Dual Sporting a TE630

[GravityDT]

Hello,
Noob here to Husky's and I have a few questions...

Last bike was a Wr250F and I'm looking at getting a more dirt oriented 'adventure bike'. Was looking at the KTM 690 Enduro and the TE630 has caught my eye... Live in northern UT and am looking for a suitable bike for exploring the Nat'l Forests, maybe a bit of mellow/moderate singletrack and ultimately I want to ride the Continental Divide Trail.

Am I correct in thinking the TE630 will be the ideal bike for he above uses? Also since it's been 7 years since I had the WR I also don't want a bike that will be a complete handful initially - how is the power delivery of the 630?

Realistically the longest stretches of asphalt would be in the 250-300 mile range, usually to connect pieces of dirt.

Sounds like a larger fuel tank is on the way hopefully from Safari and I like the look of the Lynx fairings/windscreens to help out while on the road

Anyone install the Touratech Panniers/rack yet? The softbags look like a decent option as well - the Wolfman panniers or the Great Basin. Anyone have any closeup pics of the different racks on a 630 yet?

thanks for the info -

 

[ghte]

Hey guys, Gravity DT's request for info slots excatly into my sights as well. Can't wait for you 630 gurus to respond. Esp is the 630 happy to do 250-300 miles on tarmac without it getting beaten up?
Ciao

 

[K7MDL]

The bike itself is perfectly at home for fire and desert roads, completely at home on the highway also. You can thank the wide ratio tranny for that and the ample power to go with it.

Those distances are no problem. You might choose to make some adjustments for comfort such as a better seat, risers, pegs, but these are personal fit, not bike limitations.

It can also handle all but the most diffcult single track where its poor turning radius and weight are liabiliteis in tight switchbacks and steep uphills if you have to turn around or get stuck and have to push. I use my 610 on many single track trails here.

I use Dirt Bagz, but the Giant Loop and Wolfman options are great also.

I also use a Wolfman Enduro tank bag and Wolfman front fender pack, Lynx fairing (HID low beam, halogen high for easy field replacment/swap), steering damper, XPC racing seat, HDB guards/mirrors, and rotor guards.

Death Valley, Moab, Eastern and Wesatern WA and OR and Idaho, all easily handled. 200+ miles per day no issue, love it. I have the 610, but the the 630 is basically the same experience, nearly identical.

If the single track is limited or easy stuff, the KTM 950/990 bikes are also well suited to the same areas, I have ridden with them often in the same places. They work better if you are a larger person though I think, more weight.

- Mike

 

[willie]

Hello,
Noob here to Husky's and I have a few questions...

Last bike was a Wr250F and I'm looking at getting a more dirt oriented 'adventure bike'. Was looking at the KTM 690 Enduro and the TE630 has caught my eye... Live in northern UT and am looking for a suitable bike for exploring the Nat'l Forests, maybe a bit of mellow/moderate singletrack and ultimately I want to ride the Continental Divide Trail.

Am I correct in thinking the TE630 will be the ideal bike for he above uses? Also since it's been 7 years since I had the WR I also don't want a bike that will be a complete handful initially - how is the power delivery of the 630?

Realistically the longest stretches of asphalt would be in the 250-300 mile range, usually to connect pieces of dirt.

Sounds like a larger fuel tank is on the way hopefully from Safari and I like the look of the Lynx fairings/windscreens to help out while on the road

Anyone install the Touratech Panniers/rack yet? The softbags look like a decent option as well - the Wolfman panniers or the Great Basin. Anyone have any closeup pics of the different racks on a 630 yet?

thanks for the info -

Had the same mindset as you when I decided on the 630. Excellent bike! With it's wide ratio 6 speed and smooth engine it can tractor along at a walking pace and cruise the highway effortlessly. My only complaint is the stiff front suspension and intend to soften it up over the winter. With the accessories you plan to add, the 630 will make an ideal long distance dual sport.

 

[GravityDT]

Thanks for the info guys - hopefully others will chime in.

Anyone have any pics of rack setups on the 610/630? Doesn't seem like much out there right now...

Really would like to see some close up pics of the Touratech rack w/o the panniers attached. I assume its pretty easy to attach soft bags to a rack like that?

 

[johnpitts01]

Ds 630

I am in exactly the same position. Currently on a KLR650. I do one long distance adventure trip every year, with a few shorter distance trips and on weekends I like to get out on the local trails.

The big trips include some tarmac, and mostly easy gravel and fire roads. Some tighter stuff.

The KLR handles the tarmac and easy fire roads well. Though the fron end on the KLR is havy and subject to washout. If it gets a little tight the KLR is a handful.

I am looking for something with at least equal road worthiness, more power and hopefully lighter.

The 630 fits the bill, and in my mind is the ONLY thing that is worthy of consideration. I havent ridden one yet. I have riddne the KTM 690. IMO that is not the bike for me. Too harsh and not suitable for long high speed stretches.

I am also waiting to see the new Triumph 800XC and I have ridden an F800GS. These bikes check most of the boxes for what I do, but the weight is a big drawback for me.

