What to look for when buying a dual-purpose bike?

[HungusMaximist]

Got my eyes set on DR650s and XT600s.

So any tips on what to look out for?

Let me know if anybody knows of anybody that's selling...

Cheers

[Taz]

I owned a 2005 XT600E for a couple of years. Did 40000+ km's on it with no issues. They'll easily do 80-100,000kms if serviced regularly. Cruised at 120-130 all day if required and a top speed of around 150 in ideal conditions. 200-220km range to reserve on standard tank. Alot more difficult to find accessory stuff for than the DR as they never made it to the US of A. Paper element air filter, oil level is tricky to get right and blows excess to airbox if overfilled even slightly - ok once you;re used to it. Steel rims are a little old school but stand up to tyre lever abuse better than alloy. They are a little heavy at 156kg dry. Suspension is at the best very basic like the DR650 also.

My honest opinion...... Get a KTM640.

Here's a nice one for a good price
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-216054434.htm

Here's an interesting machine - This is what the KLR650 should be.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-221045513.htm

[HungusMaximist]

Remember, my budget is really around the 5-6k mark. Mainly comfortable commuting, pillion passenger now and then. Since I am 6 foot 1, height is not a problem. Tried out a few KLRs, the new ones are way too big and bulky, olders ones were ok.

I can't really do with a any high performance engines that require rebuilds...

[cooneyr]

....I can't really do with a any high performance engines that require rebuilds...

Get in touch with Clint. I think he has done over 50k km now with nothing other than routine maintenance i.e. valve adjustment and a carb rebuild (pretty simple).

The 640's are not as highly strung as you might think. The are certainly not a racing style motor a la WR,EXC,CRFx etc.

If I was not wanting to carry a pillion I would get a 640 LC4 over a DR650 (and I owned a Dr650 for 3 years). They are a bit more pricy but they are worth it just for the better suspension let alone the performance.

Cheers R

[Paladin]

Definitely buy the newest DR650SE your money can get you; pref with bashplate, handguards & decent adv tyres like D606's or E-09's. The other very useful mod would be a larger tank! Then you can think, aftermarket bars/risers, exhaust if you like. A Ventura pack rack is real handy, but I have an aftermkt flat rack & its ok too, just not as easy to get gear onto for longer weekend trips; altho the Ventura racks are flimsy as & vibrate loose!

DR's are easy maintenance and parts easy available as are aftermarket bits & bobs! They are much lighter than the KLR and arguably more trailie BUT that depends on your skill level & how big your balls are! Some of the guys on KLR's we ride with have big balls and ride the snot out of em no problem! (KLR's have alot of exposed breakable bits tho!)

The big downside to a DR is its not gonna be the greatest for 2 up for any distance!

Just my 2c worth!

Good hunting!

[HungusMaximist]

Definitely buy the newest DR650SE your money can get you; pref with bashplate, handguards & decent adv tyres like D606's or E-09's. The other very useful mod would be a larger tank! Then you can think, aftermarket bars/risers, exhaust if you like. A Ventura pack rack is real handy, but I have an aftermkt flat rack & its ok too, just not as easy to get gear onto for longer weekend trips; altho the Ventura racks are flimsy as & vibrate loose!


Don't need fancy mods as I'll be using it mainly for commuting, doing errands, getting on the motorway, and the odd trip now and then. Biggest pro for me on the DR and dual-purpose range is the upright height advantage and the comfy riding position. I am 6 foot 1, so it's pretty much brilliant.

Don't have a clue on adv tyres though, it will mainly be on the road, occasional gravel roads like out west.

As for KTM, I saw a 2001 or 2000 Green Duke ii on Trade Me. No idea on what is though...

[Paladin]

Don't need fancy mods as I'll be using it mainly for commuting, doing errands, getting on the motorway, and the odd trip now and then. Biggest pro for me on the DR and dual-purpose range is the upright height advantage and the comfy riding position. I am 6 foot 1, so it's pretty much brilliant.

