Advise please, thinking of buying a 630

Hi guys, new to the site and would like your thoughts. My KTM 690 burned to the ground in Utah and I need a replacement. I see some really good deals on Husky 630's and I am wondering why that is. Are there any issues ? Are they going to revamp the entire line and it will be outdated next year? Is it just the economy ? Haven't ridden one either. any thoughts on how it compares to the KTM ? ( I know this one's been beaten to death )

Appreciate your thoughts

FWIW, the KTM is a great bike. I rode one and loved it. My father-in-law rode one and hates enduros and LOVED it. It encourages lawn turfing and curb jumping and it's handling is normal, fantastic, KTM. Pretty sure it'd get me arrested and jailed quickly.

The KTM has better power and fuel economy than the Husky even after you've added the PU and JD PowerSurge (or PWC and AutoTune) to the Husky.

The Husky's transmission gearing is a plus, especially if you do any long distance touring. (I just returned from a ride from Germany to Ulaan Bator on my KTM 950 and the TE 630 would be a good choice for that ride.)

The Husky's handling, if you're 210+ pounds, OEM is FANTASTIC. I bleed ORANGE and the Husky's handle every bit as good as a KTM. (I have two KTM's at the moment.) If you're lighter than 210 the OEM springs are kinda . . . built for a 220-240 lb rider. You need to add compression adjusters to the forks ($95 - LT Racing among others).

The PU kit is a drag in that you go to a open-loop FI system. My KTM carbureted KTM ran good at 15,400' but that was luck. The JD PowerSurge permits changes on the fly but . . . you're back to open-loop-like carburetion control. Really too bad. Fuel economy went from nearly 60 during break-in to mid-40's after PU & JD PowerSurge.

The bottom end is overbuilt like a Japanese thumper, not that the KTM is "weak". The top-end has been lifted off the TE 510, which is good in all ways (performance, maintenance, etc). The motor will not be available on a street legal Husky after this year, ergo the big discounts.

She's a bit tubby, but you can shake weight fairly easily and cheaply. Even though it weighs more than a DRZ 400 it FEELS alot lighter. In fact, my DRZ riding wife was shocked that the Husky is actually heavier. With a little inexpensive dieting it weighs nearly the same as the KTM.

You can add a Safari Tank for long rides.

If you're not long-legged you can add a Kouba Link. Can't do that with the KTM.

I think it's a fantastic motorcycle and with the one nag about open-loop FI . . . a no-brainer. For me the handling is just a fantastic grin inducer (eg, DRZ's are numb . . .) and the engine has PLENTY of juice and once you removed the airbox labyrinth it also sounds great.

YMMV,

Kurt

I have absolutely no regrets about buying one. I added a pipe and power commander. I was on an XR400 with a plate and wanted something that could go the distance, this is it for me. I was looking at KTM but for the price, just couldn't see spending it when the 630 was so much less. If you bought a 690 you would probably put a pipe and efi controller on it also. Search the threads, I bought mine now because the next Husky over 600 looks like it will be a rebadged BMW. I am really happy with its performance, handles better than my xr did. I am 6'2" and 270, so the bike doesn't feel heavy to me.

At this price, it's so far ahead of the competition its rediculous. If you're in the market for a heavy weight dual sport you'd almost have to be a dope not to get one. Alot of people have already realized this and they are getting snapped up. Over at ADV Rider, you'd see lots and lots of owners with little to no issues.

Don't fiddle faddle around on this deal. It is a deal and it wont last.

Do it... You got plenty of room in the Garage right ?

always have room. although I did get that Ducati Multistrada I was lusting after also, but what the hell. thanks for the input guys. I have a feeling I'll be back looking for mods shortly. I did love my 690, but for the money its hard to beat the Husky. I found I used most of the extra power of the KTM to spin the rear tire in the dirt. Other than it catching on fire due to the rear mounted tank leaking, ( a minor inconvenience ) it was a great bike. Hope to make it back out west for more fun this summer.

Hall's has one left.

I do have some great pics of it burning, even one of me roasting a hot dog over it. But you'll have to wait till it comes out in the magazine. What magazine you might ask ? The one I hope publishes the story I wrote.

there is a good deal on a used one I have my eye on.

And you're welcome to stay in my garage any time woodschick. And your hubby is welcome too.

i have always loved sport bikes.. ill hold on to my r1 and store it im my back pocket.. i just put 700 mile ish.. on the 630.. so comforttBle to ride..things i dislike.. no preload on front forks and compresion'. i do wonder why they spend so much on brembo brakes and cheap out on a damn compression setting

btw i would not even consider buying the husky for 9k.. but the sale was too hood to pass.. why would anyone buy a drz when they can buy this bike for almost the same price

Mine´s done 8.000 kms and it´s a success. Could hardly be better. But your problem is that you´ll have to be quick and snap one up as the 630 is being taken out of the US market next year. Wonder what that´ll do to the used price of a 630?

I think that they will hold steady. Unless, they come out with an all new bike that is even better than the KTM 690, and sells for $6500.

Once all the new bikes are gone I think used prices will actually increase. No more competition with $6K new bikes.

_

I am in the midst of having a love hate relation ship with my TE.. Love,,, price,good looks ,transmision ratios, ergonomics. Hate.. countershaft seal leak, coolant leaks I keep finding at hose clamps . Things I need to learn to accept are the noisy top end, and finding neutral after you have come to a stop.
Everytime I get into some nast single track I think to my self I shoulda bought the 510.. Then I hit the highway or twisty's on the way home and all smiles..
I bought the bike after many hours lurking on this site.. Thanks to everyone that posts.

CS seal easy replacement. I have no leaks anywhere, but only about 800 miles.

Neutral at stop should get easier with break in, mine is no problem at all now. I expect it to be super easy with next oil change going to full syn.

I didn't buy mine for single track...I think it's too heavy for that, although it will do it. If I had to pick the bike up more than a couple of times I would be spent. Even a 510 would be a handful for TST but certainly better than the 630.

Hopefully you'll work out the little niggles.

If you had a 510 you would wish it could go down the hiway better,be more comfortable on long rides and have longer maint. requirements..

I know.. It's always a trade off..Besides, I have a 250f trail bike. My 630 just turned over 900km ,second oil change coming up.. I plan on running Rotela T6 after a few more oil changes with the Rotela TTT.