[Bfair]

Iam impressed with the design of the fuel system on the 901 keeping fuel weight low. If the Africa Twin was a clean slate design I think we would have seen something different. It took its design from the 1988 version. I posted in the video section of the comparison to the original.

 

[Van Brudenrijden]

I believe the Norden and KTM are running 13.5 compressions. Keep in mind with modern oils, machining tolerances, as well as the typical lower miles it may or may not be an issue. Usage is also a factor, how many adventure riders will be pushing redline? Preventative maintenance on any machine is key. Look at snowmobiles, they are 850cc and now are turbo'ed from factory putting out 180 HP, granted few run more than 5000 miles without at least a top end job, but riders don't seem to mind, and 1000 miles a year is a good year of riding. So why is preformance so underrated in the moto world, or adventure world? And when will start seeing turbos on Motorcycles? The Kawasaki H1 has a supercharger! I've had many bikes, none have had an engine failure, it's relatively uncommon, and mostly due to a maintenance issue or racing around close to redline endlessly.

 

[DoubleThumper]

Mostly a business decision @Van Brudenrijden. The riding world has done this dance before during the early-mid 1980s. Insurance companies just did not like turbocharged motorcycles, and so sales just died.

 

[irsh]

Iam impressed with the design of the fuel system on the 901 keeping fuel weight low. If the Africa Twin was a clean slate design I think we would have seen something different. It took its design from the 1988 version. I posted in the video section of the comparison to the original.

I think Honda could have changed the tank setup if they'd really wanted to put the effort in. After all, they changed the motor from a V to a parallel.
I pulled the ATAS tank off this winter and yeah it's huge to wrap around that air-box, definitely should have split it.

 

[DDevildogg]

Every time I read about KTM issues on the net I wonder if posters have ever had the pleasure of owing and riding KTM's.
Granted I sell my bikes after 35,000kms, I have owned a 2017 AT and sold it due to suspension issues, have owned a 950S, 990, 1190, 1090R, 890R, 450EXC, and a FE501, (990SMT and a 450XCW in the garage belongs to my son). I never had any serious issues, some fuel pump problems in the early years that were easily overcome. the 501 is a 2016 and continually gets abused and has been rock solid.
Van Brudenrijdin nailed it totally different machines comparing the 901(890R) and the AT is apples and oranges Often times I do regret selling the 1090R comparing that bike to the AT would be apples to apples

 

[MikeH]

Considered looking at the new Ducati desert X, looks decent enough but it's factoring in servicing costs with a ducati. Worth factoring that in with the norden. When I went bike shopping I looked at what I wanted before searching. For me it was something ideal for 2 up fully loaded touring, commuting, lots of storage. Decent suspension and good tech ie the android auto link up plug it in and go, reliability and reasonable servicing costs. I went for the ATAS ES manual, I liked the silky smooth gear box souch so dont really miss not having a quick shifter.
I went for the plus model seemed good value and got 3 free services ticked all the boxes for me.
Just work out what you want and be ruled by your head not your heart. Looked at the vstrom, good bike for the price but suspension and tech not so good I would have wanted to add a lot of stuff to it and don't really think the quality is there on the suzuki. I don't regret my purchase in June. I Just miss riding it the last month due to health issues. First ride out today in a month.

 

[Van Brudenrijden]

 

[Van Brudenrijden]

 

[Van Brudenrijden]

 

[DoubleThumper]

View attachment 69391

After looking at sooooo many Africa Twins and their twin headlights, all other motorcycles seem to look like Cyclops to me.

 

[Ingmar_nl]

Thanks @Van Brudenrijden

 

[irsh]

If I didn't have the AT I'd definitely be looking at that new Husky.

 

[dallas]

Every time I read about KTM issues on the net I wonder if posters have ever had the pleasure of owing and riding KTM's.
Granted I sell my bikes after 35,000kms, I have owned a 2017 AT and sold it due to suspension issues, have owned a 950S, 990, 1190, 1090R, 890R, 450EXC, and a FE501, (990SMT and a 450XCW in the garage belongs to my son). I never had any serious issues, some fuel pump problems in the early years that were easily overcome. the 501 is a 2016 and continually gets abused and has been rock solid.
Van Brudenrijdin nailed it totally different machines comparing the 901(890R) and the AT is apples and oranges Often times I do regret selling the 1090R comparing that bike to the AT would be apples to apples

A dealer in my area had the 1090 and crf1000 so I sat on both of them a few times. The 1090 was really tempting until I seriously considered how I would actually be riding whichever one I bought. My history with KTM and the reviews about its off-road prowess caused me to procrastinate long enough that the 2020 AT was being reviewed. By that time I admitted to myself that my rides would mostly be long pavement on the way to gravel forest service roads. That made it easy to pick the AT.

