Shopping for a 610 or 630...advice from owners requested

Hey guys/gals, I would like to introduce myself and ask for a little advice. I just sold my Sportster Street tracker and am looking to get back in to relatively modern technology! Before satisfying the odd street tracker itch, I was riding a DRZ-400 with all kinds of tasty mods and a set of Warp 9 super moto wheels. I loved riding that bike. It was easy, it was fun, it was no work, etc. But everybody and their brother has one, and I did not feel easy about the sound of the motor over 65 mph. Since the 2006-2007 era of factory plated bikes coming from KTM and Husqvarna, I have lusted after the 610. I now find myself in a position to purchase a pre-owned specimen!

I don't ride a lot. Maybe 1500 miles per year at most. Mostly the three - five mile trip to work and home a couple days per week, a 20-30 mile ride once per week, and the odd 4 hour trip a couple times per year. I enjoy some dirt fire roads (not since I bought the sportster), and will want to take the occasional (but rare) gentle single track. My mind is fairly set on an SM version, as that configuration did everything I needed with the DRZ with Avon Distanzias. But now I am trying to decide between the 610 and 630 (probably like a thousand people before me). I have read a number of threads and believe I understand the differences, but my question persists.

Do I buy a 610 that has most of the compulsory farkles (exhaust, mirrors, hand gaurds, etc), and have a little $$ left over for a new helmet and any other un-addressed mods. OR...do I buy the new (maybe lower mileage) 630 that likely will be closer to stock, and not have any $$ left over to do the mods that most recommend?

I have about $5500 to spend and have found acceptable examples of the former for ~$4500, and the latter between $5500 and $6500 (I would really have to scrape the coin jar).

What do you all think here? I am sure I would be very happy with either, I am not worried about that. I just don't want to find out that I would have liked to have bought something else once my money is all used up.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

David

What year is the 610?

I'd go 610 if it's a carb model.

Less headaches with fuel pumps and such leaking/breaking.

I was in the same spot (and similar riding pattern to yours, also had a DRZ)- was looking for a 610 and ended up going with a 630. Here's my history/thinking, if it helps...

As for DS bikes I started with a Yamaha XT350, then bought a KTM RXC 400. The RXC was a '97- so as far as comparisons go (to a '11 TE630) they're in some regards worlds apart but, interestingly enough (and part of why I went w/ the TE) not far off either. I miss the RXC for a few reasons, one of which being because I gave up on it too easily- didn't fully appreciate it until it was gone. Bummer. Anyway- what it was is what I really want in a dual sport (acknowledging it's all personal preference and intended use): The RXC was more dirt oriented than road- that's big for me. I'm not a hardcore off-roader (obviously, by my choice of bikes), but I want something that's truly manageable (weight/handling- lots of good hilly stuff here in VA, singletrack and otherwise...I want the option to go where I really wanna go.) The RXC was, I think, about 300 lbs. A bit porky for a dirt bike but definitely good for a DS larger than, say, a 250 (esp when held up against the larger road biased DS bikes, which just don't appeal to me....I'm a day tripper.) I liked it's simplicity- the RXC's came with a Edelbrock Quicksilver carb (junk) so once I fitted a Mikuni (wished I'd gone w/ a Keihin pumper) it ran great. It's also a tall bike and I'm a tall guy- so I really liked the fit of the bike. Some were hard on the older KTM's because of the suspension, but I was largely satisfied, what w/ the style of riding I do. I put that bike through some sh*t and it never gave me grief- so I'm not one of the folks teasing the Orange crew about reliability. It was getting old and up there in mileage, so I moved on (in hindsight I think the bike was very deserving of a thorough re-habbing- it could have been a real keeper.) I loved the torque, billy goat like manners, and great power when summoned.

I then bought a DRZ400...surprised those close to me w/ that, after the KTM. I'll never bash the DRZ's- I bought it because my kid was younger, I had less time, and I didn't want to spend what little bike time I had fiddling- I wanted gas and go w/ virtually no maintenance (other than oil, etc.) I think most would agree the DRZ's are great bikes- great all arounders- they just lack the torque/punch and ease of pulling street miles above 60. Above all they lack, IMO, some "soul." So, I got bored w/ the DRZ...lusted something torquier/exciting. I'd always lusted after the TE610, but was having Zero luck finding one of decent mileage in decent condition. Then, starting on ADVrider, I learned that Husky was (back then) offering 2K off MSRP on the 630's, if you could still find one. Again I'm in VA. and found one at a dealer in W.Va.- the second to the last anywhere near me (and that was four hours away.) I ended up getting the TE630 for 6,100 out the door- can't beat that...couldn't have gotten a new DRZ for that...so it was a no-brainer. I also wanted a larger displacement bike for roading- I don't have a trailer or truck so I ride to where I wanna ride.

