Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 vs. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 and the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 are both powerful and capable adventure motorcycles. However, they have some key differences in terms of their technical specifications and features.

Starting with the engines, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 is equipped with an inline twin-cylinder engine with a displacement of 889cc, producing 105 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features a V-twin engine with a larger displacement of 1301cc, delivering a higher power output of 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. While both engines offer strong performance, the KTM has a clear advantage in terms of power.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature high-quality WP suspension components. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 is equipped with a telescopic fork with 48mm diameter and 240mm of travel at the front, and a monoshock with 240mm of travel at the rear. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 also features a telescopic fork with 48mm diameter, but with a slightly shorter travel of 200mm at the front, and a monoshock with 200mm of travel at the rear. Overall, the Husqvarna offers slightly longer suspension travel, which may provide better off-road capabilities.

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles feature a chromium-molybdenum frame and a tubular subframe. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has a rake angle of 64.2 degrees, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65.3 degrees. This difference in rake angle may affect the handling characteristics of the motorcycles, with the KTM potentially offering slightly sharper cornering.

When it comes to braking, both motorcycles feature dual-disc brakes at the front. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 does not specify the size of the discs, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 features 320mm discs. Both motorcycles also come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, traction control, and multiple riding modes.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has a 21-inch front tire and an 18-inch rear tire, with a dry weight of 214.5 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 19 liters. It offers a range of 422 km and a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 l/100km. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has a 19-inch front tire and a 17-inch rear tire, with a slightly higher dry weight of 220 kg and a larger fuel tank capacity of 23 liters. It offers a range of 416 km and a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100km.

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles come with modern features such as LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and TFT screens. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 also offers connectivity, while the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 comes with additional features like cornering lights and an adjustable windscreen.

In terms of strengths, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 offers a high-quality and fully adjustable chassis, comfortable seating, superior off-road capabilities, top-of-the-line equipment, a powerful yet smooth-running engine, agile geometry, good fuel consumption values, and high-quality appearance and finishes. On the other hand, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 offers a very sporty yet refined V-twin powertrain, extremely accessible handling despite its high weight, a comfortable riding position, good brakes including cornering ABS, a complete electronic package, clear and well-structured instrumentation with a huge 7-inch display.

In terms of weaknesses, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition 2023 has a seat height of 874 mm, which may be critical for shorter riders, lacks a USB input in the cockpit, and the standard luggage is not of superior quality. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S 2021 has somewhat slow cornering behavior, opaque packaging design and pricing policy, and the instrument panels and switches do not appear to be of great quality.