ktm 640 adventure vs klr
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2003 9:51 am
I've posted several replies around this subject over the past two
days, but I've seen only one actually show up in the list. Am I
doing something wrong technically, or are my replies
being "moderated?"
In any event, I'm going to weigh in on this again. I own both a KLR
(A14) and a 2003 KTM 640 Adventure. I like the KLR a lot. If it's a
great bike for you, then good. For those who think the KTM is a nice
bike if 1. You can keep it running, 2. You can find parts, 3. You can
afford parts, 4. You can keep up with the maintenance, 5. You can
handle its horrible seat and epic vibration, let me say this.
It is quite reliable, thank you. Parts are readily available, and
quickly becoming as available as OEM parts for the Kawi. The parts
and service are quite reasonable. For those who think otherwise,
you're probably making assumptions based on the fact that it's a Euro
bike and it's purchase price is higher. I own the KTM and Kawi, plus
a BMW and an Aprilia. I know cheap, reasonable, and expensive. The
KTM and Kawi are VERY similar in maintenance and parts costs. I
think maintenance on the KTM is easier than the Kawi. How many of
you have never checked your valves because of the complexity? The
KTM is easy in that regard. Only the oil changes are complex on the
KTM, but only compared to the Kawi. The KTM is very easy to keep on
the road. The KTM race bikes ARE maintenance intensive, but they are
race bikes. The comfort of the '03 seat is quite good on the KTM,
and better than my Kawi. The KTM vibes more, and always will, but it
smoothes out considerably with proper jetting and a few miles of
break in. The KLR will always be smoother, but it will never have
the power, suspension, etc. of the KTM.
Summary: Both bikes are good. If you like offroad, you'll need to
do a lot of work to make the KLR about half as good as the KTM is
right out of the box. If you like mostly long highway miles, get the
KLR. If you want a sporty street bike and VERY capable dirt/rally
machine, there is NO substitute for the Katoom. Most importantly,
the fears about the KTM are JUST PLAIN WRONG, and are based on
experiences from a few years ago, experiences regarding KTM race
bikes, or one bad situation that is incorrectly applied universally.
If someone said the KLR was supremely unreliable based on the fact
that the balancer adjuster is prone to failure, is that a fact?
YES. Is it as big a deal as some make it out? NO, because it's
easily addressable. The KLR is good, but the KTM is magical. This
from someone who owns both, and does like the KLR.