Need feedback on 95 KTM 620

[Wkheathjr]

Hello guys,

I am new here and never lurked at this forum. Short story why I am here. I ride a harley and was going to ride it from Key West FL to Deadhorse Alaska then down to Ushuaia South America. But after doing extensive research and homework, I am starting to think that maybe harley is not a suitable bike for this adventure trip.. Dirt roads in Alaska, dirt road in S. America and through the sand in the desert.. poor fuel in S. America could damage harley but won't affect most dual bike..

Came cross this 95 KTM 620 at a good price! Am thinking of making this a project to tear apart and build it back designed for the adventure trip. This way I would also know it by heart in case something goes wrong like mechanical issue then I will know this bike by heart.

Big question- Will this bike handle the load I will carry beside myself (250lbs). I will probably carry 100-150lbs load of gears.. sleeping bag, LuxuryLite cot, tent, few days of clothes, gadgets, documents, maps, cooler with plenty of bottled waters, tools, spare parts, spare tires, spare tubes, and fuel cans. WILL this bike be able to carry the whole gear with no issue at all altitude level??

Please advise! At this cheap price and time/energy along with some spending $ to tear it apart and rebuild it back to suit my needs, it is the investment I am willing to make so I can take it to the far end and if I decide to dump it flying home, I can easily disconnect from it emotionally since it was a cheap investment for me compared to my harley. Same can be said if it get motojacked (stolen) or dropped into the ocean while sailboating from Panama to Colombia. I would prefer it happen to this cheap old bike than a new 2009 BMW or KTM bike. Get what I am saying??

Thanks in advance for answering my question!! If this is it then I look forward to getting acquired with you guys getting through this project!

[bajadog]

Guys have ridden the 640 (625 cc) KTM adventure all the way
down to Tiera del Fuego with saddle bags and all types of gear.

The bike can handle the weight (you will need to change fork/shock springs).

I'd recommend going with a 17 tooth counter sprocket, and a 42 tooth rear.

If your rebuilding the bike make sure you change the transmission shaft main
bearing from the ball type to the roller type.

[Wkheathjr]

Bike sold so no point in debating.. thanks for your time!

[jpoole1]

I pickup a 93 400 exc that was not running.It had no spark, replaced the stator and coil and now runs great.But it will not start when cold.Iin order to start it I have to give it a shot of starting fluid then the bike runs and idles great.
Ihave check for vaccum leaks,taken carb apart and it was very clean and found problem. I've also tried diff timing setting with no change.The carb has a knob on the side that I think is for hot or cold start but I don't know if it sould be out or in when starting cold.Ive tired every combintion i can think of as far choke bing out and knob in or out.Any ideas out there.