Ktm 640 & 950 adventure pros & cons

[Rock Chucker 1]

Hi all, just want some opinions on these 2 bikes as I'm looking at both. I have ridden both briefly but need some facts from those with alot of saddle time. I have a 450exc for the trails but need another bike for the long ds rides thx

 

[shevthump914]

Well first off,you already have a trail machine for sure!!!!..I have the 640E...It is awesome,for almost everything{almost cuz 450 is way lighter for singletrack}..Main thing here ,LONG rides are Considered to be Destination type rides Like to Alaska or mexico...Short well long rides are anything so to speak around 500km to 1500km...The 950 is absolutely incredible ,for long trips[well more comfort}....again this can go many different ways ,because of personal preference{no need to go there}640 will do long rides ,but is better suited for the short long ones{Im even confused now}. Main thing ride what feels comfortable for you @!!!!
Paul.S

 

[Bora20]

Can you describe "long ds ride" as it differs for all of us? 1-up, 2-up, luggage, no luggage, multi-day, single day 250km, gravel roads, single track, pavement, etc.

This would help to figure out what you are looking for.

 

[Island Hopper]

If your keeping the 450 then why not go for a 990 and have the best of both worlds? If you want a the best all around riding coverage out of 1 bike then the 640 fits that role better...

For two up the 950 is the better choice but I have managed some pretty long 2 uppers on the 640 {including camping gear} with out too much problems {more butt breaks}...

Solo riding the 640 will eat up the miles, I often put in 10-12 hours in the saddle with out too much problems... A lot of people complain about the 640 vibes but for me their a non issue... It's something you notice when you first start out but after a short while your used to them and then they go unnoticed... The 640 will also handle quite a load of luggage with little trouble...

The 990 will also do all the above and will likely be a little better at it than the 640, especially if you like to set a pace well above the posted speed limits... 2 examples Where the 990 loses a little ground to the 640 is #1 on the real tight gnarly stuff it's extra weight and bulk becomes a disadvanage and #2 The 640 can almost double the fuel range of the 990, I have ran a lot of tanks of fuel through my machine and I have a low of 450KM and a high of almost 700 km per 25.5 L tank...

If you are looking to go larger remember that out of all the big bikes out there{800 cc +} the 990 is the cream of the crop when it comes to off road manners...

 

[YogiPerogi]

I have yet to ride a 950 or 990, but I can say I love my 640. When I first bought it I cruised home 2500k in 23.5 hours. Wasn't in the best shape after the ride, but I don't know any bike that would lend well to a trip like that.
The 640 is taller and I think it has better ground clearance too. I can say that it is surprisingly capable in the single track.
On the tight pavement even with knobbies(all I ever have on my 640), I can keep up or even out ride most sportbikers.
It does all things well enough, but nothing great.
I currently own 10 bikes including sportbikes, dirtbikes and and a supermoto. The 640 is my favorite.

BTW, two friends are selling them here in Victopia.
Here's the one that's currently advertised:
CLICK ADD!!!!

 

[2Trider]

If you buy the 950 this might happen

With the 450 I agree go with the 950 and rack up the big mileage and suck it all in:clap:

 

[Tree]

I had the 640. Loved it. Great for single track and FSR's and making sport bikers think you're fn nuts.

Then i rode from West Van to Abbotsford once and my hands and feet were tingly. Also a ride from Burns Lake to Prince George one more then back that night. Same prob. Loved the bike but for me it felt like riding a jack hammer.

Bought the 950. Great on FSR's, smoother on the roads and highways and still making people think your fn nuts, haven't taken it on too many single track trails, no real complaints but its heavy. Thats obvious. Wish the range were a bit more like the 640 though the exhaust note is heavenly and the wind buffeting on the 950 is troublesome for me as well. Both fixable issues though.

hope that helps.