Don't have a clue on adv tyres though, it will mainly be on the road, occasional gravel roads like out west.

As for KTM, I saw a 2001 or 2000 Green Duke ii on Trade Me. No idea on what is though...

For road + gravel roads Mitas E-07 tyres will do you proud on a DR, with the advantage of being able to take some offroad in if you fancy it! The E-07 will handle it unless it gets real messy!

I highly recommend you do the bashplate & handguards on the DR. The sump is particularly thin, trust me I know from a close call before my bashplate was fitted! I didn't hit anything substantial and still somehow gouged underneath leavin a tiny hole that had to be welded! The handguards will help keep wind(and cold!) off your hands even when commuting in addition to protecting your levers in any offs!

[warewolf]

Here's an interesting machine - This is what the KLR650 should be.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-221045513.htmThat looks primo. The KLX is much closer to the spec of a KTM LC4 than the KLR & DR.


Get in touch with Clint. I think he has done over 50k km nowProbably closer to 65K km after their recent jaunt around Aussie. They'll do 120,000km with a top end refresh at half that.


Don't need fancy mods as I'll be using it mainly for commuting, doing errands, getting on the motorway, and the odd trip now and then. Biggest pro for me on the DR and dual-purpose range is the upright height advantage and the comfy riding position.Ok, for that kind of use, I suggest you also look at the slightly more road-oriented dual-purpose twins, eg Honda Transalp, Kawasaki KLE... that kind of thing. Smoother, more comfortable, just more at home on the tarmac than most of the singles.

[junkmanjoe]

Hi
dont know your budget mate.
but after i saw the 650 Vstrom go in to big river track on road tires.
id go for one off them.
be great on road, and can go off as well.
thats the second V strom ive seen used off road, and there very capable bike.

or klr650 got better fuel range and possable better seat as factory specs.

dr has 12L tank, good for around 220kms and a harder seat.

happy hunting .

[awayatc]

make sure you get a big enough range....both KTM and Suzuki have bigger fueltanks....
Bmw are pretty frugal on the juice.....
But you don't want to plan your trips around fuelstops all the time.....

[Padmei]

Here's an interesting machine - This is what the KLR650 should be.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-221045513.htm

Um If we wanted a bike like this we would have bought a DR.

[Paladin]

Hi
dont know your budget mate.
but after i saw the 650 Vstrom go in to big river track on road tires.
id go for one off them.
be great on road, and can go off as well.
thats the second V strom ive seen used off road, and there very capable bike.

or klr650 got better fuel range and possable better seat as factory specs.

dr has 12L tank, good for around 220kms and a harder seat.

happy hunting .

Joe,
he already said his budget was $5-6k, and that he doesn't like KLR's, and DR's have a 13L tank - mine on average hits reserve(at 10L used) at 200kms so thats a 260km range to bone dry, not that you'd risk it that close!! Gotta agree on the seat tho - several out there with more comfy seats for long range rides, altho mine didn't bother me at all on the Invasion ride, even the 190km blat from Murch to Picton, didn't blink mate - my arse must be gettin flabbier and more soft to sit on LOL!

[Woodman]

Was looking at that klx last night, and I like it a lot, but has no leccy leg and that is a killer on tight going.
paladin is right about the klrs,(pre 08) they have 2 fragile parts when dropped, the left side and the right side, no seriously the radiator shrouds and radiator come in for a lot of abuse if dropped while on the move. Good well balanced bike though with a good power spread, and ok offroad handling.

DR is more robust, with less bits to break but haven,t ridden one yet so do not know how they handle.

[Paladin]

Was looking at that klx last night, and I like it a lot, but has no leccy leg and that is a killer on tight going.
paladin is right about the klrs,(pre 08) they have 2 fragile parts when dropped, the left side and the right side, no seriously the radiator shrouds and radiator come in for a lot of abuse if dropped while on the move. Good well balanced bike though with a good power spread, and ok offroad handling.

