Is the 650 a REAL BIKE or just a NOVELTY?

A TON of miles

Question I have is can you make it 2000 miles?

RE: A TON of miles

last 3 years in the australian safari the 07-08 650s did good with no OEM parts failure

I beleive 2007 husaberg was the only brand with 100% finishing rate, kawasaki had 100% DNF (only one bike)

the heavier slower water cooled xr650 is more overdesigned and may be a better choice if your life depends on nothing breaking during 5000miles.

Depends on how often you do a trip like this. My 650 is coming up to 150 hrs, or about 5500 kms with no problems other than the water pump oil leak which is fixed with the OrangeBerg kit.

I will upgrade the cam chain and fit Taffy's DVSK between now and 200 hrs along with some new roller followers.

Once freshened up I will have at least another 200hrs to go before considering another set of roller followers.

The biggest problem I would have with doing a longer trip is making sure I changed the oil every 5 hrs. My head would be spinning if it was getting up towards 10 hrs.

In short, do all the prep like you do any other dirt bike, and on the Bergs make sure the valve gear service is within the time interval you plan to ride. Keep fresh oil up to it and it'll be fine.

My now not used a lot but much loved 98 FE501 has <> 33,000 km on it with mostly only routine servicing. The only hiccups have been a valve seat when nearly new and I let the roller followers go a bit too far and had to change the camshaft too. Delo 400 is excellent oil in these engines.

They'll do the job if you look after them!

Steve

SlippoGrease said:

I want to buy a 650, but not if it is going to blow up every 5,000 miles. I do long endurance rides sometimes 2,000 miles long. I want to know- can I be confident the bike will make it home? Is there a thread that details the changes to the bike from '02 on. I would assume that the '08 is the best as well as the last. If I enduro over western trails from state to state, is there a way I can set it up to be more reliable? Even if it compromises power? Do you think i should, in this instance, just stick with KTM? If the engine did blow, is the chasis worth swapping a more reliable KTM motor into? Any info or advice would help. Thanks-

Click to expand...

The bikes are "race bikes", yes they are dependable. Is it what you are looking for? Probably not. They are not KLX or XR 650's, nor do they perform like said bikes. If you want a long haul bike the berg is not for you. Especially if there are long stretches of tarmac involved.
At 5000 miles it will need to be freshened up, by 10,000 a complete overhaul. Thoses numbers are good as long as you attain a strict maintenance program.
If you have need for a light bike, that handles well and will bring a grin to your face everytime you twist the throttle, a berg may fit in your stable. That being for more serious short term rides and trips. Save your XR or KTM690 for the long trips.