2003 KTM 640 Adventure R

Summary:

A highly capable off-road machine that can be ridden anywhere

Faults:

Soft OEM seat replaced with a Renazco Racing seat at 2000 miles.

Rocker cover leak at 7000 miles.

Soft fork and shock springs replaced with stiffer units at 9000 miles.

General Comments:

There is nothing presently available from another manufacturer that has the capability of a 640 Adventure.

Unless a substantially "better" version comes along, I'll continue to ride it and be happy.

Not a bike for everyone... a dedication to the model and mechanical aptitude are prerequisites. Your efforts will be rewarded with a street legal bike, capable of serious long-range off-road use... at speeds other "Adventure bikes" can only imagine.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th December, 2005

6th Feb 2006, 21:47

You say there is nothing on the market that compares.. what about the KLR650?? Cheaper too..

2nd Apr 2006, 20:07

A KLR 650 is cheaper than the KTM, but the two bikes are not comparable. The KTM has quite the upper hand in the off-road performance department, as well as street acceleration.

5th Apr 2006, 22:50

No real comparison. The KTM has it in spades over the heavy, piggish KLR. And it is lighter and has a larger fuel tank. Plus, the KTM is a much better looking machine. The only advantage, in my opinion, is the cost. But KTMs have a great resale value, and are much better off road.

To each his or her own.. there are fans of both machines, but I will choose KTM every time.

12th Dec 2007, 20:15

This bike is fun, I've had it for three years now. Gets on it for sure. A wheelie machine.

30th Nov 2008, 02:44

These bike are so much fun. Yes they're a little rough and not very refined. 640's don't idle well, have problems between 1st and 2nd, tend to over-heat in traffic etc. But they have torque, snarl, performance and attitude! They go really well cruising the highway (if you've put a road sprocket on the back), and they go x@$@% well off-road. Nothing comes close. NOTHING!!

2001 KTM 640 Adventure R

Summary:

Good bike overall for what it is made for!

Faults:

Sorry! I had nothing go wrong with the two KTM640 Adventures that I have.

I have both a 1999, which I keep in the USA, and a 2001 which I keep in Australia. The USA one has 30,000 miles on it and the Australia one has 30,000 km on it!

Oh! Both of the digital speedos died this year! Bikes handle well off the road and fine on the road. Yes! Not as much fun on the pavement as my GS1150R, but then my GS is not much fun off the road!

How do I use the bikes? Mostly as adventure touring bikes! That is, long trips of 2 or more weeks. Must transport all the gear for camping and care of the bike with me! I use hard bag racks, but use soft bags that are water proof. The soft bags do not hold as much so I have to keep to only what is needed and travel as light as possible! Both soft bag sets have lasted to the present date!

The bikes have non stock exhaust systems on them. Which is lighter and improves the low end performance once jetted properly!

Reliability! Nothing has broken on either bike as far as engine, frame or wheels! The only parts that have been broken were from a fall and none of them affected operation of bike!

Oh! Yes, did have a clutch cable go out on my 1999 at around 20,000 miles (always carry a spare) but that is not a problem with the new hydralic clutches - wish my two had that system! Yes, the clutch does drag when hot and sitting at a light for a time is no fun while in gear!

I am a short rider, so to get off the bike, I go to one side before coming to complete stop with gear on bike! I have a hard time getting off from a complete stop with bags and all on the bike!

Overall they are very good bikes for long off the road or adventure trips!

Keep the filter clean and use high quality motor oil, and the machine should last many years.

Can almost get two KLR650's for the same price. The KLR650 is also a nice adventure touring bike and still fun to use around town! My older KTM's (before the hydraulic clutch) are not as much fun around town due to clutch drag, for me that is! Around town, I like my BMW for that use and on long street trips!

Would I buy a new one? Not sure I would do that again due to the price! Will stay with what I have till they need to be replaced, and then look at what is on the market! But at present, I think both bikes will last me many more years!

General Comments:

Off the road the handling is very good with full dirt tires. On the road, the handling is very good with a good set of street tires!

Yes, the seat! I have no problems doing 500 miles of offroad riding per day! The seat is only OK for 300 miles of on the street usage per day. Well, at least for me!

Other than that, a good bike overall!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2005

18th Oct 2018, 16:31

Hi. Update. Still have the 1999. Still no problems with it. Had a rally style skid plate added to carry tools down low. Sold Aussie bike = no time to go to Australia. Still Australia is a great dual sport place to ride. Now have 2003 and 2006 KTM Adventures. The best is the 2003. Also own three BMWs. Would love to find another 2003 640 Adventure. But now very busy with family and career, so little time for long trips. All take care.