1999 KTM 640 ADVENTURE R 'DEACON DAKAR REPLICA'

This KTM 640 LC4 Adventure R is an exciting dual-sport motorcycle, which was transformed as part of a limited run of ‘Deacon Dakar Replica’ machines. It has a 625cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine fed by a Mikuni carburettor, producing around 53bhp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.

Enduro racer John Deacon first entered the Paris-Dakar rally in 1997, placing 17th overall, and becoming only the second British entrant to ever finish the event. In 1998 he returned, this time coming eighth overall in the motorcycle category. His best-place finish would be in 1999, clocking in at sixth overall, and the highest-ranked privateer entry.

In commemoration of this feat, JD Racing built 10 ‘Dakar Replica’ versions of the 640 Adventure R, to recreate Deacon’s KTM entrant. It is understood that these replicas came with upgraded suspension, carbon-fibre shrouds either side of the motor, a modified exhaust system, and a frame to hold the digital road book.

First registered in September 1999, there are four previous registered keepers on the log book. The present owner acquired the bike three years ago from a private collection. He subsequently put it through a thorough recommissioning service in 2018, and has since covered around 400 miles.

The frame and body panels on the bike are described as being in very good order, with the blue and orange livery having only a few small light scratches and chips from road use. The seller notes that the wheels fitted are Excel rims with Talon hubs, but that the original wheels come with the bike. All of the external features present well, including the grip guards, large circular rear-view mirrors, and the stainless exhaust tail pipe. There is also a metal grille headlight guard.

The seat is in great shape, with no rips or tears in the blue material, and the hand grips have aged slightly, they are still perfectly usable. All of the switchgear works as it should, and the bike is equipped with an electric F2R roadbook reader for rally navigation. The original KTM speedometer is a known weak point, and the unit on this bike is inoperative. An upgrade to a more reliable aftermarket unit is recommended for the next owner.

Mechanically, this 640 Adventure R is in excellent condition, having been fully recommissioned in 2018 by specialist James Berrill - now of Cooperb Motorcycles in Northampton. The KTM was fully dismantled, and the suspension was serviced and rebuilt; a new chain, sprockets, and discs were fitted, and new wheel bearings and brake pads were also installed. It received new tyres, a replacement battery, had the valves set and all of the fluids changed, and was then thoroughly lubricated and adjusted.

The last MOT test was carried out on 18 February 2019, and the certificate has therefore expired. However, the seller will put the bike through a fresh test before handover to the next owner. Its tyres have covered approximately 350 miles, and remain in good condition.

Testing the standard model in 2002, Road Runner magazine concluded: “There are a lot of enduro bikes out there but nothing compares to KTM's 640 LC4 Adventure R. Finally, there's a bike capable of carrying you to the ends of the world. And the quality of the road, whether smooth or cratered, makes little difference”.

This KTM 640 Adventure R is a superb dual-sport bike, which the seller says is a joy to ride on country lanes as well as rural tracks. He has participated in two technical navigation events using the tulip-diagram roadbook reader, which works well, so can vouch for its performance both on and off the road. Accompanied by the original KTM literature and books, and being one of just 10 exacting replicas built by the late John Deacon’s own motorcycle business, this is a well-presented and special bike that would be a great addition to any collection of adventure or enduro machines.

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