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?

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?

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 ;)

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!

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

Cheers for the advice guys, I put my offer to them today so will see what they revert with

1 KTM received :)