Clint/warewolf. Whats wrong with me?

**Big Dave** · 21st December 2007, 20:22

Originally Posted by tri boy

Ummm, okay......

I was talking to Mr Management.

**NordieBoy** · 21st December 2007, 20:29

Originally Posted by Big Dave

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** · 21st December 2007, 20:47

Originally Posted by tri boy

For some reason I keep looking at two KTM640's on trade me.

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?

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 and KTMTalk.com.

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

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!

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.

'Nuff said.

**warewolf** · 21st December 2007, 20:49

Originally Posted by Big Dave

my GP sunshine.

Watch for Sunshine's float in this year's Hero Parade.

**tri boy** · 21st December 2007, 20:58

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

**warewolf** · 21st December 2007, 21:05

Blimey triboy, make up yer mind!

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** · 21st December 2007, 21:12

Originally Posted by tri boy

Originally Posted by cooneyr

Bugger the LC4's, you seen the 660 Rally on there. Check this link.

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'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** · 22nd December 2007, 07:30

Originally Posted by warewolf

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.

'Nuff said.

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

**warewolf** · 22nd December 2007, 07:50

Originally Posted by Big Dave

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

Feel the love...

**Big Dave** · 22nd December 2007, 08:11

Originally Posted by warewolf

Feel the love...

You can keep right away from my arse too sunshine

**Crisis management** · 22nd December 2007, 08:12

Originally Posted by Big Dave

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** · 22nd December 2007, 08:35

Originally Posted by warewolf

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?