DR is more robust, with less bits to break but haven,t ridden one yet so do not know how they handle.

I think with how well(mostly LOL!) you handle hammerin your KLR around mate, ridin a DR you would feel like you just got on a little trail bike and have a blast ridin the snot out of it for a day - best get a demo out from a dealer LOL!

:Punk:

After the KLR, you might find the DR's tank and seat annoying, but if just doin offroad tracks, I reckon you peronally would have a great day out on a DR: they are pretty nimble when you need em to be but have that torque to grind up stuff like the KLR does! Not sayin its the bike to own for you, but for a day out thrashin about offroad I'd bet you'd have fun on a DR!

[Woodman]

I think with how well(mostly LOL!) you handle hammerin your KLR around mate, ridin a DR you would feel like you just got on a little trail bike and have a blast ridin the snot out of it for a day - best get a demo out from a dealer LOL!

:Punk:

After the KLR, you might find the DR's tank and seat annoying, but if just doin offroad tracks, I reckon you peronally would have a great day out on a DR: they are pretty nimble when you need em to be but have that torque to grind up stuff like the KLR does! Not sayin its the bike to own for you, but for a day out thrashin about offroad I'd bet you'd have fun on a DR!

Is that an offer for a decent go on yours when we head up north??

[marks]

Is that an offer for a decent go on yours when we head up north??

of course not

he's seen you ride

[Paladin]

Is that an offer for a decent go on yours when we head up north??

Might depend what track we're on LOL! I still haven't dented my tank yet!!!

:laugh:

[junkmanjoe]

im sure that will come dave...

[Woodman]

Might depend what track we're on LOL! I still haven't dented my tank yet!!!

:laugh:

Thats what i said on Saturday morning.

[junkmanjoe]

hey woodman.

what was the damage, just a bering or other, did it cut in to swing arm much.

[Paladin]

im sure that will come dave...

That's you off my Xmas card list mate! Did you not notice how sensible I was on the Invasion Ride! (Its a tad boring sitting down pootlin along for the WHOLE weekend tho innit!) ;)


Thats what i said on Saturday morning.

Right, you definitely aint ridin the DR then!

:eek:

[Woodman]

hey woodman.

what was the damage, just a bering or other, did it cut in to swing arm much.

Hey Joe, The bearing in the cush drive part collapsed and wore the centre down to the circlip that locates the bearing. The sprocket bolts only ate into the overhanging edge of the swing arm and didn't go any further. Fortunately the chain adjuster(slider) stopped the hub eating into the swingarm and the aluminium just welded to that instead. if i had waited for me mate with the trailer where I first heard the noise it wouldn't have done so much damage. managed to salvage it and the klr as back on the road yesterday with a new set of bearings which will be replaced more often.

[junkmanjoe]

thats great news mate.

was such a stroke off luck that trailer turned up, and they where ya mates, and beer as well...

[NordieBoy]

Here's an interesting machine - This is what the KLR650 should be.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-221045513.htm

That is nice. Well set up and well specced...

[HungusMaximist]

Slighty put off by the white wheels, that I've never ridden a KLX650 and really don't have a clue what they're about.

Plus it's in Dunedin while I am in Auckland.

I am sure it would be a mean bike.

[Crisis management]

Slighty put off by the white wheels, that I've never ridden a KLX650 and really don't have a clue what they're about.

Plus it's in Dunedin while I am in Auckland.


It looks like a bloody good bike....hint, hint....

If it's any help, I can meet with you and talk over the various possibilities or, if you have a bike in mind, am happy to look at it with you....am highly trained in the foibles of DRs and KTMs


You really should buy that KLX in dunedin or a KTM640 but not a KLR, it's just too embarassing. :shifty:

Send a PM I can help in any way.

