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KTM 640 Adventure motorcycle review - Riding
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KTM 640 Adventure (1997-2007)



Detail Value
Engine size 625cc
Power 54bhp
Top speed 110mph
Insurance group 11
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 3 rating is 4
Engine rating is 3 rating is 4
Ride & Handling rating is 2 rating is 4
Equipment rating is 3 rating is 5
Quality & Reliability rating is 2 rating is 4
Value rating is 2 rating is 4

MCN overall verdict rating is 3

If you’re used to smooth riding, civilized singles like BMW’s F650 range then KTM’s 640 Adventure will come as something of a shock. It’s very vibey, absurdly tall, not that comfortable and pre-2004 models suffer from patchy engine reliability. Having said that in the muddy side of its dual-purpose role it’s untouchable for handling, presence and rugged toughness.

 

Engine

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 4

The KTM 640 Adventure's liquid-cooled, SOHC single cylinder motor has been around in various KTMs for years (Duke I and II and the extensive SMC and LC4 supermoto range). But some pre-2004 Adventures suffered from main bearing failure, which comprehensively lunched the whole plot. There is an official fix, but if you’re buying secondhand check it’s been carried out.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 2
Owners' rating rating is 4

The KTM 640 Adventure is very vibey, even for a single. Vibration runs through your arms, legs and groin and a long ride leaves you feeling like you’ve got fizzy pop not blood running through your veins. And while the screen may look impressive it’s largely useless above 80mph. However, if you can ignore those whopping shortcomings the handling is extremely good thanks to the sophisticated WP shock and forks, with excellent braking courtesy of two 300mm discs up front.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 5

Although the KTM 640 Adventure is well specced with WP suspension, Brembo brakes and Renthal bars there’s a vast aftermarket to make it even better – companies like Touratech provide lighting, panniers, protections and even cockpit conversions for the full Paris-Dakar look

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 2
Owners' rating rating is 4

KTM enjoys a reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality kit, but the 640 Adventure is a bit of a rogue in many ways. Pre-2004 spokes are poor, clutch cables snap, the electrics are often fickle and the vibes cause mechanical disharmony and dislodge bolts if they’re not Loc-tited home. Keep it well away from winter salt.

Value

MCN rating rating is 2
Owners' rating rating is 4

Frankly, you’re better off buying a BMW F650GS Dakar.

Insurance

Insurance group: 11

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Model History

1997: Concept introduced as the 620 Adventure. Comes with 609cc LCD motor and weighs 166kg.
1998: New 625cc motor and 8kg weight saving.
2007: Model deleted.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed 110mph
1/4-mile acceleration 14 secs
Power 54bhp
Torque 41ftlb
Weight 158kg
Seat height 945mm
Fuel capacity 28 litres
Average fuel consumption 45mpg
Tank range 260 miles
Insurance group 11
Engine size 625cc
Engine specification 4v single, 5 gears
Frame Tubular steel cradle
Front suspension adjustment Preload, compression, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, compression, rebound
Front brakes Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size 140/80 x 18

Owners' Overall Rating rating is 4(1 review)

  • Adventure

    Mzungu

    Average rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Overall
    Ride and Handling
    Equipment
    Quality and Reliabilty
    Value
    Engine

    Clue is in the title. Use this on a trip and you will fall in love with the damn thing. I have crossed 2 continents and a number of countries with mine. Its fantastic 1 up with luggage etc. Really good. Takes a while to service but I bodged it in Egypt and still did 5000miles off road before the next oil change and it was fine. For around town, its loud and visible. That's a good thing. I'm 5'11 and only just tall enough for it though. The vibes are not that bad, though its not as easy to ride as a CB500. Its very vibey and not the smoothest. Anyway, recommended. Buy one, get some panniers on it and ride to Cape Town.

    30 June 2009

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