KTM is Broke - Why and What's Next?

[@patricklanigan]

Three things turn me off of KTM, the charge to unlock features already on the bike, poor reliability, and stories of them giving customers the run around for what are warranty issues.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, that's why I'm not riding a Husqvarna 701 Enduro right now.

[@XL883CNick]

@@patricklanigan I've heard of Husqvarna also not honoring their warranty and using the customers use of aftermarket parts as a reason to deny the warranty.

[@fidobite3798]

The move to Chinese manufacturing is also the end of KTM for me. I suspect they'll be absorbed by CF Moto & become part of CCP, Inc.

[@jimoconnor7491]

Don't forget the insufferable asses who usually own them.

[@796andy2]

im not insufferable !! love my smcr , I'll let you ride it and if you don't come back laughing I'm buying

[@sammemrys8195]

Lack of reliability = death to any brand.

[@SmoothBrain-ok9rt]

Heard about ducati,aprillia??

[@terrarecon]

@@SmoothBrain-ok9rt Neither of these other two brands who have definitely had concerning issues in the past comes anywhere close to the poor reliability of KTM

[@terrarecon]

@@SmoothBrain-ok9rt Neither of these other two brands who have definitely had concerning issues in the past comes anywhere close to the poor reliability of KTM

[@jamescampbell4334]

My DesertX has been ridden HARD for 19 months and over 21k miles. ROCK SOLID reliable. Stay smooth brained, smoothbrain.

[@Lex-Rex]

Ever hear about Ferrari, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Ducati, Aprilia etc? The people that are in these markets are not concerned about reliability and longevity. They are in these markets to have a unique experience, have a status symbol, and they are not a dime a dozen.

[@J.Harry.T]

European prices for products made in China and India.

[@nomemande2397]

Just like your Honda and Yamaha, only prices are japanese.

[@J.Harry.T]

@ Not sure why you say ‘My Honda and Yamaha’. I was just observing that KTM products are/were very expensive for things that were mostly made in India and China (and i am now told - SouthAmerica ). Have a good Christmas.

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

At least those are more reliable.😂

[@viswasrujith8426]

Bajaj sold all its share in KTM and moved away from them when they realised that they want to go high performance and low reliability.

[@OldArmy-vc6rd]

It’s not only reliability, the big problem is the lack of warranty support.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, the cam issues really hurt the company's reputation.

[@ironhorsehero1988]

1 piss poor quality control. 2 treating their customers with contempt. 3 ripping customers off with charges for features already built into the bike. 4 Surprise surprise heading for bankruptcy

[@killer0178]

" When you push your compression ratios and horsepower figures up, generally engine reliability suffers", you just defined the entire German engine building mindset of the last 10 years. That's why most German cars nowadays are crap filled with engine issues

[@ShopTunes999]

@@lancerambertNo shhhh he didn't say KTM was German and even if he did those 2 countries are as close to one another as siblings

[@killer0178]

@@lancerambert Germans and Austrians are the same, while Germans are tanks, Austrians are tanks that waltz

[@motozz8258]

@killer thats called denial , plastic oil pump gears have nothing to with what you say, the list goes on of poor quality .

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

Really? Own a 2016 E class Mercedes with high miles and it runs like new lol I've also maintained it to the spec required on the dot tho since new.....

[@GeorgePippin-bi6dv]

Idk about that..ran a 2.0 golf 235k...

[@mistapickles]

KTM would sell a bunch more bikes if they FIRE the guy who designs their headlights.

[@EssentialComment]

LOL, I just think the bro is obsessed with vag

[@Ntmoffi]

I own a 390A and someone described the design as an alien praying mantis and I think that fits perfectly.

[@RC-br1ps]

I am a rider, I ride bikes...I leave the look-judging to those who do not. I would ride a rusty, beat up bike, if it kicked adrenalin up to 100% and took me to my edge. Do you spend hours on your bikes or admiring their looks? Forget that and just ride to your limit. Quality of materials, reliability, and rideability.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Headlights? They look like a chunk of a Vegas pinball machine.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

True. And the Morronic decision to spread the wasp shit even to the new 390 Rally is absurd (even if it is the best lloking wasp of all). Designers of all brands are no better though. Obsession with all bikes looking like angry birds, insects, and angry whatever, with raised and cut for no reason rears. Only dirt bikes still look like proper bikes and i am not sure this will be for long.

[@dmaxcustom]

The best way to have customers is to be straight with them, transparent and reliable. Ktm is doing none of that.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, they shot themselves in the foot with cam-gate.

[@teresad7174]

To be clear, performance and upping compression ratios is not what hurting the 790/890 camshafts. It's the low amount of oil pressure that provides lubrication to these very fast moving parts. It's an engineering or design issue. This has been demonstrated on some videos. Oil trickling out of an orifice like 85 year old man taking a leak. The word is that they'll repair these issues if they arise by replacing the cams. WHAT they need to do is fix the low oil pressure. This will actually "fix" the problem as opposed to just pushing it down the road.

