My KTM Camshaft Story Update! - Is it fixed?

HERE IT IS! The Answers you have been waiting for. Well, I might not be the fix for every affected KTM bike but at least there is one complete story out here.
I'm not going to do another video on this as I feel my story has come to an end.
let's hope the KTM Camshaft Issues will become a part of history and that we can all move away from it.
Matt’s video (The Diry Garage Guy):
kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmeyXomGhqymgassi=xedq6m9DyUHUYoa3
My first cam video:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2eqfYp_nNdkeacsi=-t0a0D5ys8_RrspV
I hope you like this video please let me know what you thought in the comments below. 👇 If you want to follow the journey don't forget to subscribe.
Bike: Modified KTM 790 Adventure S
I'm also on Instagram: @ADV_Charlie
adv_charlie
Music From: Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com/referral/4ym0om/

[@rfk76]

thank you for making this video - this is super comforting for someone who bought 2023 890 Adv R a year ago. I just had my 11k km service done, oil filters were clean, so I hope this is really solved now. And knowing that KTM is taking responsibility... that is important. Thanks and kind regards from Poland. Cheers!

[@BigMuz83]

The damage to KTM as a brand is going to take a long time to recover. They made a calculation to ignore this problem rather than issue a recall and they deserve to live with the consequences. It was a very bad short narrow minded decision. I say this as an owner of 2 ktms 😢

[@stevewalker2028]

Disastrous PR. Nobody gives KTM any credit for finally being shamed into refunding some customers, what we'll all remember is how dishonest and cynical this company is. Glad you got some justice anyway.

[@bradsanders6954]

Yeah, only KTM has ever had a engine problem. The fact they are covering this is well beyond amazing. Like Suzuki had DR650's, some of them blow 3rd gear and destroy the entire engine. They never admitted or covered any damage. Kawasaki has had the same thing happen with the KLR, for many years and I dont think they ever fixed the tensioner. They dont admit to anything. They cover nothing. Todays internet blows things up instantly, people go on the war path and they never stop. My 890R has zero of any problems the internet says it does. Its a really fun bike and hauls ass! KTM builds 75 different models, not just 790/890.

[@BigMuz83]

​@@bradsanders6954valid points but we're talking about KTM not any other manufacturer. Yes the Internet does blow things up which only makes their response up to now seem more idiotic. They have the Internet in Austria too..

[@flippy66]

@@bradsanders6954 What's your point? Nothing you've said changes anything BigMuz said. All you've said is "in the before times companies got away with things they can't now". Yup.

[@mstfsircold]

I'm so glad to hear that Charlie! Both the current situation of the new cams and the full refund announcement. Although the damage is done, I hope KTM will start building reliable bikes. Cheers!

[@chuckgenaro4373]

I bought a 2024 790 for the seat hight and the off-road performance. I am 6’ tall with short legs, 29” inseam. I’m also 70 tears old and need the lighter bike. Came from a 1200GS. The bike has been a blast to ride in the Smokey mountains, taking it to Moab soon

[@Adv_Charlie]

Moab is stunning rode the shaders trail yesterday

[@Oldguy-k3t]

​@@Adv_CharlieWatch Chris Birch riding cliff trail!!!

[@AwesomePlayers]

Thanks for the update. I have a 24 Norden, and a friend has a 24 790. We love the bikes and have our toes and fingers crossed.

[@DukeofTexas]

I’m so happy for you! Really, when I decided to go toe-to-toe with KTM over my failed cams, it was for people like you. I guess they got the message when I walked in and told them I want a new engine. I’m just reallly thrilled for guys like you who got the shaft from KTM in the earlier years. (Get it? Got the shaft 😂) Cheers mate! Keep riding!

[@glossblack1098]

This is such great news for 790, 890, 901 owners. This sets a precedent for all others following. Cheers

[@PadmaDorjee]

What a great result Charlie, I am happy for you and the others who received a refund. It's probably because of people like you this positive result was possible, THANK YOU.

[@greatfallskam]

As a KTM 890 Adventure owner, thank you for documenting your experience with the camshaft issue. Hopefully you can keep track of it next time you pop the head off. Thanks. Excellent.

[@paultaylorduke]

Great news Charlie! But, KTM isn’t refunding everyone, it’s a goodwill program so some get full refund, some get just parts refund and some get nothing. I own a 790 Duke and was only refunded for parts.

[@AntaresSQ01]

That was PRIOR to the statement, it's still goodwill in name but they said they'll refund for any signs of damage now as long as there is no obvious missed service or user induced damage

[@flippy66]

@@AntaresSQ01 Whether they actually will is yet to be seen.

[@justmyself1000]

Great news! Happy for you! Thank You for sharing this! I like KTM bikes and really want to continue with them. I hate that it has taken soooo much pressure to force our hand to get them to do the right thing. This is a victory for all of us who have pulled together! Enjoy your trip and ride safe!

