Hiya,
I'm new to this forum. I've enjoyed spending hours reading many of the threads here, and now it's time for my first post.
I'm looking to replace a KTM 640 Adv, which some bastards stole a few weeks back, but I'm looking for more than the 640 Adv can offer - it's too heavy and underpowered. I was considering a 625 SXC mainly because it uses a Keihin carb instead of the Mikumi on the Adv, and it's also a little lighter, but not really light enough.
I had a test ride a while ago on a 550, and loved it - really zippy. The Berg looks like the way to go. It's light, has plenty of poke (enough to really embarrass the Adv), it's not mainstream (like me), and my SM wheels will fit on it too.
Right now I'm waiting on my insurance company to finalise my claim and pay me out. Depending on how much I get, will determine whether I buy new or used.
Usually, I get sucked in by the shiny new models and the glowing press reports extolling how much better they are than the model being replaced, but I'm going to be a bit more open minded this time and seek advice for the end-user community - you guys.
Me? Started riding dirt at 13 (1970), mainly on big bore 2 and 4 strokes. Used to be pretty fast, but never committed enough to bother competing. I've had roadbikes since I was 18 (don't own a car), moved away from dirt riding for 10 years, but came back to it in 2002. I'm not as fast as I used to be, and at 49, not trying to be either. I'm fit, not overweight (6'2", 90Kg) and love a challenge.
Which bike - FE550 or FE650?
Appart from road duty with the SM wheels, most of my riding will be on 4WD tracks and firetrails in the Vic alps because I like getting from point A to B the hard way. These rides usually include some tight and nasty stuff too, but I'm prepared to scarifice some speed and nibleness here. I think this means I should get the 650 but I'm open. I'd expect the 550 picks up revs faster than the 650, so might be a more playfull ride especially on tighter tracks, whereas I'd expect the 650's added cubes to make it better on the road with the SM wheels. Although the 550 might be smoother due to the shorter stroke. On the road, I'm used to powerful bikes that can get you out of trouble (or into it sometimes too) with the twist of the wrist.
05, 06, or 07?
All of them have received rave reviews when new, and overall, great reviews for end users on this site.
The 07 bikes - have some nice changes and trick bits, 12 month warranty but come at a premium. Do the changes justify the extra cost?
The 06 bikes are still available new at a nice saving over the 07 and have 12 months warranty, and are coming up used more often now.
The 05 bikes (used), are significantly cheaper. Besides, if I get an 05, I'll buy myself a scooter to commute on (you can stop laughing now!)
If it's a used bike, how important k's or hours if the bike has been well maintained? What Berg specific stuff should I look for?
Any other comments welcomed.
Cheers
I'm new to this forum. I've enjoyed spending hours reading many of the threads here, and now it's time for my first post.
I'm looking to replace a KTM 640 Adv, which some bastards stole a few weeks back, but I'm looking for more than the 640 Adv can offer - it's too heavy and underpowered. I was considering a 625 SXC mainly because it uses a Keihin carb instead of the Mikumi on the Adv, and it's also a little lighter, but not really light enough.
I had a test ride a while ago on a 550, and loved it - really zippy. The Berg looks like the way to go. It's light, has plenty of poke (enough to really embarrass the Adv), it's not mainstream (like me), and my SM wheels will fit on it too.
Right now I'm waiting on my insurance company to finalise my claim and pay me out. Depending on how much I get, will determine whether I buy new or used.
Usually, I get sucked in by the shiny new models and the glowing press reports extolling how much better they are than the model being replaced, but I'm going to be a bit more open minded this time and seek advice for the end-user community - you guys.
Me? Started riding dirt at 13 (1970), mainly on big bore 2 and 4 strokes. Used to be pretty fast, but never committed enough to bother competing. I've had roadbikes since I was 18 (don't own a car), moved away from dirt riding for 10 years, but came back to it in 2002. I'm not as fast as I used to be, and at 49, not trying to be either. I'm fit, not overweight (6'2", 90Kg) and love a challenge.
Which bike - FE550 or FE650?
Appart from road duty with the SM wheels, most of my riding will be on 4WD tracks and firetrails in the Vic alps because I like getting from point A to B the hard way. These rides usually include some tight and nasty stuff too, but I'm prepared to scarifice some speed and nibleness here. I think this means I should get the 650 but I'm open. I'd expect the 550 picks up revs faster than the 650, so might be a more playfull ride especially on tighter tracks, whereas I'd expect the 650's added cubes to make it better on the road with the SM wheels. Although the 550 might be smoother due to the shorter stroke. On the road, I'm used to powerful bikes that can get you out of trouble (or into it sometimes too) with the twist of the wrist.
05, 06, or 07?
All of them have received rave reviews when new, and overall, great reviews for end users on this site.
The 07 bikes - have some nice changes and trick bits, 12 month warranty but come at a premium. Do the changes justify the extra cost?
The 06 bikes are still available new at a nice saving over the 07 and have 12 months warranty, and are coming up used more often now.
The 05 bikes (used), are significantly cheaper. Besides, if I get an 05, I'll buy myself a scooter to commute on (you can stop laughing now!)
If it's a used bike, how important k's or hours if the bike has been well maintained? What Berg specific stuff should I look for?
Any other comments welcomed.
Cheers