[@Narog-s1k]

@@teresad7174 no! Camshafts are too soft!!! Like Audi, BMW....by cars! Plus they run way too lean!Constant jerking is unbearable!!!!!! After 15km i Crash it in the sea! Because it Kills my nervs! KTM IS A HOLE OF SHIT!

[@5tr41ghtGuy]

I suspect that the cam oiling issue depends a lot on the profile of the intake camshaft; the more agressive the profile, the greater the flow of oil necessary for longevity. For maximum air flow rate through the intake ports, the valves must be slammed open very wide and very quickly. If a company is willing to sacrifice some performance, the same engine fitted with a milder cam could be plenty reliable, but will make less power due to reduced maxiumum intake air flow rate.

[@teresad7174]

@@5tr41ghtGuy I will take reliability over power everyday of the week.

[@seojimjames]

own a 2018 ktm 1290 sdr best bike I have ever owned, ridden, raced. never had any issues whatsoever. supernaturally fast and magic handling on any surface at any speed. pretty bullet proof.

[@pr00shit]

2018 bro, pre covid. its from a different dimension.

[@rubo1964]

Problem is not just KTM but all bike makers in general.In a nutshell motorcycles have become too expensive.Young folks with student loans cant buy and older guys like cruisers.This is why Royal Enfiled selling so well because they are cheap.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, KTM has their cheap bikes too and they're going in the right direction with the 390 Adventure R, but those bikes also need to be reliable.

[@relevation0]

Love my Interceptor

[@fuglbird]

Some are expensive and some are cheap. Just like in 1978 when I bought my first motorcycle - a used one. Nothing has changed.

[@fidobite3798]

@@rubo1964 Yes, they are cheap(er).

[@ZaneRidesBikes]

No in UK the royal enfield ia not cheap. For £6k you can get a SV 650, mt 07 or a royal enfield 650. Don't let me start with queationable reliability for royal enfield as well. And well smaller cc motorcycles are cheap from every amnufacturer.

[@randyladwig6281]

Dirt bikes with nothing special about them shouldn't cost 18k. So sales are down.

[@petebusch9069]

18k huh, where in the fuck did you come up with that number.

[@fatchance1973]

This is what's mostly likely to happen . KTM's 90 day self administration plan will be rejected by it's major creditor's , forcing a court protected Bankruptcy where Bajaj and CFMoto will buy the Intelectual property that's valuable for pennies on the dollar. Their racing programs will disappear. KTM's manufacturing facilities will be sold for chump change to competitor's or shuttered. What's left will be either Indian or Chinese made motorcycles with a KTM badge. The only thing that might prevent this from happening, is if the Austrian Government decides to provide some type of bridge financing whether it be Loan's or taking ownership stakes in the company to prevent the lost of manufacturing jobs in Austria. Short of that KTM's is done. There is no company in the world that would buy KTM at full retail and take on their liabilites.

[@gordonborsboom7460]

A likely outcome is it will become a Zombie brand like a Benelli. The corporate vultures will dismantle it. The likely outcome is it would become like a Buell and live on.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Excellent points. Thanks!

[@Bobert383]

Between their reliability and charging for unlocking existing equipment after the sell is one reason I've never thought about them seriously.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Demo Mode really pissed people off.

[@jimmysmyth7510]

I hope they stay open and go back to made in austria high end components. They used to be fast and light and good quality. Rumors of Chinese components killed the brand.

[@METALMILITANT-j4j]

I'll stick with my Honda's

[@geneclarke2205]

KTM'CEO's ambitions to be the largest EU motorcycle manufacturer were just way out of reach and this is another top management team who failed to read the market. Harley's CEO also falls into this camp with wild expectations unsupported by the market. Restructuring KTM may turn out to be the companies long term salvation. Unfortunately, 3,500 employees have to take a hit. But that's the way it is, CEO's get a bonus and employees lose their paychecks.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, they've laid off 300 already and are dumping MV Augusta which may or may not survive.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@DifferentSpokesTV MV Agusta

[@martin4819]

You can add Stellantis to this list :/

[@GeorgePippin-bi6dv]

​@@martin4819and nissan sadly

[@stefanmclinger3646]

2 true

[@XL883CNick]

The insect lights and high prices always kept me away from KTM.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

They're getting away from the insect look recently with their newer ADV bikes.

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@DifferentSpokesTV It's too late now, ignoring people's opinions for years. Super ugly and pointy, poor reliability and they never make what people want. Like a 690adv for example.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

The long-term adherence to that pumpkin color is kind of weird too I reckon.

[@GeorgePippin-bi6dv]

​@@tonyjourneyman1944yesss!! Sick of orange

[@chrispack3131]

The camshaft problem & initially the problem was denied by KTM & only accepted there was a problem after so many complaints…that’s one of the reasons I will stick with Japanese motorcycles.

[@quacker998]

‘Broke’ sounds like they just miscalculated and ran out of a few dollars - the truth is $3Billion in debt!

[@jayphive2468]

My KTM 390 Duke was stuck in a stall for months. Luckily it was still under the warranty and they gave me the full sticker price back.

[@justlucky13]

Quality control is why I will never buy a KTM

[@larrypinball5496]

It's probably the most thorough analysis I have watched about this KTM's debacle. good job.