[@nicodiaz627]

I used to be a KTM owner and had the same issue. Never again.

[@Motoeuro]

Congrats Charlie! Really happy that your new cams are OK and you’ve been refunded that money, great news! Thanks to you and other content creators, we’ve got the message across. KTM have sustained substantial repetitional damage over this and their u-turn was necessary. Good luck on the rest of your amazing adventure, cheers from the UK 🤟

[@Danger_mouse]

Good video my friend. I'm definitely not a KTM fan, and it has amused me in an odd way to see their miss handling of this issue. Great to see someone with a no nonsense factual video and seemingly, albeit delayed, good outcome. Perhaps KTM have finally grown a corporate conscience 🤷

[@bikenavbm1229]

thanks for the update, interested as I am also a shortie and come to the same conclusion as yourself, good luck with the rest of your trip.

[@paulmorris3022]

Hi Charlie. good to hear that KTM have finally seen sense and you are able to recoup your losses. loving your channel.

[@pajownik]

It is beyond me. How they thought they could get away with it. It's disgusting. Even though they reimbursed you, it shouldn't happen. The fault itself is embarrassing enough. Refusal to fix it under warranty is lowest of the low. My next bike will be Japanese.

[@whza75]

I had exactly this failure on a Mazda CX-5 diesel. It can happen to Japanese made engines too. Probably not as frequently, but it's not a guarantee that if you buy Japanese you won't have any issues. Oddly enough, my most reliable bike I've ever owned was a KTM, had issues with two Suzukis and Yamaha.

[@pajownik]

@@whza75 Nothing is perfect. Mazda isn't an example of reliability either. The real problem here is the attitude of the manufacturer. Your experience may be different. I experienced far les problems, owning various Suzuki bikes for eight years, than owning one KTM for two years.

[@shortbusdog]

Every brand has had issues. My buddies new triumph recently ate the cams.

[@pajownik]

@@shortbusdog I bet, that Triumpn has honoured the warranty?

[@shortbusdog]

@@pajownik the bike was still under warranty so yes. But my ktm out of warranty was covered without any problems. Expecting a large company to not act like a large company is kinda ridiculous

[@maximusmiles8435]

I have a 2020 790. This is really good news. Thank you , and sorry for the bs you had to endure.

[@TriggerRidesEverything]

Glad to hear that KTM finally appear to be doing the right thing.

[@sprockoz]

Hi Charlie, excellent news that you got your deserved refund and even more excellent news for us other LC8c owners that the engine is holding up with the new parts. Keep travelling and ride safe. Cheers

[@THROTTLEOLOGY]

Awesome you are giving some hope lol Have you upgraded the cam chain tensioner with the dirt tricks one?

[@Adv_Charlie]

No, I’ve heard very mixed reviews about them on this bike and I don't think it's worth it

[@Jose1maneZ]

Hi Charlie Glad to hear this saga seems to be behind you👍👍 I'm a bit late to the party here... but what year is your bike? And what year parts you got as a replacement? I might seem mad to some here, but I'm researching this issue since I'm thinking about getting one...😅

[@Adv_Charlie]

2019 bike parts replaced in 2024 it’s all in the other videos

[@Jose1maneZ]

@Adv_Charlie Thanks man 👍

[@LostnRunning]

After seeing how poorly they were prepared to treat their customers, I won't be buying from ktm again anytime soon. They have been using paying customers as unofficial beta testers for years now.

[@Ktmdukejake]

Love what you said at the end because that's the reason we stick to ktm even tho we know yamaha honda is more reliable

[@tincho1979]

Que bueno que conseguiste reparar la moto. Y espero que siga funcionando correctamente por muchos años más. Una pena el problema porque es una moto fantástica. Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@donsmith3573]

A happy video about ktm at last, just one question Charlie is it detectable if you have the new filter with everything in place on the bike,? I have 2022 890 adventure s.

[@Adv_Charlie]

That i’m aware off. I’d still have to remove the cam cover to see it so it's a lot of work to check. Unless there are numbers on the head and show the new part number in some way but I haven’t looked

[@RedRupert64]

Good news, and well done for keeping cool and polite despite the trouble. Thanks for the info. and for bringing it to our attention. What do you think of the TracTive suspension? How much of the front travel are you using typically? I'm finding the TracTive units to be far to stiff for my type of riding (90kg solo +

[@Adv_Charlie]

I love it! I think I have around 30mm left at the bottom of the forks. Has your’s been sprung for your weight and riding?