Iain

[clint640]

Get in touch with Clint. I think he has done over 50k km now with nothing other than routine maintenance i.e. valve adjustment and a carb rebuild (pretty simple).

Cheers R




Probably closer to 65K km after their recent jaunt around Aussie. They'll do 120,000km with a top end refresh at half that.

.

Actually on 75 000+ km now. One of the cam follower bearings has a reputation for wearing out so I did all the bearings in the head & the timing chain at the 50 000 km mark as a preventive measure, it was only about $300 worth of parts, cheap motoring I reckon! Had to replace the e-starter clutch a while back too, otherwise no other major issues.

There are a few '02 640's coming up around your price range now, often with quite low kms, if you're looking at DRs & XTs it's well worth taking a 640 for fang too if you get the chance.

Most of the big thumpers are pretty sucky for a pillion though, the BMW F650 Dakar is probably the best of the bunch for that, but a decent example maybe outside the budget.

Cheers
Clint

[Oscar]

There's a coupla Cagiva Canyons on Tardme.
Great bikes two up.

[jafar]

Might be of interest:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-220077057.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-198346218.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-221237077.htm

[Oscar]

I got a road legal DRZ400 that I'd be interested in selling.

[Paladin]

I got a road legal DRZ400 that I'd be interested in selling.

That doesn't sound like a commuter bike or a comfy 2 up ride Oscar!

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Taz]

Commuter bike is a honda GL145, Comfy 2 up is a goldwing what's in the middle?? Transalp I suppose.

[Paladin]

Commuter bike is a honda GL145, Comfy 2 up is a goldwing what's in the middle?? Transalp I suppose.

DR650SE !!!!!!!

:laugh:

[Taz]

Want's comfortable 2 up bike......

[Paladin]

Want's comfortable 2 up bike......

I was kidding! Hence the: :laugh:


;)

[NordieBoy]

Slighty put off by the white wheels, that I've never ridden a KLX650 and really don't have a clue what they're about.

Comes with both dirt and motard wheels and big front disc for motarding as well.

[Oscar]

That doesn't sound like a commuter bike or a comfy 2 up ride Oscar!

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

They're feckin' great around town.
Dunno about the pillion though...

[HungusMaximist]

If it's any help, I can meet with you and talk over the various possibilities or, if you have a bike in mind, am happy to look at it with you....am highly trained in the foibles of DRs and KTMs
You really should buy that KLX in dunedin or a KTM640 but not a KLR, it's just too embarassing



Hey I appreciate all your advice so far. I'll take your offer of meeting up and having a chat.

I probably won't go for a 250 just because they're all too expensive and haven't got enough balls for what I need. I would love a KTM somewhere down the line, but at this moment I am still at Uni so I don't have enough $.

My Budget is really within the 5k mark, I can push it to 6 k if it's a fantastic deal.

So far, with my budget in mind, the DR650 is the leading candidate. DRZ are real nice but it won't be so good for a small tour or long distances, plus all the ones I've seen are outta my budget.

There's a real nice yellow 04 DR650 on Trade Me, however it's in Dunedin.

Before going into DR's and dual purpose bikes, I also considered a ER6N and a ER5. Got suggested also a GS500.

[warewolf]

Tenere... dunno what they're like two-up (seat looks large-ish), a well-regarded if slightly rarer DP bike, at least in this part of the world.
Yamaha XTZ660H Tenere 1996 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-209507608.htm)

Or a Dominator, I had a 1995 model, pillion still talks to me...
Honda NX650 Dominator 1990 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-215139343.htm) (includes go-faster KiwiRider sticker) Looks real tidy, probably never seen dirt.

[cooneyr]

Tenere... dunno what they're like two-up (seat looks large-ish), a well-regarded if slightly rarer DP bike, at least in this part of the world.
Yamaha XTZ660H Tenere 1996 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-209507608.htm)

Or a Dominator, I had a 1995 model, pillion still talks to me...
Honda NX650 Dominator 1990 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-215139343.htm) (includes go-faster KiwiRider sticker) Looks real tidy, probably never seen dirt.

