What to get! ARGH

[Bulldog]

Hey guys,

as you all probably know I've got the KTM 525sx Motarded. I've put everything you can think of on it but I find it a little uncomfortable and the fuel range even with the bigger EXC tank on it is about 140kms which is ok but not great.

So I'm looking at several options at the mo and would really value everyone's feedback.

KTM 690 SM (newish)
KTM 640 SM 05 /06
Husqy 610SM (Motomail one, I went and saw them last week and it's an ok deal it's simply been sitting there for freaking years).

I know I know...getting old and soft but these are the bikes on my wish list.

[Finn]

Are any of the "everything you can think of" parts you've got on your 525 interchangeable with the bigger KTM's you're looking at? If so, save yourself some bucks and go with the brand you like and are used to... Yes?

[Bulldog]

Don't know if they are but they wouldn't be needed as they were things like EXC wiring loom, electric start, stator, slipper clutch, all of which are already on the other models.

Don't get me wrong...I love KTM but given what's available I'm erring towards the Husqy. Just a bit nervous if it turns out to be a nightmare lemon.

[kezzafish]

i would have thought the 610 and 640 were more like your 525 (not a great fuel range and less comfort orientated?) in saying that my personal choice would be the 610 cos i think they look wicked and by looking at the mad frenchman video they go good too and have the flickable biffable light weightedness that we motarders love so much. Don't want to offend anyone but i think the 690 looks bad but is probably the most suited to your situ? unless the real reason your selling is because you want a change and wanna go faster!

[SeppoDave]

Lots of guys over at ThumperTalk happy with their Huskies

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sea...archid=7483352

http://www.savefile.com/files/332161

Plus don't forget the mad Frenchmen video, with that bike you'll automatically be able to ride like them!

Dave

[Aero165]

I'm getting either a 625 or 610 over in Aussie when I move there in a few weeks. I will let you know what I think of them. I think I'll end up getting the 625. Parts are more readily available and I have a bit of a soft spot for KTM's

I'll probably only own it for a few months until there are a few second hand 690SMC's on the market. THAT is the bike I want

[Bulldog]

You're spot on there mate....the 690SMC is exactly what I want too but at 17k!!! ferk.

[AlBundy]

Well, looks are subjective.

Before I saw the SM in the flesh, I thought it was ugly as sin. The nose and twin-stacks have grown on me.
My profile pic has the single can from SC-Project, so you can see what a difference that makes...

The 640's also have five-speed boxes and according to a mate, who rode my DRZ, it feels kinda the same. He actually rode the 690SM, then the 640 and said he was disappointed with the 640 after the 690.

As for the Husky 610. It sounds like a good machine with the only thing to keep an eye on, being the cam chain and tensioner. The chain needs to be done every 10k km.
I was seriously considering that one but don't have much support locally, whereas we have a KTM shop here... That kind of dictated going that way. Plus, I got my SM for a very good price...

I think the SM610 is 142kg's compard to 139,5kg's of the 690SMC...
SM610 is carbed and 54hp vs FI and 66-ishhp for the SMC.
The 690SM is about 154kg's, according to the pamphlet...

Sorry for the rambling, lol...

All the 690 motors are close in power...

[Southmotian]

He actually rode the 690SM, then the 640 and said he was disappointed with the 640 after the 690.

I'd have to agree with that. I rode my mates 640 just after he'd bought it (hope he doesn't read this...) and was a bit underwhelmed. The handling felt pretty solid, maybe a little heavier than I expected. The motor just had no urgency though. A fairly strong surge of torque but no real response when you snapped the throttle wide open.

On the other hand I love my Husky, if the 610 is just a slightly softer version of mine I'm sure you'll like it. Will they let you ride before you buy?

[Aero165]

You're spot on there mate....the 690SMC is exactly what I want too but at 17k!!! ferk.

They are starting to come up for sale in Aussie

http://www.bikepoint.com.au/De...keI...301&TabID=3424

I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to fork out the money for a new one but I just can't justify it

[Motardman]

I know I know...getting old and soft but these are the bikes on my wish list.

You missed out a Harley.....you old bugger

[AlBundy]

The SMC is a really tall machine by all accounts...

I get the impression that, at 5'7, I'm probably a bit short to manoeuver one comfortably...

12l tank, so slightly shorter range. The tank is under the seat BTW, if you didn't know...

The SM610 in black/grey is dead sexy too though.....

[Aero165]

The SMC is a really tall machine by all accounts...

I get the impression that, at 5'7, I'm probably a bit short to manoeuver one comfortably...

12l tank, so slightly shorter range. The tank is under the seat BTW, if you didn't know...

I sat on the enduro model no sweats I've been hearing on SMJ that you can get 80 reliable horses out of this motor

[kezzafish]

The SMC is a really tall machine by all accounts...

I get the impression that, at 5'7, I'm probably a bit short to manoeuver one comfortably...

12l tank, so slightly shorter range. The tank is under the seat BTW, if you didn't know...

The SM610 in black/grey is dead sexy too though.....

fuck that thing is PHAT, i just spoofed. how many pingers again? $? $ ?

[AlBundy]

fuck that thing is PHAT, i just spoofed. how many pingers again? $? $ ?

BWAHAHAHAHA...

Which one?

SM610 is 10K at Motomail.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-186086649.htm

KTM SMC is 17K at Superior in Chch.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-157356268.htm