KTM 640 supermoto LC4? Yep another what bike thread...
Discussion
Delivered my Fireblade to its new owner yesterday and am now left with a bike sized hole to fill.
The main reason for getting rid was because 1500 miles a year on a £9k seemed rediculous, also the group I go out with always tend to end up being a little 'silly'.
I have a track bike with daytime MOT for the occasional road use and high speed thrills.
I am thinking of getting a super with a spare set of knobblies for occasional light green laning and general road hooning.
I will be riding for a maximum of 2-3 hours at a time, generally with a stop somewhere and never with pillion.
I have had a quick go on one and it seemed comfy enough - not what I am used to but reckon I would be happy on it.
Any other suggestions - New ish (upto 5 years), under £3K, cheapish parts and easy home service, different to sports bike and puts a smile on your face!?
The main reason for getting rid was because 1500 miles a year on a £9k seemed rediculous, also the group I go out with always tend to end up being a little 'silly'.
I have a track bike with daytime MOT for the occasional road use and high speed thrills.
I am thinking of getting a super with a spare set of knobblies for occasional light green laning and general road hooning.
I will be riding for a maximum of 2-3 hours at a time, generally with a stop somewhere and never with pillion.
I have had a quick go on one and it seemed comfy enough - not what I am used to but reckon I would be happy on it.
Any other suggestions - New ish (upto 5 years), under £3K, cheapish parts and easy home service, different to sports bike and puts a smile on your face!?
There is nothing better than the LC4 in your price range, DRZ's are slow and the Yamaha XT660 is way too heavy.
If you plan on fitting knobblies you need to make sure you get an 'E' version and then fit super moto wheels because the SM version has a different swingarm which is a pain to retrofit.
Have you tried the 625 SMC varient? They have a much better carb plus racier exhaust and generally feel much perkier than the standard LC4. The only downside is they have a smaller tank so you need to fill up every 50 miles or so.
If you are hairy chested you could get the 660 SMC, same as the above apart from the obvious cc increase and it is kick start only.
All models start easily on the kicker if the valves are in check, and if you are buying privately 2nd hand check the oil has been changed every 1500 miles, KTM state 3000 but those in the know never push it that far. It is also quite a faff because it involves part filling the engine and frame then bleeding air out of the frame so it is important someone knows what they are doing.
If you plan on fitting knobblies you need to make sure you get an 'E' version and then fit super moto wheels because the SM version has a different swingarm which is a pain to retrofit.
Have you tried the 625 SMC varient? They have a much better carb plus racier exhaust and generally feel much perkier than the standard LC4. The only downside is they have a smaller tank so you need to fill up every 50 miles or so.
If you are hairy chested you could get the 660 SMC, same as the above apart from the obvious cc increase and it is kick start only.
All models start easily on the kicker if the valves are in check, and if you are buying privately 2nd hand check the oil has been changed every 1500 miles, KTM state 3000 but those in the know never push it that far. It is also quite a faff because it involves part filling the engine and frame then bleeding air out of the frame so it is important someone knows what they are doing.
I have the 625 SMC and for less than £3000 I couldn't think of better bike for me, really fun bike to ride.
They are very easy to work on but like pozi said they have an unusually complicated oil change but the manual explains all. The chains must not be adjusted like a normal road bike either, they need a lot of slack just like an offroad bike.
Some people complain about vibration but I don't see what all the fuss is about, it does not bother me at all.
They are very easy to work on but like pozi said they have an unusually complicated oil change but the manual explains all. The chains must not be adjusted like a normal road bike either, they need a lot of slack just like an offroad bike.
Some people complain about vibration but I don't see what all the fuss is about, it does not bother me at all.
Edited by lewis87 on Wednesday 1st September 15:14
Edited by lewis87 on Wednesday 1st September 15:16
The KTM's are great bikes. I'd have had one but the reliability always concerned me.
Have you considered a Husqvarna SM610?
I've had mine (2006 model) for around a year now - It's great fun and has been totally reliable, unlike my mates KTM which has blown twice. They are apparently one of the most relible Supermotos you can buy. Granted, they aren't as hardcore as the KTM's but that suits me. I never struggled to keep with my mate on his KTM, when it wasn't being rebuilt!
This is mine (not the best picture, sorry!) -
A decent MCN review here - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/sear...
They really are awesome fun (like most SM's!) I've not been passed by a sports bike on the twisties yet. I've managed nearly 300 miles in one day (80-90 miles per tank, if you're lucky), granted I had a sore arse but it wasn't as bad as I expected. 115mph (I've seen 117 on the speedo on my own private runway) is more than enough on a Supermoto, believe me.