[@KLRJUNE]

Consumer Reports did a reliability survey on the top bike makers (all models combined). #1 was Yamaha, #2 Honda, #3 Kawasaki, #4 Suzuki, #5 Harley Davidson (surprise!), #6 Triumph, #7 Ducati, #8 BMW. Indian's sample numbers were to small to rank but going by warranty claims it probably compares well with HD. Royal Enfield did not respond and KTM declined to participate in the survey. The Japanese and HD are clustered at the top of the ranking then there is a big gap before the Eurobikes show up. BMW ranks last with a dismal 60% failure rate (anything that prevents safe operation of the bike) with the biggest problems being electrical, suspension and ABS issues.

[@stuarthipkins8336]

Bmw bikes n cars. Never again

[@r563]

BM Trouble U.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, but that survey was in 2015. Royal Enfield has improved quite a bit since then and judging by the comments I'm getting KTM hasn't.

[@robvanduren761]

I was in a motorcycle shop today and there was a guy wanting to trade in a 1000SX on a used 1250 GS. WTF was the guy thinking. Going from the best bike to the worst bike. Clown

[@GeorgePippin-bi6dv]

​@@robvanduren761not your business..everyone has different tastes

[@graantmnz]

something we said in the computer industry and still applies today - avoid bleeding edge technology - especially unproven electrical "features"

[@Fourwedge]

Great video I like that you didn't pull any punches. I'm an old coot too ....new subscriber

[@scoooterbob2321]

On Honda's play and racing for 50 years because I don't like wrenching, and I like having money for beer.

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

1 ugly 2 overrated 3 overpriced 4 unreliable 5 dealer network 6 (maybe) lack of selection

[@mackan67an]

Just agree

[@wgruy]

Have a KTM 250XC. Fuel pump went out at 16 hours and I lost a whole weekend of riding with the family over Thanksgiving. I would have traded it for an old XR400 on the spot … and probably will eventually.

[@motozz8258]

thats dangerous hey , put Chad Reeds comeback into Hospital on a Supercross track ktm fuel pump failure pegged him over the bars . Surprised they have never been sued , enduro 4tas the same fuel pump failures is commonly known , but the worst thing is they dont do anything about it ktm , keep supplying crappy fuel pumps for like 10 years .

[@danielmiranda2457]

1'-They need to sell Husqvarna and MV Augusta; 2'-They need to change the motor provider: 3'-they need to improve their relation with customers

[@nikos-giorgos]

And sack all kiska design team, all of them

[@slakk5093]

I mostly solo ride in fairly remote areas, so I’ve ruled out ktm many years ago, as lovely as they are to ride

[@jamessandlin4406]

just speaking form myself i absolutely will not be purchasing any bike made in china thats it all i got for those that don't care thats your decision i have mine

[@motozz8258]

100 % im pretty sure these excitable people loving the China bikes know nothing about a communist country China. Communist ! and what that is in reality

[@timothyfrederick2099]

I dont know. That CFMoto 450 Adventure looks Real interesting. I bet there going to sell a boat load of them.

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

Note: Unlike Husqvarna (AFAIK), Gasgas was not bought for the brand but for the technology and they still produce unique bikes under the brand - their TXT range, the trials bikes. Before that, KTM group had none and except for Gasgas they still don't produce any.

[@macbrush]

I had a KTM Duke 390, parked indoor, rode less than 8000km in 4 years, when I sold it, every bit of plastic parts got brittle and completely disintegrate if you touch them, you can't ride it in the rain because the rubber on the dashboard again, all dried up and cracked. The sidestand sensor died within 1 year of ownership, I replaced the radiator fan 3 times, and this stupid thing run so hot that if you stop the engine right after some heavy traffic, you need to wait at least 10 mins for it to cool down before you can start the bike again. I sold it practically for scrap money! I'll never buy a KTM again!

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

My daughter's comment when she finished her license "Yeah, that KTM 125 Duke is really cool. But I guess I am much better off with that Yamaha MT 125 you suggested". Granted, my husband has been riding an XT of some kind for 30 years now, I have been on a Yam for 25. Never ever any kind of trouble. That is exactly the image KTM has here: cool, bold bikes. But for nothing more than a second bike, more like toys. If you have some spare cash, but not for daily use when you need to get from point A to point B. KTM managed to not be taken seriously as a motorbike brand. More shine than substance.

[@AT2021Rocker]

So I’m going to going on a long remote backcountry trip on a motorcycle where services are far far away, what should I take? Oh ya a highly electronics equipped bike that may break down due to mechanical issues or suffer multiple electrical problems, NOT!

[@Farmaci86]

The best off road performing motorcycles I have ever ridden but the most unreliable. I don't care if you say "I have never had any issues with my KTM"... well, I had planty of them and the bottom line is, it is just a matter of time before they explode on you....

[@Wintersdark]

Building a rep for being incredibly unreliable doesnt help, particularly when thats reinforced by major engine failure (cheese cams) *coupled* with a heavy resistance to making right with customers for quite a while early on.

