KTM 640 in the desert

**nomiskx** · #1 5 Oct 2004

Hi,
Has anybody done a longish trip, fully loaded, overland across a lot of sand on a 2003 KTM 640 Adventurer ?

I'm trying to estimate fuel consumption in desert conditions. On the road the bike does about 380 miles per full tank. I know I could make an estimate of what it will do in harsh conditions based on that, but does anybody know from real experience ?

thanks for your help,

Simon

**Shelton** · #2 6 Oct 2004

Yes I was reach about 380 to 480km. with full loaded Adventure on Maroccan desert.

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**city2surf** · #3 19 Oct 2004

In Morocco, Libya and Sudan fully loaded was getting the same - 380-450km including almost all reserve doing 40-80km/h.

Friend on identical bike had wildly different consumption +-15%.

The things I noticed that made a significant difference included: speed obviously, needle settings in carb,condition and adjustment of chain/sprocket set, state of filter/airbox, quality of fuel and altitude. Was told tyres and tyre pressures also have an impact.

John

[This message has been edited by city2surf (edited 19 October 2004).]

**Ian** · #4 31 Oct 2004

From my 640LC4-E with Adventure tank, rallye side tanks, ortlieb panniers and rallye engine guard (never weighed the extras but just to give an indication I've listed most of them), I got about 18km/litre on the piste (in Algeria, Niger, Mali and Guinea) and about 21km/litre on sealed roads.

The motor was in a standard state of tune with a KTM SXC silencer, 43T rear sprocket and 16T front. For what it's worth I try to be conservative with the throttle, which can be a huge factor. I noted that fuel consumption drastically increased when riding against the wind.

[This message has been edited by Ian (edited 31 October 2004).]

**Dave and Sam KTM** · #5 14 Nov 2004

just got back from riding round the world.the absolute maximum acheived on tarmac was 370 kms but normally 350kms and deep sand was down to 250kms to reserve. we were 2 up with 43kgs of luggage.
good luck.
dave

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**nomiskx** · #6 25 Nov 2004

Thanks for all the figures guys. I'm off across Mauritania and Mali and I am carrying 45 litres of fuel (main front tank plus 15 litres on rear tanks). I need to cover about 350km in the desert between stages so I think from what you've all said that it will be enough. Travelling relatively lightly, but there's only so much you can do without !

I think i might juts take another five litres in a gerry can as a back up too .... not sure. I'll test out exactly what the bike will do in sand on the way through Morocco,

cheers,

Simon