What to look for in a used KTM adventure bike?

[Keiger]

I have a bunch of questions on the big bikes.
I own Hondas 450X and R and a 250X. And just wait for the next trip out to hit the nasty single tracks, but.
What does one look for in these Adventure bikes?

How nasty of a road or trail are they capable of going up with out pushing and pulling one upward?

Older bikes what is good milage on them, and how long do they last before major work has to be done.

Prices, is there a blue book site for them?

Are they much harder to work on then the small ones above? ( I like working on my own rigs and seeing what makes them go.)

What are the differents between the models?

What should you stay away from?
I have been toying with getting one just to cruse around my state to check out more back roads and just being able to ride more. Thanks Keig

[MrSandman818]

Originally Posted by Keiger

I have a bunch of questions on the big bikes.
I own Hondas 450X and R and a 250X. And just wait for the next trip out to hit the nasty single tracks, but.
What does one look for in these Adventure bikes?

How nasty of a road or trail are they capable of going up with out pushing and pulling one upward?

Older bikes what is good milage on them, and how long do they last before major work has to be done.

Prices, is there a blue book site for them?

Are they much harder to work on then the small ones above? ( I like working on my own rigs and seeing what makes them go.)

What are the differents between the models?

What should you stay away from?
I have been toying with getting one just to cruse around my state to check out more back roads and just being able to ride more. Thanks Keig

Check the cams! my 05 adventure has pitted and worn cams. KTM says its "cosmetic". So check that out

Check the swingarm (probably on the right side) where the mud flap is because its probably rubbing a nice deep line into it.

There was a factory update where they put a balance tube on the tops of the fuel tanks to balance them out and the one on the right side is all loosey goosey and leaks when you fill your bike up.

Adventures are big heavy bikes so when you go ride in the woods single track is scary as f#$%! And when you drop it (and you will) its heeeeeaaavy. I almost got a hernia when I went to pick it up.

To work on it is a chore that requires time, patience, and a nice clean work area with a good amount of space. To do just about anything you need to pull your crash bars, front fairings, glove box, and gas tanks just to get to the motor



thats all I can think of for now. Im sure theres a few other things to keep an eye out for that im forgeting. Dont let this scare you away because its an amazing bike and id buy it again in a heart beat!

[Keiger]

Thanks MrSM. Is that info for just the 05 or is that standard for all?

[aukanmeister]

Was the oil changed when it needed to?
Are the wheels round?
Are the dampers leaking?
Do you want one one after trying? If not. go see your doctor

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