That dommi is very very clean maybe it goes with the moccasins slipper you can see in one of the pics :D

The XTZ660 looks very similar to the XTZ750 (super tenere) in layout - in fact the seat looks exactly the same. My wife and I have done a few kms thousand kms now on the XTZ750 and find it is not too bad. I've put an aftermarket shock in it though. Also we are not little people, I'm about 6'2" and over 100kgs so take up "a bit" of the seat space.

Cheers R

[Underground]

Tenere... dunno what they're like two-up (seat looks large-ish), a well-regarded if slightly rarer DP bike, at least in this part of the world.
Yamaha XTZ660H Tenere 1996 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-209507608.htm)



I've ridden that XTZ ,belongs to my son in law .Its real mint ,rides like a brand new bike.
They are a very capable adv bike and should be fine 2 up
(hows that for a plug?)

[HungusMaximist]

Tenere... dunno what they're like two-up (seat looks large-ish), a well-regarded if slightly rarer DP bike, at least in this part of the world.
Yamaha XTZ660H Tenere 1996 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-209507608.htm)

Or a Dominator, I had a 1995 model, pillion still talks to me...
Honda NX650 Dominator 1990 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-215139343.htm) (includes go-faster KiwiRider sticker) Looks real tidy, probably never seen dirt.

I don't know if I can take a big beast like that aye!

Pretty sold on the DR!

[Transalper]

DR 650 two up can be a bit cramped on overnighters. I'm 60kg, 5'10" and my partner is similar.
Transalp was comfortable two up touring.
DR is a bit more drop proof and easier to pick back up.
Think you already have a bit of an idea of what to expect.
Might just have to get one and ride it a bit so you have a starting point for comparisons so you know which way to go on the next purchase.
I went from a CRB1000F to a BMW F650GS to a Transalp XLV600 to a DR650.
They all have plus s and minus s depending on the focus of the ride on the day.

[warewolf]

I don't know if I can take a big beast like that aye!

Pretty sold on the DR!Que? The Ten is no bigger than a DR, just has a fairing is all.

DR being so common is a good buy, lots of local support.

[Paladin]

..........
They all have plus s and minus s depending on the focus of the ride on the day.

Aint that the truth!!!!!

Sure wish I could afford to own two bikes! (or three LOL!)

:confused:

[Taz]

I have an R1100GS and a KTM525 but it'd be nice to have a switch on the bars that toggles between the two.

[Paladin]

I have an R1100GS and a KTM525 but it'd be nice to have a switch on the bars that toggles between the two.


Now that's an invention one could use for sure!

:niceone:

[marks]

If I was after a cheapish adv bike that xtz660 would be right up there

do the knarly stuff but be comfortable on the roady bits

[Woodman]

You can learn to ride anything,you just need to get a bike and ride it till you know what you can and cannot do on it.

[Waihou Thumper]

My Budget is really within the 5k mark, I can push it to 6 k if it's a fantastic deal.



I have a KTM 640 adventure. It is a 2002, done 31000km, two owners...
28 litre tank, 600km range.....couple of scrapes, new decals included, all in all a great machine!

Looking at upgrading or getting a road bike for my partner and myself...

[Box'a'bits]

I have a KTM 640 adventure. It is a 2002, done 31000km, two owners...
28 litre tank, 600km range.....couple of scrapes, new decals included, all in all a great machine!

Looking at upgrading or getting a road bike for my partner and myself...

Now when I talked to you on the KCAR you were never selling said machine. Wouldn't have anything to do with a certain tunnel & estuary ride would it??:doh:

But certainly NOT a pillion friendly machine (at least not for any distance). But probably much more betterer than the DR650s discussed earlier.:dodge:

But if you're selling within the $5k budget, I'm fairly sure we can rehome the KTM :niceone:

Steve

[Paladin]

You can learn to ride anything,you just need to get a bike and ride it till you know what you can and cannot do on it.


