1200GS v KTM640R

[LSAH]

Howdy

Not a GS owner yet but considering (I've roadtested one). You may think this is sacrilege but I'd like an unbiased opinion, if poss, of the merits of buying a 640R (because it's cheaper, less to insure and lighter so perhaps handles better) instead.

The main question is how would I fare on the road against a mate's 1200GS? He doesn't hang about but then neither do I, given the chance. However would it be no contest? On paper the 640R has a few more gee gees and a little less weight then a 650GS. But probably about 20mph less top end (and half the torque).

I look forward to reading your replies.

TTFN.

 

[Ash]

welcome!
unbiased debate on 1200gs v ktm640r on this site a gs site
should make good reading

 

[Jockser]

I'd like an unbiased opinion

In this place ??

Welcome LSAH but prepare for the onslaught

 

[IainMac]

Hmm your compareing apples wih oranges.
Never had a 1200 but had an 1150gsa and still got a ktm640.
The ktm can be quite frenetic beasty whereas the 1150 wafted
If u plan on any long distance the ktm may be a bit wearing. and u should also be aware a new 690ktm is due next year though not initially in ADV spec
u'd be better off comparing the 1200 to a ktm950/990adv (also had a ktm950adv for a couple of years) theres a few threads kicking about on opinons on this comparison.

 

[mermoto]

...or you could have this one for less money and make that Sunday morning ride a real screeeeeaaaamm

http://www.mermoto.co.uk/sale/ktm

Mermoto

 

[TaffyScouser]

I did the very same thing cos I dislocated my ankle last year and got rid of the ADV and went for the 640ADV as a replacement for the short term. Having ridden it though I will be keeping it as it does what I want, albeit a little slower etc but is still amazing fun and the parts on e bay are so cheap. I just put a SM pipe and rear on it as well as re jetted it etc and all for £60 brand new. There are a lot of kit items common across the LC4 range so spares are amazingly cheap esp as they also SM the model and Bracken etc have their own series on the bike. There are pics of mine somewhere on here when I led the off road ride on Rocks mid wales camp out weekend a month or so ago. The ADV will do 300 miles on a tank and even jetted and airboxed still gives 60+ to the gallon. It is no Beemer so be prepared for some vibration as standard but most of this goes when you take off the restrictive rear silencer. The ADV has a balancer that helps.

 

[dirtydog]

Yeah, buy the KTM, best bikes on the planet... ...they made me say it...honest...

 

[Davy F]

Maybe I don't see the full picture, but they're not really in the same class to be compared, are they ?