mazambaan

I used to follow MotoGP and those podcasts a lot but although I am pleased for Ducati after their years of struggle, dominance and fiddly rules does not make for interest. I also miss Simon Crafar's insights. Peter Bom is technically excellent but he can play the arrogant German. MotoPG was entertaining and they are technically knowledgeable but their crude Oz "humour" becomes puerile,

All I can say is good luck and I sympathise. Losing it seldom helps and I just hope it gets done properly. My default setting is DIY (these single cylinder KTM's are not complicated bikes, procedures and manuals are widely available) if at all possible then go to someone I actually know and trust (not many and getting fewer all the time and not foolproof, sob). Frustrating I know and a worldwide issue, mainly KTM spares.

Sadly I think this may happen. I think KTM are developing bikes for others (Acosta etc) and BB is battling (high on the list of number of crashes this year). The other aspect is that Red Bull may back out of KTM MotoGP then the team is no more. Just speculating.

Acosta?

That is irritating. One current problem is a lack of spares, both from age and KTM's financial woes (Lyndon Poskitt is advertising asking for LC4 although 690 cylinders for his conversions). I hope this is not the case with you and that an honest KTM experienced mechanic is doing the work. Simple machines but you have to follow the procedures. Check out Poskitt anyway. https://lyndonposkittracing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1288913129262265&set=a.253485102805078

Ouch and I smashed a shoulder maybe 10 years ago, also no operation but had Sani in a few months so went to a biokineticist then physio to get there. Money well spent methinks. It is still uncomfortable when I lie on it and haven't got full range of motion but it works and minimal pain.

Let me add; check that the chain adjuster bolts in the swing arm turn freely; grease, molyslip etc the hell out of them. They are prone to seizing. Check the chain tension is correct; KTM's look loose, tightening them can lead to a countershaft leak and, worst case, wear on the countershaft.

I think that is the preferred one to the Mikuni BST 40 (640 Adv models). https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/which-carb-is-best-on-lc4-640.167872/ But as long as it runs well through the rev range it will be acceptable - I never changed my BST; just cut the pollution stuff out. Your won't have this I am pretty sure.

You are on it and thanks for the Temu note; I am a late joiner in that area but some good pricing for sure. The curse of a fork seal leak is that, if you have it on the brake side, the oil contaminates the pads resulting in poor braking 🙃 and new pads needed (the 640Adv had dual discs = overkill). Check the rear suspension linkage (I know I've said this before), easy to service but a swine if it seizes or wears. Hope yours has a non-diaphragm carb although it doesn't really matter unless you are power crazed. Enjoy it.

I hope you can get it all done well and for a reasonable price to listen to that big single boom. They are simple bikes as long as you can get spares. Folding mirrors can be had from a Wilddogs contributor and there was someone who sold LED indicators although not the greatest quality. A shop such as Startline (in KZN) can be helpful. Bleed the forks after almost every ride to limit fork seal leaks.

It is a very tough one and condolences to Dennis's family and friends; horrible deed by horrible people empowered by inaction by "government". But such is SA as, with friends and I closing on Dennis's age we often recount how we used to ride here and there but only the very brave or foolhardy (in our opinion of course) do it now. But it is hard to accept that the places you loved have gone, likely forever so it is adapt or....... well, take on risk. Essentially expecting the mayor or premier to act is correct but unlikely; even adding other possibilities like PPA engaging private security and SAPS is likely to be, at best, a temporary reprieve from SA's harsh reality.

One of the iconic big singles methinks. I had a 640 Adventure and regret selling; sometimes. Comment: Loctite everything, try change to LED indicators and check the wiring behind the headlight same time - it can rub. They do not like to stand (ride them!) - mine started seeping water at the water pump; known issue but fiddly to sort out and someone suggested it as because it wasn't used enough. Check the rear suspension linkage, many don't have a grease nipple and need regular greasing, particularly if used in wet conditions. Check the air filter - it is a somewhat fiddly thing (3 or 4 bolts) to get to compared to a dirt bike so can be neglected. Grease the seal between filter and airbox. Extensive threads on AdvRider. Ride and enjoy.

