Actually an LC4 640 version was planned but never built, I saw an old KTM Military leaflet and it was in there, next to the LC4 400, exactly the same bike apart from the engine. So I guess the engine would fit.

As for Walkabout's question about registering the bike in the UK, I didn't do that. I registered it in Germany where my parents live, I'm in the process of moving back to Germany anyway (have been living in the UK for 4 years), so I won't take the bike to the UK.
It must be possible to register these bikes in other EU countries, but they don't come with the new EU registration papers, so it's probably not as easy as registering a domestic bike.
The buying process was fairly straightforward, but then I'm German. Basically I had a look at the bikes, chose one, went back home, the dealer got the MOT done, sent me the papers, I registered it, went back to the dealer, paid and rode it home. I heard the dealer speaking English on the phone, so the language shouldn't be a barrier. The only problem is, it's a car dealership and they can't service the bike (maybe if you ask, they will take it to a KTM dealership which apparently is nearby). I had to go to a petrol station first to oil the chain and to fill the tyres, but I'd be careful with long journeys as the bikes haven't been used for quite a while.

Anyway, I'll pay a visit to the local KTM dealer tomorrow to find out about the service cost, I'm too busy at the moment to have a go myself. As soon as the service is done, I will hopefully be able to comment on the ride a bit more.
Glad to see such positive responses btw

Thanks Peer,
That's very clear: ex-military bikes in the UK (typically the HD MT350 and the MT500) are sold in much the same way - no warranties, sold as seen, and best taken away in a van or on a trailer.

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Dave

Well, there is some sort of limited warranty which is required by law in Germany. It is called "Gewährleistung" and it's for 12 months. It only covers problems with the product which were already there when it was bought, and you have to satisfactorily show that (I think what you have is called the burden of proof). Not as good as a manufacturer's warranty, but better than nothing.
I wasn't too worried about it though as all the service records I've seen of these bikes were complete (all services done by KTM) and the dealer got the MOT done before I paid. The MOT was part of the contract btw and he would have had to paid for any repair costs (you should ask for that as well if you want to buy one, even if you don't need a German MOT, it prepares the bike for your own, national test).

I'm going to buy one of these when my XT660 gives up the ghost, look great for North Africa etc. Its abit of a shame that i didn't see these a year or so back, i would have bought one.

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Thanks
Joe

Hi, I thought I give a little update on the bike since I had the chance to ride it a bit. I serviced it myself which took almost two weeks (drowning in work at the moment), but at least it was quite simple.
Just so you know what my comparison is, I normally ride a Bandit 600. The KTM is vibey, comparably loud and a bitch when cold. But once it has warmed up it's fun. Acceleration from 0-120 km/h is much quicker than I expected and getting to the top speed of 130 is no problem, even uphill. It doesn't go any faster downhill, so the top speed is not limited by the power. Power wheelies don't seem to be possible, I have the impression the rev limiter comes in just before the front is about to go up.
I've been offroad for about 5 minutes only (wasn't entirely legal there) and it handled fine on mud and gravel, but then I have to admit that was my first time offroad with a motorbike, so I didn't try any stunts.
The seat is officially designed for touring and I found it comfortable on my longest ride (2 hours). I have been told though else that it's not great for a whole day. Time will tell.
I'm not sure about the range, but it is def no less than 300 km. The weight is fantastically low, my other bike weighs at least 230 kg, so I almost enjoy wheeling the KTM around!
Any specific questions, let me know.

They seem very complete bikes , I have enclosed some pictures taken when tested by the Irish Army , also a Image of the Diesel motorcycle from HDT in the States , but Developed in the UK

pg

Attached Images

     

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Watergrasshill fastest desert racer - only desert racer
www.discoveryrally.com

oh ya never new irish army had looked at them. any idea if these bikes pop up in ireland for sale as i like the military version

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I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted

They never bought .... used the money to buy new bikes for presedents escort honda D...valle 700's


pg

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Watergrasshill fastest desert racer - only desert racer
www.discoveryrally.com

ah pitty about that as they nice looking bike. philip sorry to change topic but you dont know of any one interested in an enduro bike perhaps?not many irish riders on here and trying flog my own bike off to get large trail bike

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I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted

and what big trailie are you looking for

pg

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Watergrasshill fastest desert racer - only desert racer
www.discoveryrally.com

there 2-3 going around that would like. one is an xtz 660. also there nice transalp on biker.ie have just came across a ktm 640 lc4 on donedeal so that not bad bike either but be bit pain to try convert over to trail bike

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I spent 90% of my money on women and drink. The rest I wasted

I have some of those plastic bags and they are very good at getting landed on etc. I never actually smashed mine but the seals started to go (overloaded) the internal straps failed (overloaded) and they sprayed their contents everywhere when opened (overloaded)

If you can fit your stuff in they are great, the main drawback comapred with alloy boxes is that they are side opening. Which is a BIG drawback.

I need to start importing some of those diesel bikes, but they are 'still' on a military-only contract. Bloody war.

Hey guys,
Is there any further word on the Military KTM's on reliability, servicing and rideability..? I've had a look on the website and there's a few available and as somebody said .........'just pack, kiss mum on the cheek and go..!'

Thanks

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Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

just check out the standard ktm 640 LC4 . they have their problems like all machines but the military version will be no worse but maybe a little underpowered

pg

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Watergrasshill fastest desert racer - only desert racer
www.discoveryrally.com

KTM EXC models are a 2 stroke enduro racer (in australia)