I currently own a KLR and am very hppy with the bike so far. However I am very curious abaut the KTM 640. I have heard and read that the Engine really vibrates badly at highway speeds. Does the KTM really vibrate worse than my KLR at 70-75 MPH ?
Yes. Next question please ............ or go read the two hundred other threads where LC4 vibes have been discussed (some of which include comparisons to KLRs, there was also a good thread on this recently on ktmtalk, specifically about the KLR->LC4 upgrade). The LC4 vibes either a lot or a LOT depending on the bike/year/phase-of-moon. Whether this drives you nuts or you are a truly-studly-studly-man (aka you don't care/notice) is also a point of common debate. Just in case it matters, I used to have a KLR (a 1998). I now have am 04 LC4. It will just spank the KLR off road. Power wise it's just no contest, I love it, wheelie at will. Mental bike. Vibration wise it's off the scale. Of course I never thought the KLR vibrated period even before I owned the LC4. Solution: try one, plenty out there. Or wait till the 690Adv comes out. Of course you'll have to pay2play, even more so that the 640A I expect but from what I've heard we're talking 60hp with ~80% reduction in vibes.
Off road, sure you don't tend to notice the vibes plus the suspension/etc of the KTM makes the KLR look like a dullard. I had more fun on my first time out in the dirt on my LC4 than the entire time I owned the KLR ....... but he asked about highway manners at 70/75. Not exactly the KTMs strong suit.
About a month ago I had the (dis)honor of riding 2 KLRs. Both were 2004 models with about 20000 miles. They both vibrated MORE than my 03 KTM - which has about the same amount of miles. I hear that a fork brace for the KLRs will resolve some of their vibrations though. Just ride one, don't listen to us nim-wits. On another note, KLRs don't have "better" street handling. I think people just say that to help justify the bike. KLRs are good, even great, because they don't cost much and they take allot of people allot of miles. No more. Sorry for the mini-rant. J
Well. I had my dealer (who sells only KTMs) ride my 04 and they said it was about typical for LC4s. It's off the scale vibes wise compared to my 98 KLR (which is about the same as the other KLRs I've ridden). You either rode a bad set of KLRs or one amazing KTM.