What The Heck Is Going On At KTM?

[@Bf0st3r]

Not sure what they expected really. They started selling Chinese made motorcycles at euro premium prices.. I just bought a Yamaha XSR900 and one of the bikes I was considering was the Duke 790 until I found out it was a cfmoto with a KTM price tag.

[@Arkeo36]

As a former owner of a 690 Duke I completely agree. Never ever ever should have sold that machine!

[@Mcfc2Rich]

Just to make everybody aware only 2 models are made in China: Duke 790, and 790 Adventure. Comment above made it sound like more if not all are made there, when in fact it's only 2.

[@Arkeo36]

@@Mcfc2Rich in my case I specifically wanted to upgrade to the 790, but your point stands.

[@Bf0st3r]

@@Mcfc2RichTrue, but it ran me away. I also discovered even some of the Austria bikes are using engines made in china which is just as bad.

[@sirwes2924]

@@Bf0st3r FYI the Kawasaki 650 engine is built by CFMOTO and has been since the beginning. The Ninja 650, Vulcan S, Versys 650, all of them are CFMOTO engines. KTM designed and built the 790 engine, the one that has so many issues. CFMOTO fixed the problems with the new models.

[@alastairtheduke]

Aprilia had trouble with their 660 engines at first but they owned it and fixed it for free under warranty. It didn't really affect aprilia's brand that much. KTM should have learned from them.

[@aluisious]

You know times are rough when you are hoping to be as well regarded for quality as the second most reliable Italian motorcycle company.

[@lucaslandau8973]

My Tuareg has been fantastic. I’ve looked for people posting about problems and haven’t seen much.

[@Jeff-h9d]

@@alastairtheduke Aprilia is my favorite Italian brand for sure and Ducati is in a very close second. I love TM off-road motorcycles also I just wish they would go back to the old chromoly steel frames instead of the boxy aluminum frames.

Looks like KTM is being really poorly managed.

[@spacejaime]

Not necessarily as overall bike sales have slowed down for most brands. On the other hand - yes - way too much racing programs expenditures, and the camshaft reliability problems. Look at H-D, sales are 13% down.

[@wordword6039]

@@spacejaime Yes bike sales are down across the board based on world economics but looks like if you can survive things will be getting better starting in Jan 2025. HD ruined their sales partly based on their idiocy itself (EV bikes) and trying to change who they are and the demographics of who buys a Harley. The auto manufacturers have thousands of vehicles on storage lost that have NO CHANCE of anyone buying them and moving operations to a third world country still wont increase sales. CEO's need to stop listening to survey's since no one really tells the truth on those anyway. Demographics are still the same stop Fuxxing with it you'll only lose.

[@spacejaime]

@@wordword6039 - I'd like to get one of those "vehicles on storage" for half the price. KTM also overextended themselves on a buying spree of non-profitable companies. Look at MV Augusta itself, lousy purchase!

[@Bufford2024]

Poorly managed is beyond polite. Bankruptcy ASSURED ... by a doofus corporate vision and crapist falling quality. You get ... what you build. 😮

[@laddjohnson2576]

What pisses me off is how customers with cam problems were treated at the dealer and KTM North America. My friend with a 2023 890 adventure R had bad cams at 8k miles. My friend pulled the valve cover off while taking the bike apart to replace a crashed radiator. He found scoured cams. He trailered it to the dealer and they were pissed he took the valve cover off. They also accused him of a witch hunt because there is nothing wrong with KTM cams on the 890. But they charged him $400 to investigate (the flippen valve cover was off for chrissakes) and told him it as his fault because there was dust in the airbox. So there’s dust in the airbox because that is a stupid design also, and how the F does dust ingestion in the airbox which then goes into the combustion chamber make it into the oiling system to scour the cams??? They offered to buff and polish the cams and send him on his way. He now has a lawsuit against KTM to buy the bike back. The whole thing is a real clusterf$ck and handled so poorly. I have the same bike and figure I’ll have to do the cams, followers, and head also at some point. I also know of 4 other 790/890’s and 3 of them have bad cams. KTM needs to fix this issue and not treat their customers like crap. They have lost all credibility which is a shame because I love my 890. I also have a 500 and 300 so I’m vested in this brand.