In many ways the 630 gives me a modernized version of what I liked about the RXC. It's more dirt oriented, not too piggish (once the dual cans are dropped for the single you're at around, I think, 315 or so and you can easily lose more weight w/ a battery swap, etc.) It's got great torgue, it's also billy goat-ish, and it cruises roads easily. Now me, being old school, was apprehensive about learning FI and getting the software to deal w/ that, but it wasn't too bad. At first I thought it was gonna hurt the wallet in tires alone (the first few I'd get around 700-1K miles out of.) Now that the newness has worn off a bit I'm a bit easier on it, so no big deal (and have a Mefo explorer on back now- offers good wear.) I did the clutch spring cup washer fix, so that's no longer looming in the back of my mind. I've had pretty good luck in the 7K I've had this now- one leaking radiator (not uncommon), one frayed wiring harness spot that caused some annoyance/head scratching, a leaky clutch master (common w/ these Maguras), and a leak where the fuel pump mounts up to the tank (also not uncommon). That's really it though- anything else I've done has been preference (like going to a 14T front sprocket) or preventative.

Now I've not lived with a 610 but I think I'd still prefer it over the 630. They've each got their known issues, but I think (for me, being well into my 40's) the 610 is a bit simpler in its own ways, more known inside and out, and less concern for parts availability (don't really know, though, just basing this on the 630 being a short run production.) Anyway, sorry for the long rambling and hope something in here helps with your decision.

That is some great feedback. Part of wanting this model to begin with is for the FI. All my bikes have had carbs, and for the most part they have been trouble free and operated fine at sea level and at 6k feet (both of which are pretty common for me to ride at). But FI is the future, and I am done with old technology, I want to embrace the future! I am opting for the SM due to my extra short legs and primary street usage. I have even considered lowering it an inch more as well.

How about that seat? I have heard that an aftermarket seat is pretty much a requirement for the 610, but maybe not so much for the 630.

Anything I should be looking at specifically when checking out the Huskys? Or better yet, specific questions I should ask the sellers? I will most likely make a decision based on photos and discussion and drive a significant distance to pick it up. Not that I won't have the ability to opt out, but I will be fairly committed prior to seeing/touching/riding the bike.

What part of the country are you located in?

Seat Concepts produces a "lowered seat" that does provide more stand over capability and has
a wider portion to sit on during extended relaxed riding. Night and day over the 630 stock saddle.

When it came time for me to find another sumo, I started out looking for a 630. I didn't have much luck finding one. Then I started reading up on the 610's.

FYI - the 2008+ 610's are EFI. Get the best of both.

I have had too many bikes, including the DRZSM and KTM 625 SMC. While I did enjoy the DRZ I just wanted more. I haven't had my 610 long, but so far I really like it. The vibes really weren't that bad on the SMC, but the 610 is smoother.

I am on the central coast in California. I have seen a number of 610s and 630s pop up in both Southern California and Northern California. I am currently in China and won't be able to make a purchase for another couple of weeks. But I am doing my research so I can pull the trigger relatively quickly when I get home.

I have an immaculate 2008 610TE with 2500 miles on it that I would part with (too many bikes). I'm in Durango, Colorado.

I have a 630SMS that I use as my daily commuter and I still wonder if I should have gone with the 610. The 630 is mellower even with the power up kit and changed gearing. If really want to rip it up go with the 610, if you are looking for a pumped up DR-Z that can do a little of everything go with the 630.j

The 630 will need some farkles to make it perfect.

I don't understand the concept of too many bikes!

So the lady says to the guy, " hows come you have fourteen bikes."

And he says , " 'cause i sold one "

hehehehe!

I can only comment on the SM610. All around best bike i've had.

Tear it up on the twisties with the sportbikes. Track days. Get on the highway and click off some miles.

Fire roads, powerlines and even some DRY singletrack.

Now with shinko 705's it's my lil' adventure bike. Have geared it down (14 CS) and up (16 CS). Can get 50 mpg.

Everytime i think its time to sell it , i go for a ride and it never gets old or tiring....

You need more than a power up kit to make the 630 fuel correctly. You're leaving a bunch of hp on the table.


To the OP - No matter which bike you choose, inquire and request pics of the counter shaft splines (where the front sprocket goes). Lots of things on these bikes are fairly easily fixed but that's one thing that isn't. Good luck!


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My immediate options appear to be 2007 sm 610 (a couple options) with pipe and basic mods in the $4500 range or a relatively stock 2011 230. I have a week more of work travel and then I will see what is still available when I get back. It seems that they each have their assets and liabilities.

I went with a black 06 with Leo Vince and a couple other little tweaks. Now it is time to personalize it!

Definitely the 630. The updated head is superior as is the EFI. Get some specs from Dynobob and tweak the ECU, and it's a really sweat runner.

There were a host of updates on the newer model, it's a better dualsport. The last one before being bmw-erized.

Make them an offer - I can't imagine getting more than $5K for one unless it's just pristine and super low miles. I know Johngil is going to sell his, it's a solid runner with some miles, will go for less than that.

Either way, they can run circles around the suzukis.

OOPS...I see you already bought a 610. Oh well, you're good to go!