Thinking about selling the 640

[Crisis management]

As the title suggests I'm contemplating selling the 640 Adventure as part of the never ending search for the perfect bike (yeah, right). The 640 is perfect for gravel and off road but a bit big for tighter off road work, seeing as we are a bit light on challenging off-road style adventure rides in Auckland (surprise, surprise) and I really only have time for 1 day rides, I want to explore the more adventure trail rides and a 450 seems better for that.
If I go to a 450 I can still do adventure rides and use the bike for trail rides as well, selling off the 640 and the 200 EXC, keeping the R80 for general purpose and just gravel riding.

What I'm after is any comments or experiences people have had using a 450 for adventure riding, I would rather ask the dumb questions now....... so come on guys, let me have your advice.

[That looks like fun]

450 what :scooter:
Not that I have had one of any sort, just arksing :whistle:

[.chris]

I hear the new WR450's are road legal, I would love to have the cash to buy one and adventureize it. If they can do it for the dakar why can't I.

[Crisis management]

450 what :scooter:
Not that I have had one of any sort, just arksing :whistle:

Just arseing around are you?

Probably a KTM (450EXC) cause I like KTMs but Rogsons' WR has impressed him so I would be interested in looking at them more closely, whatever it is, I want to ride it on trail rides like the 200 I currently use as well as be adaptable for adventure riding.
Failing all else I, could adventurise the R80 by changing the tyres.....

[That looks like fun]

Had a look at the wr450 before I got the 250. Road legal, etc. Maintenance schedule was what swung it to the 2fiddy.
But jeez that extra 200 would have been nice :wings:
Mach 1 have a 450 (new) on the showroom floor. Katrina did me a good deal on the 2fiddy, I think her arm has healed but it twisted a long way up her back before it broke :msn-wink:

[dino3310]

Gotta agree on the new 450 yammy:drool: its looking real good in the magzine reviews, tuneing doohicky too.
the DRZ's are making a comeback, the couple from epic adventures had a pair of well set up knarly ADV DRZ's.

i Know where your at, the move from the DRBIG to the XR6 was fantastic for the ruff stuff.

aint oscar got a ktm 520 or simalar up for sale

your welcome to grab the XR for some play time

[Motu]

That Airhead's creeping under your skin.....pretty soon you'll be down to just the one bike.

[Oscar]

That Airhead's creeping under your skin.....pretty soon you'll be down to just the one bike.

What airhead?

[Motu]

He's got an R80 he's too embarrassed to be seen on....

[young1]

Had a look at the wr450 before I got the 250. Road legal, etc. Maintenance schedule was what swung it to the 2fiddy.
But jeez that extra 200 would have been nice :wings:
Mach 1 have a 450 (new) on the showroom floor. Katrina did me a good deal on the 2fiddy, I think her arm has healed but it twisted a long way up her back before it broke :msn-wink:

What is the maintenance schedule like for the WR 450?

Also any of the true endure 450's, what is their gearing like for cruising at 100 km/hr? That might be something to look into when comparing bikes. Are the Yamaha and KTM both 6 speed?

[cooneyr]

I did exactly this (without the 'luxury' of owing a R80). WR450 last I looked was 5 speed (not sure about 2012) where as EXC 6 speed. This is the primary reason I went EXC. Newer (post 08 motors) were when I last read a bit of an unknown with the older RFS motor (06 or 07 preferable but anything post about 03 OK) more suited to your (and mine) intended purpose. I found stories on ADV rider of RFS EXC's doing 900 hours with nothing more than stainless steel valves being installed at around 200 hours and lots of oil changes (actually they weren't that nice with oil changes either)

In short EXC

has heaps of speed and yet still trail worthy
lots of bling available - i.e. 13l or 17l or 25l tanks, lighting upgrades, oil coolers plus all enduro gear i.e. light (doesn't way much light) stuff, suspender upgrades etc
you can sell your 640 without its rear wheel and it slots straight into a EXC giving you a cush drive for ADV work. Also lots of tard wheels if you feel the need
more than enough stomp to keep you entertained and if not get a 525. Would be interesting to do a 525 and 640 side by side accel run
is more than trail capable bit will probably tire you out more than the 200 (especially a 525). I did 90km of trail ride (till front engine mounting bolt fell out cause of some monkey trying to be a mechanic i.e. me) and am feeling it now!
down side is that you need to pretty handy with oil changes (I do every 15 hours), filters and valve check every other oil change. None of it hard - just takes time. Suggest pretty cheep though - only 1.2l of oil and filters pretty cheep. Still don't know why two screens and two filters
gear carrying capacity limited but look at giant loop or wolfman E-10 panniers (got E-10's myself and they work real good)


So go for it its all good - just get the spanners on standby.

Cheers R

[Taz]

I'll start the bidding on the 640 at $500.

[Crisis management]

He's got an R80 he's too embarrassed to be seen on....

