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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 4 Mar 2005
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Location: Apache Junction,AZ,USA
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KLR650 or KTM640

Which is a better bike to purchase. I've heard the KTM already has all the upgrades that I would put on the KLR. The KLR will be easier to find parts in smaller countrys.
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Old 8 Mar 2005
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Hi
Im looking at replacing my (stolen) DR650 with a used KTM Adventure - or sticking with the DR, which after 80,000KM gave me no trouble whatsoever - I need some persuading though.....

The KTM suspension is much better than a KLR/DR - off road there is no contest, The KLR/DR is more Ashalt oriented.
The KTM has a bigger fuel tank, puts out more power, and is pretty tough.

However, like the KLR, there are a few issues with it Reliability. It has improved over the years - read through the KTM Tech threads - there are a lot of niggles with them - and the LC4 is not the best built engine out there.
Things that are making me consider sticking with the simple, oil cooled, under-suspended, smooth, reliable DR650 with what I think is the best 650 engines out there.

The KLR has such a big following in North America with lots of Knowhow, upgrades and bolt ons produced by Happy Trails, Dual Star and others - it makes good sense over the 'pond' - it does not do anything particularly well, is old, has some reliability issues that need addressing - doohickey and frame bolts straight away.

It also comes down to your use of the bike and how much money you want to spend.
If you are spending a good proportion of your time off road then the KTM makes sense, if the opposite, I would stick with the KLR - there are so many around in the USA you will get a good price, instead of a tempremental high maintenence Import.

Some Views from KTM/KLR/DR owners would be appreciated Guys.....

Cheers
Grif
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