve hit it on the head -I’m definitely not an expert but the way I look at it, no matter how you tune the suspension, you still have the additional travel. The bikes sits higher over the road so the CoG is higher. It’ll dive/squat more and it’ll be a little slower to flick left and right in tight corners. Think of how sport bikes are low and compact with little suspension travel.
I’m sure you can compensate for a lot by adjusting the forks and shock but do you really want to readjust them every time you go from road to dirt and back?
In my case I also have to factor in that I’ll likely lower it so it may not make much difference.
I am aware that the bike sits higher with a modest higher CofG.
But I do not think that the extra travel and more "opportunity" of varying the variables can't be reigned in to make it a tarmac AND off road stellar piece of iron.
I guess in 8-10 days I'll know for sure.
@hANNAbONE , looking forward to seeing some pics and hearing a ride report!!
Oh I’m sure it’ll be great!Both you and Deeve hit it on the head -
I am aware that the bike sits higher with a modest higher CofG.
But I do not think that the extra travel and more "opportunity" of varying the variables can't be reigned in to make it a tarmac AND off road stellar piece of iron.
I guess in 8-10 days I'll know for sure.
Thank you for all the responses. The most recent write ups that were linked above are very good answers for my original question.
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