Buying a dual purpose bike

**NordieBoy** · 25th March 2009, 08:04

Originally Posted by pete376403

paladins crankcases?

KLRs tend to break the less important bits. So far I haven't broken anything that cant be repaired with duct tape.

The fence wouldn't support my engine so I'll just keep it in the shed.

**Paladin** · 25th March 2009, 10:07

Originally Posted by warewolf

Didn't forget the 'Bergs. They are now owned (partially?) by KTM and they are commonising the ancilliaries with the rest of the KTM bikes.

A mate has recently acquired a 'Berg. His comment: feck it's nice working on a Euro bike again!! If you like good design, the 'Bergs excel to the point of a) making me jealous, and b) wishing they did some of that stuff to the KTMs!!

I'm sure the KTM tech guys will be pouring over the 'Bergs seeing what they can incorporate on Katooms. I would hazard a guess that kind of issue was one of the reasons they bought them - seeing what ways they might raise the KTM bar even higher!

**warewolf** · 25th March 2009, 10:12

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

The fence wouldn't support my engine so I'll just keep it in the shed.

Everyone needs a 'glory wall' in their shed! (and a shed!!)

**warewolf** · 25th March 2009, 10:14

Originally Posted by Paladin

I'm sure the KTM tech guys will be pouring over the 'Bergs seeing what they can incorporate on Katooms. I would hazard a guess that kind of issue was one of the reasons they bought them - seeing what ways they might raise the KTM bar even higher!

Primarily the reverse, they intend to use 'Berg as a development platform, and keep it as the 'step up' brand from KTM.

**Paladin** · 25th March 2009, 10:19

Originally Posted by warewolf

Primarily the reverse, they intend to use 'Berg as a development platform, and keep it as the 'step up' brand from KTM.

Interesting! I didn't know that the 'Bergs were considered so good that as a brand they could be considered a step up from KTMs. Now you've said that, I see the benefit for KTM still, but of course in reverse as you said - smart bastids in Austria!

**nallac** · 25th March 2009, 10:30

Well I took the XF for a ride yesterday morning.

It's a fairly tidy bike overall, the front indicators need to be replaced,looks like a static drop maybe,as theres no damage to any other body work.

I forgot how much fun thru the twistys a lower powered bike can be,use full throttle all the way...can't do that on my R1 as i would go spearing off the
road.

Got the edge of my boot down without trying to hard.
Should be even better with a round back tyre.

It has a weeping left front fork seal, needs new rear pads,nearly metal on metal..chain and sprockets in ok condition,needs a good clean.

Majorly under braked compared to what I'm used to...... a braided line and new fluid could go along way to helping.

Does any one know if they have the same problem as the earlier DR's with base gasket leaks as it's got some sealer at the base...

It would be ideal for what chasio's after,a good commuter(minus the bags)
a tourer with em, heapsa fun at licence keeping speeds, altho it will exceed the speed limit by a bit.(of course i wouldn't of done a top speed run as thats against the law

)

If it was mine i would change the bars to a flatter bend as they feel like ape hangers and go braided brake lines,also a fork brace would be a good idea.

**chasio** · 25th March 2009, 12:27

Originally Posted by nallac

Does any one know if they have the same problem as the earlier DR's with base gasket leaks as it's got some sealer at the base...

Thanks again for the test!

I hadn't had a chance to update you (work gets in the way, eh?) but I've had a couple of PM's (thanks rogson/xf650) on this and they certainly do have the same issue.

Time for sums/phone calls/etc.

**nallac** · 25th March 2009, 12:36

not a worry..was a beaut day for a ride..

Had fun with out going into loss of licence speeds..

It could pay to do a carjam check and get in touch with previous owner and see how long the sealers been on there..

oh and find out what he got as a trade....

**chasio** · 25th March 2009, 16:57

PM on its way in a bit!

**XF650** · 25th March 2009, 20:33

Fork brace should be std on the Freewind.
Random base gasket leak is common with DR650, fixed by either bog or fitting post 2003 model metal gasket.

**nallac** · 25th March 2009, 20:39

Has sealer on base gasket. I read lots of comments reguarding sealer or changing gasket before buying my old DR.Plenty for and against both......

Didn't notice a fork brace tho.

**monchopper** · 25th March 2009, 21:00

Originally Posted by Paladin

Interesting! I didn't know that the 'Bergs were considered so good that as a brand they could be considered a step up from KTMs. Now you've said that, I see the benefit for KTM still, but of course in reverse as you said - smart bastids in Austria!

The 2009 'bergs have a radical 70 degree engine. Will be interesting to see how long it takes to make it's way to the mainstream KTM's. The FE570 looks great. see pic
The idea is less rotational mass by having the piston going in the same direction as the bike (I believe). Reports suggest the 570 feels like the 450exc (which is the best handling 4T road legal bike I've ridden)

**NordieBoy** · 26th March 2009, 07:00

Originally Posted by monchopper

The 2009 'bergs have a radical 70 degree engine. Will be interesting to see how long it takes to make it's way to the mainstream KTM's. The FE570 looks great. see pic
The idea is less rotational mass by having the piston going in the same direction as the bike (I believe). Reports suggest the 570 feels like the 450exc (which is the best handling 4T road legal bike I've ridden)

That is a "Wall of Coolness" bike along with the Aprilia RXV's

**chasio** · 2nd April 2009, 21:31

Originally Posted by nallac

Has sealer on base gasket. I read lots of comments reguarding sealer or changing gasket before buying my old DR.Plenty for and against both......

Well I have bought the XF650.

The deal includes a replacement base gasket as well as a heap of other work. I have to say that the Kaiwaka Suzuki guys have been excellent and I'd go back to them in a heartbeat.

I pick up on Saturday morning. There's just the small issue of riding back from Kaiwaka without falling off and I'll be good to go! I have a lot to learn, despite my refresher with qkchk...

Thanks for your feedback folks and in particular to nallac, rogson and XF650 (credits in alphabetical order!) who helped get me over the line with this.

Cheers - Chasio