KTM 640 LC4 Adventure 2007 — Specifications

Imagine a motorcycle that smells of warm sand and oil, a machine that embodies the austerity of Tyrol as much as distant horizons. The 2007 KTM 640 LC4 Adventure, that's it. It's the purebred desert machine made accessible, the direct heir to the orange rockets that marked the Dakar, offered here in a barely civilized formula for roads around the world. With its large LC4 single-cylinder engine producing 55 horsepower and 56.9 Nm of torque, it’s far from the excess of twin-cylinder engines. But that's precisely what gives it its charm and lightness: 154 kg dry weight, a featherweight that makes it lively and manageable where others become pachyderms.

Its equipment is a statement of intent. A 28-liter tank promises stages of 400 km without a hitch, while the 48 mm inverted WP fork and rear shock offer nearly 30 cm of travel to swallow potholes and rough tracks. 21 and 18-inch spoked rims are fitted with off-road tires, and the 300 mm front disc brake with four-piston caliper has a grip worthy of a sportbike. Everything is there for extreme travel. It is also the same philosophy that is found on the R version, more spartan, or on the first 2004 KTM 640 LC4 Adventure models, which laid the foundations for this myth.

However, don't be fooled. This Adventure is not a wild beast reserved for African trails. In the city or on the road, it proves surprisingly civilized. The fairing is effective, the 94.5 cm high seat is correct for its purpose, and the riding position, whether seated or standing on the footpegs, is a model of its kind for the adventurous globetrotter. The single-cylinder engine, admittedly a little vibrant, has character and pulls well from low revs, making you forget its five-speed gearbox. It devours the asphalt with a surprising ease, attracting the attention of those who dream of wide open spaces.

So, who is it for? Certainly not a beginner or a rider seeking soft comfort. At nearly 9,000 euros new, the price was high, but justified by the exclusivity and quality of the WP components. Today, searching for a used KTM 640 LC4 Adventure is an excellent plan to acquire a piece of adventure history, robust and simple to maintain. Faced with a BMW F650 GS of the time, smoother and more touring-oriented, the KTM embraces its raw and engaging side. It is the perfect tool for those who want a unique machine, ready to go with just a pair of saddlebags, and who prefer the smile of the challenge to sanitized comfort. A motorcycle with character, simply.