Clint/warewolf. Whats wrong with me?

[tri boy]

For some reason I keep looking at two KTM640's on trade me.:o One is a 04 LC4, and the other, a 00 640Adv.
Do you have any input for both bikes, and this affliction that seems to be taking hold?:doctor:
I'm not getting rid of the Scrambler:love:, just thinking of another alternative.
I think weight of these bikes might have something to do with it. 225kg is alot to control sometimes.

(would post a link, but not positive as how to link to Trade Me).
Cheers.

[young1]

Wow what an open question that is!!!

[jim.cox]

There is nothing wrong with you

This is a perfectly normal reaction

The syndrome is known as MotoLust

There is no known cure

But one treatment has been proved to be effective...

Take said bike(s) and thrash it(them) on a daily basis

This will help keep the symptoms under control

Note also that this condition is highly contagious - just talking about them will spread it

In fact I think I'm catching it too...

[tri boy]

Maybe, the sickness side of it could be discussed for many drunken evenings. But the 640 angle isn't too involved.
1 I like their general layout.
2 The light weight and tallish seat height would compliment my build. (tall stretch of weasel piss).
3 Carburetted?
4 Well kitted from the get go.

I particularly like the 640 LC4. like clints?. I don't think I want a heap of weather protection as supplied on the Adv, and plastic fairings etc might hold riding style back a bit.
I'm not planning on doing much more challenging than Adv rides, but it would be nice to be able to push it a bit harder, without the bike getting too out of shape.
Will probably get more serious about it in the new year. (my bro in law is leaning towards adv rides, as he barely uses his RMZF250 due to the dicking around with trailers, and the bike not being road worthy).

[Blueskies]

. . . . and having just acquired a 2nd bike I can say the syndrome is no respecter of age either.

[young1]

Brent have you checked with Clint to see if they float as well as the Scrambler!!

[Big Dave]

Great, fabulous, terrific, machines if you want to go real fast through sh*tholes - apart from that they are just downright unpleasant, mate.

[tri boy]

Brent have you checked with Clint to see if they float as well as the Scrambler!!

(throws Y1's xmas pressie in the incinerator.:Oops:

So, after also considering Daves input, maybe i should also look at Japanese registered dualies like TTR, KLX, and DR's.
Chuckability is at the forefront of my thinking, with seat/riding comfort a close second. (that eliminates the DR, and maybe the KLX).
Road speed doesn't have to be high.(maybe topped out at 140ish), but fuel range needs to be close to 250km.
(Sort that one out Santa).
Weight range would be in the 140kg area or even less if poss.

[cooneyr]

Bugger the LC4's, you seen the 660 Rally on there. Check this link (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-132548646.htm).

There is alot of 640 LC4's on TM at the moment.

Cheers R

P.S. Just seen your edit on the DR's re the seat. Dont throw the idea away just yet. Go ride one first. There is a cheep LC4 up there though and the seat is not that different to the DR. All the 640/650 are about 150+ wet so if you are really after 140kgs or less then look at 450's.

[tri boy]

[QUOTE=cooneyr;1350728]Bugger the LC4's, you seen the 660 Rally on there. Check this link (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-132548646.htm).

Faaark! Nice bike if I was back in WA commuting from Pt Hedland to Yarrie mine site. But $20k for a high performance desert racer I'd use on gravel roads etc. Pass.

I'll have to throw a leg over all sorts, including 250's.(TTR250s going for $7k odd new)<_<
Fun factor, with little strain will be the aim of the next bike. And if my bro in law gets organised with his son, a triple purchase could lower the prices more.
Does any one know if the KLX300 is road rego-able. Had a KLX650 in Aus, and besides it's weight in the tight stuff, was a great gravel muncher, and wheelie monster.:headbang:

[Big Dave]

Several at KR rate the DR ('Dogrooter') as the most versatile bike available.

[Crisis management]

Several at KR rate the DR ('Dogrooter') as the most versatile bike available.

Is this Chris with his hand up your bum Dave?

I have to admit I like the look of the orange roughies as well, better quality than the DR and more power, however, I have to admit that I have been looking at the Exxon Valdez's (R100 pd) of the world as a better adventure bike than the DR. I find I am leaning towards a comfortable gravel road bike and a 200cc trail / enduro bike combination as most of our adventure riding is simply gravel roads and if I want more technical stuff the DR is bit too much to thread thru trees.