[@RedRupert64]

@@Adv_Charlie It should have been, but wasn't. I've had to go way softer than what TracTive originally supplied (6.0 N/mm front, and 95 at the rear). I'm now at 4.8 at the front and 85 at the rear. These are massive changes. I've also had to have valves altered internally because there wasn't the range via the clickers. Do you know which springs they supplied you? The rate is marked on the shock spring, so you may be able to see that. Thanks.

[@TheDavidGoldmanphoto]

Good to hear you got the money back. I had mine done at 50K miles and although well out of warranty they did make an "exception" and covered it. Hopefully, they will last. Did you come through Canada?

[@Adv_Charlie]

Yes but not your side. Entered south of Calgary then went north and back down

[@spa491]

Has hecho un gran trabajo publicando toda la historia de los arboles de leva, está moto ( X90) es una gran moto y KTM con su actitud miope y miserable la está desprestigiando estúpidamente. Me alegro que sigas viajando y testeando la 790, nadie mejor que tú !! Te sigo.

[@jimamizzi1]

The dirty garage did an excellent autopsy, if they haven’t fixed the oil galleries the same thing is going to happen unfortunately

[@shortbusdog]

I don’t really agree with the lack of oil idea. If the cams weren’t getting oil they’d wear out long before the mileage where people are having issues.

[@Oldguy-k3t]

​@@shortbusdogSome did depends how hard you ride, fixing oil galleries is part of fix.

[@MarkSykes-Waller]

Absolute legend. I too have chosen a Ktm 890R Adventure to ride the world, a '23. Nothing else has the grin factor or agility off and on road. I'm hoping mine goes ok. Super pleased to hear your's is fixed. All the best to ya!

[@Adv_Charlie]

All the best for your trip.

[@miclinda256]

But guys!!!…..its still a ktm 🤭😉

[@dwb3450]

Good work. Like you, I experience the camshaft wear issue with my 2019 KTM 790R. I was one of the early ones and during Covid and replacement camshafts from KTM were backordered for months. Long story, but I ended up destroying the original motor and am now running a 2020 790 Duke engine I found as salvage on eBay. And like you, I'm a lightweight rider and otherwise love the bike. Africa Twin and T700 simply don't compare.

[@timbrandt7211]

One word: wow.

[@kamax7672]

So was the parts you replaced comprise of the complete head and was that the fix done by ktm going forward do you know? I have a 24 790 and love the bike. Thanks for this video charlie

[@Adv_Charlie]

I had my Local KTM dealer do all the work.

[@tymobyrne4451]

Glad to hear you got what was due.

[@claran9393]

Nice one Charlie. Well done for publicising the issue in a mature and professional way. Really glad KTM UK made this U turn. Maybe I will go and buy back my 790 I sold earlier in the year 😅

[@Adv_Charlie]

Bet you wont! Lol

[@cliftonsr]

Only the later model 790s are made in china but I hear they are good because the updates were made in the assembly and they must have the thimble filter screen in the top of the cylinder head under the camshaft bridge that is easily serviceable when doing valve adjustment intervals, and I have thoroughly investigated this design and no matter what anyone tells you about the filter screen about getting stopped up that is debunked because of the elongated design of the thimble screen filter it will take a lot more debris to stop it up than the oiling jets for the camshaft, and the thimble filter screen can be checked and cleaned out in a matter of minutes by proper tools and only removing one part on the cylinder head coming up on one of my videos- hint oil pressure sensor. Awesome videos Charlie and keep them coming!

[@Adv_Charlie]

Good to know

[@charliepyle1626]

so the screens have metal in them . That actually means something is fu-k in your engine

[@showmytime9177]

not easy to check that filter, the stealership wanted another 200EUR in labor to check that because it requires the camshafts to be removed, along with the carrier. bad design.

[@luddite6239]

Great news! Although, of course, it's the only fair and reasonable response in a case like yours. Out of interest, does your new head have the small thimble filter just above the oil pressure sender, which was added as part of the solution? It wasn't clear from your footage. If so, note that it is a service item and is supposed to be cleaned when you change the oil. It'd be interesting to see if it had actually trapped any debris when you do cone to clean it. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your trip!

[@Adv_Charlie]

I can’t see how that needs checking every oil change as you have to remove the cam cap to access it

[@luddite6239]

@@Adv_Charlie Yes, I can't see many owners bothering to do it. Out of curiousity, I just checked the price of the tiny plastic and gauze filter, and it's £12!

[@RobertKehl]

Charlie, do you know when they replaced your cams? Did they install the oil screen strainer in the head?

[@Adv_Charlie]

I got a completely new head as well as cams so I believe I got the head with the new part number that has the oil Screen.

[@RobertKehl]

@@Adv_Charlie Thanks for the quick reply Charlie, let’s hope the oil screen in the head is the cure for the premature cam wear. I have the 2023 890r Duke. I wonder if it’s got the oil screen in the head. I would think it would but there have been later models too that have had the premature cam wear. Maybe ktm didn’t supply all the later models with the updated head with the oil screen? And just wanted to use up there old stock and that’s the reason we’re seeing failure in the later models as well.