[@warclownband]

as one that works in a dealership, i can assure you KTM refused any and all issues they have seen over and over and literally would say things like "weve never heard of a bad CCPS on the 2 stroke", or "this is the first time weve heard of an oil leak on the 25 390 duke" and i say really? i have 5 here right now.... the cams were no different... "weve heard of one 790 but that guy rode in silty sand...." very discouraging....

[@kleidtomasse]

The 790/890 cam lobe issues really farked them..

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

They sell like 10 of those a year. Adventure bikes are gheyyy and shouldn't even exist. They make all their profits from mx bikes

[@MichaelBelperi0]

@@Runk3lsmcdougali see a lot of 890 adventures around

[@LBrawn]

@@Runk3lsmcdougal 😆🤣🤣

[@kevinbarry71]

Yet another example of a company whose management seems determined to destroy the organization in the service of short term alleged gain

[@pdadv77]

Unlock all the features for free on new bikes if you expect people to buy them.

[@Vicscarm1]

I walked out of the dealership and bought a yamaha when they wanted me to pay around $1000 for all the features that were already on the bike

[@Jeff-h9d]

Don't build European quality in a Chinese plant! Plus acquiring Husqvarna was a great thing but Gas Gas not a good thing. Focus on the KTM brand more and build them in Austria not China 😢

[@TimRHillard]

Yeah, that subscription crap was always stupid to me. Either sell it or don’t. It’s not a freaking game or computer program.

[@Jeff-h9d]

@@TimRHillard I agree 100%. With KTM doing this crap they need to be hit where it hurts! In their pockets/ bank accounts! This also goes with Husqvarna and Gas Gas as they're all under the same umbrella. I believe this is one of the main reasons they're business is failing. It's sad too because the KTM brand has always been a top notch brand plus with KTM owning Husqvarna I would say how could they possibly go wrong? Maybe I'm wrong but I think KTM,Husqvarna started going down hill after 2017!

[@fearme46]

@@TimRHillardit’s not a subscription, it’s a one off payment. There’s a base price and you can pay extra for more features if you want them. Slightly inconvenient yes, but it’s really not a big deal.

[@husabergpower4700]

KTM has been in trouble since they killed Husaberg. 😒

[@OtisFlint]

Uh, no.

[@kylegarrett4071]

Lol

[@onthethrottle7104]

That actually helped KTM, so no.

[@bogdandanailescu]

Actually yes, because Husaberg were the innovators.

[@endurojugHandlebarTank]

@@husabergpower4700 exactly

[@jberejik]

If I was the. CEO of KTM? I would apologize to all the customers I lied to for years about the shitty cams. I would explain why I lied and why I gaslit customers. Then I would apologize for all the shitty quality control in my company that occurred BEFORE and after my move to China. Then express my deep sorrow for wrecking a great brand and running it into a mountain of debt. Then I’d hold a lottery and the winner gets to push me in front of a train.

[@jesses1589]

My .02, KTM would have had less cam problems if they wouldn't recommend a service interval of 9k miles per oil change. By that time, the oil is sheared to the point that it offers far less protection under the high tension cam/followers that require excellent film strength.

[@Jeff-h9d]

@@jesses1589 What 02 KTM recommended a service interval of 9k miles? Especially a oil change?!

[@jesses1589]

@@Jeff-h9d 790 Adventure

[@Jeff-h9d]

@@jesses1589 That's horrible! If KTM recommended a oil change at 9k miles I would do the oil change at 4k miles! To go longer is just money in their pocket and less in yours!

[@RadioReprised]

Way back in '08 they built the decompression lever on the Cam backward in the 450/530 EXC's and then told us to go eff ourselves when you asked for an updated Cam that actually let you use the Electric start! THAT was when they started down the road of ''Got your money so go piss off!'' Add in the China factor and hell no I won't be spending 16K on a Dirt Bike from them again!

[@OtisFlint]

I will. Best dirt rockets on the market.

[@Vapourwear]

No motorcycle of any kind should cost more than. 10k. The amount of useless “tech”(😂) people are willing to be raped in the wallet for…just learn to ride and don’t buy a bike beyond your capability.

[@markilleen4027]

No there not, there heaps of shit, that fall apart, and crack

[@laddjohnson2576]

@@RadioReprised don’t forget the oil transfer problems on these bikes also.

