Author Topic: 2007 KTM 640 Adventure - Issues (Read 1403 times)

Lappies · « **on:** March 08, 2012, 01:56:02 pm »

Hi All

I am very close to changing my 2001 BMW Dakar for a 2007 KTM 640 Adventure.
Now, everyone has their opinion about BMW vs KTM, not interested in that.

What are they main issues that I need to know of before buying the KTM?

Thanks

Dwerg · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:17:09 pm »

Cam roller something or other bearing.

I haven't had any issues with mine and it's on 45k kms. I prefer it over my 650 in every single aspect

ktmmer · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:32:29 pm »

Bit of vibration heavier on fuel but in every other regard brilliant!!

Dwerg · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:38:00 pm »

Quote from: ktmmer on March 08, 2012, 02:32:29 pm

Bit of vibration heavier on fuel but in every other regard brilliant!!

Well yes there's that. And the 5000km service intervals. And the rear tyre that doesn't last.

But apart from THAT...

Lappies · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:38:28 pm »

Thanks All!

@KTMMER, if you say bit of vibration? Would I still be able to walk after my 400km trip to Mosselbay next weekend?

Dwerg · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:39:16 pm »

Quote from: Lappies on March 08, 2012, 02:38:28 pm

Thanks All!

@KTMMER, if you say bit of vibration? Would I still be able to walk after my 400km trip to Mosselbay next weekend?

If it's on tar your hands and feet will be numb. You get used to it though

Rascal · « **Reply #6 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:43:53 pm »

I did some research before buying mine, the main important things were pre 2003 models with bearing issues. All models have inlet rocker bearing concerns, the cause is debatable but abuse and not checking the valve clearances at service intervals is the main causes.

My 640 does not vibrate as badly much as most other 640's that ive ridden on. if you get the jetting correct the motor is much smoother. (crash bars also cause them to turn into paint shakers)

sure there are some experts that can add on to the list, but thats the main concerns..

(dont try and keep to to the big bikes on tar at 170km/ hour and the motor should last)

Dwerg · « **Reply #7 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:46:36 pm »

Yes those bearings

Rascal · « **Reply #8 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:47:44 pm »

O,ja

if you have cycle shorts use it.....

apart from all this I still like the bike more everytime i ride it.

Lappies · « **Reply #9 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:49:58 pm »

Thinking of getting the "AirHawk" seat for the trip anyway

So the bearings should not really be an issue if it is the 2007?

Lappies · « **Reply #10 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:52:05 pm »

O ja, this is what Im getting :

http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=87812.0

Isnt she just beautiful!?

Dwerg · « **Reply #11 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:54:17 pm »

Quote from: Lappies on March 08, 2012, 02:52:05 pm

O ja, this is what Im getting :

http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=87812.0

Isnt she just beautiful!?

Thought as much

Enjoy

Lappies · « **Reply #12 on:** March 08, 2012, 03:16:55 pm »

How is the Fuel Consumption on these?

Dux · « **Reply #13 on:** March 08, 2012, 09:55:04 pm »

20 km per litre 2 up cruising about 115kmh , I find that they all tend to have a comfortable cruising speed that varies from bike to bike , the particular bike that I did that consumption on was comfortable at 115 but started vibrating uncomfortably at 120 .

African child · « **Reply #14 on:** March 08, 2012, 10:32:56 pm »

Gek oor myne! Hy staan nou op 16000km so nog redelik lae kilo's. Geen probleme sover nie. Stem saam cruising speed so 115 tot 120km/h op die teerpad. Af van die pad is hy n klas van sy eie

Kry op n tank gemaklik oor die 400km en 450km gereeld voor die brandstof liggie aankom.

Beslis nie n langpad teerpad fiets nie maar op die grondpaaie kan ek heeldag ry sonder probleme. Ek persoonlik het geen probleem met die sitplek nie, maar ek ry gewoonlik meer grondpad en staan natuurlik meer. My tippiese trips is gewoonlik so tussen 300 en 400km op n dag met meestal grondpad. Vibrasie pla maar slegs op lang stukke teerpad maar nie erg genoeg om my enigsens af te sit van die fiets nie.

Hoop dit help....

Sprocketbek · « **Reply #15 on:** March 08, 2012, 10:54:30 pm »

As mentioned the vibration can be debilitating but there are ways to soften it. Stuff the handlebars with as much foam as you can get in there.

The tank size is life-changing. No longer do you have to plan your trips around fuel stops. I have only twice managed to behave myself enough to get 500km out of a tank.

Do NOT go for cheap rear tyres. It will shred a Maxxis within 3500km.

Everything Rascal said is 100% true: wear cycling shorts & DO NOT try to keep up with 990's on tar roads.

witblitz · « **Reply #16 on:** March 08, 2012, 11:41:28 pm »

Smooth tyres - 21km/L (Front - Bridgestone Trailwing; Rear - Pirelli MT 90)
Knobblies - 19km/L (Front - Pirelli Rallycross; Rear - Mitas E07)

First thing, do not short shift, this causes unnecassary vibration/jerking and causes damage to bearings.

Secondly, do not over tighten any bolts on a KTM. Broke my rear axle nut like this and they wanted R640 for an axle and nut, I fixed/improved it for R80.

Make sure the linkages are greased.

These bikes barely vibrate.

I read that guys have waterpump problems, I have not experienced this yet.

Lappies · « **Reply #17 on:** March 09, 2012, 08:41:01 am »

Wow, thanks everyone for the great advice!

reset1 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2012, 02:13:56 pm »

ok, i have spent R34000 on my ol 640 so far in 2 years mostly due to stupitidy.. bloody agents, what to look out for

cam follower bearing, have it replaced soon and save big bucks.. cost at ktm was R3000, sould have payed R1800..

waterpump main shaft bearing seal, may leak, pushing oil into water system, or water into engine, you will see the oil looks milky... stay away from that bike...

shocks need to be serviced every 5 years or so, can get expencive, but i wouldnt be to concernd..

main wiring harhess can get chafed through when the tank was put back by a moron, cost to repair about R4000 at the dealer...

starer cluch fails, cant e start, cost to repair R4500 at the dealer.. sould have cost R 1800....

i have to say, i had a few bikes, and by faaaaar i enjoy the 640 the most, bloody good allrounder..

reset1 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2012, 02:17:41 pm »

BTW, i was seriously trying to get that bike... beautiful..

but absa wouldnt agree..