Tis faster than the speed of light, it's the only reason I've not been seen :bleh:


So go for it its all good - just get the spanners on standby.

Cheers R

Thanks Ryan, just the info I was looking for, interested in your comment about it being more tiring than the 200 for trail riding, when I rode Taz's 525 I certainly found it heavier and realised there was need to learn a different technique / skill set to get the best out of it. Actually just any skill would have helped, bit embarrassing comparing lap times on the same bike, I'm claiming advanced maturity on my part. :facepalm:



I'll start the bidding on the 640 at $500.

Worth more than yours' already then? :bleh:

I was hoping for around $8k, we will see when / if I stick it on Tardme.

[clint640]

I'll start the bidding on the 640 at $500.

$510. I'll let ya keep the back wheel for that too.:msn-wink:

Have you thought about getting a 625SXC seat & tank for the 640? It's amazing how much more of a trailbike the 625 feels, or even just a 640E with a 12L tank. Converting the Adv wouldn't be hard. A 450 makes more sense if you're not racking up the k's or wanting to carry much gear though.

Cheers
Clint

[Bams]

wow $8000 grand and its never been dropped ay ian :msn-wink:

[Crisis management]

$510. I'll let ya keep the back wheel for that too.:msn-wink:

Have you thought about getting a 625SXC seat & tank for the 640? It's amazing how much more of a trailbike the 625 feels, or even just a 640E with a 12L tank. Converting the Adv wouldn't be hard. A 450 makes more sense if you're not racking up the k's or wanting to carry much gear though.

Cheers
Clint

I've tried the 640 in some moderately knarly stuff and the weight and height just don't do it for me, someone taller and more skilled may have more success.... the 450 will let me do both technical trail and trail/ adventure. For just gravel roads I will use the R80, it's as capable as a Vstrom.


wow $8000 grand and its never been dropped ay ian :msn-wink:

Promise mister, never been out in the rain either......

Somehow I don't think the wear marks are that disguisable, my sales pitch is that it's been well run in.

[Oscar]

$510. I'll let ya keep the back wheel for that too.:msn-wink:

Have you thought about getting a 625SXC seat & tank for the 640? It's amazing how much more of a trailbike the 625 feels, or even just a 640E with a 12L tank. Converting the Adv wouldn't be hard. A 450 makes more sense if you're not racking up the k's or wanting to carry much gear though.

Cheers
Clint

I got rid of my 625SXC because it was too uncomfortable as a long distance bike (compared to my 950) and too big & unwieldy as a trail bike. Still thinking of a 450/530EXC as adv trail bike (but keep getting distracted by old Guzzi's and Beemers).

[Crim]

Had a look at the wr450 before I got the 250. Road legal, etc. Maintenance schedule was what swung it to the 2fiddy.

what was the difference in schedules and do you know how that would compare with a 450exc?

[clint640]

what was the difference in schedules and do you know how that would compare with a 450exc?

WR250R is roadbike type maintenance, every 6000km oil changes, check the valves @ 40K km. WR-F, EXC's etc are racebike maintenance, every 15 hrs or suchlike.

I've thought about having a both a gravel cruiser & an plated enduro weapon but my problem is I often like to ride the length of the country carrying camping gear, doing some gnarlyish tracks on the way, so I'm stuck with compromise. Luckily the 640 is one of the best compromises available for what I do.

Cheers
Clint

[Taz]

the 450 will let me do both technical trail and trail/ adventure. .

I seem to recall you having a little difficulty in "technical trail" on my 525 after breaking your 200.... The 525 still wears the scars also :lol:

[Crisis management]

I seem to recall you having a little difficulty in "technical trail" on my 525 after breaking your 200.... The 525 still wears the scars also :lol:

You haven't forgotten then? I did try and put my head between the tree and the 525 you know, my helmet still shows the damage.

[GPS MAN]

Well, my 2 cents: I have a exc 530 that I am going to do some work on for adventure riding..

Presently riding my KLR...On the rode it is great in the rough no so great:no:

Will let you know how my conversion goes ~~~

[vegeman]

Hey,
I've done many long rides with festy on his WR450 (it was because of his WR, that I got the 690...as I needed something truly faster) and I think the WR450 probably the best adv riding machine there.

I can't believe how well that bike has held together, and how much of a thrashing it has taken, and continues to take. The japs really have the reliability sorted on these motors...and I can also tell you, its not because of good maintenance...they are truly bullet proof. The maintenance schedule has been pushed in every respect, and it still rocks.

The last big ride was the yamaha safari in tekapo,..and we rode from Welly there. His bike was an enduro first, then we made it road legal and basic adventuring (which was bloody expensive) by adding, new sub frame, indicators and lighting kit, bigger front sprocket, simple rear luggage rack, upgraded to 15l tank, and used the air hawk seat cushion...and thats about it.

