CCM 644 or Suzuki XF650 (or something completely different!)

[kelvyn]

Currently have a Suzuki XF650 freewind it has done me proud for the last 12 months, mostly on road but with some mild off road - did 15 countries on it in september with a mate on a DR800.

But I want to go more off-road, lighter bike, less road biased - been tempted by KTM as can then go supermoto set-up for summer, but spotted CCM 644 for around £1500 - WP suspension, lighter frame, good service intervals.

Anyone got any thoughts - could spend cash on making the free wind lighter and better suspension front and rear...

or could go for a TTR250 / DR400 as I'd be using it for work and back so looking to have something with a service life of more than 15 hours (KTM?)

Thoughts?

[G]

For this class of bikes, you want to be looking at the KTM LC4 series, which generally has 1500 - 3000 mile service intervals.
They are similar to the CCM, but less weight and more power.

The CCM404 is worth considering if you're also looking at the DRZ - as it has DRZ engine, but with the better suspension. Generally I was pretty happy with mine; I had engine problems, but Suzuki engine, so can't really blame CCM for that.

[kelvyn]

CCM seems a natural step across - having had the suzuki engine for the last 12 months.

Had considered the CCM400 too with its lighter weight, KTM's are certainly more highly priced for similar age bikes.

CCM seem to suffer electrical issues from looking at the ccm riders forum...

Just spotted this thread too - https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=164425

I've got the VFR and ZXR, so could even contemplate something from that list in there.

[Bull]

My m8 has a ccm 644 and i've used it for Marshalling at the Mx track and i was Very impressed Compairing it to my Husky610,

Even a few laps on the track with me being 17s12 the Suspension never Bottomed out and Unlike my Husky610 lol

[G]

Suggests the CCM is suspended a bit too heavily for lighter people in less extreme conditions .

[Bull]

[G]

Suspension should be setup for the rider's weight with the correct spring for that weight/riding style.

The SPs were known to have a pretty harsh ride as standard.

[Bull]