[@gui7esp02]

Is good to see that KTM takes responsability on issues like this..

[@Adv_Charlie]

Well finally they have started

[@abmbarry]

THEY DON'T! IT WAS MEDIA PRESSURE. They are still a nasty company.

[@chrisi970]

Good news, safe trip 👍

[@marklang5169]

It would be interesting to read an oil analysis after a 6-9000 mile oil change interval on a MC where the engine oil lubricates the transmission as well. I've done so on my vehicles and the data is fascinating.

[@ronanrogers4127]

There’s the engineering side, and the KTM brand value side. KTM could have saved their customers a lot of grief had they done the right thing from the outset, and had they done so they would have saved themselves a lot of grief too.

[@wernerxldata]

That's actually great news, was already wondering if fixing it would be a temp fix or real fix. Unfortunaly there's a lot of these bikes out for sale, relatively low mileage but not already fixed, all out of waranty of course or short waranty from the selling dealer. If you endup buying one and it breaks you're quite fucked. I really wanted a Duke 890R, specifically the 890R because the 990 is not an R version and I don't like the looks of it. Really in doubt if I should buy one, this problem is a bit too big to ignore. Did you have to replace just the camshafts or is the complete head replaced ?

[@Adv_Charlie]

The head was also replaced.

[@wernerxldata]

@@Adv_Charlie Not funny if you have to pay for this outside of warranty... I suspect dealers are gonna be more carefull adding waranty to these bikes.

[@dmelson7502]

The base model 790 really seems to be the perfect bike for me. At 59 years old I totally have the means to purchase this bike, but the issues discussed in this video will hold me back. I suppose when I pick up a new Honda transalp I'm still gonna wonder in the back of my mind how much better this bike would have been.

[@Adv_Charlie]

I’d wait to see if the 23-24 bikes have any issues if not then go for it the bike is amazing when it works

[@nickclarkuk]

What a relief . 😅 so happy they’ve agreed to refund you as well.

[@etruscanadv3296]

I guess they change the right side spark plug sleeve to plastic since the camshaft balancer shaft moves a bit in the 2019 model. My 2019 790 metal sleeve has a pretty significant groove made by that shaft (1/2 mm), therefore all that grinded metal ended up in the lubrification system. Maybe with the plastic they changed something to avoid that.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Same as mine, it had a big groove.

[@plasticbayonet]

In the later models the balancer shaft is bolted in place. You can see a spot on the cam cover cap where the bolt should be, it's a flatish bit but it's not drilled. I drilled it out on my 2018 and bought the later balancer shaft plus low height Allen cap bolt. They must've known it was a thing but for some reason decided it wasn't a thing, but then realised actually yeah it's a thing and we better bolt it.

[@Achilles22]

I’m an ex KTM Service Manager. I left due to the numerous electrical and Camshaft issues, customers getting very frustrated with Warranty issues. I would never ever own one 😢😢

[@Adv_Charlie]

I do feel for you guys as you are the face of it and get all the stick plus your hands are tied when KTM doesn't back you I’m not sure I would get another but the cost of changing my bike now would be all most the save as getting a new engine.

[@CptSlow89]

How can they refuse warranty? Can't you sue their service?

[@brennan1494]

If only the t7 came with those low slung tanks. I was looking into the KTM 790 adventure but I'd rather sacrifice a bit of performance for long term reliability at this point

[@Calbertone]

I suspect it did help that you have a KZbin channel. I have had lots of qc issues on my 890R and my ktm dealer was unhelpful to say the least, to the point that quite simply I got rid of the bike, took a huge loss and scaled down to a tenere so that I just won’t have to deal with ktm again….

[@Adv_Charlie]

I contacted KTM UK directly and complained. I’m not sure if my tiny channel and added any bonus to it

[@Calbertone]

@@Adv_Charlie Last year I contacted KTM Austria, then KTM Italy and I got nowhere..I guess they are now trying to limit damage to the brand..anyway, glad you can continue your travels... I agree that 790/890s are hard to replace

[@Adv_Charlie]

@@Calbertone Yeah when I first contacted them they refused it as shown in my first video then after KTM put out a statement offering refundeds so I contacted them again.

[@BeanieBiker_AutisticRider]

Brother has had 3 ktms and something wrong with them all. He had two 690s and a 1290. Think he is done with that brand now, I'll never buy one, absolutely atrocious from ktm on their warranty and customer service. Their company is going down, with load of lay offs.

[@calanmacleod3948]

What about the cam filings that went through the engine? There must be other damage.

