Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > KTM Tech
KTM Tech KTM Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to KTM riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree3Likes
  • 3 Post By MikeS

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Aug 2015
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
KTM 640 Adventure 2005

Hey folks, just sold my XR600R and been looking for a replacement. Here in Malaysia, bikes can be be pretty expensive but I happened upon a 2005 KTM 640 Adventure in fair condition with about 50k kms on the clock and seems to fit the bill on what I'm after (something to commute on, take out at weekends and play in the jungle, maybe do a few longer trips, electric start/liquid cooling etc). The dealer doesn't seem to know the service history but I took it for a test ride and found I quite enjoyed it. Apart from a couple of minor things, it seems pretty decent.

So...given this model seems to have pages and pages of owner issues on sites like Adv Rider, are these bikes just a headache to maintain or is that just the minority?
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
I believe that the sticky thread in here is a fair summary of owner experiences with the 640.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...lems-list-9345

Lots of folks will moan when it is their own maintenance skills and mechanical empathy that is lacking.

What are paper-based service records worth? Depends on what the previous owners have been doing with the bike don't you think?
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Aug 2015
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Yup very true but this is the unknown part. Anyhow will see how my gwailo negotiating skills pan out with the Chinese bike shop manager
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Aug 2015
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Geneva
Posts: 199
The 640 Adv is a great bike IMO. It's built tough, and can be worked on quite easily. Small but manageable issues should appear after 10 yrs on the road. The bike does need love and proper care, more than an XR for example, but should serve you well. Plenty of experiences on forums including this HUBB to tap into as you need. I should have the service manual in .pdf file somewhere and could share if you wish. These bikes are becoming quite rare actually, I keep mine (2002) in top condition and can only encourage you to do so. Enjoy!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 239
Great bike, already a classic

Ditto to squires comment,
I remain constantly on the lookout, just to stick one in a garage until I need it.
Not much use on Hong Kong.
By this date any gremlins quite sorted. Maybe keep a lookout for a spare water pump or get the bearing repair kit. Otherwise, read the huge online data source (adventure rider us a pretty good summary), ensure you learn a few basics and then have a massive laugh.
We (me and a significant gang including squire) drove 640's all over the Egyptian desert for years and they are really proper tough.
People will have other opinions. Bu as mentioned, I still want one to stick away for future use. Prices sem to be rising in UK FOR 2004 to 2006 models.
JT
__________________
JT http://leeandjames2013.blogspot.hk/
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Aug 2015
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Cheers for the advice guys, I put my offer to them today so will see what they revert with
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Aug 2015
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
1 KTM received
Attached Thumbnails
KTM 640 Adventure 2005-ktm.jpg  

__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
BIKE FOR SALE ! - Buenos Aries, ARGENTINA / or Punta Arenas Chile – 2005 KTM 640 max.t.jewell South America 0 17 Feb 2012 15:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:50.