Anybode bought a KTM R/XC yet?
jenn...@chainsaw.fishkill.ibm.com
thinking about upgrading the tires and suspension this winter. Before
doing so, I decided to go to the local KTM dealer to check out the new
_real_ dual sports. They had the 400, I instantly had severe KTM lust.
This bike is made of all the things you could wish for. LC engine,
chromoly frame, WP suspension, Brembo brake systems, MT-21 tires,
Acerbis plastic, regina chain, renthal style bars, supertrapp silencer,
etc. etc. etc. This bike just reeks of quality materials and
workmanship, besides having top line equipment. Thus, I'm smitten.
So, since it was pissing down rain, I didn't get a chance to ride it.
So, who out here has one or has ridden one. Any opinions as to getting
the 620 or 400? My main concern is dirt first, street second, although
the bike will be used to commute to work each day (20mi each way).
He only has the 400 right now, and I'll ride it this Saturday, and report back.
I just feel that no matter what is spent on a DR350, it would never be
as good as the R/XC's are stock out of the box.
Bill
#940
DR350s
Deadhead
jenn...@chainsaw.fishkill.ibm.com () wrote:
> So, who out here has one or has ridden one. Any opinions as to getting
> the 620 or 400? My main concern is dirt first, street second, although
> the bike will be used to commute to work each day (20mi each way).
>
Well, unfortunately, I don't have but (but have been lusting for one for
some time now...). Dirt Rider just recently came out with an article on
the two bikes a couple of months ago (the May or June issue, I think).
Based on what they said, I would opt for the 620. It is only a couple of
pounds heavier, but has the extra 220cc punch.
-- Nick
**************************************************************************
* "If you get confused, listen to the music play !" *
* "Do It In The Dirt" *
* "No Snivelers" *
* '90 CR500 *
**************************************************************************
Chris Steinbroner
: Dirt Rider just recently came out with an article on
: the two bikes a couple of months ago (the May or June issue, I think).
: Based on what they said, I would opt for the 620. It is only a couple of
: pounds heavier, but has the extra 220cc punch.
i just looked at the article (i think both dirt rider and dirt bike
did articles) and came to the opposite conclusion: i'd opt for the 400.
they said something about the power being a little hard to handle in
the tight woods, so they preferred the 400. also, the 400 is smoother
if you care about longer distance riding. i guess the power difference
(40 compared to 48HP) isn't enough to me (and 40 is plenty!) to make it
worth the drop in rideability.
but hey, i'm just a street guy so don't pay any attention to me.
-- hesh
Thumper!
: In article <CtLo9...@hawnews.watson.ibm.com>,
: jenn...@chainsaw.fishkill.ibm.com () wrote:
: > So, who out here has one or has ridden one. Any opinions as to getting
: > the 620 or 400? My main concern is dirt first, street second, although
: > the bike will be used to commute to work each day (20mi each way).
: >
: Well, unfortunately, I don't have but (but have been lusting for one for
: some time now...). Dirt Rider just recently came out with an article on
: the two bikes a couple of months ago (the May or June issue, I think).
: Based on what they said, I would opt for the 620. It is only a couple of
: pounds heavier, but has the extra 220cc punch.
To me, the choice between the 400 and the 620 is dependent on where you ride
and HOW you ride. For a trail bike, the 620 is probably better...as well as
for street applications. But if you want a more aggressive and better
handling (off-road) bike, the 400, with less reciprocating weight, is a good
choice, and really doesn't scarifice a whole lot of power.
--
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Thumper! thu...@netcom.com
Flying Fish Racing FishTek Racing Products
Everywhere in the Southwest Custom machining and fabrication
And sometimes just "out there!" FishTek ...
Where speed is of the essence.
Ayrton Senna / Davey Allison / Stefan Bellof / and others ... rest in peace
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Deadhead
wrote:
>
> To me, the choice between the 400 and the 620 is dependent on where you ride
> and HOW you ride. For a trail bike, the 620 is probably better...as well as
> for street applications. But if you want a more aggressive and better
> handling (off-road) bike, the 400, with less reciprocating weight, is a good
> choice, and really doesn't scarifice a whole lot of power.
> --
I guess this really does depend on how you ride. Myself, I'm always in
search of how to draw more power out of my CR500. I've learned to handle
the "reciprocating weight", although I must admit that it gets a little
tiring on those several mile long rabbit trails (although there is not
really a "reciprocating weight" effect there as you are crawling, usually
with a hand full of clutch). That is where the weight difference bothers
me, but being that the 620 is only a couple of pounds lighter (dry,
motionless weight :-), I would have to pick the 620. Of course, I would
LOVE either one :->
Sc214
Ni...@GlobalVillag.com (Deadhead) writes:
To me it would also include the issue of... Cost! Has anybosy actually
talked to a dealer and comparison shopped how much this would set you back
either way? No doubt about it though... These are the bikes; TO OWN!
Steve Powers
<meekly holding up hand>... I've got one. I've had it exactly 1 month now.
Great bike. Yup, it was a bit expensive, but you really don't have to
upgrade anything (save for re-jetting the carb).
It's really fun having a full-tilt enduro bike that's street legal. It's
really quiet and surprises everyone (including me the first time).
So far I've re-geared it (15-45), I put the 18 liter tank on it with the
Challenger Series Graphics, I added a few plates to the exhaust, opened
up the airbox a bit and am in the process of re-jetting the carb.