[@Adv_Charlie]

It was a slow process not a quick failer so most of it was like metal dust. The oil filters are coming out with no abnormal bits

[@janzzen9095]

Metal "dust" will ruin your crankbearings in time . Given the amount of metal that came of your camshaft, that engine is shot Sorry.

[@Adv_Charlie]

In that case I might as well ride it until it dies then. Because I do not have the cash to change my bike, luggage setup and travel documents. Plus I have no idea what i’d get as nothing is like a 790/890

[@showmytime9177]

@@Adv_Charlie BMW 850 series, or wait until they fix the problems on the 1300 series.

[@Thebowber]

I wouldn't worry too much, the filter will have caught most of it, there may be some sat in the sump and the pump may need changing.

[@GonzoMallorca]

I do not understand why you bought the bike initially. They are well known for having serious quality and after sales problems.

[@Adv_Charlie]

They as in KTM or they as in the 790s? I brought my bike in March 2020 when these issues were not known about.

[@gnarlybadger690]

Great to hear that KTM have reimbursed all your costs for the repairs, better late than never 🤷🏻

[@gasdive]

I wouldn't ever touch a four stroke KTM. They've been denying warranty on manufacturing errors for decades. I've witnessed a friend's week old four-stroke single lunch it's head and they refused the warranty saying it had been raced (it hadn't been raced). People say that it's a social media thing, and most are fine. I've been on the V-Strom forums for years and all they ever talk about is who has the most miles with no problems. (You need 450,000 miles to be taken seriously in these discussions). There was a stator recall and Suzuki fixed everyone's bikes and I got a free oil and filter change with mine, unlike the penny pinching KTM. I'm at 30,000 miles on my Strom, and other than oil and filter all I've done is check the valve clearance (still in the middle at 25,000 miles), and change the brake and coolant fluids. I'm booked in for a chain and sprockets, but I think there's another 15,000 miles left on them, it's really just precautionary maintenance. Oh, and I replaced a seat mounting rubber.

[@jeanpaulcomeau8131]

If I am not wrong , the instrument cluster indicates something like ready to race. No ?

[@tigerrider6711]

Buy a Ktm from the glory days. 2016 500 exc here with 26k and no issues.

[@showmytime9177]

@@jeanpaulcomeau8131 they meant racing to get new parts and paying off the credit loans required for maintenance.

[@harrybenson9983]

I believe the 790/890 bikes are manufactured in China. Somehow a batch of cams 4 or 5 years ago weren't properly heat treated or not heat treated at all. That is what happens when you rely on cheap labor and poor management to build your stuff. I have a 2019 790 R with about 17K miles on it. I did a valve clearance check, although an incomplete one, that showed the clearances were satisfactory with the exception on one inlet valve. A visual inspection of the valves on the interior of the engine also looked satisfactory. This winter I will drop the engine out of the bike to pull the cam cover off for a more thorough inspection. Without dropping the engine it is practically impossible to correctly inspect them. KTM sent me an email promising to make things right so my engine status is still unknown.

[@Adv_Charlie]

My email form KTM UK says my bike was made in Austria. And in Matt’s video, he found the problem to be an oil feed issue

[@TheSilviu8x]

I have not seen all the "series" or anything about this situation, but it definitely looks like an oil feeding problem. The wrong hardening or material would've consumed it equal on all the cams, but much slower and without the friction overheated metal color.

[@darrellbarry3402]

Would be nice to know whether its the HEAD design or the Cams that were the issue.

[@Adv_Charlie]

If you watch the linked videos you’ll find out. That's why I mentioned them and linked them.

[@cpuuk]

A good result. Yes, the KTM values across the board have dropped thanks to this.

[@robdalton2]

Charlie, the whole head was replaced? Also, it seems that the Nordens have the plastic spark plug tube

[@Adv_Charlie]

Yes, my whole head was replaced Ah interesting I didn't think plastic was an issue just surprised me that they changed the material

[@robdalton2]

@@Adv_Charlie so happy for you! Keep killing the miles and enjoy the smiles

[@MrBeracah]

Hi Charlie can I ask you please what was done apart from replacing the worn cams, ie if that was all that was done then in my personal opinion it has been a material composition error combined with incorrect heat treatment, resulting in a soft surface on the original cams. Would be interested to know if oil supply was modified etc etc. thks

[@Adv_Charlie]

Have you watched the other two videos I linked? They should answer your questions better than I can in the comments.

[@alexanderal7714]

Try to clean your engine , before you opened it, from all the sand and the dust, especially if you working outside.