[@Wintersdark]

.... And maybe KTM should think a bit more about making their bikes less ugly. I mean, maybe take the designers from MV Agusta and have them address it. Sure, there's the odd KTM simp who's Stockholm Syndrome makes him think his bike isn't ugly, but let's be real here.

[@fishyfish6768]

Look at the ads. All about going balls to the walls, and negating simple casual fun riding. I talked a to a guy trading in his very new KTM on a Honda precisely for having to pay for unlocking performance that he had on delivery, but then expired. Greed.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Had they addressed it in a timely manner this would not have been such an issue.

[@Wintersdark]

@DifferentSpokesTV Yeah. That's really key; shit happens in manufacturing, it's how you handle it that matters. The problem isn't the cheese cams themselves (though that's not helping) the real problem is how they went with a policy of deny, deny, deny for a very long time, and made people fight to get coverage. That burns goodwill with a manufacturer like nothing else.

[@JimGibbons-t6s]

No news travels faster than news in the biker community. The only reference that I have comes from the area that I live in, Houston, Texas where KTM sales have pretty much come to a standstill. The same with Harley new bike sales.

[@goikimc1178]

I bought a duke 790 1 year ago and the QS did not work straight from the factory. It took them several months to fix it and find the issue. Don't get me wrong, the bike is amazing but still there are several options in the market and with the reputation that they have means less sales. The bike had no more issues and i've done 17k km in one year.

[@bobz1736]

"... spending like a drunken sailor..." - love it ! Great summary video 👍

[@Banditmanuk]

Yamaha reliability is right up there, unlike KTM. My 40,000 mile 8 year old MT10 has been perfectly reliable.

[@mackeymichael]

My first Yamaha a YZ80 was fifty years ago this month and since then no catastrophic failures from that brand. I swear by the fuckers. A fantastic motorcycle company

[@Banditmanuk]

@mackeymichael I did have a couple of seizures on my 78 FS1E but I had ported it and rode it absolutely flat out! I even had a reliable year with an RD250LC in 81

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

Most bike manufacturers are up there with reliability these days realistically.... except for ktm lol Search the internet for any Euro brands-- BMW, Ducati, Triumph whatever and forums/social media groups it's all mostly positive from owners with high mileage bikes.... except for KTM lol

[@GeorgePippin-bi6dv]

​@@mackeymichaelyamaha is awesome..we have a 1989 snowblower from them thats nvr been repaired..everything they make..

[@thecaptain5344]

You made a really great point about the R&D being put towards their sport bike, even though it's a segment that has shrunk massively and keeps on shrinking. I think the revised 390 range is about 4 years too late - they could have made an absolute killing with that range in the pandemic.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, a lot of people were disappointed that the 2020 390 Adventure was so road focused. Had it been this R model it would have stolen the show.

[@rosslangerak8361]

I am not a KTM fan. However, I have nothing against KTM, and I can imagine having one in the future. I certainly do not want them to go under. I have a 2019 Africa Twin Adventure Sport. There are a number of reasons for this. The ATAS has a large fuel tank providing a range of about 250 miles. I have challenged that range on a few occasions. Range is important for an adventure bike. The ATAS uses regular fuel. KTM's produce their elevated horsepower using higher compression. That requires premium fuel. I have been in situations where I was happy to have whatever fuel I could get. KTM's may be able to adapt to regular fuel, but it's not what they were built for. If I rode a KTM, I would want to carry octane booster on every ride. Oil capacity. My understanding is that KTM's require only two quarts of oil as a weight saving measure. That also means more frequent oil changes. The ATAS uses tubed tires. I can change the tires on the ATAS without the need for an air compressor to seat the bead. I can see the benefit of being able to plug a puncture on a tubeless tire, but in 17 years and 100,000 miles on three motorcycles, I've had exactly one flat, and that was due to a utility knife blade slicing through the carcass on the rear of my ATAS. This occurred near home, so I was able to just replace the tube. I don't believe I could have plugged that on a tubeless tire.

[@CaptainRon1913]

Buying the majority share of MV Agusta isn't what put them $3 billion in debt

[@davidpickard9393]

The biggest problem is that not enough people like Orange.

[@jamescampbell4334]

Oh, ignoring the warranty repairs on cam claims had nothing to do with it? Thanks for explaining it's just the color of the bikes. 🤪

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That's why I like Husqvarna. Prettier colours.

[@KITsune-ICHI]

My WR450 should have come stock in Kubota orange.

[@lateknights1]

I live in Austria where KTM is from and even I think their naked bikes are ugly and unreliable. The newer ownes look decent I think and when the bikes work they‘re very good but KTM’s QC is a joke considering the premium price. I started riding on a 690 Duke in 2017 and by the time I hit 10k km the tank warped so much under the heat that it started leaking fuel all over the engine 🤯

[@dennisbailey6067]

Orange bike bad 🎃

[@coarsegoldkid]

KTM screwed the pooch on the camshaft issue. No one would have heard about it if they just treated their customers right. I have a 2021 890 Adventure R and it's top notch. I wasn't happy about the paying extra for the Tech Pack but it was only 500 bucks at the time. Glad I did. I haven't reached the point of looking in on the cams. Although KTM has said they will I have my doubts they will warranty the repair if they're bad. I also have a 2018 350 EXCF and it's been as reliable as the sun.

