Help Scotty decide on an Expedition Moto...

[MuddyMudskipper]

My two cents

I want a full adventure moto, I have convinced myself of that for sure, so a 650 Dakar, 640 Adventure or possibly the new 800GS.

I personally like the KTM 640 ADV. I have one and it is a great bike that doesn't have the tank-like feel and weight of the Bimmer. However, they are tall and not for the short of inseam or marginally flexible in stock form. You can get lowering links for them if needed.

 

[Scott Brady]

Ok, fast forward...

This moto acquisition has been brought to the forefront again, as I leave for the Trans-America Trail in six weeks.

So far, in order of "want".

1. BMW Dakar
2. KTM 640
3. KLR 650
4. BMW F650GS

I am 6'1", so tall bikes are no big deal.

I am now cruising the Craigs lists, etc.

 

[Scott Brady]

Yes, Brian and I will be on the TAT!

I do know John, and need to send him an email

 

[Scott Brady]

Oh man, I am feeling that XChallenge love... I am calling Touratech about the tank right now.

That bike could just be the right compromise for me.

 

[goodtimes]

I assumed so, he mentioned something about suspension upgrades.

Yes, Iron Horse has been very good to us. Even before the magazine existed, John Cartwright and crew were great to work with. The whole crew is awesome. And I gotta give props to Aaron, the parts guy. He talked Ohlins into custom building one awesome shock for me.

Now if I ever get the forks back from their upgrades...I'll be :bike_rider:

 

[goodtimes]

Oh man, I am feeling that XChallenge love... I am calling Touratech about the tank right now.

That bike could just be the right compromise for me.

Scott, you'll want the tank and a custom seat. They come with a slightly sculpted 2x4 for a seat. Narrow and out of the way when you are standing up...but not so great when you hit the slab.

Other than that....I think you'd be happy on a X-challenge. Maybe dump the air shock as Kermit mentioned. IIRC, Ohlins has a easy swap (well, as easy as replacing a shock on a BMW can be...). I say do it!!!!

:coffeedrink:

 

[Hltoppr]

Um...

http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/mcy/694414628.html

In Sedona....if it's still around...

Just buy this thing and go.

-H- :costumed-smiley-007

 

[Scott Brady]

Ktm 950

I am looking at a few 640 options, but I made the mistake of checking out a 2006 KTM950 Adventure today. It immediately felt perfect, ready for a trip to Alaska and back, the TAT or any other adventure duties.

So, am I insane to buy a 950 and try and ride the TAT on it? I don't really think so.

I could literally buy this thing tomorrow or Monday.

Oh, and it has 17k miles. Is that excessive for the platform?

 

[boblynch]

Hard to under value a bike that "feels right". Unless KTM is a sponsor, I'm assuming you'll paint it white. That orange would wear on me fast on a sunny day. Go for it...

 

[Scott Brady]

Yep, I am feeling it


I think I am going to buy it...

 

[Desertdude]

Do it its a killer machine :iagree:

 

[Scott Brady]

Unless KTM is a sponsor, I'm assuming you'll paint it white.

HA!

Good point.

Maybe I should go with a different color scheme for the motos? I like the orange for the moment, but actually prefer the silver on the KTMs. I will most likely leave it orange for the moment.

I think that I am just going to pull the trigger on this thing. I am waiting for a little info from an ExPo member that has a 640ADV.

 

[Scott Brady]

Ok, there is a beautiful KTM640 adventure available. A little older, but a few less miles. A few more farkles.

Research continues.

I will likely make a decision this week.

I am going to go ride the 950...

 

[bj70_guy]

Those bikes kick ***. I've only ever done about a 15 minute ride on one, man it was T A L L ! I'm only 5'9" with a 32" inseam and the height was pretty disconcerting. It wasn't an "S" either!
It was a pile of fun once I was underway though, and I'd still like a longer run on one to see if I could get comfortable on it.

It will definitely encourage and reward bad behavior... :bike_rider:

 

[Scott Brady]

Yes, I grabbed the image off of ADV Rider as a fine example.

So... I rode the 950, and I must say that it is perfect for me. It felt no bigger than the BMW 650 and it was so smooth with the twin, even with gnarly Continentals on it. I drove through some moderate dirt challenges and over curbs, around poles and in some soft dirt. It actually has too much power for my needs, at least on the trail. On the street, the power was juuuuuust right

It needs a lower sprocket gear, probably a 16t, and I could even install a 45t in the rear to bring the whole gearing down by 20%. For the weight of the bike, it needs a slower first, though the AWESOME suspension made up for it, and I felt I could ride it within 15-20% of the 650Ls I have ridden.

Overall, it was instant love. Kind of like the Discover I... Hopefully this 950 will buck the reliability trend like the Disco has.

I put a deposit on the 950, but just got a call to fly to Denver for a meeting, and hope to take a look at a nice 2003 KTM640 Adventure with 13k on it and some nice farkle (and jacket and helmet).

Either way, by Tuesday, I will have a moto...