My KTM Camshaft Story Update! - Is it fixed?

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@williamdillon7708]

Yep, well said.

[@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!

[@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..

[@myousic4564]

@@bradsanders6954 KTMs are famous for their reliability issues and if your company has such image in custormers minds you can't ignore any of your mistakes. I won't even look at KTM when buing a new bike. Sure almost every brand have some sort of smaller or bigger failures like you said but in the end everything comes to making your customers feel safe and ensure them you take care of every failure. Ducati few years ago was known for having beautiful but unreliable bikes. What did they do to fight this? Better quality control and 4 years of warranty. Early units of multistrada v4 received bad batch of engine parts that could cause an engine failure. They were taking your bike from your house (you literally had to do nothing) to replace those parts and you could chose between free accessories voucher that was worth ex. their expensive clothing set or they could give you other bike for the time of waiting for yours to return. Will I ever but KTM? No. Do I think of selling yamaha and buing a new Ducati? A lot.

[@WorldCommander]

Indeed. Look at what happened to their stock price recently.

[@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.

[@williamdillon7708]

Thanks for the update Charlie!

[@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.

[@ryanniksch4174]

This is really good news as this was one of the main issues stopping me from buying a ktm

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@ianlogan9415]

Agree entirely with you on the 5'4"! I sold my 790 and regret it every day. Said I'd never have another KTM because of the way they handled this - but i'll be getting another one in the spring! Had many bikes over my 55 years of riding but never had so much fun as on this one.

[@johndevito4237]

I'm in the same boat. My 2019 790 is being repaired by KTM right now and I don't know what to do. It fits my 5'5" frame better than anything else. I just hope the issue is fixed when I get it back.

[@craigmushens4789]

That is great news. I just bought a used 790 adv at 20k km that just had the cams replaced by KTM.

[@maximusmiles8435]

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

[@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.

[@johndevito4237]

I am getting new cams and head right now from KTM on my 2019 790 Adventure. KTM is doing the right thing. Thanks for your videos and I'm glad they made it right with you. I'm sure your videos have helped get you, me and others what we deserve. Thanks again

[@Adv_Charlie]

Maybe it did help. I’m glad KTM is finally doing the right thing

[@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 🤷

[@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

[@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 🇦🇷

[@drrider1658]

Thanks for this update. It has done a lot to restore my confidence that my newly repaired 2020 R may not go through this again. I got mine back a few weeks ago after a 5 month wait (for parts they say). My first thought was to trade it in for a Japanese bike but discovered that the value of my bike dropped about $3000 due to this issue! Needless to say I'm ticked about that! Some day I will part with it but most likely will not buy another KTM. I'm hoping Yamaha makes a T9.

[@CptSlow89]

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

[@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.

[@MaksGarmata]

do you gathered some statistics about this issue? please share fb community about the topic. thx

[@Adv_Charlie]

No I have not i’ve been busy traveling but there is a website and FB group dedicated to this subject

[@MaksGarmata]

found it ​@@Adv_Charlie

[@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

[@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

[@TriggerRidesEverything]

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

[@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 🤟

[@67daltonknox]

Good luck. Hope it lasts. Early reports suggested that inadequate oil supply was to blame, but if replacement cams work, that tends to refute that conclusion.

[@johndevito4237]

They are replacing the head also. Some believe it's the head restricting the oil flow.

[@williamrae9954]

Did you check the little gauze filter at the back of the oil pressure sensor?

[@Adv_Charlie]

No i did.

[@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

[@johncummins3860]

Also looked bone dry to me with no oily film !

[@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

[@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.

[@WetFeet4]

One word: wow.

[@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.

[@anthonyhein3293]

The problem is that the steel has not been properly heat treated/quench/tempered/hardened to correct specifications EG a ball bearing is hardened steel

[@Adv_Charlie]

It’s an oil issue supply issue. That’s why only two cams went and you can see the bluing from the heat because of no lubrication

[@nicodiaz627]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@simonfowler7561]

Thank you. I would never tell anyone what they should or should not ride. We all pay our money and make our choices based on LOADS of different factors and thats good. According to ISO9000 if I make a product with my name on the box or tank or whatever then I must take responsibility for the quality of that product WHEREVER I choose to have it manufactured. And here is really the crux of the matter. KTM tried NOT to take the responsibility for these horrible camshafts and they are now paying the price in terms of repaying users and also the hit to the reputation of the company. And THAT is stupid.

[@pepitogrillo8813]

What are the symptoms that the camshafts are damaged, how do you find out about it?

[@Adv_Charlie]

In my case I did not really notice any symptoms, I took it too the dealer for a valve clearance check and asked them to check it.

[@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

[@outdoorkreations7051]

My new cams are failing at 2k miles idk what im gonna do

[@Adv_Charlie]

Take it to a KTM dealer and let them check and replace. Should be all free of charge now

[@outdoorkreations7051]

@Adv_Charlie they have already contacted ktm. The first time they failed was at 11k. Now the new set has 2k miles and are already wearing again. I don't know if they was metal shavings In the new head or maybe the oil pump has been compromised. Maybe the oil galleries are not lubricating idk but the last time it was repaired it took over 4 months.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Yeah that’s a tough one. I’d make it KTM’s problem if you can though

[@outdoorkreations7051]

@Adv_Charlie i was excited and opportunistic when I saw you check yours and all were well. Is there a way I can send you pics. My buddy flows motorcycle channel just did a video about it

[@Adv_Charlie]

Sure [e-mail]. I’m not expert though just a guy that had the issue and told his story. My gut would be the issue is in the head and that it was is taking out your cams again.

