KTM 640 ADV R or BMW R1100GS

[G. Kennedy]

I feel fortunate that that these are the two bikes that I currently own. Problem is ... I will probably have to sell one to finance next years trip to Tierra Del Fuego.

The BMW is an '95 R1100GS with 55,000 miles. Jesses, nice seat, original clutch, gear box and driveshaft. It has never let me down. Other than possible drive train maintenance, It is ready to go.

The KTM is an '02 640 Adventure R with 6,000 miles. I have a TT Rack but no bags(yet). Other than a few mods (seat, main bearing) it seems ready to go.

The BMW is obviously more comfortable, but at the cost of being much heavier. Fuel injection/ABS is a blessing and a curse. Tire sizes are odd and tubless hard to fix. Shaft drive, while easy to maintain, it is hard to see when things are going belly up.

The KTM is less comfortable, but will encorage a slower pace. Carburation is a blessing and a curse. Fuel capacity and economy favor the KTM. Much less electronic magic to keep it on the move. Wheel sizes are 21/18. Tubed for easier repair. Chains are cheap.

Possibly the most important factor .... I may be touring with a Suzuki DR650 as a partner. Negating any speed aspect of the Beemer. I am leaning toward the Katoom.

What do you think?

Decisions Decisions

[This message has been edited by G. Kennedy (edited 03 August 2004).]

[Grant Johnson]

Easy - Ride the bike that will best match your friends bike.

If you take the R1100GS, and he wants to do some gnarly off-road track and you can't, that's a problem. And if you want to cruise faster than his bike can, that's also a problem.

Even better of course is identical bikes.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[G. Kennedy]

Thats pretty much my take on it. Although I already have the KTM and I don't think we will be able to make a KTM fit HER. HA!

We are hoping to make it to Revelstoke, 2 up, on the Beemer, so I look forward to meeting you there. Glen

[Grant Johnson]

See you there!

But fair warning - my advice will be to get yourself a DR650...



kiss principle... one set of spares, one complete set of tools, one manual, one maintenance procedure.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[Bill Ryder]

My opinion is take as similar bikes as possible. After 30 years as a motorcycle mechanic even the factory reps still tell me to try a few parts off another known good identical bike. I spent an enjoyable time under the midnight sun chatting with a guy from sweden as we tried to fix his KTM with water in the oil. Think how nice it would be to have a whole identical bike to troubleshoot off of and only carry one set of spares for both bikes. And by the way I just happen to know where there is a 04 DR650 with only 100 miles on it for sale.
The main thing is to take the ride.