Tri-boy, you should take the DR for a thrashing....maybe Waiheke? I am discussing its viability with a higher authoruty at the moment...


(taking a hiding too!)

[tri boy]

I'm sorta looking the same direction.:yes: Keep the Scrambler for most gravel meanderings. (It's comfy, and I can live with a bit of wind blast on the hwy's), but I would like to be able to chuck a light weight trailie around, that can do 120kmh on the road easily, a few easy trail rides, and won't cost an arm n leg when I stack it into a drain/creek/bush.
TTR250, Dr250, KLX300?,Honda?
The TTR's look well priced, and KR magazine gave it a gong for being honest, so I think come new year, I'll take one of each for a run.:scooter:
Crikey, I think my KTM affair may have just been the shortest in history:crazy:.

[Big Dave]

The only male who gets anywhere near my bum is my GP sunshine.

[tri boy]

The only male who gets anywhere near my bum is my GP sunshine.

Ummm, okay......

[Big Dave]

Ummm, okay......

I was talking to Mr Management.

[NordieBoy]

The only male who gets anywhere near my bum is my GP sunshine.

Funny name for a GP.
Are you sure he's a real GP?

[warewolf]

For some reason I keep looking at two KTM640's on trade me.:o One is a 04 LC4, and the other, a 00 640Adv.
Do you have any input for both bikes, and this affliction that seems to be taking hold?:doctor:Well the KTMs do 'go to 11'.

In terms of those bikes, most of the changes occurred in 2003:
The Adventure got a revised front end based on the 950, which is less dirt-oriented (low guard, fatter forks, twin discs).
The "High Flow" head was introduced to both - more power/torque.
An upgraded engine bearing was fitted standard to both, was a warranty/parts fix prior. Gearbox output shaft or some such? Not sure, $100 to upgrade as a preventative measure.

I reckon the E is better value than the A (and better value than a DR), particularly when buying new. Putting the optional 18L tank and comfort seat on the E gives you a lot of the A's advantages, fairing and headlights being about the only things remaining. The E has a lower seat height. I wouldn't rate the A as any more fragile off-road than the E. For one thing, the tank acts as a big radiator guard. [edit: and it has hand guards and a bash plate standard]

That particular A, I would want to know if that bearing has been changed (evidence thereof) and also, how was it lowered 2"? Has someone just slapped on some huge lowering links (bad), or was it done by changing the shock internals including damping (good)? If the former, it'll be handling like a chopper 'cos the forks aren't pulled through to match - and probably can't be due to travel/clearances - and worse 'cos the shock/linkages will be at the wrong start point in its travel. The 50mm WP Extreme forks (I think from that year) are rated as the best forks ever on the 640A - but parts can be hard to get due to a short production run.

Lots and lots of info on ADVRider - Thumpers (http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=15) and KTMTalk.com (http://ktmtalk.com/).

Buy the bike you lay awake at night dreaming about...:devil2:

I luff the KTM because it puts a smile on my dial every time I ride it. It rings my bell. You can quote all the numbers and specs in the world, but when it's all said and done, I'm not riding a spec sheet: I love riding the thing. But I will make one comment: if the worst you are going to do is potter about quietly on well-formed gravel roads, buy something else! :niceone:

And to the nay-sayers who reckon they're uncomfortable; I've ridden 3x Rusty Nuts' Grand Challenges on it... 1000 miles in 24 hours. :bleh: 'Nuff said.

[warewolf]

my GP sunshine.Watch for Sunshine's float in this year's Hero Parade. :laugh:

[tri boy]

Thanks for the input guys. (and the penny finally dropped, re anal puppetry), damn I'm slow.:blink:

[warewolf]

Blimey triboy, make up yer mind! :D

The 250s won't do 140 cruise, and 250km range would mean gentle 80km/h cruise. Heck the only time my DR-Z250 cracked 140 was drafting a mate's SV650S!!! That was worth around 8 or so km/h.

In terms of chucking around, smaller is better, so a 250-ish would be the go. But you really need to decide what kind of riding you want to do. I started down the adventure bike route but really should've gone straight to a cheap, light trailie. In my experience, the best way to get technical riding is in the forest on trail rides for unregistered bikes. Road-registered trailies would work, but those type of events are not really suited to adventure bikes. Basically, what crisis said!