 

[WFO]

The 630 sounds like exactly what you want. I know mine does everything you describe very well.
The bike does require a power up kit before it runs right , keep that in mind if you test drive one.
The seat is thicker n wider than a 610 or 690 but its still not as wide as a klr. Aftermarket can help with that if its a problem for you. i find it pretty darn comfortable.
The wide ratio 6 speed tranny is the best available. It`s complimented by the smoothest, softest pull hydro clutch I have ever wrapped a finger around. Tranny also shifts very smooth n easy but neutral can be hard to find while the bikes running (when new, gets better).
Really the bike is exellent. all it needs is a power up kit(cheap),some protection(skidplate,bark busters n rad gaurds), some loctite n a endless supply of tires.

 

[K7MDL]

I should add that I came from a decked out Adventure ready (and used) '08 KLR. I put teh SW Motech V2 removable luggage brackets and some top loading (1460) boxes on them. But like bikes of that style, it was realtively heavy.

When I got my 610, I made a conscious effort to not add a lot of weight to it. Adding this stuff starts to blur the advantage of its lightweight and makes it move into the category of the F800 and KLR.

You can pack a lot with the available Dirt Bagz, Coyote (Giant Loop), and Wolfman bags (prices are all on-line for these and come with all mounting hardware). You can throw a duffle over the top for increased capacity the few times you need it. Keep in mind the subframe on the 610 has its limits, and the 630 is close to the same. Yes, people have proven they can load up a ton of stuff, but an equal number have shown they can't. Many variables.

I suggest you hold the line on the weight of your attachments or you will end up with just a more powerful KLR, but start to feel limited like a KLR. Keep it light and dare to venture off into the rougher stuff, or even some single track. This bike will do it. My IMS tank and radiators prove that! That also means keeping a narrow profile, something hard boxes do not do well. And rougher stuff means more ground contact. The hard boxes will either break, or break your subframe, or your leg, or all of the above.

I point this out because if you are considering a change from a KLR or F800, or ruled them out, then you are probably looking at a "lifestyle" change also, largely driven by weight and being restrictied where you can go with the weight. Don't make the mistake of rebuilding what you did not like to begin with.

- Mike

 

[Blazes]

Thanks for the info guys - hopefully others will chime in.

Anyone have any pics of rack setups on the 610/630? Doesn't seem like much out there right now...

Really would like to see some close up pics of the Touratech rack w/o the panniers attached. I assume its pretty easy to attach soft bags to a rack like that?

Planning to get a 630te in the future --when i get tired of my 09/610 --think it will be a while still --hehe just love the bike to bits.

This is what i use --i do a lot of trips with my 610te and many solo rides as well -- Pro Billett rack and side ears -- with soft luggage







Uploaded with ImageShack.us Sorry about the bad pic ---

 

[jerbear610]

TCI (Turbo City) has a nice setup for the 610. Not sure about the 630.
I've got the Borrego rear rack w/ Sequoia Tailbag.

 

[ghte]

Hey guys, thanks for the really useful first hand information. I always knew the 610 and probably the 630 would excell off road. However, I was a tad sceptical about longer haul tarmac rides. I think I have a good handle on the bike now and it is filling the bill for me. next stop a 630 to add to my 310.

 

[johnpitts01]

Dont make it a KLR

I hear ya Mike. I go light on the KLR - soft bags and a Pelican on the rear rack.

I'd probably go with a Giant Loop on the TE630. I'd try to stay away from an IMS or other big tank and use the Kolpin's or Rotopax.


John

I should add that I came from a decked out Adventure ready (and used) '08 KLR. I put teh SW Motech V2 removable luggage brackets and some top loading (1460) boxes on them. But like bikes of that style, it was realtively heavy.

When I got my 610, I made a conscious effort to not add a lot of weight to it. Adding this stuff starts to blur the advantage of its lightweight and makes it move into the category of the F800 and KLR.

You can pack a lot with the available Dirt Bagz, Coyote (Giant Loop), and Wolfman bags (prices are all on-line for these and come with all mounting hardware). You can throw a duffle over the top for increased capacity the few times you need it. Keep in mind the subframe on the 610 has its limits, and the 630 is close to the same. Yes, people have proven they can load up a ton of stuff, but an equal number have shown they can't. Many variables.

I suggest you hold the line on the weight of your attachments or you will end up with just a more powerful KLR, but start to feel limited like a KLR. Keep it light and dare to venture off into the rougher stuff, or even some single track. This bike will do it. My IMS tank and radiators prove that! That also means keeping a narrow profile, something hard boxes do not do well. And rougher stuff means more ground contact. The hard boxes will either break, or break your subframe, or your leg, or all of the above.

I point this out because if you are considering a change from a KLR or F800, or ruled them out, then you are probably looking at a "lifestyle" change also, largely driven by weight and being restrictied where you can go with the weight. Don't make the mistake of rebuilding what you did not like to begin with.

- Mike