Tiresome DR vs KLR comparisons

[Paladin]

I was actually comparing KLR v. 640a.
If you up-spec a KLR to match the Adventure, you'd probably wind up spending more.

Yet another reason to NOT buy a KLR then!

How many years' development difference between those two bikes? 20, 25 years?

A more valid comparison is a new-old DR650 at $9000 vs run-out specials on 640Es at $11,000. The DR loses out big time in that one, there's no way you could upgrade the frame, suspension & engine for $2K.

Well I didn't see any new 690E "specials" at $11k while I was bike hunting recently, but I take your point mate! I was just going new vs new on price to ensure apples vs apples comparison as best I could. When buying my bike, with the money I could afford, I looked at older KTM's(not that there were many about!) but for where I'm at the potential issues with an older bike vs '09 DR with 2 yrs warranty was a concern. Its just my personal situation so thats what worked for me. Down the road when I'm more cashed up or better still more mechanical minded/experienced, then the situation may well be different!

I'm certainly not havin a dig at KTM's, as you've seen me say I would have loved to been able to afford a new/slightly used one! As we've both said, horses for courses, and because I'm new to adv bikes, find it an interesting discussion to see where people are coming from on why they choose what bikes!

The development point you made is akin to what I said a bit above - at the base level, the KTM is gonna be a better bike before any flashy stuff is added on top and that comes from the development over many years and the proven testing on the Dakar etc.

As usual, appreciate your input/views mate!

[warewolf]

Yep, agree, I'm living in dreamworld if I think that 640Es are gonna come back new at $11K It would be nice, but the 690 is the way forward and they don't have enough production capacity to make the 690A, let alone keep churning out the LC4s... which would likely still sell at 11.

As you say, commercial realities, but at the other end of the pipeline.

[Paladin]

Yep, agree, I'm living in dreamworld if I think that 640Es are gonna come back new at $11K It would be nice, but the 690 is the way forward and they don't have enough production capacity to make the 690A, let alone keep churning out the LC4s... which would likely still sell at 11.

As you say, commercial realities, but at the other end of the pipeline.

Have you seen any prototype photos of the supposed 690A yet, or is it all still just on the drawing board?

[warewolf]

No idea, I'm not really following it, buying one is not on my radar. I'll probably find out from official sources ahead of any internet rumours, of which there are and will continue to be many. All along, KTM have said 2009/2010, so I wouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement at a dealer conference in the middle of the year.

btw I include the design team in the production capacity. Dunno what stage it is at.

[Oscar]

Yet another reason to NOT buy a KLR then!

Now whoa there, Jimmy - I'm not getting involved in supporting one side or the other here, I've got my hands full with the whole KTM v. BMW thing...




...although my other bike is a DRZ.

[Paladin]

Now whoa there, Jimmy - I'm not getting involved in supporting one side or the other here, I've got my hands full with the whole KTM v. BMW thing...




...although my other bike is a DRZ.

I think you're already involved!