More KTM TBI problems. More leaks. More odd running problems explained. If you own one, then watch

[@joshburch4959]

I know dudes with over 100 race and ride hours on these things with ZERO issues. However, I do believe the potential for issues is HIGHER with the added sensors/electronics. My TBI runs better than any carb bike I have personally ever been on. My times are faster just from making the switch to TBI. I don’t fault those who chose to stay on the carb with a kickstart backup though, it makes a ton of sense from a cost and potential reliability standpoint.

[@mrxkyle22x]

Mine is best bike I’ve ever owned. Only issue I’ve had is oil lever sensor failed on 300exc but just hit 110 hours and bike is amazing.

[@darrellbarry3402]

These new TBIs are tempting but the SIMPLICITY of my 2018 300xc with Smartcarb, KYB conversion, Flexx bars, One Light Clutch, Gnarly, Tubliss etc means it has NEVER been to a shop. Plus the new bikes are stupendously expensive.

[@rdsrf]

100% agree. My 2018 250 XCW carb bike is everything I want in a dirt bike! Unfortunately KTM doesn't make bikes like that any more.

[@abpob6052]

I have a 2017 Husq TX 300 with a Lectron carb and Kreft Powerdial. I consider it to be the pinnacle of 2 stroke performance, reliability and tunability.

[@ecbventures]

So whats the fix on the pressure sensor?

[@ryanstewart1521]

People epoxy the seam on them

[@enduro-parts-aus]

i agree ktm has been dropping quality since 2018 , they wont be getting my hard earned money until they stop putting investors first

[@jannep6772]

I’m glad I have Husky TC250 2018 and TE250 2015. Both have carburetors and kick starter.

[@enduro-parts-aus]

@@jannep6772 yep same glad i have my 18 carb bike one of the best models they ever produced 👌

[@damarpo5467]

Jeff Slavens said KTM's are by far the best dirt bikes ever made, I disagreed, and said my new Beta is a much better overall bike. Hes like a liberal and will defend KYM's to the end. Would never buy another, you guys especially JS can have them all

[@christopherevans4978]

I have a 2019 150sx and a 23 350xcf and both are great and relaible. 350 hasn’t had any problems has 40 hours just do regular oil change and stuff haven’t opened engine at all

[@pinitracingdevelopment5445]

@@damarpo5467 Soon, John and I will be heavily involved with Beta's and development for them. Also, John will be the new TM importer by the end of July, and involved in those bikes being better. So some good options are around the corner

[@codyhall1091]

what psi should these crankcases be pressurised to to test the leaks?

[@keithpeterson6108]

About 7lbs (no more) & should hold it for at least 5 minutes.

[@grantlingley1385]

Craziest thing, I see a lot of videos like this and I get it crap happens but of all my buddies that have both TPI and more recently TBI models…no triubles at all. I guess it’s a big world and machines in different markets but as mentioned local bikes are doing just fine!

[@monk_crayolayt3715]

I got one to 35 hours 2024 not a single issue yet

[@bds626]

2023 108 hours running strong on my 300xc

[@brettfrimmer6567]

You’ll always hear mechanics bitch about the bikes that broke because it’s the ones they see. If he works on 5 machines and it’s all similar issues it turns into “shit design and KTM sucks”. The other 10,000 bikes across the country with guys putting over 100 hrs on a top end, and don’t have the problem he sees, they don’t get accounted for.

[@SonicTripTronic]

I bought the';24 300 xcw in february, so far: The factory chain guide bent, and held the bent shape, which ruined the chain and sprocket The chain adjustment marks in the axle blocks are not in alignment with each other, resulting in a crooked rear wheel if you use them A footpeg snapped in half from just looking at a rock The start switch connector intermittently stopped working after 4 hours If you loop the bike out (which happens to us all from time to time) KTM has engineered it to not only break the rear fender, which is expected, but the seat is also destroyed as the last 3 inches is folded upwards to the point that it breaks I have nothing but anxiety when taking this bike in the bush knowing that sooner before later it will leave me stranded.