[@rgthomson1]

This is good news, i have 2 KTMs and was going to sell and move away from them, now they have taken responsibility i will stay with them

[@sv7017]

Dont be a fool

[@florentineantiquerestorati5199]

Is it just me or the new cams do not look good at all? at 2:40 That stripe in the middle is duller and grayer and I think I spot a shiny ridge to either side. They should look consistent across the width. But maybe is just some trick of the light (but I don't think so)

[@Adv_Charlie]

I do say there is a stripe but they are perfectly smooth. there was no lip or edge to any of the marks.

[@florentineantiquerestorati5199]

@@Adv_Charlie All I can say is that all the cams I have ever seen are shiny across, with no difference between where they rub and where they don't, specially with only a little more then 10.000 miles on them. Sorry, I don't want to be a pita but I have seen a lot of engines and those cams do not look healthy to me.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Ok I’ll keep an eye on them

[@peripheral1258]

where are your feeler gauges ? why not Measure and see if you need to change the Shims ?

[@Adv_Charlie]

I did but off camera. They were ok

[@iansellers406]

Enjoy your road trip now!

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Keep The Money

[@take5th]

The last thing I want to think about when riding a $15000 dirt bike is whether or not my cams are wearing out as i ride.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Tell me about it!

[@4CEYLON]

Good to hear

[@showmytime9177]

had my cams checked (600EUR in labor!!!) and they looked fine. KTM 890 Adv 2022. because of the way KTM handled this issue and the fact that they are severaly overpriced for the quality (had loads of other issues) I will not be buying another one. I really wanted a 390 Adv for city riding (or a Husky 400) but I am not getting one because of the crappy customer "service".

[@bobz1736]

Whether the engines are made in Austria or China, the camshafts (and other components) will almost definitely come from the same supplier to maintain the economies of scale.

[@MrFuzzfornatsume]

hey buddy.... any idea what's the main affecting part number which was replaced due to the failure?

[@Adv_Charlie]

In my case, I believe it was an oil feed issue. You can check out The Dirty Garage Guy’s video for more details. But that's my head I can’t say that this is the cause of all the failed bikes out there

[@Adv_Charlie]

Sorry to answer your question the main part was the new head which had a superseded part number, you should be able to find it when looking at a up-to-date parts fiche.

[@MrFuzzfornatsume]

@@Adv_Charlie thanks buddy

[@queenslander954]

How’s the oil pump from that shaved metal floating around ?

[@Adv_Charlie]

No idea but the filters are pretty good

[@queenslander954]

@@Adv_Charlie Yea be careful mate , Kato’s are fast becoming the one motorbike that you don’t want to be on in the middle of nowhere , which sorta kills the adventure vibe bit.

[@giuliobuccini208]

So no problems even if misaligned oil passages and obstructing oil spray nozzles are still there? 🤨

[@Adv_Charlie]

I have a new head. That's why and how The dirty garage guy had my old one

[@canmert7215]

After watching Motobob, I bought duke 790 brand new last year unaware of all camshaft issues with engine. He never said anything and i was happy to get it with promotion. Since now I'm aware i don't trust his reviews, not even a bit.

[@davidmatthews3093]

Surely the blame lies with you. You watched one KZbinr review a motorcycle he had ridden and liked. He was talking about his experience not giving a huge amount of background history on the company. If you had researched properly you would not be in your position now. Don’t blame others for your shortcomings.

[@sadeqalbana]

as a KTM owner, I Don't know why there is all these hate comments about KTM, it's a European brand, BMWs, KTMs, ducatis and others all fail in terms reliability when facing the japanese big four, but I brought one knowing that full well, KTMs are light, agile, full of tech and are fun to ride, I dare say the most fun, my 890 duke feels as light and small as a 125cc bike, but with nearly 10x the horsepower, that's why people buy these machines, if you want reliability above anything else, go japanese, if you want the most advanced, most fun machine out there get something like a KTM, Ducati or a BMW.

[@SuzukiRiderlv426]

Are you saying japanese bikes are not fun?

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

@@SuzukiRiderlv426My 06 GSXR 1000 ruined me. Nothing is as fun and enjoyable

[@sadeqalbana]

@@SuzukiRiderlv426 all bikes are fun but the Japanese prioritize reliability over everything. take the 890 duke Japanese competitors for example (z900 and mt-09) the duke is made using a very small lightweight chrome-moly frame which is more expensive but durable the z900 is made using a thicker steel frame but weighs a ton more (212KG wet vs ~174KG wet) the z900 is inline 4, the mt-09 is inline triple and the 890 duke/R is parallel twin, yet the R version makes the same more horsepower than the MT-09 (121 vs 117) and nearly the same horsepower as an inline 4 z900 with half the cylinder count and less displacement, the main reason is the higher compression ratio(13.5:1) compared to (11.5:1, 11.8:1) for the japanese bikes, this translates to higher stress on the engine, they squeeze more horsepower from it. the end result is that the 890 weighs a lot less, have the same horsepower if not more and more agile around the corners.