[@kkhalifah1019]

There is a CFmoto 800NT engine teardown by a Mandarin-speaking mechanic uploaded on KZbin 3 days ago. The 800MT & the 800NK use the same LC8C engine manufactured under the CFmoto name. Now, very interestingly, the teardown revealed vastly beefed-up lubrication under the camshaft bridge or the bit that bolts down the entire camshaft assembly. In your video here, it's plain. But the CFmoto unit revealed additional oil galleries all over the place. I've been curious coz I have not heard 800MT owners complaining about camshaft failures, so I guess maybe this explains it. CFmoto must build the LC8C as per KTM's specs. They have to. But when building the same engine under their own brand, they probably knew what's up.

[@Adv_Charlie]

When that proves that people should’not blame CF moto for KTM’s mistake.

[@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

[@tymobyrne4451]

Glad to hear you got what was due.

[@moderndesignsofas29]

Seems like oil should be changed sooner on such a small engine...?

[@Adv_Charlie]

I’m would label a 800CC parallel twin as Small. And the oil or number of changes would not have effect the results of my cams and head

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@buzzsp1]

I HAD 1 CAM that needed replacing .. all done foc .. yes the time they had my bike was around 3 months . but for me it was fine as I rode my 1290 and 690 more. i was treated very well by ktm

[@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.

[@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!

[@DavidStevenson-gw2eo]

When your bike was repaired did it have a new oil pump fitted, did you by any chance get to inspect the new parts to see if there were any changes to them.

[@Adv_Charlie]

I dropped my bike off and didn't see it for 3 months. I didn't see the oil pump on the parts list but bear in mind with wasn’t a sudden failure.

[@DavidStevenson-gw2eo]

@@Adv_Charlie With that level of wear a new oil pump should have been fitted really, but this would mean a complete tear down costing lots more time and money for the dealer. I also think it could be down to post-machining dross which could easily block one or more of those tiny jets, notice how one side of the cams were worn and the others were in much better condition. I would definitely make it part the jets for blockages at the first oil service just to be sure.

[@Adv_Charlie]

Have you watched Matt’s video that I linked? Also, this wear was over 16,000 miles would have been fine dust which the oil filter would have caught. I’ve done 19,345 miles since the cam change and the other day had another value clearance check where again I looked at the new cams they are all fine. My bike now has almost 38,000 miles on it.

[@DavidStevenson-gw2eo]

@@Adv_Charlie I have seen the video in question, but I'm not wholey convinced it was down to the alignment of the counterbores alone, but a culmination of other factors, like poor cleanliness after boring etc, if the debris is able to pass through the oil channels via the bridged slots/passages, but be large enough to block the tiny jets, but why only on one side as seen in several video's???.

[@mauu3291]

Great that you got a refund, personally I ended up not purchasing a 790 and rather going for a different bike alltogether because of this issue. Which sucks because it seems like a really fun bike

[@Adv_Charlie]

They are a lot of fun but that is totally understandable if I was looking to buy I would not get one.

[@chrisi970]

Good news, safe trip 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@SavedbyHim]

Such amazing bikes the 790 and 890 but this is unfortunately a deal breaker for me

[@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

[@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

[@4CEYLON]

Good to hear

[@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!

[@nickclarkuk]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@markjones3425]

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

[@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

[@queenslander954]

Yea mate might pay to do a oil pump pressure test , just make sure you use a recently calibrated gauge. the KTM manual states that it should have 26psi at idle and 50psi at 7000 rpm. Turning out that lots of bikes are reading low & more likely the problem for the cams. KTM can’t depute it as it’s their specifications in their workshop manual.

[@alexanderal7714]

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

[@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.

[@yorkchris10]

How'd the head filter look?

[@Adv_Charlie]

I did’t look

[@enricobononi8655]

So how do they fix it?

[@Adv_Charlie]

Replaced the parts in my case

[@miclinda256]

But guys!!!…..its still a ktm 🤭😉

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Keep The Money

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@gnarlybadger690]

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

[@cpuuk]

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

[@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!

[@untamedsmiles1338]

Thank you

[@Zt3v3]

I'm still a fan of KTM. Nobody has a better lineup of offroad bikes.

[@Adv_Charlie]

And they still won the Dakar this year. Just don’t use the 790 engine

[@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.

[@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.

[@iansellers406]

Enjoy your road trip now!

[@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

[@simonfowler7561]

I also think that one of the problems they face are the dealers. KTM dealers grew up with small off road 2 strokes and now they find these huge and very powerful 4 strokes HELP!! Many of them do not know what they are doing. I personally know a KTM qualified tech who recently worked on a new bike which overheated and when the bike was stripped they discovered that the water pump was not there so the factory had not fitted a pump. TOTAL quality eh???

[@Adv_Charlie]

Ohh shit! LOL

[@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.

[@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!!!