[@JamesyMusial14]

KTMs attempt to innovate and improve 2 strokes is actually ruining 2 strokes. Nobody asked for piles of electrical things to go wrong, nobody wants to have to take their 2 stroke back to the dealer regularly to get issues fixed. We buy 2 strokes because we want cheap, simple and easy engines to work on and stress free ownership. KTM are ruining that 🤦🏽‍♂️ I’ll be keeping my 2022 TC250 for as long as possible and either move back to 4 stroke or move back over to Yamaha for my 2 strokes

[@linus5699]

in the near future , also dirt bikes has to pass emmision test/ or stronger regulation on emmissons. That is the only reason ktm is ahead of time.

[@pinitracingdevelopment5445]

@@linus5699 In 2026, the euro 6 emissions kick in, and things are going to get worse. Carb bikes will most likely be competition bikes only. Things will be lean and quiet and real lean on the oil

[@mikemccarthy6081]

Your info on the rings seating (cut-in) is interesting. What do you recommend for a ring cut-in procedure for a 2-stroke MX bike? When replacing pistons and rings, I sometimes run the 3-bar hone up and down in the cylinder a few times to break the glaze (but not always), check the new ring gap and put it back together with the new parts and torque the head and cylinder to spec. I then typically take it out on the track and just start running it as usual. I don't run it through heat cycles or re-torque the bolts. I've heard people recommend using non-detergent oil on car engines for break-in and am guessing that's mainly for ring cut-in purposes too, which you seem to acknowledge (at least in using a different break-in pre-mix oil) in your video.

[@ktmhusky]

Good real world info here. Appreciate it. The end of Sept I'll be hard core into a lot of stuff like this. We'll all see what happens with various break in procedures. I don't do any of that heat cycle stuff either.

[@jasonautenzio6369]

I have a husky te 300 2017 in Australia and will never upgrade to a newer one for this reason.

[@nolacross704]

It’s unfortunate that some people have issues but I have a 40 hour 125 and 10 hour 250 both 23 and they run great for me. 40 hours Mx on original piston and pump gas

[@plumbit111]

Wow! I heard Highland Cycles had the same issue with the crank seal leaking. Will be changing to TM or Beta in the future a YZX 300 would be sweet also.

[@williamcrotts7054]

He did after 200 hrs.

[@johngray722]

I have a Ktm Sxf 450 2017 which I am happy with owned since nearly new but I’ve just bought a yz125 2021 didn’t want the newer one or a Ktm and feels like I’ve come home

[@Erick-di9gm]

They're not detuned like the ktm 2 strokes either.

[@toffalphonse2868]

Thanks for sharing Dave 👍!! So how did you solve the issue?

[@bestdualsportbikes]

Made new tricky parts to make a solid pressure sensor mount, which is almost out. Then light silicone on the base gasket and added the missing crank O ring

[@kevindogktm]

You're here to sell, not help 😢

[@andrewcooper2208]

Are ppl actually putting oil in there fuel for back up if so how much

[@davidanderson2393]

Great video, I have been chasing down a plug fouling issue on start up on a 23 TX300 with 30 hours, I put together a pressure testing set up and found a couple issues. Yes the CCP manifold leaked #1, the o-ring will not seal tightly to the manifold without sealer, #2 the clutch side crankshaft seal was allowing trans oil into the crankcase. When the factory installed the seal it scored the case bore in many places allowing oil to get past O/D of seal, new seal with sealer and it holds pressure again.

[@mikebarger3563]

Did this solve your issues? What did you use to seal the CCP to the manifold?

[@davidanderson2393]

@@mikebarger3563 I used Threebond which is like Yamabond to seal CCP to rubber manifold. I pressure tested the manifold and CCP after letting it set up for a day off the engine and all was good. Engine runs much cleaner now, heading out for some tight woods single track testing.

[@bh8459]

I had my 24 tx300 idling and reached in to adjust increase the idle and I ever so slightly bumped the pressure sensor and the bike increased in idle for just a split second... thought that was wired... I'll be checking for leaks now

[@chaindrive]

Ran R50 forever until my first ktm. Have a 23 tbi always ran the recommended cross power 2t (with ok luck, fouled one plug at 30 hours). Wanted to switch back but wondered if I’d have issues with the klotz premix with 23 tbi. Klotz is very thick and heavy compared to the crosspower. Any concerns there?

