KTM 640 SUPERMOTO (1998 - 2007) Review
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At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 53 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (35.8 in / 910 mm) |
Weight: | Low (329 lbs / 149 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe KTM LC4 640 is KTM’s popular supermoto stalwart – a rough, tough bugger that’s a capable commuter, trackday sleeper and friend to the wannabe stunt monkey. It sits on the civilized side of the LC4 family, benefiting from an anti-vibe damper, and an electric start to complement the kicker. Like all supermotos it’s as cheap as chips, geared for giggles and ready to rumble.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineProviding it’s not still sitting on the dreadful Pirelli MT60 tyres it comes with the KTM 640 LC4 Supermoto handles sharply. The fully-adjustable WP suspension and four-piston Brembo brakes mean confident stopping is just a two-finger tug away. The seat is narrow to let you climb over the bike for faster cornering, but you’ll be thankful for the small tank and the chance to get off after just 70-odd miles.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThis KTM 640 LC4 Supermoto's liquid-cooled, SOHC single-cylinder motor has been in KTMs for over a decade, and in the 640 it’s definitely as its most civilised. But if you’re new to the world of supermoto you’ll probably think it rough and vibey. They’re all like that, Sir. Unlike the spunkier SMC range, which flat-slide carbs, the 640 gets a 40mm CV item for a more user-friendly response, especially around town.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe KTM 640 LC4 motor is extremely reliable, providing it’s serviced regularly. Every 3000 miles there are two oil filters to change, but that’s a 30-minute job. Change the oil, too – that takes about another 20 minutes, but those chores will keep the motor perkier for much longer. Adjusting the valve clearances is easy thanks to a simple screw and nut arrangement. Keep the 640 away from salted roads – or else it corrodes like hell.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe KTM 640 LC4 Supermoto is very good to buy, rubbish to sell. Supermotos are a poor monetary investment. Find a KTM 640 Supermoto for sale.
Equipment
Apart from top names like Brembo and WP which adorn the stock machine the aftermarket offers a virtually unlimited opportunity to screw every last ounce of power from your KTM 640 LC4 Supermoto. A rear wheel dyno figure of 60bhp is well within reach.
Specs |
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Engine size | 625cc |
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Engine type | 4v single, 5 gears |
Frame type | Tubular steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 9 litres |
Seat height | 910mm |
Bike weight | 149kg |
Front suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
Rear suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
Front brake | Single 320mm disc |
Rear brake | 220mm disc |
Front tyre size | 110/90 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 160/60 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 42 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | £3,600 |
Insurance group |
11 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 53 bhp |
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Max torque | 41 ft-lb |
Top speed | 110 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 14.7 secs |
Tank range | 80 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1998: Model released.
2005: Gets a twin pipe exhaust.
2007: KTM 640 LC4 Supermoto deleted.
Other versions
KTM 660 SMC: No e-start, vibes aplenty, huge power, lighter weight, much shorter service intervals. Huge fun.
Owners' reviews for the KTM 640 SUPERMOTO (1998 - 2007)
6 owners have reviewed their KTM 640 SUPERMOTO (1998 - 2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KTM 640 SUPERMOTO (1998 - 2007)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Version: Duke 2
Year: 2005
Fed up of big heavy machines you roll out at the weekend , classics that don’t thrill other than when braking hard. Never really ringing the throttle as you like your licence too much. Polishing your cruiser for longer than you rode it . Too much hassle to warm up for a little trip down the road or nipping your mates . I love it , It’s a rumbling, spitting , vibrating , slick shifting , sh*t sticking living breathing bike with a soul that requires you ride it and embrace it’s imperfect arse numbing wind blasting raw beauty. Use it , abuse it , service it . In return it’ll fill your senses and make you feel like you a 17year old that just swung your leg over your first 125 . Ffs 625cc , it’s enough .Thumping cracking fun you won’t want to give up and will miss if you do. It’s the essence of riding . If you don’t get off your bike with a big sh*t-eating grin then go and buy a duke before you die of boredom . Unless you want to go touring of course , then you definitely want something else!
Ok you’re not buying this to tour on! For a blast out at the weekend or trips of 50miles at a time ( before a brew stop ) it’s a beast and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Coming from someone fickle who’s owned a fair few bikes from cruisers to choppers , trailies , sports & muscle bikes that’s quite a statement . Fully adjustable ride that sticks like glue and loves a bit of clear twisty back road or a dual carriageway to open up without losing your licence.
Flexible grunty growling animal to rev around on happily . A doddle to ride whatever the conditions only a wheelie machine if that’s what floats your boat it’s a lot more than that.
Quality parts throughout, easy clean & no serious issues experienced personally .changed headlight for a std Mx light setup as is brighter .Quirky single oil in frame service but fine when you get the hang hang of it . Carb bit of a pita. to pull if required but all in all very solid.
Pays to keep things clean and self service annually simple enough task .
Love the wide & bars low pegs great suspension . Could do with a bigger tank but Numb arse will ensure a stop for fuel before you run out. Seat could be more forgiving but hey I’m not looking to sleep on it . You want a screen buy something with a screen . Doesn’t need add ons it’s a thing of beauty . Only thing would be handy is capacity to carry something somewhere as hate backpacks but a tank bag can be modified when needed. Forget the pillion they’ll need one too.
Buying experience: Private buy 15 owners only 🤣 rides like I’m the second .Best £1600 I’ve spent
One word..........BRRRAAAARRRP!!!
I have wanted one of these for a couple of years now, and now that I finally got one I have to say I am not in the least bit disappointed. Incredible road holding, top gear roll on from 60 to 90 is a rush of grunt that bikes 3 times the cost would be proud of. Keep it serviced with fresh oil and filters, wash it like its your baby and it repays you with grin factor a-plenty. The seat is a razor blade, but a comfort version is available for peanuts, as is the rest of the parts and accessories for these bikes, so turning it into a comfortable mode of transport is easy. Think of it as a bare bones, no un-nessessary clutter of a bike and enjoy biking at its most primal.
I bought the 2006 LC4 from Premier in Didcot, aftern a road test i had to have it.So easy to ride, loads of low end grunt and fun B road handing,Ilove the point and squirt fun & instant overtaking power.The bike is a HOOT.
Poor engine reliability for an engine which is supposed to be bullet proof.
Everything as said in this review. I bought mine from a main dealer in the midlands ( Gear4 - Market Deeping ) second hand, 1 owner from new FSH and 1700 Miles. My machine has the aftermarket Akropovic titaniums and airbox mod, jetted to suit. The only real negatives I would say about this bike are that the seat is rock hard, really sore ass after a day out and only 200 ish miles. Fuel tank is tiny, 100 miles to reserve, and the rideability around town is terrible sub 20mph in your typical urban traffic, very jerky, hard to be smooth. Aside from these gripes the handling and performance is just breathtaking to be honest, my last bike was a FZR1000 however :D