Back to basics, that was what MTB was like before all these manicured, bermed leaf blown tracks 😁

Harsh crowd of experts I see as I am always impressed with how the professional men and women handle quite daunting obstacles (to me anyway and I have ridden enduro and offroad), lap after lap and at impressive speeds, racing. I guess trying to pedal and turn entering a rock garden can happen to the best. Get well soon, hopefully o serious injuries.

We digress a little but, as I hammer 3 score years and 10, I am always ATGATT although it varies; BMW "Rally" jacker or vented jacked or Alpine Stars protector vest, usually a neck brace, always knee guards and Tech 7 boots, seldom less. Snag is that "adventure riding" speeds, and hence airflow, can vary so much. You can ride 100km on gravel for 5km of loose round rocks, enduro style and snug on the gravel roads usually means cooking over the rocks. No answers but I do glance at the airbag vests and jackets although I think I do not ride enough to justify R20k odd, one accident at 20kph or more could justify the expenditure in spades.

Well done and righting the ship; no auto pilot but less harm done. A word of warning; in the Umgeni valley in KZN is such a drift among many; innocuous, slightly green but hellish slippery. I nipped through with no throttle but still a little wiggle; my partner dumped his GS800 BMW and it was quite difficult to right with the concrete being so slippery. I suspect it twas the slippery drift where a KZN adventure stalwart dumped his bike and suffered broken ribs, punctured lung and some internal injuries, eventually passing away, RIP Simon?

Well done to all finishers and, having had a few overheating (and freezing) experiences where some part of your brain tells you "You could die here" I am exceedingly impressed by Stephan & DnD et al. After listening to a few friends' comments on their Epics I quickly realised it was out of my capability so I watch on and off from afar. My overall impression is that it is a bit like a poorly organised Dakar Rallye where it was rumoured that the organisers only allow for half the participants to get beyond halfway (and a few sad deaths each year RIP Elmer Symons). Like Dakar, I'm guessing it will continue to have a full field but we shall see.

Thank you, point taken and I will do that. Luckily, touch wood, these bikes do not need much in the way of spares. Fuel, tyres, change oil (ah, oil filters - there are alternatives I believe!) and go.

Very nice and I may have dodged a bullet as my son is a water boy and slightly cheaper; but you are "in the business" as it were. Quick question please; what do you see as the future for Husqvarna - I have two (501 and 701) so am an "interested and affected" party?

I am vaguely looking at this now although slightly higher bracket. I have Nikon Monarchs 12 x 50 that have been excellent but they are getting on now. 10 x 42 seems the preferred size but preference varies. If in CT try get to Orms as they are, by most accounts, excellent and carry a wide range from Vortex to Leica to Swarovski (do not even look; starts at R30k I think). Otherwise Zeiss, Steiner, maybe Bushnell and Leica.

Interesting and completely understandable, my little "problem" is "mixed" conditions as I normally ride prepared trails (XC/Marathon type) so it is lycra, jersey, cycling hat. BUT, every now and then on the trail there is the rock garden / tech section, and off piste downhill or the lure of an enduro section at Giba (all when you should actually walk or turn away). 🙈Part way down you wish you had all the kit; full face, ballistic vest (heck, air vest), knee braces and MX boots as you take in the jagged rocks or cannot control the speed anymore.

I was really pleased Martin got the No. 1 after having been screwed around a bit by the factory but that is Gigi for you. With MM back in beastie mode could be interesting, could be a snore fest.

I find baggies handy for their pocket - particularly for a hanky (old school). If you have a hydration pack it can be difficult to get to the back pockets of your jersey.

True when you see the age of promising youngsters being signed for long term contracts. Listening to a Matt Beers interview he noted that, aside from his size 😎, a big disadvantage when he went on the road was understanding the peloton and tactics. This seems to take a year or two.

Not really commenting on Nic only but sport is littered with great talents who "went off the rails", some permanently. So the development should include life mentoring and even structuring (IMHO). I do not know detail but I think Martin Dreyer has done a wonderful job with Change a Life' Academy & Family Adventure.