2001 KTM 640 Duke II
To be fair, most of us looked extremely weird in the late 90s and early 00s. Just google early 2000’s style trends and I guarantee that you will be repulsed. After you see that, not only should you be happy that that the 640 Duke doesn’t look weirder than it already does but also that women talked to you when you looked liked that in 2000s. KTM has always had some interesting headlight designs so we can’t hold that against them but if you can look past the Preying Mantis front end, there is great hooligan motorcycle to be had.
The black and tan colorway is a departure from KTM’s signature orange but for those who like something a little more subtle yet unique, this should tickle your pickle.
For the avid street rider, having a balance of power and weight is very important. You want to be able to zip through round-a-bouts and side streets and have fun without kissing the red line of your GSXR and it’s $50 Ebay shorty muffler. This is where the Duke 640 and it’s LC4 come in handy. With 55 hp and 44 lb ft of torque, you can confidently chuck this 350 lb bike around the city or through a tight canyon and be entertained anywhere in the rev range. The seller is including Staintune slip ons and bigger carb in the sale to juice up your ride as well.
One of the biggest complaints about this motorcycle is that the seat may as well be a rectangle with 90 degree edges. I like to remedy this by bringing my own seat cushion via my own rear end so I don’t really consider this an issue. Regardless of how much natural seat cushion you bring, the relatively low fuel range will have you dismounting often for gas.
If you want some rear end support, you may want to check this seat cover out.
My favorite thing about motorcycles from this era are the analog gauges. So much more satisfying!
This is likely one of the cleanest 640 Dukes out there. Super low miles and not a bit of corrosion or dirt in any of the places you would expect on a bike of this age. Aside from being one of the early gems of the Duke lineup, I think what makes this motorcycle so great is that this formula still isn’t really produced today (aside from KTM’s own 690 SMC). Sure you can buy a DRZ but you’ll also be outclassed by a Ford Fusion after 60 mph.
Auction is no reserve and is currently at $2K with 10 bids. Certainly under appreciated as a rider’s bike so this may be an opportunity for a good deal.
-Norm
this would look great in my garage. 3 gallon tank is better then most motards. looks well taken care of
I had one. If you like your testicles, then this is not the bike for you. After 50 miles one must pull over and check to make sure everything is still attached.
They are great fun and the front wheel does not like staying in contact with the asphalt. Shenanigans on demand.
Some cylinder heads were prone to cracking on the 2001 and maybe older LC4’s. That turned me off of KTM’s for good.