[@posteroonie]

I've got an idea to boost sales and cut costs. Buy some paint that isn't orange, instead of buying entire companies to offer bikes to people who don't want that color.

[@alastairtheduke]

I've been riding a ktm duke 390. It has its issues, but it is a lot of fun!

[@pauln6803]

I had one of those as a dealership loaner when my RC8R was in for service work. I haven't felt such fear and anxiety since my first bike! I mean it's fine for what it is, but not being able to see past traffic and the lack of bite and feel from the front brake was just scary. I'm too tall for one of those little things, but if I did own one, a Brembo or Accossato forged master cylinder with a set of steel braided lines would be on order straight away. I cannot overstate the importance of having the best braking performance (feel is as important as power) available at your fingertips.

[@mackan67an]

Bring Husqvarna and Husaberg back to Sweden now!!

[@GeorgePippin-bi6dv]

Yesss!

[@Stephen-oy7fl]

Sales are now off a cliff, directors are accused of operating whilst insolvent, MotoGP is over and now Dakar is at serious risk as there is no cash left. An emergency appeal for E300m was a failure. CFMoto was approached but instead they have teamed up with Yamaha citing different philosophies on reliability and longevity.

[@robvanduren761]

CF MOTO and Yamaha. Wow thats an interesting mix. GOOD mix

[@GeorgePippin-bi6dv]

Where did you hear that from? Sounds like bs

[@Stephen-oy7fl]

@@GeorgePippin-bi6dv Ask any dealer.

[@mikeisland7382]

Love that done up 701 you had up there at the end with the passenger pegs. Can't believe they've avoided doing this model so many people want.

[@johnnydangerously9426]

I ride 1976 yamaha dt175 and it’s awesome . With a set of Dunlop 803 trials tires will go up and down the most challenging trails of the Oregon coast mountain 😎

[@louisdriscoll2580]

I bought a 2023 ktm 500 six days because it’s color scheme was white red and blue with a slight noticeable orange frame…weighs around 250 lbs and plentiful HP…and have a ktm 300 two stroke for the woods, mostly covered in light brown dirt so color doesn’t matter.

[@geraldscott4302]

I don't know (or care) what's next, but why is an easy one. KTM was selling CHINESE bikes with pay to use features, and charging a fortune for them. The CCP made copies of these bikes, and are selling them for a fraction of the price. KTM is nothing but a name, and that names reputation has been ruined. BMW had better take note, they are doing the same thing.

[@gordboyko769]

I think there’s a lot of reasons .. the reliability issues that seem to plague them is surly a big part of it.. but I also think they have too many models and variants of models. They should focus on building a few really good models rather than dozens and dozens . Look at their dirtbike lineup . They have 125, 250, 350, 450 and 500. And then within each cc model .. they have sx, sx-f xc, xc-f, xc-w excf… and I might even be missing one or two. It’s ridiculous. And that’s just their dirtbike lineup . There road bikes are the same. It’s too much . Focus on perfecting a few models rather than 50+ and then constantly updating models year to year .

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes. This means that they too many assembly lines on the go all the time and the competent workers are spread out and may not get to use their expertise when it matters.

[@scootypuffjr.]

Don't forget the 150 and 300...and 50 and 65 and 85, etc.....And electric.

[@kevincorbeil-wj7hw]

Bought 2 both P.O.S left me stranded more than once on both bikes. The dealer was an ass. Bought a Honda no issues starts every time

[@Claymireko]

People will take a gamble on a brand with reliability problems if the price is right, but thse are not cheap bikes. from the showroom to the scrapyard is a very expensive road.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, it's mostly younger riders who are willing to take a chance. Once they get old and crusty like me they learn to appreciate Japanese bikes more.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Last month I was deciding between a CF Moto NK800 (same motor as the Duke 790) and the Yamaha MT07 and I decided to go with the Yamaha. KTM's reliability history made me hesitate the NK800.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, who knows if the CF Moto will have the same crankshaft issues?

[@pauln6803]

The CF Moto shares the same production as the current gen LC8c parallel twin bikes. In regards to the cam issues, the suspicion falls on improperly drilled oil feed and is limited to the Austrian made (assembled might be a better term due to the lack of in house machining and welding in today's automotive factories) bikes. Of course, that is highly dependent on who did the machining for the LC8c engines...

[@gordonyoung3668]

The only bike they made that i liked was the Duke 2 with the LC4 motor, they a re playing pass the parcel with MV just like Harley did.

[@stephanematis]

I think you forgot the electric bike craze the Pierer "Mobility" Group jumped into, a craze that has basis, just not as broad in the post lockdown world.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, the E-Bikes came and went. Cheaper Chinese e-bikes are stealing sales from the more expensive ones made by western manufacturers.

[@CaptainFeathersword]

Typical that senior KTM management waits until it is far too late to do anything other than restructure.

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

I think the kiss of death here is buying MV Augusta. Just ask Harley.