 

[DDevildogg]

A dealer in my area had the 1090 and crf1000 so I sat on both of them a few times. The 1090 was really tempting until I seriously considered how I would actually be riding whichever one I bought. My history with KTM and the reviews about its off-road prowess caused me to procrastinate long enough that the 2020 AT was being reviewed. By that time I admitted to myself that my rides would mostly be long pavement on the way to gravel forest service roads. That made it easy to pick the AT.

When I sold the 890R and bought my 2020 ATAS most people though I was nuts, and to be honest I questioned my sanity a bit also. After a short period on the AT I found myself grinning in my helmet and realized for ME it was a better match then the 890R, it was much more comfortable, quitter and felt more refined. As I have said before off road it is a capable as I need it to be for what I do. Don't get me wrong the 890R is an amazing bike just not what suited me. Most of my riding is longer adventure rides, focusing on alternate gravel and 2 track routes around major highways, with a few "oh ****" wheredafockarewe moments in between. that said I would never hesitate to buy another KTM if that's what I needed. Just my $.02

 

[Bfair]

Like that tank design, does the lower armour seem substantial for a rock scrape? I like the majority of the fuel stays low, and I assume balanced on both side. Would be interesting to know the quantity and weight at the engine level.

 

[Ingmar_nl]

I was wondering the same for the tank protection. Seems to be in harms way down low. Is the protection sufficient for a collision/scrape with a rock??

 

[DDevildogg]

Like that tank design, does the lower armour seem substantial for a rock scrape? I like the majority of the fuel stays low, and I assume balanced on both side. Would be interesting to know the quantity and weight at the engine level.

The tank armor that comes with the 890R is sufficient for most people, my riding skills or there lack of tested them a couple of times I did not put any crash protection on mine

 

[Van Brudenrijden]

I've seen BMW's with full crash bars punture a cylinder. The Norden whent laid down is "relatively" protected, but crashes are a whole nother thing, and rocks, roots, stumps, and bumps all come into play. I have full crash bars on the AT, at a distinct weight cost. I hope the Norden proves more nimble and results in less lay downs.....We shall see, I'm already planning on buying new plastic just to be sure, the engine is well protected though. @DDevildogg made the correct decision, he analysized what he was going to ride and his riding style and matched it. The 890R is a beast, and off road beast. The Norden will not be as good off road but it's always about trade offs; Performance, handling, styling, sound, feel, etc.

 

[wheelwatcher]

I've seen BMW's with full crash bars punture a cylinder. The Norden whent laid down is "relatively" protected, but crashes are a whole nother thing, and rocks, roots, stumps, and bumps all come into play. I have full crash bars on the AT, at a distinct weight cost. I hope the Norden proves more nimble and results in less lay downs.....We shall see, I'm already planning on buying new plastic just to be sure, the engine is well protected though. @DDevildogg made the correct decision, he analysized what he was going to ride and his riding style and matched it. The 890R is a beast, and off road beast. The Norden will not be as good off road but it's always about trade offs; Performance, handling, styling, sound, feel, etc.

View attachment 69394

A dealer in my area had the 1090 and crf1000 so I sat on both of them a few times. The 1090 was really tempting until I seriously considered how I would actually be riding whichever one I bought. My history with KTM and the reviews about its off-road prowess caused me to procrastinate long enough that the 2020 AT was being reviewed. By that time I admitted to myself that my rides would mostly be long pavement on the way to gravel forest service roads. That made it easy to pick the AT.

Great points! Neither bike is better, it just depends how you will be enjoying it most. Pick based on that answer. My sense is that Norden's, like Husqvarna's, operate at a higher state of tune. Higher compression, more horsepower. The motor is being pushed to doing all it can do. An Africa Twin is much more relaxed and understressed. I would expect less problems from the AT, but more thrilling smiles from the Norden. Lighter weight is almost always a good thing off-road. There are benefits an casualties for each approach. You just have to decide what you will be doing mostly with the bike. There is no right decision.

 

[Van Brudenrijden]

There seems to an impression that the high compression Norden is always at the limit or pushed hard, but in fact it is very calm and relaxed unless you twist the throttle hard. The Norden is seldom working hard unless you make it work hard. It cruises at 80 mph at 4000 rpms in 6th. It is very mild mannered and controlled, maybe even more so than the AT. Where the difference is, is at the upper areas of the RPM range, that is where the Norden becomes sport bike like, while the AT does not. The AT seems to be better in lower end torque though and is more stable and comfortable at highway speeds and beyond.