Oh oooooh

[rm298z]

I'll buy the KTM if Honda does not put something out similar in the next year. KTM makes a great offroad product. Will be nice to have something with ergo's similar to todays mx bikes. The XR's kind of feel dated in that way.

[tomb1957]

Honda is coming out with a 700cc quad that the engine looks like it is based on the XR650R. Maybe we will see a new XR.

[Old Dog]

They're called modern ergos and yes Honda has them - on their 450R. ON most modern bikes the seat is very very flat - even out back.

My 628 feels like a bathtub compared to my 450R - 450R is much easier to maneuvre.

Thanks for posting the pic rmhrc630, it only goes towards proving my point. ?

If you can honestly say that the bike on the right is easier to handle (center of gravity wise) and you're less apt to go flying over your bars (all other things aside, weight, HP, Tourque, height, etc.) then I think you haven't ridden enough "old style ergonomics" to be able to formulate an informed opinion.

I've been riding these puppies for 33 years, take my word for it, I know what I'm taking about.

[HeadTrauma]

Everyone likes to whine about "dated" ergos, but somehow easily forget about getting that numb patch on their butt from trail riding a flat-seated MXer.

That "I don't sit down when I ride" story doesn't work either. If you don't sit on it, why is the seat important? Does anyone ride faster with their jewels on the bar pad?

[Suikerland]

Come on!!

And current bikes have no electronics? The XR650L has a well known CDI glitch.

The graphics came on the bike when I got it - they're factory effex graphics.

Seriously some of you guys are so anti technology or development.

its not a really case of being anti technology.

I like technology, but the KTM Baja just doesn't come anywhere close to filling the XRR's shoes in the way that the XR is a bike for the ordinary bloke who wants performance and reliability without a load of money. (And I don't think KTM is even interested in being that).

The XR was designed to win Baja all those years ago, but somehow it also came with a philosophy of simplicity and reliability which made it more than a race bike and will keep it in demand long after its racing days are over.

XRR - almost race ready

AND cheap to buy,

easy to maintain / loads of cheap parts,

ultra reliable, proven long-life engine

good for backyard mechanics

KTM - almost race ready,

expensive to buy,

expensive to maintain / expensive parts

prefers dealers to backyard mechanics

no history of KTM baja to determine reliability

(and busted header pipes and rear brakes on its first Baja outing)

Sure, the KTM Baja is a beautiful bike, hi-tech race winner and will probably dominate Baja.

But I just don't think it's for the common man.

If I earned 20k a month and lived close to a KTM dealer, and didn't plan on taking 5 day trips into nowhere, and didn't want a bike I could pull apart in my back yard, I'd love a KTM Baja.

But I can (and did) buy a 2 year old XRR for a cheap price, wrench it in my backyard with a manual and a few tools to make it the way I like (for cheap price), and I know I've got a very tough bike that's going to keep going (with a bit of common sense and very little money) for another 10 years.

Thats the XR mentality - kind of a DIY thing. I just don't think that's what KTM is or is trying to be.

If I had $$$ and wanted a technological wonder-bike to win Baja or Dakar, I'd go KTM. But I'm just a (very) novice mechanic who wants a bike that's simple, cheap-as-chips, easy to work on, with a very long life. And has more power than I'll ever need.

The pig wins. The pig and the KTM might compete for Baja, but they are not competing for my small dollars, (and KTM knows it).

BTW, I'm not anti-KTM, I own a 640 LC4 -

I love it and it's a beautiful bike, but it can't take the beating that my XR takes, and when something breaks, it's a very long wait for very expensive parts. Result is that it's not being ridden since my pig came along and is sadly going up for sale. Lovely bikes though.

Guess what I'm saying is that I can't afford the cost of KTM technology. I do like it, but I like XR simplicity better.

[hill5150]

They're called modern ergos and yes Honda has them - on their 450R. ON most modern bikes the seat is very very flat - even out back.

My 628 feels like a bathtub compared to my 450R - 450R is much easier to maneuvre.