[@kirknelson3020]

I run R50 in my 23 TBI 50:1. Runs great.

[@BrendanBresney]

I sold my 2013 KTM 300XC (which I loved) for a 2023 KTM 300XC with 22 hours. I’ve put 10 hours on the bike so far, and I love it. No leaks from the engine yet, no complaints with power, and it rips. Isn’t grumpy when cold. I ride at 4000-9000ft. I’ve noticed I already have oil leaking out of the silencer which seems kind of odd for being so new and running 60:1. For the MSRP I would expect a radiator fan, headlight, and maybe swingarm guards/ full skid plate that covers the linkage. I know it’s an XC so they do not usually come with a headlight, but still for the money having some of these extras I kind of expect. I’ve heard complaints of the suspension, but honestly I really like it - going fast downhill and through techy steep terrain is a breeze. Time will tell how durable this thing is for me. I am definitely going to put it through the wringer. I’m definitely a bit nit picky here with the complaints, but it feels like it’s a solid bike. Lugs pretty good obviously not as good as an XC-W or TE 300 would. Hope this helps for those that have one or are looking to get one in the comments

[@travisconover4762]

Dang, I got a new 2024 Gasgas ex 300 I hope this doesn't happen to me

[@coryr8215]

I just switched from KTM (long time faithful customer) to Beta RE and couldnt be happier. Not only is the Keihen a simple set it and forget it, except for summer vs winter jetting, the KYB suspension is amazing. I'm not arguing that the new TBIs arent good, just saying there's way more potential issues that can leave you stranded with all the new sensors and wiring. If you live in the mountains where elevation changes are extreme, I can see the advantage. But, for the normal weekend warrior, its not necessary. You'd get more out of better conditioning yourself and proper suspension setup.

[@ktmhusky]

Yup. It's nice to go riding without worrying about getting home

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

Was going to buy another KTM 300 but instead bought a Rieju 300 Pro. What a great bike it is. Carburetor, premix , kickstart and KYB suspension.

[@pinitracingdevelopment5445]

That's cool. How much was that

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

@ This one was slightly used, 30 hrs for 7000€

[@deep4soul]

Why make performance parts for a company you wont stand behind or even like?

[@pinitracingdevelopment5445]

It's the company that needs them.

[@zpbeats3938]

Never mind, I see the video already posted, you the man! Can you do a tutorial on the pressure testing? Is it just a regular leak down test? If that's the case I should already have the equipment to do this.

[@rztrzt]

Geez, that thing has more wires than an 80's Toyota Corolla.

[@rdsrf]

Yup

[@windsofchangehome274]

24 300 SX and 102 hours this summer. Not a single issue and best bike yet out of 30 owned this far!! Owned a brand new 2019 YZ 250X and it was a pos and never ran right since day of purchase. Gave up on it and sold it!!

[@omacattack87]

Another great informational vid! We had issues with ring seat and blow by 125 and 250 tbi. Have always ran R-50 as we are outlaw kart racing hard on our motors. We found experimenting mainly the 125 (Dumonde tech storage break in oil) after re-ringing/breakin definitely helped the rings seat better, faster and 95% of the evidence of piston ring blowby that drove us crazy had stopped. Now this process has become another part of our religous routine everytime we re-ring and break in. Could be wrong but I believe that if it can be said, the R-50 might be too good of oil inhibiting a good seating and seal of our piston rings. Once seated we get right back to the good ole trusty R-50. Take care!

[@mrmoparrr]

Understandable Rant !

[@MrKidkiller159]

Them ktm bikes are shit 0:40

[@DSLRvideonow]

should i buy a sherco then? 300 carb and counterbalance ?

[@madMX96]

25s are out. carb is great, counterbalance not as much, still vibrates but who cares

[@christophernumbers1660]

So I have a 23 husky tc 250. 40 hrs beat the crap out of it racing enduros and it’s been totally fine for me. My question is, does Husqvarna have the same exact engine or do they kind of do their own thing with internals and electronics and quality control. These videos make me a tad nervous but I absolutely love the tbi power delivery.