[@CalAdkins]

I first started riding 2 years ago at 42 yrs. old and purchased my first bike which is a 2022 KTM ADV 390. I've put 17,000 miles on it and zero issues. It's been a super fun bike so far so I hope they turn things around. I think the reliability concerns and addon tech package you have to pay to unlock are the biggest hurdles for some buyers. If they started a promo where they unlock the full tech package for free or very little cost I think that would go a long way to getting people onboard to buy one. And also possibly extending warranties on existing newer model bikes!

[@RS23545]

because 390 advs are made in india. india made small ktm bikes have no major problems.

[@negergreger666]

@@RS23545 pretty scary when the bikes made in India are the quality ones… That said, I believe the 790 bikes are made in china by CF moto?

[@bulthaosen1169]

​@@negergreger666well that certainly explains the exploding engines.

[@_Anurag_Thakur_]

​@@negergreger666 yes all the bigger KTM's are made in china hence they have major issues like camshaft.

[@negergreger666]

@@_Anurag_Thakur_ not true, only the 790 and small (390) bikes are made in Asia. All the other big ones are made in Austria

[@Robert8455]

Looks like that same management team doing its destructive thing. The logo and company name changed but the behavior is the same. Huge difference from a corporation and a private company that cares about what they've built.

[@01swainco]

Motorcycle prices are beyond sky high In an era of rampant inflation So who has . money or time for any of that? Even some mountain bikes are getting ridiculously expensive as well It's not sustainable

[@sirwes2924]

I purchased a 2020 Model 790 Adventure 8 months ago, before I knew about the cam issue. The Bike was basically brand new, it sat unsold for 2 years then was only rode 900 miles. So I got basically a broken in brand new 2020 model. The Bike ran great with throttle but in traffic around 40 mph it ran rough, jerky, extremely lean. From a cold start, you had to crank it 3 times in a row before it would stay running.. Just about all of them do this I found out ( again, because how lean it is). So to fix the bike and actually have it run correctly I purchased a Rapid Bike Evo, not cheap ( Kind of like a Power Commander but better as it doesn't cause a CEL so cruise still works). I've owned a ton of bikes and the 790 engine is the roughest, loudest engine I've ever had, It sounds like a paint mixer. My Harley Street Glide may shake at idle but at least it doesn't sound like a bag of bolts loose inside of it. I just didn't have confidence in the engine. After reading story after story about the cams, the low oil pressure at idle, I couldn't get that thought out of my head. It's not a cheap bike, I traded it in and took the hit on being upside down. I loved the bike, I loved the features, I loved it's character, KTM kept denying they had a problem. KTM didn't give a firm answer on warranting cam problems. I traded the bike 2 weeks ago and picked up a 2024 RZR XP, It's a shame really. I had been wanting a new 990 Duke when it came out, but I have that same feeling that I don't think I can trust it... It's the same family of engine. Sorry for the long post but I feel this is why they are losing so much money.. They really dropped the ball on this considering the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure were probably their best sellers.

[@glennmcgown5814]

As a former KTM 790 owner l am appalled at the terribly slow response from KTM re the camshaft wear issue. Even worse though is that the fix they are offering will not reduce the wear issue. The lack of oiling to the cams is due to inaccurate drilling of the oil supply galleries in the block which they can’t fix. Not happy

[@logancrain3301]

Just bought a 24 gas gas ec300 I put 1.36 hours on it, I found scoring on the cylinder that catches my thumb nail. Also half of the piston coating is gone. I brought it back to dealership so they could open a case. The bike is still under warranty and KTM is refusing to pay for it, stating that it's normal wear and tear. Ill never buy KTM again.

[@gxtoast2221]

I spoke to a very seasoned KTM shop and their chief mechanic said he has been doing a simple spring mod that doubles the oil pressure and enables the OEM hydraulic chain tensioner to operate properly and keep the cams lubricated. He said this operation resolves the issue and extends the bike's engine longevity significantly.

[@fearme46]

I purchased my first KTM this year, a black 1390 Superduke R. The Tech Pack thing really isn’t a big deal, where I am in Australia the bike costs $31,750, it took the price up to 32,500. They put it on at the first service, no issue. I did my research regarding the warranty and what it covers in Australia. Made them throw in the extended warranty for free (4 years total) they also included the Akrapovic slip on and tail tidy for free. Got a great deal, love the bike, always wanted one and couldn’t be happier (so far) Feel like it’s important to mention the good experiences while all the keyboard warriors are throwing the boot in.