[@jamescampbell4334]

The MV Aug purchase was a vanity move by the CEO. Nothing more.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, I think there's a curse there.

[@brucerossonthetube]

​@@DifferentSpokesTVGo back further and it also nearly sank Cagiva/ Ducati.

[@pauln6803]

​@@jamescampbell4334 Yes, I really can't get my head around buying MV.

[@Davide.A.Visconti-Borghese]

Harley? What kind of people still buy that carcass of a bike?? Oh, yeah... 'muricans LMAO

[@scottsmith6932]

I’m old enough to remember when KTM was Penton. I always like riding my PENTON Motorcycles

[@donbrashsux]

Penton 😂

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

I am not confident that KTM will live on. It is possible that Bajaj and CFMoto may buy select components and designs when the company is wound up by receivers. I can see Bajaj buying out the designs and tooling for the 390 range of bikes and CFMoto the 790/890 range, perhaps even the offroad range to sell 125-500 EXC models under the CFMoto or another Chinese brand. This might be good from a parts availability point of view, but I am guessing the warranties and support will be dead.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

I've always bought Japanese bikes, I've never had a lemon. The KTMs do look fantastic though, and any industry needs brands like this pushing the envelope.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

PS However, the surcharge to turn on "features" is an instant showstopper for my purchasing of a KTM.

[@scootypuffjr.]

​@tonyjourneyman1944 In my opinion, they shouldn't even be building the bikes that have these subscription features. Get back to basic off road bikes and concentrate on them.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

@ yes, I don't like the subscription model either. It definitely puts me off buying a KTM, even if they didn't have the other issues they have now.

[@jimmussetter6584]

I rode a KTM once and compared my Honda it was a pile of crap. At least they are overpriced.

[@MiguelArias-b1l]

Best video I have seen about this subject 👍🏻

[@neilestenson6595]

97 620 Adventure R, 2003 640 Adventure, 2001 300 EXC, and a 2010 990 Adventure. I've never had an issue with any of them, never been broke down or stranded, but I'm also meticulous about maintenance on my bikes. Complexity adds increased avenues of failure, I have zero regrets about not being on the bleeding edge with KTM. Although, the 2025 390 Adventure looks interesting. Best of luck to KTM getting back on track.

[@tedmarakas2626]

1997 KTM duke LC4 620. Bought it from the showroom new and it wasn't running. Had to outfit a new Carburator from DelLorto and replace the exhaust. As for the instrument panel....none lasted more that 3 months and there was a wait for months to get anything for that thing. I still have the bike.....and one more that I bought for parts.

[@motozz8258]

Bla Bla Bla we have had to put up with you lot for ever bangin on , i have owned 6 thousand ktms and not one problem. Rocking Horse shit ! You still on the old media payed for excuse ( maintenance ) have you not noticed the latest denial point is , Well there high performance and high performance needs more maintenance ? Thats the New fanboy spiel get on it you still in the old days of they just need good maintenance.

[@neilestenson6595]

@@tedmarakas2626 I run Mikuni BST 40 CV carbs on my 620 and 640's. They've worked well for where I ride in the PNW, from seal level up to about 6000 feet. I have a kick start 620 enduro, first thing I did was to delete the DelLorto non-pumper carb and go with the Mikuni. I've seen where people really like the DelLorto pumper on the 620's. Ride Safe.

[@tedmarakas2626]

@@neilestenson6595 It has a good bang it runs well. It came with an Edelbrock flat slide for emissions and it simply didn't run at all.

[@tedmarakas2626]

@@motozz8258 The old KTMs were bulletproof. Except the electrical.....the new ones....all sorts of issues and yes, more performance means more problems.

[@Spiros.2S]

Ktm is a brand that live on the bases of stolen tech and glory. Even their logo READY TO RACE is stolen from the husaberg engineers that have do the miracle in late nineteen's If you want the best two stroke bike go and pick a TM RACING bike and I'm not Italian

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

You missed overproduction being one of their big issues. In September I bought a brand new 2023 manufactured Svartpilen 401 at around 25% off the out the door price ($6771 Aussie dollars) thanks to a manufacturer rebate. The guy had to go back to double check the correct VIN because they had 3 on the showroom floor & a whole bunch out the back still in crates. They sold 3 on the day that I bought mine, but Husqvarna have so many that they extended the promotion by another 3 months. KTM are doing a similar promo on the 390's as well, plus are offering big discounts on 2022 & 2023 models across the whole range. When you have so many 2022 & 2023 year models in December of 2024 that you have to run big price reductions just to clear the stock there's obviously a problem with overproduction.

[@motozz8258]

probably did a bulk order with china and or india as thats a deal on pricing for wholesale expenses. But yeah timed out wrong with a glut of them from what you have told us .

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

@@motozz8258 Not just China & India, there's massive deals on 1290's & every motorcross & enduro bike. Basically the whole range is on sale. I'm surprised the fire department hasn't been called yet.

[@wrenchmonkey3920]

I was thinking of a svarty as my first road only bike, first bike ever is my crf300l rally. Wondered about reliability of the 401s.