It's basically everything the mags say it is and more....
steve powers spo...@spdg.com 1KQSPI - 4.06
(206) 448-1388 '91 K100RS 16V '95 KTM R/XC 620 dod #1093
======= more fodder for the Inflammation Stuporhighway ===========
Sc214
To the attention of:
Steve Powers (INTERNET DB TEST RIDER)
Yeah!? Yeah!?!!!!! More! More! MORE!!!! What kinda deal did ya get$$$???
I can't even find a shop in my area where I can look at one no less get a
price. (sheesh) I trust and respect everything I've heard about the
R/XC's manners in the dirt, but noth'n about how it manages on pavment.
Only remark I've heard was that it vibrated a lot compared to an XL/R...
I've got a long haul from where I live to where the riding's good. How
hard does this thing breath on the highway with the tall stock gearing,
and with you'r shorter setup? Is the suspension so stiff that your wheels
leave the pavement over expansion joints or curled tarmac or kick your
fillings loose? What sort of fuel economy ya getten? I'm not asking how
the thing performs relative to road bikes so much as wondering how
compromised is it's road utility, like would you donk the Alaskan Highway
or the Amazon Trail on your Rexcy?? And which'n did ya pick any how the
620 or the 400?
Much 'preciated; if'n ya took the time to read this one; even more for
your mail if ya send it. Happy trails!!
Steve Powers
In article <33200l$r...@search01.news.aol.com>, Sc214 <sc...@aol.com> wrote:
>
>Yeah!? Yeah!?!!!!! More! More! MORE!!!! What kinda deal did ya get$$$???
> I can't even find a shop in my area where I can look at one no less get a
>price. (sheesh) I trust and respect everything I've heard about the
>R/XC's manners in the dirt, but noth'n about how it manages on pavment.
>Only remark I've heard was that it vibrated a lot compared to an XL/R...
>I've got a long haul from where I live to where the riding's good. How
>hard does this thing breath on the highway with the tall stock gearing,
>and with you'r shorter setup? Is the suspension so stiff that your wheels
>leave the pavement over expansion joints or curled tarmac or kick your
>fillings loose? What sort of fuel economy ya getten? I'm not asking how
>the thing performs relative to road bikes so much as wondering how
>compromised is it's road utility, like would you donk the Alaskan Highway
>or the Amazon Trail on your Rexcy?? And which'n did ya pick any how the
>620 or the 400?
>
>Much 'preciated; if'n ya took the time to read this one; even more for
>your mail if ya send it. Happy trails!!
There were a total of 10 bikes which arrived at the dealer where I got my
bike: 5 each of the 400 and 620 (mine's a 620). All of the bikes were pre-
sold before they arrived. They were held up in customs for over 2 months
while KTM got the paperwork from EPA, etc. All of the bikes at the dealer
have been delivered and the next container of bikes aren't expected 'til
September. As can be expected with something this new, you pay full boat.
By the way, I've heard that my dealer (Lynnwood Yamaha/KTM) has sold the
most bikes of any on the West Coast. They have received 2 more (1 each)
bikes, but are awaiting US speedos. These bikes were the EPA test bikes
I was told. KTM must like them.
The bike does well on the street, but it does vibrate. I've ridden it for
250 miles in a day, mostly on the road, and you will get a bit numb. The
key is to change positions regularly, don't grab anything too firmly, get
off and relax, etc. There isn't a real DP bike out there that doesn't
vibrate - period. Some vibrate more than others. As for gearing, I had
the dealer swap the gearing from the beginning. I've never ridden another
ratio. I can do 55 in 4th or 5th quite comfortably. The mag review said
that the ratio I have allows it to pull max speed (105) in 5th. It won't
do that with the stock gearing, you have to use 4th.
The suspension is fine as it comes, I haven't made a single adjustment yet.
Expansion joints are no problem, potholes aren't either. Then again, I ride
a BMW K100 with Luftmeister progressive springs and 20W fork oil. YMMV It's
not all that bad on the road. It certainly is quicker off the line than
anything I've seen, including sportbikes. It steers well, you've got to
watch out as you'll find yourself sliding the rear end in corners - I have.
It's fairly unnerving when you think about it (on the street, that is).
In summary, it is more of a dirt bike than any of the other "DP" bikes.
Because of that, there are some things which are less than optimal. As
the best example, it won't do well in stop-n-go traffic (unless you're
fond of killing the engine and kick-starting it again). It will overheat
and mine has. You either stop and wait or quickly find a route where you
can get speed==airflow.
Fuel mileage has been a solid 50 mpg. This was measured before my jetting
changes. I'm sure it will decrease. I talked with a guy who has a '94
400 EX/C; he gets 40 mpg. I didn't buy mine for fuel economy, I bought it
to ride with friends who have KLRs.
hope this helps...
steve powers spo...@spdg.com 1KQSPI - 4.06
(206) 448-1388 '91 BMW K100RS 16V '95 KTM R/XC 620 dod #1093
Jim Engle
> Great bike. Yup, it was a bit expensive, but you really don't have to
> upgrade anything (save for re-jetting the carb).
>
> So far I've re-geared it (15-45), I put the 18 liter tank on it with the
> Challenger Series Graphics, I added a few plates to the exhaust, opened
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Uh, what's this? I've got a plain white Clarke tank on my DRS and I'd love
to get some decals on it that match the bike. Is that what the Challenger
Series Graphics are? Where can I get some?
jim....@cccbbs.cincinnati.oh.us
---
. JABBER v1.2 . Why are there no blue M&M's?
Sc214
Steve,
I really appreciate your taking the time for responding!
Mark O'Connor
jim....@cccbbs.cincinnati.oh.us (Jim Engle) asks:
>Is that what the Challenger
>Series Graphics are? Where can I get some?
Don't call NASA. You don't want their 'challenger' series graphics :-O