[@josech]

Loved my 1090R, and love my 890R. Best bikes I’ve ever had.

[@Crust2013]

Yea my 1090R goes strong after 6 years,awsome bikes.

[@Oldjeeper]

I never bought one because my neighbor did and told me that their warranty wasn’t any good because the main company wouldn’t allow hardly any claims.

[@onthethrottle7104]

All motorcycles are like that, they don't have good warranty programs but you can buy them from third parties.

[@Oldjeeper]

@ Funny! That’s a good one! Do you have a home warranty and a car warranty too?

[@onthethrottle7104]

@@Oldjeeper I don't but it sounded like your buddy was worried so he could sure pay for one. I am a KTM certified tech so no, I don't need a warranty.

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

Love my ‘21 1290 SAR. 15k miles and zero issues. It’s a damn 2 wheeled weapon! Love it! Luckily for me, the 1290’s didn’t have as many problems as the smaller bikes. 🤞

[@dirtydog1114]

KTM’s quality control post Covid is absolutely terrible. I bought a 2024 690 smcr in April and from the first ride the countershaft seal was leaking. It took 4 trips back and forth to the dealer after attempts to fix and they still couldn’t figure it out. A KTM employed tech was going to travel to the dealer with 3 modified seals to see which would work. KTM did offer to replace the engine. I declined, saying that is unacceptable on a brand new machine and demanded a new bike. The non-chaletness they approached the issue with, and claiming they never had this issue before, did not set me at ease. The next day they obliged and agreed to cover all the title transferring and cost of paperwork for another bike of the same model. When the dealer prepped the second bike for delivery they test rode the bike and found the same issue, but a more severe leak. KTM paid me back for the price I paid for the bike but claimed they couldn’t compensate me for the roughly 18 hours of back and forth travel to the dealer, nor any gas or toll expenses I accrued. This is not how you sell bikes. Before this I was a hardcore KTM fan and had long term plans to buy some of their more premium road models. After this experience I don’t think I’ll ever consider another KTM and have gone back to buying Yamaha’s.

[@donkeizluv]

2 out of 7 brand new 690/701 in our group has a crank leak. It was a 15' fix. But we did several trips to the dealer to pinpoint the leak location though 😂 Now they clocked 30k+ km without any issues. Still gonna buy one cause nothing rides quite like them. Sorry for your experience

[@billt-g2s]

I worked as ktm dealer mech this is common issue i fixed a couple they sell they kit at the dealer it was simple fix but junk quality. The tech in the ktm bikes is junk. All the software is locked down and requires the ktm software to diag

[@dirtydog1114]

@@billt-g2s I heard the first year of this gen 690 (2019?) had common issues with countershaft seal leaks but it was fixed by the 2021model year. Everyone at KTM, up to top North American management (according to the dealer) claims they never saw or knew of any issues with the 23/24’s. I’m just glad they didn’t give me any problems getting my money back, but what a disappointing experience. I’ve since bought 2 Yamaha’s and aside from Yamaha not offering a true sumo, I couldn’t be happier.

[@billt-g2s]

@@dirtydog1114 every bike i worked on had so many error codes and updates etc. We wouldnt update them or anything just push them out the door like they are chinese pitbikes. All the sensors on the bikes require updates to work correctly which means you better make friends with your local shop bc your gonna be paying 150 an hour for your bike to be hooked up to a computer for 5 mins

[@endurojugHandlebarTank]

Theyre a ripp-off . I’m so done with KTM. They went from awesome bikes to super expensive crap 💩. I bought a Beta 300 RR absolutely perfect bike. 👍

[@user-se7vt5ow4e]

Yes agree. I am picking up a Rieju MR300 Pro on Wednesday. No more KTMs for me.

[@endurojugHandlebarTank]

@ Beautiful bikes Rieju. 👍

[@josephelefante9617]

totally agree, after 22 their motocross bikes went to 💩

[@outfitr9703]

Beta's are good for sure but certainly not perfect.

[@DanHovarter]

Bury me with my Yamaha please

[@ThisTall]

The problem is the Japanese won’t make anything to compete with almost anything ktm makes. There’s no 300 2strokes or EXC or enduro models from the Japanese to compete at all. Rd legal or not.

