Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > KTM Tech
Should I buy a 640 Adventure? Should I buy a 640 Adventure?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
KTM Tech KTM Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to KTM riders only.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

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


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Jan 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Berkshire, UK
Posts: 1
Should I buy a 640 Adventure?
Hi all, OK, this isn't exactly tech talk but it is KTM. Im kinda drawn to the idea of this adventure biking and having looked at various makes of bikes I've convinced myself that the 640 Adventure is the bike I need, it meets all my requirements technically, theres just one think Im not sure about - the height of that saddle! I've always ridden bikes like CBRs and an R6 before which are much lower.

Sat on a new one today and my toes just about touched the ground. I'm 5'9" tall. Its a new bike and the dealer thinks he can get the seat recut and drop that a couple of inches, and get another inch lower from the suspension.

How tall are you other 640 riders? How do you manage when stopping?!
__________________
If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Balkbrug Netherlands
Posts: 185
Just slide a little aside on the seat and put one foot on the ground.

Also with the bike all packed up, it will be lower.

------------------
Freek (NL)
__________________
Freek (NL)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jan 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Superb bike for solo overlanding. Sold mine to a guy who rode it to Australia. Great for lots of off road but, a bit vibey if your alot of road mileage. They do feel tall but, you get used to it and handles well even fully fueled/loaded. The gearbox was the biggest surprise being very light and positive.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Jan 2005
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
I'm 5'11" and had no trouble (with feet touching the ground, that is) on a 2000 640 Adv, and AFAIK the later models are slightly lower.

A friend had his Adventure lowered by, I believe, a relatively simple change of one of the suspension linkage components. It was done by Marsh performance near Plymouth 07855 464922.

I believe the seats fitted to 03 and later models are a big improvement, comfort wise, over their predecessors, so cutting it might negate that.

If you're a bit concerned about the size/bulk of the bike you might consider a 640LC4-E (my choice), and add a big tank etc. to your requirements.

Re: Bike choice: nothing to add to the above, IMHO the name of the bike says it all.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Norway
Posts: 70
Hi, I`m 177cm high. Have a 02mod adventure. Can handel it fully loaded offroad. You will get used to it, but take it easy in the beginnig. compared to my previous xt600 and africatwin 750, the adventure is the best bike.

I have now about 28500km on the bike, and no problems.

yngve
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jan 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Brixton, England
Posts: 4
Hi there. I'm 5'8", a girl (and not that butch),and - up until last summer - had only ever ridden a 1972 Vespa. Then I passed my test and bought a 640 Adventure...the next morning I rode to Turkey (well, six days in all). I love my bike - my wild pony...she is gorgeous (and she is a she I'm afraid). I can only just touch the floor on tip toes, but am flat footed when fully loaded up. I am definitely envious of guys (still haven't met another girl on one) who are flat footed on the bike, as the bike isn't light, and balancing the whole of its weight on tip toes requires very strong calf muscles (which yoga is good for). However, I wouldn't swap her for the world...and shall be heading off through Africa on her this year. Buy the 640 Adventure...it's a wild ride...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Jan 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Kent, U.K.
Posts: 5
I like mine but have yet to do any long trips, I haven't travelled for a few years, but the Katoom is a world of difference over my DR800 that I did my big miles on, oh I'm 6'4" and can flat foot no probs, but I am going to uprate the springs to suit my weight.
__________________
Buckster
(like napster but without the
music and stuff)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Jan 2005
Jerome's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Surrey
Posts: 187
Yes. (imho)

The 2003 seat is much more comfortable than the earlier ones but, depending on your route, I'd suggest getting the seat lowered before changing the suspension. Try MCN back pages or car upholsterers - much cheaper than a new seat.

Even when you load the bike up resetting the sag should bring the height back, So the lowering the seat is the best way to get your feet nearer the ground without affecting the handling.

I can't flat foot mine

------------------
Jerome

http://www.fowb.co.uk

[This message has been edited by Jerome (edited 22 January 2005).]
__________________
Jerome

fowb.co.uk
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 11:53.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top