Ktm 640 Lc4
KTM 640 LC4
Think the reigning champ of dual-purpose bikes was going to sit back and get passed? initially, it looked that way, but when KTM dropped off the year-2000 640 there were a few surprises in the package.
The proven LC4 motor is nearly identical to last year’s, yet through a new stainless-steel enciosed-disc SuperTrapp muffler, the four-valve Single thumps a new tune, crisp with power to spare. Carburetion is now sharper and the bike seems to have a little more steam with each pulse of the piston. The only downside is a noticeable increase in vibration through the seat.
The bike comes with top-flight WP suspension: a 50mm conventional fork adjustable for compression and rebound damping, and a linkage-activated, fully adjustable shock. This is the same suspension found on the for-sale rally racebikes-not too shabby.
Most noticeable visual change is the new 4.6-gallon fuel tank that incorporates the radiator shrouds into its design. Its boosted capacity will give riders a 150-mile-plus range, great for the expanses meant to be covered by this stable, capable bike. At $6998, the LC4 is on the pricey side; but as always with KTM, you get what you pay for. -Jimmy Lewis