[@UltraSS-nj8kd]

Beta, Sherco, & Rejui (GasGas OG bikes). All make 300 2T & even some 200 2t 🤘🏻

[@kannermw]

Because these are nich market motorcycles too small to be worthwhile. Those without business savy and having wants representing the small vocal minority always think they are profitable customers but couldn't be more wrong.

[@OtisFlint]

@@UltraSS-nj8kd Bunch of outdated bikes with carbs and their own sets of issues.

[@mark88mx7]

@@OtisFlintRieju 25s are fuel injected, new engine.

[@phild9813]

They started using fuel injection in 2018 and have continued to develop it since then. KTMs are the most high tech off road 2 strokes out there. And all the other manufacturers that build 300s are a tiny drop in the bucket compared to KTM.

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

Sales down ? Surely not 😂 A 250/450 enduro bike here in Austria went from (what I paid in late 2019) $11,400 for a new 450excf to 3yrs later and they’re now 18 grand ? 😂😂😂 I wonder why their sales have tanked. 🙈

[@Mine-z6w]

Did the stellanis

[@Icem4n84]

I've had my KTM for 4 years, one minor issue and it has been a great bike. I love it in orange but for some that is too bright, they should at least offer colours. The camshaft issue wasn't an issue with material the camshaft was made from but more a manufacturing issue where sufficient oil wouldn't get to the camshaft. As someone who works in engineering, that can happen. Where KTM have gone wrong in my view, is the way they handled the camshaft issue, the lack of colour options, paying to unlock software is the reason I won't get another until I get the whole bike for the price I paid. They have been in a similar position before, they can turn it around and I hope they do.

[@philearle435]

They have red ones and white/ blue ones 😂

[@tougeattack123]

ktm made in china asking for premium prices yea its time for greedy companies to fall

[@slagletoby]

I put 650 hours on my 2015 300 XCW with no breakdowns only maintenance. The guy I sold it to still rides it most weekends.

[@kd350]

Two stroke. Yup still riding my R5B Yammie 350 bought in '77 when I was 19.

[@phild9813]

Their off road lineup has been solid for years, especially the 2 strokes. They had some birth pains with the EFI, but they’re getting it sorted.

[@mitchberger2691]

15's were still made in Austria. Somewhere around 16/17 the company changed.

[@phild9813]

As far as I’m aware, the entire off road lineup is still manufactured in Austria. 2017 was a new model, but still manufactured in Austria.

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Yeah these guys are talking about irrelevant adventure bikes noone cares about and acting like it's problem impact the mx bikes. There's more KTMs at one mx track then adventure bikes in that entire state

[@stacksmasher]

Just bought my first KTM and it’s the best dirt bike I have owned!

[@motozz8258]

how do know though , just bought it ? They are sexy but that's as far as it gets then living with them longterm is where the problems say hello its ktmthings . Usually it doesn't take long either compared to some

[@stacksmasher]

@ I put 110 hours on my bike in 6 months. It’s good. The power and suspension are perfect for woods riding.

[@jpesicka492]

@@motozz8258how many KTM’s have you owned?

[@motozz8258]

@@jpesicka492 2008 450exc 2013 350 exc 2019 450 mx mates have had 3 300 2t one husabergktm 300 2 different models 300 ktms 500 hundred ktms . Is that enough to know the facts ? i could list the problems at length , way to much time to waste on deniers so as many others that knoow just say ktmthings now instead wasting time with the fanboys . O yeah a anniversary Husberg 450 ktm, not sure year that was the anniversary of a dead brand now. Same shit different cololur of failures , wheel bearing at 40 hrs spokes just disapear on a ride at 30 hrs lol and then it corroded like china bike sitting in a shed with under 100hrs on it .

[@docwyte]

Buying Gas Gas was stupid. They probably got loaded up with debt by a PE/VC group. The camshaft debacle also affects the 890's and has cratered the value of those bikes. Nobody wants to buy a new one and used ones are worthless. I wanted to buy a really nicely built '21 890 Rally but was scared away by the camshaft issue. To my knowledge, KTM hasn't come out with updated parts, so they're just replacing the same faulty parts with ones that may fail in the future too...

[@TheMotoFolk]

They pulled a GM. Their stuff started going to shit in 2018.

[@JoshDurston]

Totally. And why do they own so many competing brands (like gm), Should’ve focused on KTM.

[@Ntmoffi]

​@@JoshDurston exactly. Their brands are the same machines just reskinned.