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

@@wrenchmonkey3920 You're not going to get Japanese reliability, and the quality of some of the bolts are a bit questionable. But the motor is much improved over the early versions fitted in the Duke 390 back in 2013-2015. I've had a 2019 Duke 200 for a while that was not well looked after by the previous owner & it hasn't let me down yet, and I commute 20km each way daily on it.

[@bertranddefrontenac]

Great channel! My experience with KTM: I was lurking on the 1290 Super Duke GT and the 1290 Super Adventure S. I test drove both and was impressed by the engine performance. I almost bought one of them at the end of 2023, especially because of the price drop. Why I did not buy any: beside the cheap feeling of the buttons and the bad quality paniers, I mostly decided not to buy any because of videos about electrical issues on the GT and the SAS and videos about issues with wobling steering over 200 km/h for the SAS. I think that if there would have been no reported issues on the social medias, I'd have bought one. Instead, I bought a Ducati Multistrada. I'm now broke but I'm riding an excellent bike.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Congrats on the Multi, it's even faster than the Super Adventure. KTM needs to get fanatical about reliability. Royal Enfield used to have a bad reputation there too but they've turned it around so it is possible.

[@robvanduren761]

At least your broke not the bike. Dam those Ducatis are fast

[@jantomasowe4562]

I bought a 21 sas with only 10000 kms this spring and it tried to shake me off as soon as I stood up or let go of the bars even in only 50 km/h. I thankfully got my money back. Three different ktm dealers have later told me that wobble is to be expected when you take your hands off the bars!

[@stevesmith756]

The motocross lineup is very reliable

[@OtisFlint]

That's one of the ironic things. KTM builds the most reliable MX and Enduro bikes, but the least reliable Adventure and Street bikes.

[@motozz8258]

@@OtisFlint not true , the enduro bikes have been plagued with reliability and quality for over 10 years now . Mx bikes i am not across totally but plenty of failure there too , 4t starter motor magnets falling off and Jamming the start system , on the trailer plus the fuel pumps crappy china like fuel pump failures , truth be known they likey were and are China pumps . Handle bar clamps cracking , the worst suspension in class WP which need a fix out of the box.

[@avidsledder]

I’m just throwing this out there, what if CF Moto intentionally made these parts to fail? It’s certainly in their interest that KTM fails so CF can be the largest global manufacturer. But the ransom software issue will never work and absolutely p1sses me off

[@FrankyChristianJr]

This is what happens to companies that sell out to investors, Troy Lee just went through the same thing because of turide. Founders see dollar signs and sell out too quick nowadays

[@drewjonespdx]

I’ve owned a 2021 KTM six days 500 brand new for a few years now written it on and off-road I’m an aggressive off-road rider used to race motocross I haven’t had so much as a foul plug or a flat tire on my bike yet it has started every time and never let me down

[@Roy-cm1bh]

Can’t insure them in London,UK, big premiums, insane.

[@pauln6803]

Can't insure much in London without serious wallet damage. Blame the organised bike thief gangs and the use of bikes for robbery getaway vehicles.

[@Richaag]

KTM… Keep The Manual

[@gordonwallin2368]

Merry Christmas to all three of you for this year. (UsernamrKate sure likes that 1290/1390 Super Duke-why not modern high horse power V-twin-but Japanese power and reliability..they're the best.) Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@toltod]

So bring back the Husqvarna 701 LR and add a tower and suspension upgrades? Agree 100% !!!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

And make it reliable!

[@toltod]

Yeah, right now I"m sticking with my 2017 501FE...don't plan another purchase until they get things sorted. Pretty much opted out of the Norden and got vstrom 800de instead because i want my bike to start and run.

[@ADobbin1]

The thing about lock outs is that you already paid for it since its on your bike and at since its just a code they have to flip, soon the way to change it is gonna show up on the internet and you can hack it free of charge. These companies never seem to think of that.

[@billscott1601]

My Beta Xtrainer has never failed me. Tech is a waste of money, handicaps for poor riding skills.

[@halinabiegalski9509]

Good review, thanks 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Glad you liked it!

[@brankog7]

Correct on many points, thanks

[@neilmackinnon3371]

The point made about the 'now you see it, now you don't' features, highlights just how wrong KTM managements thinking has been and how they REALLY don't know who their customers are for those hi-tech, high cost bikes.

[@priceyA320]

I totally agree with you on the Pay to unlock stuff that’s already on your bike. I’ve bought 4 new bikes in the last 15 years. Each time I seriously considered a KTM, test riding some great bikes. But each time the reliability stories and the last time the pay to unlock put me off. Hope they survive tho. Racing would be poorer without them.

[@geraldscott4302]

I would NEVER buy a bike (or a car) with a WiFi connection. NEVER.

[@sreach93]

It's been suggested that running higher compression ratios leads to more power but lower reliability.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Not true. Higher compression requires higher octane fuel. If the bikes are designed to run on pump gas, the compression was not raised above that requirement. It is rare that a YT vid speaks in reality today.

[@str8shooter2]

How can this happen when they sell so many bikes?My 2003 model had a defective rear brake and KTM still had it repaired under warranty which I didn't expect.Theyre generally higher maintenance bikes in comparison to Japanese bikes.