They tend to be well spec'd as well. Mine has Brembo brakes all round (inc. master cylinders, discs etc), fat Marzocchi forks and a Sach's rear shock both of which are fully adjustable. As well as an electric starter and digital dash. I took the mirrors and indicators off mine as they made it look a bit too sensible for my taste.
Sorry for going on, I just thought I'd throw the Husky into the mix!
Have you considered a Husqvarna SM610?
I've had mine (2006 model) for around a year now - It's great fun and has been totally reliable, unlike my mates KTM which has blown twice. They are apparently one of the most relible Supermotos you can buy. Granted, they aren't as hardcore as the KTM's but that suits me. I never struggled to keep with my mate on his KTM, when it wasn't being rebuilt!
This is mine (not the best picture, sorry!) -
A decent MCN review here - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/sear...
They really are awesome fun (like most SM's!) I've not been passed by a sports bike on the twisties yet. I've managed nearly 300 miles in one day (80-90 miles per tank, if you're lucky), granted I had a sore arse but it wasn't as bad as I expected. 115mph (I've seen 117 on the speedo on my own private runway) is more than enough on a Supermoto, believe me.
They tend to be well spec'd as well. Mine has Brembo brakes all round (inc. master cylinders, discs etc), fat Marzocchi forks and a Sach's rear shock both of which are fully adjustable. As well as an electric starter and digital dash. I took the mirrors and indicators off mine as they made it look a bit too sensible for my taste.
Sorry for going on, I just thought I'd throw the Husky into the mix!
Edited by marcgti6 on Wednesday 1st September 16:07
MC Bodge said:
How does a Duke II compare with the LC4?
I've never ridden a Duke II but they are very similar bikes, they share the same engine and frame.marcgti6 said:
The KTM's are great bikes. I'd have had one but the reliability always concerned me.
Have you considered a Husqvarna SM610?
I've had mine (2006 model) for around a year now - It's great fun and has been totally reliable, unlike my mates KTM which has blown twice. They are apparently one of the most relible Supermotos you can buy. Granted, they aren't as hardcore as the KTM's but that suits me. I never struggled to keep with my mate on his KTM, when it wasn't being rebuilt!
This is mine (not the best picture, sorry!) -
A decent MCN review here - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/sear...
They really are awesome fun (like most SM's!) I've not been passed by a sports bike on the twisties yet. I've managed nearly 300 miles in one day (80-90 miles per tank, if you're lucky), granted I had a sore arse but it wasn't as bad as I expected. 115mph (I've seen 117 on the speedo on my own private runway) is more than enough on a Supermoto, believe me.
They tend to be well spec'd as well. Mine has Brembo brakes all round (inc. master cylinders, discs etc), fat Marzocchi forks and a Sach's rear shock both of which are fully adjustable. As well as an electric starter and digital dash. I took the mirrors and indicators off mine as they made it look a bit too sensible for my taste.
Sorry for going on, I just thought I'd throw the Husky into the mix!
The LC4 engine is a reliable engine if looked after. Was your mates bike an LC4 based KTM? RFS? Why did it need rebuilt twice? There are plenty people around who have got big milage out of their LC4.Have you considered a Husqvarna SM610?
I've had mine (2006 model) for around a year now - It's great fun and has been totally reliable, unlike my mates KTM which has blown twice. They are apparently one of the most relible Supermotos you can buy. Granted, they aren't as hardcore as the KTM's but that suits me. I never struggled to keep with my mate on his KTM, when it wasn't being rebuilt!
This is mine (not the best picture, sorry!) -
A decent MCN review here - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/sear...
They really are awesome fun (like most SM's!) I've not been passed by a sports bike on the twisties yet. I've managed nearly 300 miles in one day (80-90 miles per tank, if you're lucky), granted I had a sore arse but it wasn't as bad as I expected. 115mph (I've seen 117 on the speedo on my own private runway) is more than enough on a Supermoto, believe me.
They tend to be well spec'd as well. Mine has Brembo brakes all round (inc. master cylinders, discs etc), fat Marzocchi forks and a Sach's rear shock both of which are fully adjustable. As well as an electric starter and digital dash. I took the mirrors and indicators off mine as they made it look a bit too sensible for my taste.
Sorry for going on, I just thought I'd throw the Husky into the mix!
Edited by marcgti6 on Wednesday 1st September 16:07
Lewis, thinking about it, his is a 525exc (I think!) which I don't think is the LC4 engine if I am remembering correctly. I should have stated this but I forgot his wasn't LC4 engined (if in fact I am correct!)
Sorry, what's RFS?
He had the top end rebuilt and after our first ride out (after running in) it went pop again. This could be related to the rebuild process, granted.
Don't get me wrong I like KTM's and I am sure that the vast majority are reliable.
I just thought I'd throw the Husky into the mix for the OP to consider...
Sorry, what's RFS?
He had the top end rebuilt and after our first ride out (after running in) it went pop again. This could be related to the rebuild process, granted.
Don't get me wrong I like KTM's and I am sure that the vast majority are reliable.
I just thought I'd throw the Husky into the mix for the OP to consider...
Maybe an odd reply but I had a Husq chainsaw and it was the biggest pile of poop and customer services were rubbish, cut my losses and have always gone stihl since...
Still tempted to the ktm - I am right in thinking that after 2007 they came with the 'funky' exhausts?
Apart from regular servicing is there anything else I should look for?
I will be changing the cans so bikes with new ones are a bonus - but do they need setting up if a full system has been added?
Still tempted to the ktm - I am right in thinking that after 2007 they came with the 'funky' exhausts?
Apart from regular servicing is there anything else I should look for?
I will be changing the cans so bikes with new ones are a bonus - but do they need setting up if a full system has been added?
Blakeatron said:
Maybe an odd reply but I had a Husq chainsaw and it was the biggest pile of poop and customer services were rubbish, cut my losses and have always gone stihl since...
Still tempted to the ktm - I am right in thinking that after 2007 they came with the 'funky' exhausts?
Apart from regular servicing is there anything else I should look for?
I will be changing the cans so bikes with new ones are a bonus - but do they need setting up if a full system has been added?
They stopped making the 640 SM/625 SMC/660 SMC in 2006. In 2005 they got twin exhausts, anything before that has a different shaped rear end with a single exhaust.Still tempted to the ktm - I am right in thinking that after 2007 they came with the 'funky' exhausts?
Apart from regular servicing is there anything else I should look for?
I will be changing the cans so bikes with new ones are a bonus - but do they need setting up if a full system has been added?
If you are looking at bikes that are 2007 onwards it will be the 690 SM or the 690 SMC. The funky exhausts you are talking about must be the 690 SM with its upswept exhausts.
If you put a full system on they would really need a rejet, 2007 onwards would need a remap because they have fuel injection.
All these models must sound confusing but if you want to spend around £3000 I would be looking for a 640 SM or a 625 SMC, those are the carbed bikes which are very easy to work on.
Edited by lewis87 on Wednesday 1st September 18:45
I ran a KTM 640 LC4 for a couple of years, the only issue I had was changing the oil and filter every 600 miles.
it never missed a beat which says something as I don't generally give bikes an easy time.
I'd say it all depends on how the bike has been looked after by the previous owner/owners.
it never missed a beat which says something as I don't generally give bikes an easy time.
I'd say it all depends on how the bike has been looked after by the previous owner/owners.
You are right teh newer bikes I were looking at were the 690.
I think I am settled on the 640 as after checking with my friend that is the one I have ridden!
Is it worth looking for a prestige? Or are you paying extra for teh name and a fancy paintjob?
I dont mind the oil change and fiddling lark - the race bike gets done after every 3 track days so I am used to getting dirty!
I think I am settled on the 640 as after checking with my friend that is the one I have ridden!
Is it worth looking for a prestige? Or are you paying extra for teh name and a fancy paintjob?
I dont mind the oil change and fiddling lark - the race bike gets done after every 3 track days so I am used to getting dirty!
Blakeatron said:
You are right teh newer bikes I were looking at were the 690.
I think I am settled on the 640 as after checking with my friend that is the one I have ridden!
Is it worth looking for a prestige? Or are you paying extra for teh name and a fancy paintjob?
I dont mind the oil change and fiddling lark - the race bike gets done after every 3 track days so I am used to getting dirty!
The prestige does look nice and would probably be easier to sell, it is just the paintjob though no other differences. The SMC bikes come with the better carb (FCR41) but you can always fit one to a 640 SM or prestige model if you wanted the better throttle response and a bit more power.I think I am settled on the 640 as after checking with my friend that is the one I have ridden!
Is it worth looking for a prestige? Or are you paying extra for teh name and a fancy paintjob?
I dont mind the oil change and fiddling lark - the race bike gets done after every 3 track days so I am used to getting dirty!
640 SM Prestige with Akrapovics is very nice looking:
Edited by lewis87 on Wednesday 1st September 19:16
So the 625 is slightly more offroad focused - with a smaller tank but better throttle and speed.
But I can fit the 625 carb onto the 640 for the best of both worlds?
Bearing in mind I will be running mainly on road and occasionaly green lanes and farmers fields, will I really notice the extra grunt?
Will either be better at helping me perfect my wheelies?
But I can fit the 625 carb onto the 640 for the best of both worlds?
Bearing in mind I will be running mainly on road and occasionaly green lanes and farmers fields, will I really notice the extra grunt?
Will either be better at helping me perfect my wheelies?
Blakeatron said:
So the 625 is slightly more offroad focused - with a smaller tank but better throttle and speed.
But I can fit the 625 carb onto the 640 for the best of both worlds?
Bearing in mind I will be running mainly on road and occasionaly green lanes and farmers fields, will I really notice the extra grunt?
Will either be better at helping me perfect my wheelies?
Not really more offroad focused, just more geared towards performance with the smaller tank and FCR41 carb. Yes you can fit the FCR onto a 640 no bother.But I can fit the 625 carb onto the 640 for the best of both worlds?
Bearing in mind I will be running mainly on road and occasionaly green lanes and farmers fields, will I really notice the extra grunt?
Will either be better at helping me perfect my wheelies?
The difference between the carbs won't be huge but the FCR is punchier with instant throttle responce and the BST carb in the 640 is more mildly mannered.
Both are no bother to wheelie. Here is a handy link to have for any LC4 bike, guides on pretty much everything for these bikes:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86...
Edited by lewis87 on Wednesday 1st September 19:25
Brilliant thanks - many a lost evening coming up!
So next questions;
Currently use 2 piece zip together leathers for road use, with normal bike boots, gloves and an Arai lid.
Is it worth investing in some more appropraite gear for offroading - mx pants, top, armour, boots, lid and goggles? If so what to look for?
So next questions;
Currently use 2 piece zip together leathers for road use, with normal bike boots, gloves and an Arai lid.
Is it worth investing in some more appropraite gear for offroading - mx pants, top, armour, boots, lid and goggles? If so what to look for?
I just use my road leathers when off roading, mainly because they offer the best protection on the road bits in between the green lanes!! Some people use proper off road boots but I have never bothered.
Normal roads lids look a bit odd on an SM though so I bought an Arai Tour X which while a bit pricey suits my needs with the visor because wearing glasses and goggles is not very comfortable.
Normal roads lids look a bit odd on an SM though so I bought an Arai Tour X which while a bit pricey suits my needs with the visor because wearing glasses and goggles is not very comfortable.
pozi said:
I just use my road leathers when off roading, mainly because they offer the best protection on the road bits in between the green lanes!! Some people use proper off road boots but I have never bothered.
Normal roads lids look a bit odd on an SM though so I bought an Arai Tour X which while a bit pricey suits my needs with the visor because wearing glasses and goggles is not very comfortable.
Normal roads lids look a bit odd on an SM though so I bought an Arai Tour X which while a bit pricey suits my needs with the visor because wearing glasses and goggles is not very comfortable.
Road leathers aren't waterproof and serious lack armour! Plus they are boiling at the speeds you do! Brave man!Proper MX boots and hinged knee armour means I am solid at the ankle and fully armoured to my thigh with no gaps. I've crashed into a tree before as I fell off resulting in both legs just below the knees hitting the bars. Result - no injury.
Then there is the elbow and forearm armour - again - falling off on rocks/root/flint - no problem. Road leathers - no good!
You can buy MX body armour, (body stocking type), knee protection and a set of cheap MX boots for under £200. You can wear anything over it including just waterproofs, as abrasion resistance is not a big factor - hardcore armour is. In the 8 off's I've had this year green laning and on enduros, the armour has been priceless.
I was thinking about getting a body armour set, boots, gloves and lid/goggles.
But for the the minimal extra expense I may as well go the whole hog and get knee and elbow braces too.
If you have decent armour can you wear any old thing under/over it?
Obviously if going for a full road ride I would wear my leathers, but for doing a quick blast on the roads to get to a lane the mx gear would be ok.
But for the the minimal extra expense I may as well go the whole hog and get knee and elbow braces too.
If you have decent armour can you wear any old thing under/over it?
Obviously if going for a full road ride I would wear my leathers, but for doing a quick blast on the roads to get to a lane the mx gear would be ok.
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