The bike easily sits at 120K all day, pulls 160K no problems, was getting about 240K until reserve. The gearing proved to be no problems on the trails as the big has plenty of power. Its still light and nimble to be able to do real trail rides.

I love my 690, but like your 640 its just a bit heavy for the real hard stuff and can be a bastard to man-handle in difficult conditions whereas the 450 is far better. For instance...I'm confident to perform a 180 trail turn on asphalt on the 450, but not on the bigger machines...

Another mate just bought a WR250 for adv riding, and while it rides nice, and all that stuff...I'd get pretty annoyed at the lack of power...the are too gutless which makes slabbing it on the road eye watering boring, if you get a head wind with gear on the bike...you'll be moaning for sure.

Now that the new WR450's are road legal first...then thats the way to go and good value. If I could have bought a road legal yammy 450 a few years ago...I would have, but the 690 came up instead.

[That looks like fun]

reccomended service interval for my 250 is 10000 ks oil change, 40000 ks for tappets.
reccomended service interval for the 450 was oil at 1000 ks and tappets at 5000.
If you can live with that then I would go for the 450 with the big fuel tank fitted.
All the reviews say the engine is bullet proof but then so is what you already have.
If you are looking for a smaller more nimble bike then think carefully about why <_< you are buying.
When I decided to get a smaller bike I looked at what I wanted to do, then I brought that I believe will deliver on what I want to do :scooter:
Yes the 2fiddy is a pain on the tarseal, so what? Ride to the bike. :niceone:
I have still got babe if I want comfort and power on the road :love:
I firmly believe an adventure bike is a series of compromises that end in a bike that almost meets every need :Punk: but not quite :mellow:

[MXNUT]

Having recently looked at the whole purchase question of ADV bikes myself
i did consider trying to have 1 bike to do it all but decided it couldnt live with that many compromises

If you can afford it i would advise to stick with the trail bike for trailriding and another bike for ADV riding.

Remember that off road, light is might.

Any ADV bike is already a compromise between road based riding and gravel / off road tracks.

Try and make that same bike perform reasonably as a trail bike as well, and you are adding more problems into the mix.

A 450/530 in ADV trim will still be a big unweildy bike on trail rides, especially in the wet.

And the buzzyness of the motor and lack of road comfort will put you off anything more than 3-4 hours on the road, not to mention the extra servicing required.

I am sure that owners of said 450/530`s will dissagree with me here but coming off the DRZ i do have some experience here.:devil2:

Just my 10 cents worth.

[XRJohnny]

CRISIS, This is a subject very close to my heart. :violin:
I have had many hours of disscusion regarding this with local "hero" Friday Flash.
From my experience, i would have to agree with CLINT640 & MXNUT. It,s a bit much to expect a highly strung enduro weapon to perform so many duties that its not really designed for.
I am sure the bike will perform all those duties, it,s more about how happy you will be with all the compromises.:no:
In my mind you already have the ultimate size dirt bike in your KTM200, & no Adventurised bigger bike could ever hope to compete with that.
I am using a Honda XR650R as a one day adventure bike at the moment, which is very limited ( but very good for that purpose ) :first:
I did use a Suzuki DRZ250 for a number of years & 20k to do everything on. ( & i mean everything )
COMMUTING every day to work
ADVENTURE RIDING fantastic on the gravel, limited to 125km on the tarmac ( but you do that on every ride! ):Police:
TRAIL RIDING bigger than i normally like, but the electric start was neat
RIDING TO TRAILRIDES, THEN RIDING HOME this is only for the "very" keen
MOTOCROSS & FLATTRACKS as you can imagine, the only road legal bike there
TOURING a 4000k trip of the South Island carrying all gear & tent
I think the best bike available to do everything on is the road legal version of Suzuki,s DRZ400. ( but thats just my opinion ) :niceone:

[Crisis management]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the effort put into the replies and it certainly gave me something to consider, the plan is now.....

Sell the 640, put some intermediate tyres on the R80 (it's essentially the same bike as a Vstrom) and use that as my "all roads" bike, buy a road legal 450EXC for trail and "adventure trail" rides and keep the 200 as a spare for my son to use and me if the 450 proves to be too big for the trail riding I do (don't think that will be a problem, the guys I ride with now are all on 450s').

Primarily I'm going to be doing trail riding and the odd gravel road adventure ride (that is about all we have around Auckland anyway) so the R80 will cover that and the 450 should cover all the off road riding I do.


So, anyone want a slightly run in 640? :niceone:

Actually, I wouldn't mind some feedback as to what it's worth so I get a fair price rather than have it sitting around over-priced, I'm sort of hoping around $8,000, suggestions Taz, Clint, Oscar, anyone else???

[Taz]

I think 8 to 8.5 is not unreasonable.

[dino3310]

I'd give ya 8k for it Iain but im broke and i dont like LC4's:laugh:


fair price