[warewolf]

Bugger the LC4's, you seen the 660 Rally on there. Check this link (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-132548646.htm).
Faaark! Nice bike if I was back in WA commuting from Pt Hedland to Yarrie mine site. But $20k for a high performance desert racer I'd use on gravel roads etc. Pass.:drool:

I'd grab that if I had the readies. But it's not $20K, it's $20K AUD, and it's not in NZ, it's in Aus... They turn up in Aus now and then. I'd take it 'cos it's a bit of history that you could actually ride.

[Big Dave]

And to the nay-sayers who reckon they're uncomfortable; I've ridden 3x Rusty Nuts' Grand Challenges on it... 1000 miles in 24 hours. :bleh: 'Nuff said.


Except for - 'You're also fuckin' weird.'

[warewolf]

Except for - 'You're also fuckin' weird.'
Feel the love... :hug:

:D

[Big Dave]

Feel the love... :hug:

:D

You can keep right away from my arse too sunshine

[Crisis management]

You can keep right away from my arse too sunshine

Despite high levels of temptation, I am restraining myself from further comment......merry xmas!

[NordieBoy]

In terms of chucking around, smaller is better, so a 250-ish would be the go. But you really need to decide what kind of riding you want to do. I started down the adventure bike route but really should've gone straight to a cheap, light trailie. In my experience, the best way to get technical riding is in the forest on trail rides for unregistered bikes. Road-registered trailies would work, but those type of events are not really suited to adventure bikes. Basically, what crisis said!

Hmmm...
XR400?

[cooneyr]

Except for - 'You're also fuckin' weird.'

And you not, Mr To Big For A DR 650? :wacko: :whistle:

Cheers R

[Big Dave]

And you not, Mr To Big For A DR 650? :wacko: :whistle:

Cheers R

Just need one for each buttock.

[Big Dave]

Despite high levels of temptation, I am restraining myself from further comment......merry xmas!

Ahhh! The 4th wise man.

Same to you.

[PLUG]

Just need one for each buttock.

... + a wide load sign

[Crisis management]

Ahhh! The 4th wise man.

Same to you.


Yes, have you seen the other 3? I am sure I'm supposed to be somewhere important on the 24th, and bugger me if i can remember where!

[tri boy]

Yes, have you seen the other 3? I am sure I'm supposed to be somewhere important on the 24th, and bugger me if i can remember where!

The other three are trying to haggle a price out for a TTR250 for me, for the new year.:devil2:
So from considering a full on dirt weapon like a LC4, I've developed 1/2 a mongrel for a soft gentile/light dual purpose, that I can muck around on, ride short distances on the hwy at 120ish, and throw up a creek bed with reckless abandon.
Thats the idea. Stay tuned. Same Bat Time, same Bat channel.

[Oscar]

Great, fabulous, terrific, machines if you want to go real fast through sh*tholes - apart from that they are just downright unpleasant, mate.



That would hurt, coming from someone who knew what they were talking about...

[Oscar]

For some reason I keep looking at two KTM640's on trade me.:o One is a 04 LC4, and the other, a 00 640Adv.
Do you have any input for both bikes, and this affliction that seems to be taking hold?:doctor:
I'm not getting rid of the Scrambler:love:, just thinking of another alternative.
I think weight of these bikes might have something to do with it. 225kg is alot to control sometimes.

(would post a link, but not positive as how to link to Trade Me).
Cheers.

I've got one (an LC4 Enduro), which I love.
As an Adventure mount for full on rides (with lots of gravel and off road), it is great. It is without peer on gravel.

If there is a lot of road work, I'll take the 950.

Edit: Yer welcome to a fang on my LC4.

[Big Dave]

That would hurt, coming from someone who knew what they were talking about...

That thing you put me on at the CCA was THE most unpleasant bike I have ever ridden. Fast, capable and only 2 speeds. Nail it - or stall.

Cols Adventure defines harsh power delivery.

The SM950 is very capable, but 2" wide seat dissapeared up my butt crack.

Your 950 is very civilised - but only an Oscar could live with its looks - shall I go on?

[Oscar]

That thing you put me on at the CCA was THE most unpleasant bike I have ever ridden. Fast, capable and only 2 speeds. Nail it - or stall.

Cols Adventure defines harsh power delivery.

The SM950 is very capable, but 2" wide seat dissapeared up my butt crack.

Your 950 is very civilised - but only an Oscar could live with its looks - shall I go on?