Thank goodness this is all cleared up for us now........It was hard to sleep before this invaluable information..................?

[BWB63]

Nice clean bikes, not a scratch on ether of them. Perfect in every way. Those are the newest looking, best kept bikes I have ever seen. Must be all new parts, not a little mark anywhere, nothing but, the best protection must be used when loading, tiing down or unloading. Never even dropped. Best rider in the world, that can miss ever bush not even marks from branhes. brand new grips, not rub marks on the frame or kick starter. WoW, clean bikes!?

[dezracerE]

Check Sept 12 Cycle News.

Quote from David Pearson:

"In the 500, we were losing brakes like crazy, but this race, we tested different brake pads (with better results). Weve done, probably 10 testing days at least- solid days, like 12 hr days- of testing on this bike. We want to get it to where we can produce it (for retail customers), and in order to do that, we've got to race races and break stuff, find out whats good and whats bad on it."

Also- a photo with their top speed from V-R- 107.2 mph!

Sounds like a Baja big bore soon for the retail market.

Come on Honda- we need a 700 EFI e-start XR.

[Kenaroo]

Guess what I'm saying is that I can't afford the cost of KTM technology. I do like it' date=' but I like XR simplicity better.[/quote']

I think that pretty much sums it up.

I race a lot of harescrambles,GPs etc and spend a pretty good wad of cash keeping my CRF going and in winning shape. My friends that race KTMs don't have anymore problems or spend more money than I do. It's pretty much a wash when we talk about replacement parts.. Plus, our KTM dealer has more parts in stock for the KTMs than my local Honda dealer has for my bike.. and that really pisses me off.

Honda has finish producing the XRR... which, IMO is very sad..

but.. If honda wants me to replace my old XRR with a new CRF450X.. they are going to loose me as a customer..

I'd gladly buy a KTM 690 baja to ride and race in the desert than a CRF450X.

HONDA.... ARE YOU LISTENING!!!!!!! BUILD US A NEW UPDATED XR650R REPLACEMENT

[railer80]

yay for KTM (again)

[rmhrc630]

Nice clean bikes, not a scratch on ether of them. Perfect in every way. Those are the newest looking, best kept bikes I have ever seen. Must be all new parts, not a little mark anywhere, nothing but, the best protection must be used when loading, tiing down or unloading. Never even dropped. Best rider in the world, that can miss ever bush not even marks from branhes. brand new grips, not rub marks on the frame or kick starter. WoW, clean bikes!?

that was ummmmmm 2 years ago Bdub.

very different looking bikes today

[XR680RR]

that was ummmmmm 2 years ago Bdub.

very different looking bikes today

Haaaaaa! Will you two just kiss and make up:p

Borynack, you to funny.

[hill5150]

yay for KTM (again)

...............?

[BWB63]

Sarcasm? I think that was something to do with the never ending praise form down under of KTM (even without owning one). They are the best, smoke Honda, the bike to own but, wait, I don't own one, I am on a XR650R forum..... yay, for KTM! I think this might be a loose interpretation?

[rmhrc630]

Sarcasm? I think that was something to do with the never ending praise form down under of KTM (even without owning one). They are the best, smoke Honda, the bike to own but, wait, I don't own one, I am on a XR650R forum..... yay, for KTM! I think this might be a loose interpretation?

What do I own? 2 Honda's - one I have out mega dollars into.

Never ending praise - yes. Why? DEVELOPMENT. AND We don't get the XR650s anymore.

So when one company drops 2 awesome bikes, and shows ZERO sign of developing any new big bore, while another (KTM) shows MASSIVE signs of making an awesome bike (that I want Honda to build) then yeah HOnda deserve criticism.

You keep your 650R. That's fine. But dont crap on people who appreciate good development in dirt bikes. That is real lame.

I'll repeat my previous message - HONDA DONT SELL THE 650S IN AUSTRALIA ANY LONGER. THE YQUIT OUR MARKET 2 YEARS AGO.

