KTM 640 LC4 ADVENTURER

[Underwatergoat]

I have a 05 1200gs that I do love honest. Like I love my wife. However, I am drawn to a KTM 640 ADV. I'd have to divorce the GS (expensive) for the sexy and attractive KTM. Would a KTM be good in bed? Probably, but what about sandwiches? The wife always makes mine and I doubt the KTM would.

I'm going to see if Brackens will let me have a go on one. This could be the end of a decade of Bee-emming it.
If I had the cash I'd just get the KTM and keep the GS, but I aint. I hardly ever ride huge distances on the GS, AND.. if Patsy Quick can do Dakar on a 525 ecexe whatever it's called, I should be able to manage Mid Wales a couple of times a year.
The Agony, I need to get out on me bike!

Any one been here before?

 

[snoopy]

Vibrations are pretty bad as you'd expect from a large thumper but it's a superb bike.

 

[Timolgra]

Vibration was a problem on the earlier 640ADV, I rode RickA's newer one last week it wasn't noticable. A very nice bike....if it had a decent battery, exhaust mod and a flat side carb

 

[snoopy]

KTM do an aftermarket exhaust if it takes your fancy, the carb is setup for good mpg not performance (got similar to my DRZ on way down to Spain) and friends '07 had vibration issues travelling though Spain and France (but maybes most thumpers do and luggage on the back will make it worse..).

Don't forget ... The 690 is out next year.

 

[rocks]

Lovely..

I have to say i have considered doing the same a few times myself.
I have never ridden one. But i love the look of them, and i think it would do just as well for the trips i do, as the GS does and be far more capable off tarmac (which i hardly do often on the gs if i am honest).

But i have to say, I have met a few people with them. And with the exception of Andy Meltons, they have all had minor to major niggles during the riding. The worst being vibrating out fork bolts on the last adv rally in Rhayader and the minor being blowing indicator bulbs on the rear due to the vibes.
I wont say all of them are like that, but i think they are a bike that needs maybe a bit more maintenace/tinkering, checks etc than some others.

There is a whole heap of technical threads on advrider forumns specific to the 640's.. and most by some very knowledgable guys. So have a look over there. And as Tim's says apparently the vibe issues are solved more in later models, but apparently can be releaved some in early ones with correct tuning/tinkering (again see adv threads).

For me, though they still look gorgeous.

 

[Possu]

A friend just south of Oxford has a mint 640 Adventurer for sale, let me know if you want his phone number. I believe it's got new tyres & new crashbars fitted. Not sure of the price at the moment.

 

[Underwatergoat]

Wow. I was expecting a little more resistance. I'm defo going to see Mr Bracken tomorrow. I'll have to tell the GS it's to do with work or something.