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  #1  
Old 12 Jan 2007
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KTM Vibration
Hi,
Can someone tell me please is the vibration problem in the Adventure 640 the same as the 640 LC4 or is the 640 LC4 better?
I'm considering buying a KTM but this vibration issue puts me off.
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  #2  
Old 12 Jan 2007
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The vibration varies on the LC 4 engine from bike to bike. I own an Adventure and while the vibration is higher on this bike than others I've owned it's really no bother. My last bike {KLR] had less felt vibration, yet it used to numb my hands. On my KTM this doesn't seem to happen. I would suggest to take the bike for a testride before you buy and not just around the block, go for a good jaunt and try it off pavement. Keep in mind that a new LC 4s vibration will smooth a little after break in.
Last edited by Island Hopper; 13 Jan 2007 at 03:29.
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  #3  
Old 13 Jan 2007
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Smile vibes
Hi - I've got a 640 Adventure and when I did my first long ride on it (used, but with only 800 miles), I very nearly sold it straight away because of the vibes - my forearms went numb and everything! However, during running in it got progressively better and after another 1000 miles of riding the vibes were back in the 'normal' realm for a bike. Since then, I rejetted it and fitted the SXC silencer and hardparts airbox cover and now I'd go so far as to say that it's quite smooth. Of course there is an element of just 'getting used to' the bike as well, but overall between running in and working on the breathing, it's simple to make it ride really quite nicely. They're lovely bikes in almost all other ways (IMHO!) so I reckon it's worth the effort.
Cheers,

Andy
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  #4  
Old 15 Jan 2007
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Thanks for your feedback.
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  #5  
Old 7 Mar 2007
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Yeah I got a 2001 Duke II LC4 and the vibes are pretty good. Nowhere near as smooth as the GSX I used to own, but i did over 1000kms in one day on this bike without problem.
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  #6  
Old 15 Mar 2007
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You get used to the vibes... eventually. At least you know the bike is still alive as long it vibrates

Seriously, the Adventure does vibrate even if some people say that more recent models are better than the older ones (mine's a 99) it WILL vibrate. There's a few things you can do, get the saddle rebuild, handlebar weights, etc. which will help a lot. My first long run was a disaster (3000km in 3 days) and I thought my buttock's broken or something. Ever since I had the saddle twice rebuild and never had a problem down there again. I've even ridden the Nullarbor in 4 days and all 3 of us, bike, me and the bottom, survived w/o any probs.

The vibes are clearly a downside of the KTM but I'd never exchange the (off road) capabilities and the rough character for a bit more comfort. Just my 2 Rappen...

Also, do a forum search, there's a few threads about the LC4 vibes already.

Cheers, Jiri
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  #7  
Old 16 Mar 2007
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You never feel the vibes off road. I am convinced they aid the rear wheel traction.
My bike has a sweet spot at about 55mph or 4200 rpm and I try to ride there.
The Competition pipe also seems to help with vibes just a little but don't go crazy with jetting.

I stay off the super highway. Secondary roads are perfect.
Stop every hour or so and take a break. I do on any bike.
You aren't beat up at the end of the day by the vibes or rough roads.

It wasn't mentioned but with Metzler Saharas the machine will stay with anything in the corners.
My friend on Adventurerider just called this bike the "Desert Camel".
That about says it all.
Bill
'02 640 Adventure.
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  #8  
Old 16 Mar 2007
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Vibration on LC4 SXC and LC4 Adventure ?
Is the vibration on LC4 625 SXC the same as on LC4 640 Adventure ?
I consider to buy the lightest 625 SXC version – for everyday use and install a big tank for long trip. On SXC vibration definitively are noticeable (now have Yamaha XT). Is the level of vibration the same on SXC as on Adventure, Is the engine (source of vibration) identical (I mean balancer/ shaft)?
One more question. There is 25 kg difference between SXC and Adventure. Where is this 25 kg?
Michal
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  #9  
Old 25 Mar 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by michal4 View Post
Is the vibration on LC4 625 SXC the same as on LC4 640 Adventure ?
I consider to buy the lightest 625 SXC version – for everyday use and install a big tank for long trip. On SXC vibration definitively are noticeable (now have Yamaha XT). Is the level of vibration the same on SXC as on Adventure, Is the engine (source of vibration) identical (I mean balancer/ shaft)?
One more question. There is 25 kg difference between SXC and Adventure. Where is this 25 kg?
Michal
Most of the extra weight is the fuel tank, fuel tank support brackets, fuel pump and the fairing bracketry
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  #10  
Old 6 May 2007
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Originally Posted by michal4 View Post
Is the vibration on LC4 625 SXC the same as on LC4 640 Adventure ?
Michal
Yes, and No. On the SXC, you will feel more vibes because the bars are not rubber mounted as on the Adv. Also, the Adv has rubber inserts for the footpegs, and a much wider and softer seat.
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  #11  
Old 17 May 2007
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I have an LC4 640 Enduro (which is the stripped version of Adventure) and it vibrated badly with stock setup. But after rejetting the carb., changing exhaust and removing SAS, vibration decreased considerably. Also, added some weight to handlebar and changed grips but i think they didnt make much difference.

Ozgur
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  #12  
Old 29 May 2007
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Slow thread this one, but like the last guy says you won't recognise the bike after a few ks and a few mods. Mine has around 4000kms on it now, jetting etc done. Its a different bike. Yes there are vibes, but nothing that interferes with the enjoyment
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  #13  
Old 30 May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwitoby View Post
Hi,
Can someone tell me please is the vibration problem in the Adventure 640 the same as the 640 LC4 or is the 640 LC4 better?
I'm considering buying a KTM but this vibration issue puts me off.

From the answers you got this bike seems to be absolutely hellish for vibration. And this is the Company which was afraid to back the "Long Way Round" because they feared their bikes wouldnt make it.
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  #14  
Old 5 Jun 2007
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Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
From the answers you got this bike seems to be absolutely hellish for vibration.
Not sure thats exactly what they do say. It vibes, but properly set up and run in its more than acceptable for a reasonably high performance single cylinder motorcycle that can go to places many cannot. Its not a Gold Wing.

The Long Way Round? zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
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  #15  
Old 10 Jun 2007
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Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
From the answers you got this bike seems to be absolutely hellish for vibration. And this is the Company which was afraid to back the "Long Way Round" because they feared their bikes wouldnt make it.
My take on that is KTM didn't think Charlie and Ewan would make it. Not the bikes.
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