[@jacquesduplessis6310]

A rare example where a monopoly didn't pay. Think hard enduro.

[@advhawk6455]

I worked at two dealerships that sold KTM. One ended up dropping KTM because of warranty costs and lost customers, the other dealership sold two other Japanese brands but couldn't get a Yamaha or Suzuki into the schedule for an oil change because Service was booked up with broken KTMs. And KTM is a "prestige brand" like Genesis is. *Real* prestige brand owners just roll their eyes and pat KTM owners on the head like the sad victims they are. Count Domenico Agusta (the founder of MV Agusta) is spinning in his grave right now.

[@danielrickel8807]

Overpriced junk would be my guess as to why they’re bankrupt. But then I only buy from the big 4.

[@jobyEN]

I would not even consider buying a KTM since I found out some of their bikes come with every option already on but locked until additional payment is carried out!

[@MikeNoble]

Last year I was shopping for a bike and chose a bmw 310gs over the ktm 390adv and a few other brands. The 310gs is rock solid and I hear all these stories about ktm. Sure glad I made the choice I did.

[@BlackdogADV]

I expected to see a drop in prices but after a quick look on cycle trader they are still listed at normal prices. I’ve been on KTM 690/Husqvarna 701s since 2013.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I love the 701 Enduro but won't trade my Tenere for one stricktly because of reliability.

[@scootypuffjr.]

They are having fire sales on left over 2024 models in all three colors. Damn tempting, but I don't want to get stuck with a machine with zero parts availability after they're gone.

[@richardclegg5853]

Sorry, there is absolutely nothing good about KTM's demise, just freakin heartbreaking. Less manufacturers = less competition which is never good for any consumer

[@motozz8258]

geez thats a old one ! better for the consumer ? all they have done is driven the cost up the sport with all the bullshit marketing gaff of on paper features that really are nothing special and in most cases done before years ago and on Factory bikes for donkeys years .

[@robertrussell3264]

These became "brands" run by "investment groups" primarily and manufacturing companies secondarily. I'm not sure why people are surprised. The demise of KTM opens a nice spot for a real motorcycle manufacturer to start producing fancier bikes and raising prices a bit.

[@scootypuffjr.]

I'm so ready for the Big 4 Japanese brands to get serious about enduro/off road, and not just MX

[@spartanx169x]

KTMs prices are already ridiculous and can not be justified based on poor Perceived reliability. If anything, they will have to reduce prices and make a public commitment to reliability. And that would be just for starters.

[@andrewgee241]

You need to look at the 2021 ownership restructuring. It involved holding companies owning holding companies with no apparent economic purpose. Most speculated that it was done to obscure that Bajaj is now controlling KTM.

[@ts3kata]

I’ve heard from many friends and acquaintances that KTM dirt bikes are often considered unreliable. Personally, I owned two KTM 250 SX-F models-a 2012 and a 2016-and had my fair share of issues with both. On the 2012 model, aside from the typical top-end rebuilds, I had to replace both camshafts due to excessive wear on the cams. As for the 2016 model, it came with its own set of problems, including bad front suspension and persistent electrical issues. The TPS sensor failed three times, and replacing it/dialing it in was far from cheap. After those experiences, I decided to try other brands. My first move was to a 2017 Kawasaki KX 250 F. While it was reliable, it wasn’t as fun or high-performing as the KTM. The Kawasaki felt stiff. Next, I switched to a 2019 Honda CRF 250 R and again, I encountered zero issues. It performed well and I really enjoyed my time with it. Finally, I moved to a 2020 Yamaha YZ 250 F... and let me tell you, this has been the best decision I’ve ever made. This bike feels like the complete package. The KYB suspension is absolutely the best in its class, the acceleration is incredible, especially at low RPMs. I could hit a tight corner in third gear, and it would still carry me through. It’s an extremely forgiving bike with serious power when you need it. The only "issue" I've had with it is that it runs a little richer and goes through spark plugs faster than other dirt bikes would. In my experience the three different japanese dirt bikes turned out to be more reliable than KTM, probably for the very same reason you pointed out in the video - they sacrifice reliability for power. Yes, you are "READY TO RACE", but.. by owning a KTM you must be also "READY TO REPAIR".

[@gilvietor1918]

I bought a brand new super duke GT and it kept throwing the bike into performance mode with no abs. Which is somewhat fine till I am riding in the rain. After 3 attempts to fix the tech who I consider a friend said, have you told your wife what is happening? No. He said that I should and she said get rid of it. I loved that bike but I did what she said and another thing that it did was? Kill the the throttles randomly as in instantly. I don’t think I will ever own another. I am now riding Ducatis and guess what? I haven’t had to go to the dealership except for breakin. WY BDR done on the Desert X with ZERO issues.

[@CarysCorner]

Too many of these companies are turned into financial conglomerates and forget what business they’re in. First rule, in order to have a good motorcycle company you have to like motorcycles. It’s not necessarily a prerequisite, but I would like to know how many of these corporate officers actually ride.