[@bogdandanailescu]

Or a Stellantis as someone said above 😊

[@mclarenlewis7845]

I don’t know why they don’t consolidate the brands instead of producing multiple colors of the same product. Make husky the race bikes ktm the trail adventure etc give gas gass the trails and ebikes etc

[@williamhudson3208]

I won’t be giving KTM any money. They seriously pissed me off. 😊

[@juanpablohinestrosa7929]

KTM needs to be reliable first and foremost, they just don't hold a candle to Honda in reliability. They also need to unlock all the features for a modest fee and lower their prices to reasonable levels, e.g. less than 10K for a 450-motocross bike

[@johnscribb6731]

yes, "race ready" is good for about 20% of buyers. The majority just want to make it home without an electronics failure.

[@doc650adventures]

Or just include all of the bike’s features in the price.

[@r3motoworx272]

Know Your Facts What is so wrong with Kymco? It is a Tiawanese parts manufacturer. They started by making parts for Honda and did so for many years.They manufacture lots of parts for Kawasaki, BMW, Arctic Cat and even Harley. Nothing you ride drive or use on a daily baises is completely made in its country of origin. Parts have to be made by multiple manufactures to keep rising costs down. It,s just the way it is and always will be. Stop worring about it and support the brands you love.

[@revmatchproductions]

KTM currently lists where each bike is bulit on their website. Their top of the line bikes are built in austria. But most ktm owners like myself have the cheaper made and non austrian built bikes. So we can complain all we want bit most of us complaining dont own top spec ktms. The new RCR and 990 R will be 100% bulit in austria. They have also adressed the cam issues now, people will get over it. Just takes time

[@Gimme_Stitches]

Too late

[@motozz8258]

No not true , they are put together in Austria and they always have been a bucket of parts from all around the world including China and years ago , Turkey and who knows where else and that's a fact . Failures are not new to ktmthings they have failed for over 10 years in nearly every way possible including electrical fires . Been fooled as has every ktmhuskabeggas supporter of there 2nd rate product. 2008 was my first experience and nothing has changed year after year . The only difference is they don't own the media as much anymore , they dont have google youtube deleting there failures from the algorithm as they had done . Owners having to sign GaG orders by Law , do they still do that ? Fooled on a grand scale into Fashion or a perception of Quality . How they have kept people fooled this long is a amazing billion dollar Marketing exercise. Skin deep manufacturing of a second rate product is ktmthings.

[@TheInfantry98]

Bro poor/working class people are such an pathetic whiney group of people

[@TheDaltonmichaels]

this is what happens when you arent diversified enough. Yamaha builds instruments , electric motors and controllers for E bikes , cars and trucks , they make agricultural equipment and tools. Honda makes lawnmower , jets , cars, robots etc. i dont think you can thrive during economic downturns if your only invested in toys. Toys are the first thing people stop buying when things get hard. and the KTM group makes very expensive toys on top of that.

[@nigelhicks6457]

Bought a Beta 480RR and love it

[@doc650adventures]

Yeah! I have a 300RR (2024) and it’s a beast! Beta Rocks!!!

[@fscottgray9784]

The pendulum from covid is starting to swing back. Every bike.atv manufacturer is seeing a downturn. KTM is hurt more due to their many different offerings.

[@nerychristian]

All motorcycles are overpriced. And some dealers are still being greedy by adding markups.

[@kannermw]

​​​@@nerychristianOverpriced yet manufacturers are losing money. Since you are so brilliant about building motorcycles cheaper you should get into the business. Inflation is real and apparently your wallet hasn't kept pace. Time to accept reality.

[@Ragnar-b5m]

I live in NZ and when i see the prices of new KTM,s this doesn't surprise me. 19k for a 500 exe or 30k for an 890 adventure R. And with the reliability problem why would you spend that kind of money And i for one will never buy a Chinese made bike.

[@kcconnor2636]

They need to fire the execs that came up with the online subscription to enable things that are already on your bike, fix the cam and oil flow issues, and start aiming for Honda reliability as a standard. If the ChiComs are going to be entering this market, it's time for Japan and the Euros to flex some tech/power/reliability in order to earn their premium.

[@Tarkov.]

If they're made in China, there's nothing that sets it apart from CFMoto, especially considering the industry ties between the two companies. And I think we all know how good CFMoto's reputation is amongst Americans.