I like your attitude mate!

:niceone:

[Waihou Thumper]

Now when I talked to you on the KCAR you were never selling said machine. Wouldn't have anything to do with a certain tunnel & estuary ride would it??:doh:

But certainly NOT a pillion friendly machine (at least not for any distance). But probably much more betterer than the DR650s discussed earlier.:dodge:

But if you selling within the $5k budget, I'm fairly sure we can rehome the KTM :niceone:

Steve

That did add some more nice wounds to the beast, yes...
I could let it go for the $5K. Needs new tyres, currently reg and WOF.
It would need $250 spent on the tank if you wanted, I have the decals, they were $160. Speedo needs repair as it works but cannot see the LED, I have no idea what is causing that as it is intermittent, sometimes it flashes up bright as day. The neutral light don't work, that doesn't worry me as neutral is always easy to find on these beasts.
I really want to get a road bike.

[bart]

You can learn to ride anything,you just need to get a bike and ride it till you know what you can and cannot do on it.

Haha. You obviously haven't found your bikes limit yet.................as it still goes. The way you ride, I thought you would have killed it by now. :bleh:

[Paladin]

Haha. You obviously haven't found your bikes limit yet.................as it still goes. The way you ride, I thought you would have killed it by now. :bleh:

He IS trying to so he can replace it with a KTM! ;)

[Paladin]

...........
I really want to get a road bike.

:gob:


That level of blaspheming is not allowed in this forum!

Maybe Woodman might want the Katoom!!!!

;)

[Box'a'bits]

That did add some more nice wounds to the beast, yes...
I could let it go for the $5K. Needs new tyres, currently reg and WOF.
It would need $250 spent on the tank if you wanted, I have the decals, they were $160. Speedo needs repair as it works but cannot see the LED, I have no idea what is causing that as it is intermittent, sometimes it flashes up bright as day. The neutral light don't work, that doesn't worry me as neutral is always easy to find on these beasts.
I really want to get a road bike.

Bart, Woodman here's your queue. Was a very tidy bike prior to the estuary action, and would be very good buying at this level....:niceone:

[Paladin]

Bart, Woodman here's your queue. Was a very tidy bike prior to the estuary action, and would be very good buying at this level....:niceone:

Another TALL bike for Bart to get his leg over - cruel Steve, very cruel!!!!

:msn-wink:

[Box'a'bits]

Another TALL bike for Bart to get his leg over - cruel Steve, very cruel!!!!

:msn-wink:

Nah, NZKTM is shorter than me. He's got the bike set up much lower than mine. Bart'd do well on it. :niceone:

Warewolf has experimented with dropping the bike, & dog legs etc, though I understand it's back on more standard setting now.

Steve

[Eddieb]

That 640 adventure is a pretty cool machine.

[Woodman]

That KTM is tempting. Anyone interested in a 05 klr only ridden on Sundays?

[Eddieb]

That KTM is tempting. Anyone interested in a 05 klr only ridden on Sundays?

Now thats really stretching the one careful lady owner bit.

[Box'a'bits]

That KTM is tempting. Anyone interested in a 05 klr only ridden on Sundays?

The KTM would like fit with your riding style as well, though you should give thought to the less is more philosophy vis a vis bodywork. I can see that you are already going down that track with the KLR...:bleh:

Or maybe a KTM 640E like ClintNZ?

We'll get you on the orange team yet

Steve

[Woodman]

The KTM would like fit with your riding style as well, though you should give thought to the less is more philosophy vis a vis bodywork. I can see that you are already going down that track with the KLR...:bleh:

Or maybe a KTM 640E like ClintNZ?