Your continual support for a bike that will have a use by date is commendable.

But dont force your views (which loosely speaking are "leave the 650R as it we dont want change" ) onto others as you are wanton to do.

Some people like progressive change and appreciate the good things that come from it. Not all change is good but as manufacturers are in the business of selling things, they eventually (hopefully) get the mix right otherwise they go out of the market. It's fair to say Honda really are on the cusp of leaving the big bore market.?

[hill5150]

What do I own? 2 Honda's - one I have out mega dollars into.

Never ending praise - yes. Why? DEVELOPMENT. AND We don't get the XR650s anymore.

So when one company drops 2 awesome bikes, and shows ZERO sign of developing any new big bore, while another (KTM) shows MASSIVE signs of making an awesome bike (that I want Honda to build) then yeah HOnda deserve criticism.

You keep your 650R. That's fine. But dont crap on people who appreciate good development in dirt bikes. That is real lame.

I'll repeat my previous message - HONDA DONT SELL THE 650S IN AUSTRALIA ANY LONGER. THE YQUIT OUR MARKET 2 YEARS AGO.

Your continual support for a bike that will have a use by date is commendable.

But dont force your views (which loosely speaking are "leave the 650R as it we dont want change" ) onto others as you are wanton to do.

Some people like progressive change and appreciate the good things that come from it. Not all change is good but as manufacturers are in the business of selling things, they eventually (hopefully) get the mix right otherwise they go out of the market. It's fair to say Honda really are on the cusp of leaving the big bore market. :eek:

I have to get my dictionary out to decipher this..................?

[BWB63]

I think everone has said, they want a better XR650R:excuseme: At least from those that own one.

My point of view on KTM. The Baja 690 is a heavy joke and the 525 and others need a linkless rear suspension, improved fork valving, a more reliable fifth/sixth gear, a stator that stays working, and owner friendly mantance.

Husky TE510 is a much better choise then the KTM525. It has problems with power delivery. I kinda liked it...radical, I thought it might have a light flywheel. Suspension was different but, much nicer then KTM.

I don't know if you lose track or lose track of how many beers you have had or what? I think I was the one that posted pictures of the promised KTM 690 at a pit of the Baja 500, Might have been me that wrote a post about lighter, fuel injected XR650R or some other bullet proff 'Berg' big bore type of honda.

[rmhrc630]

My point of view on KTM. The Baja 690 is a heavy joke .

First weight details of the new Baja690 shows it weight 2 kg LESS than the XR650R.

XR650R - 137kg

690baja - 135kg

Let's call it the same!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Not that I expect you to believe that weight.

I think a while back you also compared a full house XR650R with a stock baja690 didn't you and came to the conclusion that the 650R was more powerful - well go figure!

The 690 is the most exciting big bore in 7 years. Credit where credit is due.

[BWB63]

More then happy to give credit, I was wrong I was stating it as fact that the Baja 690 was 135kg dry weight (297 pounds). I don't know that as fact as dry weight but, the XR650R is 126kg (277 pounds) dry weight not 137kg (308 pound is fluid and full of fuel). Mine is ready to ride on the street is 324 full of fuel. I do not know where you get your numbers but, they are the same on the KTM 690 that I wrote before, I didn't know I was that spot on. The XR650L "L" is 324 pounds dry weight that would be 148kg and 356 pounds ready to ride.

At this point, not the same at all! there is a twenty pound difference. Slow down on the booze.

First weight details of the new Baja690 shows it weight 2 kg LESS than the XR650R.

XR650R - 137kg

690baja - 135kg

Let's call it the same!!!!!!!!!!!!?

Not that I expect you to believe that weight.

I think a while back you also compared a full house XR650R with a stock baja690 didn't you and came to the conclusion that the 650R was more powerful - well go figure!

The 690 is the most exciting big bore in 7 years. Credit where credit is due.

[rmhrc630]

Bdub I got the XR650R weight from the following site:

http://www.dirtrodders.com/xr650r/faq.html#1