[gweaver]

Greetings from Sonoma County, CA.
Been riding a KTM 950 for a while, had a couple other bikes before that.
I've been fighting with the carbs on my bike for about 8 months trying to get it to run right with my current mods. My wife, who is an amazing woman, said those words many of us dream of hearing: "Honey, you should just buy a new bike." Last night she commented, "You know you're going to keep the KTM so your boys can go on rides with you. You just need to figure out how to fit both bikes in the garage." Yeah, she's a keeper!!

For me, it comes down to the 890 Adv R or the Norden. Based on reviews and videos, I'm leaning towards the Norden as I'm not interesting in bouncing off the rocks on goat trails in the Sierras. Forest roads, singletrack and the like are more my speed. I'm thinking specifically the Expedition, assuming there's some level of availability in the future. Haven't yet, but will probably wind up getting on the waiting list for one after the 1st of the year.

Anyway, there we go.
G

 

[ECJJCE]

It should be noted that from what can be currently ascertained, the Expedition model would seem to be a very close/identical match in terms of suspension with the KTM 890 Adventure R.....so perhaps you should be considering the base/original Norden model.

 

[sfogden]

It should be noted that from what can be currently ascertained, the Expedition model would seem to be a very close/identical match in terms of suspension with the KTM 890 Adventure R.....so perhaps you should be considering the base/original Norden model.

Any downside to getting the Expedition vs base model for the use case described? I’m not planning to try to attack off-road like Chris Birch but when I talley up the additional options included in the Expedition, sure looks like no-brainer territory to me. Unless there is a downside to the upgraded suspension for the calmer use-case.

 

[gweaver]

It should be noted that from what can be currently ascertained, the Expedition model would seem to be a very close/identical match in terms of suspension with the KTM 890 Adventure R.....so perhaps you should be considering the base/original Norden model.

Very true. But factory warranty on a bunch of upgrades I'd probably do anyway for less than the cost of aftermarket versions of those mods is tempting. My 950 has redone forks, hard cases, aftermarket bash plate and a few other upgrades. I'd probably want similar options on whatever I get, although I think I'd prefer racks and soft bags rather than hard cases. Does the base Norden have any sort of rack system?

FWIW, I'm not as...svelte as I should be, so if the Expedition has heavier springs, that would probably be a good thing. Might save me the cost of a re-spring. 🤥

G

 

[Donk]

Welcome,

I'd put your name on the list asap. My guess is you'll be lucky to be number 3 or 4 on the list already. Might want to look at 890 R too as just a matter of availability. From my experience if you need to respring there are springs available for either model. Talk to Paul at EVO Oregon he got springs for me with zero fuss and is doing a second set of forks for me now. Either way the Norden is like a modern 950/990 so you will love the bike.

 

[ECJJCE]

In addition to the suspension upgrades, the other included options definitely make the Expedition appealing, but as Donk mentions, there is going to be limited availability for this model.
The base Norden is a highly capable machine, and should not be overlooked in my opinion, especially for the sort of use outlined in the thread. Upgrading the rear shock spring (or perhaps replacing the shock altogether) for the less 'svelte' riders should do the trick. It's a great bike.

 

[sfogden]

Welcome,

I'd put your name on the list asap. My guess is you'll be lucky to be number 3 or 4 on the list already. Might want to look at 890 R too as just a matter of availability. From my experience if you need to respring there are springs available for either model. Talk to Paul at EVO Oregon he got springs for me with zero fuss and is doing a second set of forks for me now. Either way the Norden is like a modern 950/990 so you will love the bike.

In addition to the suspension upgrades, the other included options definitely make the Expedition appealing, but as Donk mentions, there is going to be limited availability for this model.
The base Norden is a highly capable machine, and should not be overlooked in my opinion, especially for the sort of use outlined in the thread. Upgrading the rear shock spring (or perhaps replacing the shock altogether) for the less 'svelte' riders should do the trick. It's a great bike.

I agree completely. I had the opportunity to get 1st on the my dealer’s Expedition list when I went in to order a 901. I had planned to do all the upgrades including the re-spring for my large size. The Expedition seemed a no-brainer for me. I’d happily take the base model if the expedition didn’t exist/doesn’t happen. I didn’t see a downside to the Expedition suspension (especially considering my 235 weight before gear). I rely on the dealer and more knowledgeable people for things to consider. Looks like win-win whichever one ends up in my garage.

 

[nullptr]

If the Expedition had been available last year, I'd probably have done my best to get one. I'm a big dude (6'3, 300lbs), and the stronger suspension would have appealed to me. Then again, with how hard it was to find a Norden in the first place...

2 clicks extra preload (I think I'm 3 up from stock) seems to have the stock suspension where I'm very happy with it. The only time it's bottomed out on me was when I hit some big sand washouts at speed, bunny hopped over the middle one, and slammed front-wheel first into the backside of the second. I honestly do not know how I kept it upright, probably a good part of it was the technical wizardry of the Norden's traction control and ABS.

I may look into stiffer springs next year, we'll have to see. I'm not really pushing that bike all that hard right now, but as I gain confidence that may change. 've heard good things about EVO in Oregon, like Donk said, so that's always an option. I'd like to get some luggage and better crash protection first, though.

 

[gweaver]

Not sure how or why the stars aligned for me, but I'm #1 on the list for an Expedition at a dealer about 50 miles away. Bike should be arriving sometime in March.
Stopped at one dealer, they said I was #3, and he claimed he was only getting two bikes (that he was aware of). Said it'd probably be 2024 before #3 came in. Called a couple of other dealers while I was driving to another dealer, got the same story. "We'll put you on the list, but you probably won't get a bike this year."

Walked in to the second dealer I was planning to visit. Small shop run by an older gentleman, very down to earth, clearly knows his way around bikes. I asked about a waiting list. "We don't have one started, but I can put you on it." We walk back to the back office, he looks up his allotment, tells me he's getting 3, one a month from March-May and that if I want the first one, it's mine. My wife says, "Ok, you better put a deposit down to make sure you get it." DONE!!!

So yeah...it's been a pretty awesome day!

G

 

[sfogden]

Congrats!

 

[nullptr]

Nice!

 

[gweaver]

Yeah, the dealer didn't have any more info on the production version of the bike beyond what he saw at the dealer presentation on the east coast. I'm curious to see what it winds up being/looking like. I think I read somewhere that it'll have hard cases, but the photos from EICMA show it with soft luggage. Not sure what other differences there may be. Hoping it's the blue from EICMA, but we'll see.

G

 

[qinaocoexist]

I have been like many people going back and forth on the Norden 901 vs the KTM 890r. I have had a KTM 1190r, BMW GSA 1200 so did the big bike thing, enjoyed both, just crashed so bad to break the frames on both. I know should be more careful. But anyway I want another big bike as my travel bike has been my KTM 690r for the past 2 years. The 2023 Norden Expedition model if it is what the rumors say it is ticks all my boxes for a big travel bike. So last week put my money down at the dealer for the first one coming this way. First time I put money down on a bike you can't even read a review of or see on you tube. It looks better than the baseline 901, color, better bash plate, center stand, heated grips, wind screen taller. The Husky has better warrantee than the KTM 2 years vs 1 year. Anyway hope it comes this spring. For now I will keep putting miles on my KTM690r, it's been a good bike but not made for freeways. It's nice to be able to sometimes ride 1000 miles to the start and end of a long off road trip, bigger bike will do this. For me a good summer trip is 6000 miles in a month. I waiting until KTM had been making this engine for a few years to hopefully see if it is dependable. sounds like keeps getting better as most bikes do after the first and second year of production.