[@cowmath77]

The specs set them apart from CF Moto… CF Moto is usually up in weight and down in power compared to all of their “copy cat” bikes that they mimic.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Love my cf MOTO 😊

[@Gimme_Stitches]

@@MrWhitelightning73I would say that too if I wasted money on a CFmoto.

[@ThisTall]

Boomers LOVE CFMoto.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

@ 70 mpg I spend $15.00 a month on gas. Not a waste to me 😁

[@BorisBeer24]

I had one Ktm, a 690smcr, first ride home from the dealer I had leaking seals, got it fixed and ever since the transmission jumped out of gear a LOT, sold it a month later

[@istra70]

Reliability issues .... who would buy a bike just to brake down behind the first corner ?

[@HeyWattsUpCycling]

intelligent market manipulation. KTM is too big to fail. if your smart buy their stock now as its going to 3-5x soon as they drop a press release w new info in Q1

[@SeparadoresAtecon]

As a happy 2023 gas gas owner I really didn't understand the logic behind purchasing 3 different brands to make the same bike, kinda stupid market share grab through costly acquisitions

[@schrunken]

Exactly, 3 different brands and at least 8 (eight) different opinions if you’re looking to buy a 300 enduro. Te300: std, pro & heritage, exc300: std, six days, hard enduro, champions edition, GasGas300 at least two different models.

[@JXFZVL]

I grew up with KTM. I bought a 1290 SAS last April and put 13,000kms on it this season. I love it. To learn that bikes could be made in china is a massive no go for me, which is a shame. I love the Austrian heritage.

[@trailrunnermike]

A large percentage of KTMs current sales of new bikes are made in China presently. It is happening now.

[@RAF238thCdr84]

Bike is $8k. Additional $2k if you want the keys... Shouldnt be legal to sell someone something (they own it then) and charge an additional fee to use it. Ownership has meaning or it doesn't...

[@matthew3136]

Ready to Repair!

[@outfitr9703]

I'll probably keep my '18 300xcw forever. Billetron carb and rekluse, so good.

[@winnie-the-poohahaha4428]

It is never a good look having manufacturing faults but the way the company deals with it really does make a difference. How will the current ceo and upper management handle any future possible issues is the big question putting of new purchases of this brand

[@winduncan9818]

Made in China, pay to unlock features, camshaft issues, financials. I was looking at a 790, bought a Honda Africa Twin.

[@jesses1589]

How's the weight feel?

[@winduncan9818]

@@jesses1589 It's fine for the way I use it. Basically touring. I have smaller bikes.

[@jamienicol1785]

Should have honourd their warranties and admitted they got it wrong with the chocolate camshafts and all the other problems and rectified them not ripping off loyal customers to the brand

[@RIPPERTON]

KTM the bike company is being pilfered and robbed out by Peirer Mobility the finance company. Then Peirer go around looking for bail-outs from saviour companies while the financiers stuff their pockets.

[@deegwar]

The camshaft issues are totally to blame in my mind. I was considering a 790, and didn't because of reliability concerns, like camshafts made of cheese.

[@keithbell8960]

Charging for the Tech package just opens the door for manufacturers who dont charge for the s🎉ame features. I have an 890 and it REALLY pissed me off to learn that this was the case after i bought my bike. Im just holding my breath waiting for the camshafts to screw up

[@RobertKehl]

I own a lot of there bikes from dirt to street models. Started with a 02 520SX, 08 990r, 2012 300, 2014 1290r, 17 450, 300, 250, 2020 1290r, 2021 1290r, 23 890r Duke. Ktm in my experience has always been somewhat in denial on warranty in their bikes here in the states. We only get a one year warranty on their street bikes no warranty on the dirt bikes, of course. But we pay premium for their bikes and of course they’re add-ons. We have to pay extra for even though they’re already on the bike and just need to be turned on by software. This has been going on for years. People have been complaining about it. Ktm just ignores it. I love my Ktm‘s. But quality control has been going downhill. My last purchase was the 23 Ktm 890 R Duke. I only have 2800 miles on it and it’s already stranded me twice. The first time, one of the O2 sensors failed on it. The dealer blamed it on a pinched wire not covered under warranty. Repair cost $680.00. The second time the oil pressure switch developed a major oil leak. Order a new one online and replaced it myself. Currently this week the clutch safety switch failed. Have one on ordered. Will change it my self so I don’t get ding another $600 or so. Hopefully my cams don’t go bad too. I like the bike. Just not happy about its reliability lately. I think Ktm need to fire who ever is responsible for not controlling quality control issues and not fully taking care of its customers that are having cam issues. I would think there solution of buffing the cams would remove any hardness treatment and make things worse. I’m shocked that ktm has so mismanaged their company by lowering its standards and not taking care of its customer base.