[@richardkrammes2222]

I have been riding sixty five years. I was a Yamaha, Ducati and Bridgestone dealer. Iv'e owned BMW,Ducati and Triump and all the Japanese brands. If you want to sleep well and ride carefree, For goodness sake buy Japanese.

[@jonm7272]

You make a very good argument. But, I don't think it's so much the reliability issues as the very poor handling of it by the company and the initial refusal to accept there was any problem.

[@hannesdobbelaere]

just out of curiousity ,is that the balance shaft on the camshaft, in between the 2 sparkplug holes?

[@Adv_Charlie]

No idea. Can anyone else answer this question?

[@etruscanadv3296]

Correct!

[@supergnorf]

Good, informative video, but unless I have overlooked or missed something. it lacks one vital piece of information. Information that, as things accumulate, helps everyone or anyone who aren't deterred from buying a KTM. Whoever gets issues should always include at the very least year model of the bike in question. I had a 2023 890 Adventure, and did in excess of 15.500 miles with it. Cam and engine looked all fine when inspected. No sign of any wear. Not trying to diminish the fact of poor quality from KTM. But even a board member of Pierer Mobility Group have come forth and admitted they pushed it too far. Especially during Corona. Which is why it is important to learn which year models have been plagued with this. In my honest opinion KTM should do the only sensible thing, and refund every such case. Well at least as long as service history is within warranty spec. I am not at all scared from buying KTMs again. But the company has a way to go to vs customer care (mildly put). And they need to start treating customers and dealers alike (know some stories) in a way that gives confidence in their products. Since their sales figures took a dive, maybe they will actually. I think they have to. Time will show. Best of luck with your motorcycle and happy riding :)

[@Adv_Charlie]

So if you want full details of the bike why not watch the first video that’s linked? its longer because I give all the details.

[@skatman3872]

What are the symptoms of this,I have a 790duke

[@Adv_Charlie]

I’m unsure as I don't notice any

[@skatman3872]

@@Adv_Charlie I researched it,trouble starting and loss of hp,noisey,seems to be mostly adv bikes is what they are saying

[@fs5866]

I think the problem will go away if you get rid of the bike, try that and update us how that will go!!

[@Adv_Charlie]

I think my trip will be a lot harder if I had to walk!

[@fs5866]

Better walking than walking AND pushing your bike!!!

[@yorkchris10]

How'd the head filter look?

[@Adv_Charlie]

I did’t look

[@untamedsmiles1338]

Thank you

[@jalex19100]

Super relief! Will go get a KTM on my next purchase.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Good luck!

[@ioandragulescu6063]

problem for KTM is that even if they start now to do their customers right, nobody will believe they are doing it because of ethics and morals and it's all because of the public pressure on them. In other works, their reputation is tarnished and will remain as such, at least for the foreseeable future.

[@Adv_Charlie]

yes, I agree. they have a lot of work to do before we can trust them

[@robsonenduro3316]

good news but I'd ask them to give me that metal part back :)

[@Adv_Charlie]

It was damaged and now it's been replaced why would I want the old one back?

[@robsonenduro3316]

@@Adv_Charlie I meant that tube which they put plastic one now. The old camshaft you could hang on the wall ;)

[@enricobononi8655]

So how do they fix it?

[@Adv_Charlie]

Replaced the parts in my case

[@Vlerkies]

Fantastic news mate. Glad you are sorted. I am a unapologetic fanboy, I drink the orange cool aid with pride and without shame from dirtbike days to now. Love the brand. Had 2 790r's and on my 2nd 890r. Not nearly the milage you are putting on the clock, I don't keep my bikes long but all over 20000km when traded back. I have a fantastic reputable and well known dealer that I get my bikes from here and there has never been any issues on trades for a new bike, besides him scolding me on not treating them to well. Touch wood I have not experienced this cam issue at all. I have full confidence though that if I do, or if other issues manifest themselves, I will have their full support. There has been much speculation as to the actual cause of this issue online. While KTM have reconsidered your issues and come to the party so to speak, clarity from the brand on the actual cause would do wonders for confidence. Sometimes you have to just take the knocks and look at the longa game not the short term view. Anyway, this is positive news. Thanks for the update.

[@sprockets_shafts]

My question is…what bike would you buy next? 😊

[@Adv_Charlie]

No idea! If i’m still travelling then maybe a Suzuki DR650 but they are not sold on the UK so that raises possible issues

[@jetmuchacho]

Great news for all that they came good on this eventually, although it seems to be different person to person. It's like free health care, you have to fight all the way to get your problems fixed, otherwise they just send you out the door with some dam tylenol. I bought a T7 thinking I'd enjoy the reliability. But I didn't find the bike a great fit for me for many reasons. Mostly too top heavy, poor suspension requiring $ thousands to fix it, insufficient power for long haul multi-day highway trips, and little practical off-road gain compared to other heavier bikes. Worst of both worlds, NOT best as advertised. I'll be selling it to get a norden likely.