We'll get you on the orange team yet

Steve

actually i have become quite attached to my KLR, kinda like my favourite pair of sneakers. Mocked up a crash bar setup today in the shed that should work well if I ever drop it hard again.

[warewolf]

Warewolf has experimented with dropping the bike, & dog legs etc, though I understand it's back on more standard setting now. Yep, all back to std except more preload at front and less at the back - as good as I can get for my weight. Lowering links are satan's spawn... avoid at all costs.

Can't say I've noticed the extra height, but sure as possums are a pest I have noticed the improved suspension response & ground clearance. Haven't bottomed either end since, and I've hit stuff a lot harder... 'cos I can. Actually that's not quite true; I haven't bottomed the rear, but I have and regularly do bottom the front - but with no ill effects. Bash plate still decks out sometimes, but that's due to the rider being lousy at lofting the front. Even at the Laid Back trail ride in the ruts made by MX bikes, it didn't get hung up on the foot pegs like it used to.

The shock in the adventure is the same as used on all the LC4 variants, pretty much. There are internal spacers to set the travel depending on the application, eg the Duke & motard bikes have a lot less. You're better off spending your money on a shock service including lowering, especially if buying used, and maybe a revalve while they're in there.

For more technical discussion on why lowering links are bad, read:
Lowering the bike (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=2023577) (post #21 to the end). It's less problematic to reduce the preload at both ends, but that's not ideal, either.

The issue with all this is that you want the suspension to work well, when you are riding the bike. Lowering it is trying to make the suspension work well, when you are NOT riding it - or at least transitioning between stopped and riding - and any such mods short of a stroke reduction and revalve will compromise the riding action.

[Waihou Thumper]

Nah, NZKTM is shorter than me. He's got the bike set up much lower than mine. Bart'd do well on it. :niceone:



The measurement to the lowest part of the saddle is 955mm, which is what the manual says, give or take...
It looks low, I grant you that. It must be my fat arse on the bike that makes it look lower...
:eek:

It isn't a tall machine at all. I have a 30 inch inside leg and can sit nicely with toes on the ground, it is tall when you try to put the sidestand down and it keeps going down and down...into soft ground...:clap:
Getting the leg down then and trying to get the bike upright, noe there is a good scenario, that no man's land between shall I let it go or do I wait here and look like a ballerina until someone comes and tips me back upright....

[Waihou Thumper]

That 640 adventure is a pretty cool machine.

It is a very cool machine and it gets me most places comfortably as you can attest to. Some places that it shouldn't have been as well :doh:
It also bounces well and has been proven in the Dakar. After seeing the bike ridden as a trail bike it amazes me that anything that can weigh over 170Kg fully fuelled behaves like that!
Remember that there is over 28Kg there extra ballast when fuelled up. The bike weighs about 154Kg empty...

Not a light flickable machine but when empty of fuel behaves well on the metal roads. Full of gas it is a sedate ride until you get it down to the less than half full scenario...

[Paladin]

The KTM would like fit with your riding style as well, though you should give thought to the less is more philosophy vis a vis bodywork. I can see that you are already going down that track with the KLR...:bleh:

Or maybe a KTM 640E like ClintNZ?

We'll get you on the orange team yet

Steve


Have to agree with you Steve. After having seen Nigel ride the snot out of the KLR, I reckon a KTM would suit him down to the ground!

:2thumbsup

[Box'a'bits]

The other aspect re the tallness of the bike, is that I run the centrestand. That makes the bike sit with suspension fully extended. If I ran the sidestand it would be much more manageable getting on & off the bike, but less of a good thing for maintenance or flats.

NZKTM runs the sidestand.

Steve

[Waihou Thumper]

The other aspect re the tallness of the bike, is that I run the centrestand. That makes the bike sit with suspension fully extended. If I ran the sidestand it would be much more manageable getting on & off the bike, but less of a good thing for maintenance or flats.

NZKTM runs the sidestand.

