Ktm 640 reviews

I recently added a KTM 640 Adventure to my stable that included two KLR650's. The KTM certainly conveys the impression that it is a machine born in the dirt. It has the pedigree and the quality engineering to inspire confidence once the pavement ends. I am tall enough that my KLR's allow me to stop with both feet on the ground. The KTM adds just enough height (especially when dismounting) that it demands care. While I haven't lost control of it yet, I cringe that the time is coming when I tumble off while trying to dismount in the Kroger parking lot. While that would surely be entertaining, it wouldn't be fun. If the bike proves to be as tough and durable as my trusty KLR's I will be well-pleased. I don't think I can honestly justify the cost (over $8K) compared to ($5k) for a new KLR, but the fun factor makes it tempting to try. I am presently on vacation and my son and I will be giving the bikes a workout in the North Georgia mountains. We are eager to put it through its paces on some of our fine Forest Service Roads. Strangely, I find myself attracted to all things orange these days .... hmmmm. Show less

First of all, my previous bikes were all sportbikes (ie a Ducati 749S and an MV Agusta F4. I was a bit hesistant in getting a KTM 640 Adventure because of two things, Height and Speed. Fine.... this doesn't go 200kmh, but then again, after a mild trail ride with a 950 Adventure Buddy, my skeptisism with regards to the 640 Adventure has totally changed. After a mixture of tarmac twisties (which the bike isnt bad on tarmac.... you just can't lean it as far as road bikes) and semi rough trail.... this is actually FUN. In the city, use your imagination. Traffic? You'll love it- specially when you could get away with the "occassional" pedestrian walkway travel. Not that we are condoning it.... but hey. Show less

Where do I start. If you want a bike that can handle all types of situations, your looking at it. On-road, not the street cruiser feeling, but kind of a Jeep attitude. You get used to the vibration (as slight as it is) and little irks of off road tires (less holding in the twisties). This isn't a roadrocket, BUT when you hit the dirt, you're in control and the smiles begin. Who would of thought such a bike could be made that has good manners on either surface. The power is there and a twist on the throttle lets you know that this is a race bred engine. The suspension (WP) is so smooth,the rocks you encounter might alarm you, but the SMOOTH suspension just eats them up. Realiability, KTM, come-on, world class components and parts are no harder to get than anything else out there. As KTM say's Goooooo! Show less

I bought this bike used, and it was "motard-ed" by a pal. It has street wheels, tires, and a dropped suspension done by a susp. specialist. It is the ultimate twisty road bike. It has a lot of torque, and blasts through corners. It is the MOST fun I have ever had on a bike, and this is my 25th motorcycle. I would not hesitate to buy another one when I wear this one out. Show less

This bike is well worth the money. I have about 1400 miles on my bike and love it. I was surprised how well it performs in all situations,even with 50/50 tires.(considering its size) tips: Stay out of the mud w/ stock tires, NO REG GAS(Pinging). !!!!WARNING!!!! If you ride this bike hard, it will ride you hard once in awhile. Show less

I recently purchased the KTM Adventure and its great for highway or off! The bike is really tall though and if your under 5'11' dont even consider buying it, you would have to jump off at a light to touch the ground. I say buy it today if your tall enough! Show less

Part 2 of my quest...I put on a DAM exhaust canister which radically reduced weight and brought out a DEEP mellow tone. The bike will bark when hammered on but not too loud.The DAM is a custom hand made polished stainless steel muffler from Germany. You can get them through Sommer KTM I HIGHLY recommend them!!The gearing changes are awesome. The airbox mod. consists of a different internal side cover.You then go with a 157.5 main and a much smaller idle screw...don't have the size for it right handy..The bike will still do 100 m.p.h !! I also put on Acerbis rally 2 hand guards, KTM skid plate, stainless chain guard, aluminum rear chain guide, and the luggage rack. I hand cut the oh-so fuggly license plate holder to better enhance looks!! If you are considering a PERFORMANCE DIRT ORIENTED DUALSPORT MOTORCYCLE...don't pussy foot. The LC4 640 by KTM is the real deal!! Show less

I own 3 other motorcycles and the LC4 640 is a unique animal. I had a small tip over on a mountain trail, broke the electric fan, which shorted out and burned part of the wiring harness. It was in the shop awaiting parts for over 5 months. The follow up from KTM was horrible! The bike itself is a real scream. It will take my 260-pound body wherever I point it, and will do 100 mph on the road. The seat is a pain in the butt (literally) but after I switched from the knobbies to Michelin Sirac's it's a lot smoother on the highway. I just bought a Valkyrie, but for around town and for dirt roads, I'll be the guy on the KTM. Show less

My 2000 640 LC4 has been stripped of all extraneous trappings and has been outfitted with rear shark fin, KTM skid plate, Enduro Engineering brush guards, ICO electronic odo (the stock odo doesn't re-set in tenths), side stand (center stand doesn't get it in dirt). I cut away the rear portion of the countershaft cover to allow access to the sprocket while retaining the steel case protector. The gearing has been dropped to 15/45 which makes it buzz a bit on the street but helps tremendously on slow, tight trails. I ditched the cheesy stock chain guide in favor of a modified Husaberg guide from Enduro Engineering. I ride organized dual-sport alot and find the thing works terrific on fire roads, two tracks, and even does well on tight single track, if you don't try to be a hero. The stock Pirelli D.O.T. knobbies work just fine here in Michigan with pressures set at around 12 -14 p.s.i.. I also added rim locks front and rear to keep the tire from spinning on the rims at low pressures. Fuel mileage is in the 40 - 45 m.p.g. range, even while flogging it hard which gives it more range than the average rider's butt. The electric starter is a real plus, especially for those of us with old, tired legs. There's lighter and cheaper bikes going, but in my somewhat educated opinion (having owned over 35 dirt bikes in my 55 years), you just can't do any better than the big KTM. Show less

I purchased the bike in 2000.5 supermoto form with 17" wheels and 2001 suspension. The bike had a serious electrical grounding problem on the sub-frame that caused a fried ECU and coil. Once I diagnosed the problem for the dealer, he replaced the parts under warranty. He added an extra ground strap from frame to sub-frame and all was well after that. For some reason, KTM puts Pirelli dual purpose (95% street) tires on supermotos. They take forever to warm up and squirm around a lot. Real street tires are definitely in order. Rejetting to a #165 main, derestricting the can, and adding a few more disks to the supertrapp really wakes the bike up. The thing is a blast in tight curvies and does better than it should in fast sweepers. Show less