[@showmytime9177]

the suspension on the non-R KTM is crap, this guy changed it to Touratech before the camshaft problem.

[@IanRowsby]

It's great to hear that KTM is stepping up. I just read an article in which KTM admitted to rushing production, lowering standards during COVID-19, and having poor quality control. But the camshafts with the new part code should be OK. Good luck with the rest of your trip!

[@markjones3425]

Good to hear Charlie, Thanks for the up date and glad that KTM has come around to good customer care.

[@fallenwout]

Too late, the amount of noise ppl had to make for ktm to step up is embarrassing. Wanted to trade in my tiger 900 but I didn't because of this and never will go to ktm. And even if you get the cams replaced under warranty, those cam shavings had to go somewhere and it can't be good.

[@VictorTeste-o6c]

That's great news! Good on KTM for coming around and addressing the issue. I'm sure many people, like myself, will now consider KTM when looking for a new bike.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Well hang on they need to make sure to look after everybody with this issue. Really this should have been a recall

[@bmidg4123]

You can kinda understand that when charlie boorman and Ewan McGregor wanted to use KTM's for "a long way round" KTM wouldn't back them or supply their bikes......hence they ended up using BMW GS's........ How did that work out for you KTM? I see hundreds of GS's on the road for every one KTM lol

[@Adv_Charlie]

But one’s an elephant and ones a agile horse. They are two different bikes! Also unlike Charlie and Ewan I had to pay for mine

[@bmidg4123]

@@Adv_Charlie Hi, I'm not commenting on how the bikes ride....I am in complete agreement re your comment. However KTM could have massively elevated their product had they shown some confidence and courage. Just remember it could have gone badly wrong for BMW too.

[@jameslee5428]

Over here in America my 2023 KTM 890 adventure with only 3200 miles on the clock. Is the worst running piece of crap Motorcycle I have ever owned! I’ve owned more bikes and I can count… Hell, I’ll be lucky if I can even sell this thing. To all that read these post do not buy KTM!!

[@glenobrien727]

What happened ?

[@mototrailz]

fake 😆

[@john7912h]

No not fake i had a 1290 sas 2023 , it was a piece of crap , from may to august it went 29 days in dealer with no end in sight. Collant loss , bad battery , paint peeling , abs pump issue causing panic brake. Swirves right as soon as you let go of steering and between 50-80km you get tank slap behaviour. A big piece of crap .

[@DutchAllroadRider]

Bullshit

[@mototrailz]

@@john7912h paint peeling 😀 buy a GS

[@MatsModén]

The cams should be gear driven !

[@nomading_in]

Fantastic that you got everything reimbursed, even though you had dealt with it, it's a load off your mind to have a resolution. I'm a bit sad for KTM if I'm honest, I know at certain levels you can get tossed around, but the market would be a blander place without them in it.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Yup, definitely the ones at the top that made the issue worse. I really hope it lasts because I love my bike and I do like the KTM brand they just need to really up their game if they want to play with the Japanese.

[@nomading_in]

@@Adv_Charlie question is, can a KTM be a Japanese bike? hah sounds ridiculous, but KTM's do have that little bit extra that makes them unique, "reliable" engineering can strip it away e.g. the 390 Duke being highly strung to make it feel like a small sports bike etc. The easy engineering answer would be for them to take 15cc off the top end of the 790, but then I wouldn't buy it...

[@RedRupert64]

I agree. It would certainly be a shame if KTM ceased. Their bikes make many of the others feel bland.

[@ctv5225]

One cannot else but wonder if the bushmechanic style opening the engine out there in the dirt might have had an effect on the previous engine . ...never had Ktm issues ...rode through Africa and Europe . And yes ...got it dealer serviced when she had to be opened (in a controlled environment) ...

[@Adv_Charlie]

This was the first time i’ve ever opened the engine! The only time it’s been open before is when KTM checked and changed the parts

[@iancraig6070]

Bad engine design, Bad engineering, Bad customer service, Bad warranty Equals a company in decline.

[@chaddthompson]

KTM, Chinese quality FTW.. I have had several KTM's including a 790R, the 790 build quality was nowhere near as good as the older KTM bikes I have owned/own. I will never buy another KTM or "premium" brand that is made partially or in whole in China. The Premium brands have made a huge mistake by having engines/bikes made in China as China will do what China does. They will copy what they are manufacturing for others and sell it cheaper. I hope others stop spending money on KTM and others that are made in China.. KTM as a company has changed over the last 20 years they used to bend over backwards to help customers and would even complete service bulletin changes way past warranty at no charge.