Steve

I have both and can run with both. I bought a stand from KTM in Germany so it can have both sidestand and centrestand. At present it runs with sidestand.
Maintenance? Nothing needs doing ever...:clap:

I have a big stand for the bike when putting on and taking off wheels etc...:niceone:

The bike comes standard from the factory with centrestand. The sidestand was developed to be used as well, as they share the same bolts and attachments to the frame. So, I think I have tywo sidestands, one centrestand, the newer one is the developed on from KTM in Europe that has been adapted for the use of both. I chose to take it off.

[Woodman]

Have to agree with you Steve. After having seen Nigel ride the snot out of the KLR, I reckon a KTM would suit him down to the ground!

:2thumbsup

My KLR got me down to the ground twice on the NIIS last weekend.

[Waihou Thumper]

My KLR got me down to the ground twice on the NIIS last weekend.

will be the Bees Knees for you, it suits me down to the ground too! :eek:

It is a little heavy in piucking it up again but definitely worth it, and you know what? The bits that had fallen off just bolt back on and away it goes again and again..:second:
I will certainly give it a 10 out of 10 for build quality...

[NordieBoy]

It is a little heavy in piucking it up again but definitely worth it, and you know what? The bits that had fallen off just bolt back on and away it goes again and again..:second:
I will certainly give it a 10 out of 10 for build quality...

But the KLR gets 10/10 for re-build quality.




Or is that quantity?

[Waihou Thumper]

But the KLR gets 10/10 for re-build quality.




Or is that quantity?

Cannot even reply to that other than yes, agreed....:niceone:

[warewolf]

But the KLR gets 10/10 for re-build quality.




Or is that quantity?


:clap:


:2thumbsup

[Padmei]

As a KLR rider I have to say Woodman does need a more aggressive bike - I can't bear to hear his bike whimpering when walks out the door towards it.:shit:

(cue jokes about KLR exhaust note similar to a bernina)

[HungusMaximist]

Still scouting for that perfect dual purpose...

Did any of guys see that awesome road registered 01 Blue TTR600 go for 3.6K?

I am also considering a CT110, an ex postie bike. Only hassle is, it needs re-vinning/re-compliance as the seller never registered the bike when the rego lapsed for 2 years.

[Oscar]

Still scouting for that perfect dual purpose...

Did any of guys see that awesome road registered 01 Blue TTR600 go for 3.6K?



Yeah, why did it need major engine work after 9k?

[marks]

As a KLR rider I have to say Woodman does need a more aggressive bike - I can't bear to hear his bike whimpering when walks out the door towards it.:shit:

bollocks

a good rider can make a klr fly (not me unfortunately)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b138/holycaveman/holyshit.jpg

[junkmanjoe]

this chap was reaily throwing his bike off a cliff.
he just forgot to get off it.....:shutup:

[NordieBoy]

(cue jokes about KLR exhaust note similar to a bernina)

Or similar to a whimper?

[marks]

Or similar to a whimper?

I presume you aren't referring to my klr?

[Oscar]

bollocks

a good rider can make a klr fly (not me unfortunately)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b138/holycaveman/holyshit.jpg

Flying's easy.


It's the landing that's hard.

[Eddieb]

bollocks

a good rider can make a klr fly (not me unfortunately)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b138/holycaveman/holyshit.jpg


Thats part of woodmans bike problem, he hasn't figured out the landing bit quite yet.

[pete376403]

Fly like a butterfly...land like a grand piano

[Woodman]

Landing is easy, basically there is no way around it so you just gotta hang on and hope for the best. Oh and never ever stick your tongue between your teeth:stupid:

[Box'a'bits]

Landing is easy, basically there is no way around it so you just gotta hang on and hope for the best. Oh and never ever stick your tongue between your teeth:stupid:

Feet on the footpegs is also useful :kick:

[Woodman]

Feet on the footpegs is also useful :kick:

Not when they both snap off when you land after riding off a loading ramp.:shit: