Yet Another 640 Adventure Noobie..

twotyred · 02-10-2006, 10:21 PM

I've been lurking in this site for a few years now as part of my net surfing routine.

Last Thursday I took the plunge and purchased a silver '03 640 Adventure with 9,700ks on the clock from a guy in Melbourne. It may have a low mileage, but the bike has been used in the manner intended - having done a trip to Cape York. Has some scars to prove it. The price was right and comes fitted with the FCR carbie.

The previous owner Ashley is an enthusiast and due to his work commitments (moving overseas) a reluctant seller

My back ground is mainly sporty road riding and touring(32 years). Since moving to Bairnsdale from Adelaide 5 years ago, at least once a year I get the urge to get a dirt bike to explore the wonderful countryside around me.

Long story short - with the encouragement of my wife (bless her) I've finally taken the plunge and joined the wonderful world of KTM 640 Adventure Ownership. I'm glad I did not opt to ride the bike home, the weather was particularly foul.

Friday I took the bike out ( the previous owner called it -GENGHIS - big mean and nasty) for a shake down ride (45ks) and was impressed with it's general dirt road ability.

Today I went out on a bigger loop -129ks of dirt road and a mixture of smaller narrow tricky tracks and I can see what KTM owners are on about. My dirt bike experience may be limited but I felt right at home on the beastie. I felt very comfortable in the loose stuff and this thing sure can rip when the throttle is twisted properly. It is nice to have a slick gearbox - used to a BMW R1100S

Compared to proper dirt bikes it may be 'too heavy' but compared to road bikes in those situations it is a light weight.

I have no issues with the vibes through the handlebars, but the vibes through the pegs is much more than I expected (will be doing all the suggestions as per 'sticky thread') I had no problems with the seat comfort, but will see how that goes on much bigger rides. Rear brake is too strong, locks up too easily.

I have to get used to the lack of feel with the foot controls with dirt boots on - can't feel the gear lever for up changes and the brake is inboard more than I'm used too. Just need some time on the bike.

Hope to catch up with some of you guys soon.

Trevor

ps I've had the (mis) fortune of meeting up with slowbike smallpenis in the past when he had his R1100S.

creeper · 02-10-2006, 10:56 PM

Welcome to the asylum two. Glad to hear you found the LC4 Index... I'm sure you'll find plenty in there to keep you occupied.

Good to see a n00b with a well filled out public profile... makes sorting you out much easier.

C

SamH · 02-11-2006, 03:42 AM

What did you pay, if you don't mind me asking?

Hunsta · 02-11-2006, 05:35 AM

Bugga what he payed. I wanna know what he had for breakfast. He left that bit out

Welcome mate Enjoy the ride.

Cheers
Craig

OldDog · 02-11-2006, 04:57 PM

Welcome to the asylum two! That wouldn't be the silver ktm i was ogling in the latest motorcycle trader by any chance? Not a bad deal that.
Later
Bill

ChrisC · 02-11-2006, 05:15 PM

Welcome Two....

Guess if you've been lurking you already know that the '03 is the pick of the litter. Good on'ya...

twotyred · 02-11-2006, 10:54 PM

For your info:-

Breakfast - 3 slices toast/vegemite, 1 large coffee. Love of good woman!!

Motorcycle Trader page 213 bottom R/H corner.

I've been through almost every page in the sticky section since late last year - some several times.

This site has to be the absolute best for info on the 640 and played the major role in my decision making

Went out and put the beastie to a test today - I had more adventure than I bargained for (more later) and it came through with flying colours and a blast down some twisties on the way home was absolutely delightful. If it was a tad smoother, it would be practicaly perfect.

Hunsta · 02-12-2006, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twotyred

For your info:-

Breakfast - 3 slices toast/vegemite, 1 large coffee. Love of good woman!!

Motorcycle Trader page 213 bottom R/H corner.

I've been through almost every page in the sticky section since late last year - some several times.

This site has to be the absolute best for info on the 640 and played the major role in my decision making

Went out and put the beastie to a test today - I had more adventure than I bargained for (more later) and it came through with flying colours and a blast down some twisties on the way home was absolutely delightful. If it was a tad smoother, it would be practicaly perfect.

Thanks for the info on the breaky, but the love of a good woman bit was just too much info

Must get myself a ride on one of these KTM`s seems I`m missing out on something

Cheers
Craig

Pezz_gs · 02-12-2006, 02:08 PM

Welcome 'twotyred' Just glad it is 'twotired' or the mouse might have a problem . . . .

Pezz :)

02-10-2006, 10:21 PM	#1
twotyred ^OP Practising Recedivist Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Bruthen Victoria Oddometer: 1,460	Yet Another 640 Adventure Noobie.. I've been lurking in this site for a few years now as part of my net surfing routine. Last Thursday I took the plunge and purchased a silver '03 640 Adventure with 9,700ks on the clock from a guy in Melbourne. It may have a low mileage, but the bike has been used in the manner intended - having done a trip to Cape York. Has some scars to prove it. The price was right and comes fitted with the FCR carbie. The previous owner Ashley is an enthusiast and due to his work commitments (moving overseas) a reluctant seller My back ground is mainly sporty road riding and touring(32 years). Since moving to Bairnsdale from Adelaide 5 years ago, at least once a year I get the urge to get a dirt bike to explore the wonderful countryside around me. Long story short - with the encouragement of my wife (bless her) I've finally taken the plunge and joined the wonderful world of KTM 640 Adventure Ownership. I'm glad I did not opt to ride the bike home, the weather was particularly foul. Friday I took the bike out ( the previous owner called it -GENGHIS - big mean and nasty) for a shake down ride (45ks) and was impressed with it's general dirt road ability. Today I went out on a bigger loop -129ks of dirt road and a mixture of smaller narrow tricky tracks and I can see what KTM owners are on about. My dirt bike experience may be limited but I felt right at home on the beastie. I felt very comfortable in the loose stuff and this thing sure can rip when the throttle is twisted properly. It is nice to have a slick gearbox - used to a BMW R1100S Compared to proper dirt bikes it may be 'too heavy' but compared to road bikes in those situations it is a light weight. I have no issues with the vibes through the handlebars, but the vibes through the pegs is much more than I expected (will be doing all the suggestions as per 'sticky thread') I had no problems with the seat comfort, but will see how that goes on much bigger rides. Rear brake is too strong, locks up too easily. I have to get used to the lack of feel with the foot controls with dirt boots on - can't feel the gear lever for up changes and the brake is inboard more than I'm used too. Just need some time on the bike. Hope to catch up with some of you guys soon. Trevor ps I've had the (mis) fortune of meeting up with slowbike smallpenis in the past when he had his R1100S.

02-11-2006, 05:35 AM	#4
Hunsta Have guns will hunt Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Gympie Queensland Australia Oddometer: 5,406	Bugga what he payed. I wanna know what he had for breakfast. He left that bit out Welcome mate Enjoy the ride. Cheers Craig __________________ I REALLY AM A NICE GUY. JUST ASK ANYONE WHO HASN`T MET ME.

02-11-2006, 04:57 PM	#5
OldDog Smelly Adventurer type Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Mudgee, Australia Oddometer: 3,676	Welcome to the asylum two! That wouldn't be the silver ktm i was ogling in the latest motorcycle trader by any chance? Not a bad deal that. Later Bill __________________ "Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosey, doesn't try it on" Billy Connelly 1966 Norton Atlas "Ruby" '09 KTM 990 Adventure Boxes of XR600's and a psychopathic Ducati

02-11-2006, 05:15 PM	#6
ChrisC Molon Labe Joined: Feb 2003 Location: Prescott, Arizona USA Earth Oddometer: 6,287	Welcome Two.... Guess if you've been lurking you already know that the '03 is the pick of the litter. Good on'ya... __________________ Chris '03 KTM Adventure 640 '43 BSA M20WD

02-11-2006, 10:54 PM	#7
twotyred ^OP Practising Recedivist Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Bruthen Victoria Oddometer: 1,460	For your info:- Breakfast - 3 slices toast/vegemite, 1 large coffee. Love of good woman!! Motorcycle Trader page 213 bottom R/H corner. I've been through almost every page in the sticky section since late last year - some several times. This site has to be the absolute best for info on the 640 and played the major role in my decision making Went out and put the beastie to a test today - I had more adventure than I bargained for (more later) and it came through with flying colours and a blast down some twisties on the way home was absolutely delightful. If it was a tad smoother, it would be practicaly perfect. __________________ You have not had enough coffee until you can thread a sewing machine...while it is going!! More enthusiasm than ability!!

02-10-2006, 10:56 PM	#2
creeper Still alive... Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Puget Sound Oddometer: 10,718	Welcome to the asylum two. Glad to hear you found the LC4 Index... I'm sure you'll find plenty in there to keep you occupied. Good to see a n00b with a well filled out public profile... makes sorting you out much easier. C

02-11-2006, 03:42 AM	#3
SamH 90S on the bench Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Tasmania, Australia Oddometer: 431	What did you pay, if you don't mind me asking?

02-12-2006, 02:08 PM	#9
Pezz_gs Cant ride for crap Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Sydney Skunkworks Oddometer: 3,408	Welcome 'twotyred' Just glad it is 'twotired' or the mouse might have a problem . . . . Pezz :) __________________ Pezz :) Airhead Tragic I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are missing

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