A challenge to the "lead sled" ADV bikes offered today

[Mountainhound]

It's funny your previous post about the bikes showed up on my facebook page last night, so it here then on facebook and like hey that's clutch. I think you'll be happy with the 500. I know I am loving mine. Now I just need to get in better shape and grow a bigger pair.

 

[Overland Hadley]

It's [KTM 640] a nearly perfect bike IMHO.

Shame they do not make it anymore.

 

[mkitchen]

Sorry for the ignorance but;

How is the 640 different from the 690? Was it made more for long distance travel?
Mikey

 

[Clutch]

Some long distant tanks seen on the Husky 701 at EICMA

 

[Clutch]

How is the 640 different from the 690? Was it made more for long distance travel?
Mikey

KTM took their LC4 enduro and tossed on a big fuel tank and fairing...why they never did this to the 690 from the factory is a mystery. You can turn the 690 into a long distant traveler, but you have to to use after market parts, such as Rally Raid which sells kits. Would be nice if it was offered as a turn key package from the factory to keep cost low(er).

 

[mkitchen]

Thanks

It seems confusing that with the growth of the adventure bike market and the lack of a high performance bike in this size, that they would not continue with the adventure series. Being very in-experienced, I have always been somewhat intimidated by the KTM bikes. I have a KLR and a KLX 400 and I am starting to think that a light bike with power to travel a bit to the start of a longer trail would be nice.
Mikey

 

[Overland Hadley]

no steering stabilizer required, better geometry/steering,

What is the reason for the 640 not needing the steering stabilizer? Purely better strafing geometry?

 

[Clutch]

What is the reason for the 640 not needing the steering stabilizer? Purely better strafing geometry?

It's just been that smooth, nothing seems to phase the bike. My 690 and 250 pretty much required stabilizers.

The newer bikes steer a little quicker, some guys feel they are unstable because of that. Proper suspension tune, you don't need a stabilizer.

 

[Mountainhound]

Hardest ride I've had to date today. Chilly but a great ride. Every muscle in my body is screaming at me right now though. Man I gotta get in better shape.

 

[Clutch]

I'm just lazy when it comes to the 250 Having the stabilizer takes the harshness off the hits. I don't know how to describe the 690's bizarre steering behavior, it's some strange geometry on that bike.

Having the suspension tuned by a pro, there isn't a need for a stabilizer...stock WP forks are kinda lackluster.

I think it is the flexy frame and forks on the 640's...

Too bad you missed TWBD, was perfect weather.

Steve gave the impression it was last weekend (I was in town then, brought my gear and everything)...apparently a couple other guys thought it was last weekend too. Heck, I even did the logo...and didn't look at the dates, doh! Not like I haven't ridden that stuff before...would of been cool to see my friends, but oh well.


Oh...I am doing alright here...this place blows AZ out of the water....(or should I say sand )....for riding. Just so much trail here, have absolutely no desire to get a big ADV bike. Base camp and explore seems to be the thing I like to do. Heck, we have a ton of stuff right out the back door.

check out the side hill on this one.