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
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