I don't see the problem.
Just nail it...

I think you need more time on proper bikes. Git yer arse down to the Oscarosa and we'll start on yer edumacation.

[Big Dave]

I don't see the problem.
Just nail it...

I think you need more time on proper bikes. Git yer arse down to the Oscarosa and we'll start on yer edumacation.

Fark yeah.
New year. Some practice before the SI Safari woodbegood

[Oscar]

Fark yeah.
New year.

Bring Stretch and The Publisher.
Pete looked like he needed a diversion.

[clint640]

Merry Xmas mate!

Y' can have a fang on me 640 in a coupla weeks on the EEE ride if you want.

The bike Big Dave is whining about was actually a 625SXC, not the slightly comfier, friendlier 640.

Cheers
Clint

[Skinny_Birdman]

Faaark! Nice bike if I was back in WA commuting from Pt Hedland to Yarrie mine site. But $20k for a high performance desert racer I'd use on gravel roads etc. Pass.

I'll have to throw a leg over all sorts, including 250's.(TTR250s going for $7k odd new)<_<
Fun factor, with little strain will be the aim of the next bike. And if my bro in law gets organised with his son, a triple purchase could lower the prices more.
Does any one know if the KLX300 is road rego-able. Had a KLX650 in Aus, and besides it's weight in the tight stuff, was a great gravel muncher, and wheelie monster.:headbang:

A note of caution when going for a TTR250 or similar (air cooled 250 four stroke) especially as compared to an LC4 or similar. I have been adventuring with an '02 TT (graphics aside pretty much the same as the current one) since I sold my F650 Funduro in December last year and I would make the following points, most of which you have already considered, but here goes:
The TT is light (120kg odd dry) but is also pretty gutless. Mine's partially de-restricted and dyno-tuned and weighs in at a whopping 19hp, or about the same as Granny's mobility scooter. Obviously that's not the whole story, because it is quite torquey (and would be even more so if it hadn't been de-restricted :crybaby:) but it suffers on anything like an open road, gravel or sealed. It will do around 130km with the stock gearing (if you're patient)but you'd probably want to drop that a little bit so that you aren't constantly riding the clutch in the tight stuff. I tend to sit on 90-95km/h on the open road, at which speed it's not revving its tits off, but has got an awful lot of vibration. For a tall, skinny person like myself, it is about as comfortable as a wooden park bench, except that park benches have leg room. :buggerd: It's also built to a price. The indicators are very long , look stupid, and will shatter the second or third time you fall off (if, like me you have gravity related problems from time to time), and the speedos do seem to crap out (have heard of another couple as well as my own, though it's not too hard to bodge up, or you can replace the speedo gearbox - $275).
All that aside, once you get off the beaten track it is awesome, the riding position is great, the rear suspension is very good and the front OK, and for myself, it flatters my riding abilities on trail rides, where manageable power and light weight come into their own.
What I'm getting at is that while the TT (and its competitors, I assume) is a great bike for sod all money, you'd want to be dead sure that you didn't want a bit more power, say a WR450 or XR400, both of which are available reg'd and WOF'd.
Good luck, and have fun test riding them all,

Cheers
A

[warewolf]

The TT is light (120kg odd dry) but is also pretty gutless. Mine's partially de-restricted and dyno-tuned and weighs in at a whopping 19hpThose numbers don't look so good. 19hp with mods doesn't sound very encouraging. The DR-Z250 is 22hp standard and 24-25hp with basic unrestricted exhaust/main jet to match (rwhp on Staintune's dyno). 19 to 25rwhp is A LOT. btw a clean air filter makes a big difference to throttle response and top-end power.

Stepping up from 250cc gives you more grunt for open-road use, but usually weight and seat height also go up. There is also the DR350 which is a favoured but perhaps forgotten adventure trail bike.

[tri boy]

Thanks for the info on all the bikes guys. Will jump on as many as I can before settling on the end result.
That extra bit of grunt from a KlX 300, or XR400 may seal the deal, but I havn't given up on the KTM idea just yet.
Riding different bikes, pre purchase is a shitty task, but I will solider on.;)

[offrd]

My DR takes whatever i biff at it, or is it i take whatever it biffs at me without too much trouble... :rolleyes:

It will be on the EEE :banana: Try it out at some stage. Just give me a swift kick as you go past, i should fall off without damaging too much of the hi tech expensive stuff on it!:lol: