buying a 640 Adv (2003)
 

Hi,

As I can't seem to find an old steel bicycle to ride away on, I've come across a 640 Adv. It's a 2003, with 12,000 kms. I've had a look around it, and it's been dropped on the right side (scuffing on the tank), but nothing major. Underneath it all looks ok, the bash plate has no major dents/dings, suggesting light off-road/trail.

It's for sale at €4800 (£3600). Unfortunately there's no possibility of test riding, though they will start it up (once they charge the battery).

From what I've read here, 2003 was an improvement over the older ones. Should be reliable enough, as long as it's not been battered.

It seems to be a reputable KTM dealer. Is there anything (recall-wise) I should be checking?

cheers,
Doug

You may
 

:eek3:orange???
You may want to consider checking....if there isn't an F650GS Dakar around .... for the money you propose to spend, you'd get a bigger 'bang' for your $ and that bike overall is better for long hauls IMHO

I think if I was looking at a 650GS, using the same logic, I'd be far better of with an XT. And again, if I look an XT then I'd be far better of with a steel bicycle, which is where I started...

I want very good off-road capabilities, I'm accepting that limits longevity.

cheers,

PS, thankfully it's not orange, but silver.

Hi Dougie,

Make sure it is a 2003 not a 2002. Swing arm was different design. Mine was advertised as a 2003 because of the reg but it was a 2002.

The 2003 did have some improvements, the output bearing was upgraded to a roller, hydraulic clutch and the CDI had low octane setting.

The UK had a recall on the front wheel as spokes can break.

The service intervals are short at 5000kms.

They do vibrate, some more than others.

It sounds a bit expensive (for the UK) has it got FSH. The service intervals are short at 5000kms. A dealer that does not allow test rides!

Steve

Dougie,

Good to see you have finally built up the courage to convert! There is a heap of good info on Adv Rider about the differences between year models. This link discussed the differences between year models

Up-to-date: KTM 640 LC4 Adventure changes between model years - ADVrider

Then if you want any more info on general LC4 issues; try this thread

KTM LC4 (640) Thread Index - ADVrider


Just do it!
cheers

cheers boys. went back to look at it today, started up no problems and no junk coming out of the exhaust. no apparent oil leaks. FSH. Fresh pair of Deserts thrown in/on. Just been serviced, so ready to go. The spokes are zip-tied (loosely) already, so the bike's been bedded in on local trails. I guess any spoke/wheel problems would have shown up already.

Yeah, a little more than UK price, but then it isn't rusting to bits as the do in the UK. Also, taking the cost of riding from the UK (Edinburgh) to Spain off the price balances it out again.

Got to decide by Monday.

Buy it
 

BUY IT BUY IT i,M SICK OF SEEING F650,GS,ES They,re always breaking down and the rear shock are always blowing.Ktm 640 adv great big tall geeky,Fantastic!!!
Albert theturtleshead

put down the deposit, just got to get my NIE so I can actually buy it (urghhh...spanish law).

are fork bleed valves worth it, or is the process simple enough?

I think the fork bleeders are worth the money.... Gives you the option to bleed out the air anytime, anywhere and not have to hunt for a screwdriver...

Unfortunately I have to disagree with Island Hopper.

It takes about 20 seconds to bleed both fork release valves with a flat blade screwdriver, so if you have to pay extra for the push button version, I wouldnt bother.

cheers

To each his own... I paid about $25 for the bleeders so the cost isn't high... It is so easy to bleed the forks now that I do it much more often which is easier on the seals....

I guess you already decided... but about those zip-ties: the front wheel should sport an Excel rim. That is the only recall I am aware of on the 2003. Everything else is groovy.

BTW, instead of buying fork bleed valves why not get Infinity Machine and Design's subtanks, which come with integrated bleed valves?

Infinity Machine and Design Sub Tank Kits

The LC4 index thread over on ADV Rider has two links on those subtanks that should help you decide if you might want them.