[@Erick-di9gm]

40 hours isn't much, 6-8 rides ?

[@al-ew3mj]

48 hard hrs on my 24 ktm 300 xc-w hard enduro, no probs so far, best dirt bike ever owned running 50-1, oil injection delete tsp head and erm

[@brianmartin414]

Ha ha, no problems but you had to spend more money to make it work properly? 😅

[@jpconard]

My 22 150 had leaking crank seal too before 60 hours. Right around a top end at 45. Didn't seem like it made as much power, probably because too rich and not seating the rings. Even new it seemed to be nearly 20 hours before it really came to life. I recall once on trail not making a hill and revving it high to push it up and after it had tons more power. As if revving it to the moon really helped it.

[@themotocrossmodchannelWulfMX]

Great video Dave.

[@ratherberiding5964]

Thoughts on Beta’s carbureted 300?

[@MarkSmith-tm9zr]

My 2013 Beta 300rr serial #1 has been the best bike I've owned in my 50 years of being a motorcycle pervert!

[@damarpo5467]

Got new 2023 300RR Beta love love it! KTM's junk junk! also got 2012 KTM 300XCW which has been ok, new crank seal at about 65 hours which i have never had to replace in any other 2 stroke ever owned. Buy the Beta 300 you will not regret it !

[@williamcrotts7054]

Funny request, my friend just had to replace the entire top end on his 24 YZ 250 with zero time on it. Spent like 43 days at the dealer. All the coolant was dumped into the bed of his pickup on the way home from the dealer.

[@dirtberger4533]

Thank you for the good information 🏁🏁🏁.. quality problems are plegging everything, even livability.

[@ryanstewart1521]

Seems like the new tbi bike have more problems than the tpi’s from what I’m experiencing.

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

23 350sxf been incredible for 70hrs so far with an xpr ecu on it even

[@JamesyMusial14]

The 4 strokes are fine

[@Erick-di9gm]

70 hrs is nothing.

[@adibop1]

I have an old 2023 300tpi it has never been warmed up, I neglect services about every 40 hours. I do maybe clean the air filter every 5 rides. I kick the guts out of it. I'm on 150 hours and never taken the seat, tank, or looked at the water. It's a brilliant bike. I'm not changing a piston till it blows. 😅

[@ktmhusky]

I say almost that exact same thing when talking about my wife.

[@Jaysrippen]

Maybe simple TEST for leaks: spray brake clean at those areas while idling and see if rpm picks up. I just tested my TBI and was good. this works for snowmobile motors vac leaks

[@pinitracingdevelopment5445]

Normally that's a great idea but misses a few parts. It wouldn't have caught the missing O rings at the primary gear under the clutch cover. It wouldn't have caught the leak that was between 1 guys coolant passage and the crank area. He couldn't figure out why his coolant tubes would expand when it got hot.

[@gamermoejoe]

My tbi had me a little upset with the build quality but this past weekend the oem battery decided to short out (oem quality 😂) literally on the starting gate, bumped the bike and kept it going for the moto, got a new battery before the 2nd moto but I was at the least impressed the bike ran flawlessly with just the stator powering the electronics

[@ktmhusky]

Funny and not because I've blown 2 stock batteries just turning the bikes over for compression checks.

[@MrDirtrdr22]

I gotta say there are a few that bark the loudest. Unfortunately those few that do bark, out weigh the dozens with great feed back and happy. That being said, having 117 abused, raced hours on my 24 xcw bought middle of 23 has been phenomenal. But my experience gets over rode by the few with negative thoughts and a platform of viewers. And then bad information is disseminating down worse than the telephone game.

[@brianmartin414]

Just wait until you need a rear master cylinder...it's only $311. Pride of ownership? Some people never learn. BTW ktm doesn't sell a rebuild kit for the rear master. Why?

[@SpeedDemonExpress]

Almost 70 hard motocross hours on my early production 2023 300sx and still no problems.

[@Dat_Sun]

I bought the 1st new 23 250xc at my dealer. It ran boggy down low and left me stranded on the very first ride miles from the truck. I replaced the spark plug with a new one. And replace the pre mix fuel from a known good source. Still ran horrible, took it back to the dealer after just a couple of days. KTM charged me a lot of money to clear a fuel pump code because I accidentally bumped the starter button with the tank off when changing the plug. They told me they went ahead and updated the ecu it free of charge. But I was charged to clear the code.. The update did not help much with the poor fueling down low, the bike is not trailable at all. I put it in my basement and haven't touched it since. Brand new KTM that I have no interest in and haven't touched in over a year. I almost forgot, the dealer or the manufacturer somehow forced the skid plate into position. So that when you remove the bolts for maintenance or cleaning, you can not realign the holes because the plastic skid plate was not molded to the proper dimensions in the first place.

[@seniordiscount4960]

That's funny.I've been saying that exact thing about if Yamaha put out a purpose built 2 stroke enduro type bike. KTM would be bankrupt in a year! Ever since I bought my shitty running 2024 Husky TE250. Very frustrating!!!!

[@mikeb4708]

Think of it this way, if KTM were perfect you wouldn’t have as many parts to sell!

[@evr-mr3cp]

I have three words for you: Sherco/Beta/Rieju

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

Agree. 💯

[@kirkhuhtala3679]

Thanks for the heads up😮

[@zxcvbnmnz]

First thing I check. It's nearly always the CCPS even when it seems like nothing is wrong.

[@Peter-uj7wd]

what is the best method for sealing the CCPS ?

[@brianmartin414]

So much for "ready to race". More to go wrong means more will go wrong. Ktm has issues all over the internet spanning many models. Your Austrian machine is made from Chinese and Indian made parts now. 44 years in the motorcycle business and all I see are newer ktms with issues dirt bikes shouldn't have. Electronics,moisture and vibration don't mix. It's hilarious that you have to "fix" a $10,000 dirt bike. Some people never learn.

[@brettfrimmer6567]

Vibration? The engine is counterbalanced. Smoothest running 2 stroke ever made.

[@brettfrimmer6567]

As far as the Chinese and Indian made parts, that’s the duke models. Off road is made in Austria from nearly all Austrian parts. KTM did sublet some cylinders to kymco a Taiwanese company due to production demands.

[@williamcrotts7054]

Toyota is recalling 100k engines on their tundra pickups. Uh yea on the Lexus too.

[@johnhelems721]

Beta

[@ParkerRichards360]

If we see you riding a newer KTM after this video you’ve lost all cred 😂

[@colinbowman8816]

The hypothetical YZ300 would need a hydro clutch as well to put KTM outta biz!

[@CraigSteinman-zt3vu]

I know the 300s have the edge In tight and hard enduro..but i have my yzx and 300hrs on it..sure I have done 2 top ends .and even 1 bottom end at 300 hrs though it was still tight ! Just thought it was a good idea..have it jetted well and that MF rips! I have never had any problems othere than normal wear on my yz ..that's why the yz 250 is the goat of all 2s!..yz 300 with the mods you said would be a ktm killer

[@glassapology]

If only Fantic would sell the XE300 in the United States. Oh wait, Yamaha doesn't allow them too.

[@ktmhusky]

May be here soon than you think. Depends how negations go in Sept and the price point they want them sold for here. Let's hope this works out

[@bobwelling8]

You lost all credit when you said buy a Yamaha, unless you race for star racing Yamaha motors are junk buy a beta or a rejue if you don’t want fuel injected

[@moto3463]

Yamaha all the way! Honda second.

[@dirtbike_viking]

Oh no 😮

[@Africatwin93]

Absolut stellar and you say how it is. All their new bikes totally suck! I stopped buying them when they got rid of Kickstarters. My2012 exc 300 was one of the best for racing. But that was it. And yes you right a 300 YZ would put them out of bussiness.

[@Erick-di9gm]

Thats nothing new with ktm. On all the trail rides if there was a bike problem, always a ktm! Doesn't matter what year. You're all a victim of their marketing.

[@tyeealpha]

Literally30 seconds of content in 10 minutes.

[@pinitracingdevelopment5445]

Better quit watching anything on this channel then. Next time I'm just going to sit on the toilet and eat chicken wings. And just make grunt sounds