[@deployeddan]

Ktm deserves all the hardships they have! Years and years of horrible customer service, unreliability and unsatisfied owners has finally caught up to them!

[@AOL0321]

Glad I bought my MV Agusta that was made under the old management now. Can’t imagine what they’re going to do to MV now quality and manufacturing wise.

[@timothyfrederick2099]

Never owned a KTM, Never will....

[@antoniobrnadic]

I work with carbon parts and most of they’r products are made in germany or in czech republic by german owner Brebeck Composite.

[@Mostviews111]

Not happy with my tuning on my 24 300 xcw had to get a $500 tuner to sort it out. Hoping when i get my 25 300 xcw next week it runs better.

[@Weltbummler23]

Might be a risk but they could try busting the lightweight adventure and dual sport market wide open by ignoring A2 licence requirements (or restricting motors) and offering a 340lbs curb 390 adv and a 310lbs curb 390 enduro R. But maybe the lightweight adventure market for non-beginner, non-european riders isnt that big

[@ricecakeFTW]

Bought a 2013 Duke 690 11 years ago. I'm sticking with it because I'm stuck with it. 15k miles, rebuilt top end already and eliminated the ABS system. Strick track bike only and don't ride street with it. Might buy a CFmoto next because KTM is invested in that venture, maybe they will learn a thing or two from the Chinese manufacturing and efficiency. Those speaking ought against CFmoto, look at any consumer products in your house, and the MADE IN CHINA label doesn't stop you from buying that product.

[@702bartending6]

I have a 2023 KTM 390 ADV, after one year and 3500 miles. The oil has failed and toasted my engine. KTM did everything they could for 6 months to prove it was my fault and ended up making me pay the instal for the new motor. Their reasoning was my after market K&N air filter was the cause, saying the bike was ingesting dirt. The whole customer service behind this issue was terrible with KTM. I called into them a few times and was met with Karen like staff being rude and passive aggressive over the phone. I personally will never buy another KTM and I hope they do go out of business lol

[@ffarmchicken]

I’ve been pleased with both my KTMs. 2010300XC and a 2011530exc. 😊

[@Wooskii1]

I've always liked what KTM has done and released over the years, and I recently got my dream dirt bike, a 300-XCW (after years of dreaming since I was a broke kid) and it actually surpassed my expectations after years of hype and some experience on competing bikes- Without even accounting for the 15-ish years of being hyped and obsessing, it's extremely rare for anything I spend any time looking at to surpass my expectations- So all that's to say; I really hope KTM can turn it around... The top two contenders for the first brand new bike I buy were both KTMs (690 Enduro/ SM and Duke 990) before I looked into how they support their customers. Unfortunately, now there's only one new bike that I'm seriously looking into buying and that's a Yam MT-10 (maybe XSR if I find a leftover) because nobody else even makes an "adventure bike" that I would actually want to ride off road. The next best thing would be a XR or DR 650 but those don't even begin to compete. So yeah, KTM crashing and burning would really suck to see, but I'm absolutely not supporting them with my wallet right now.

[@kobiabr7532]

The prices of their bikes are way too high...

[@mixalis6168]

Not really, off-road bikes are far superior than all the rest, can buy a Beta, but its no way as good in quality

[@fritzbucher4726]

I wanted to get a KTM XCW 250 but I backed away when I heard about issues and for the price they are, I don’t want to worry every time I ride it.

[@darylsmioth1904]

German manufacturering industry as a whole is going through the same thing as KTM.

[@ut90J]

I kind of hope that CFMoto buys them out and redoes their management. It seems like they are really doing things right at the moment and since they already work together they could just pick up and change it for the better.

[@RoyClendaniel]

The same thing thats going on with every vehicle manufacturer right now. High price, high interest rates, quality issues, and people are broke. Its not permanent. KTM still makes the most interesting and fun bikes. You need to be able to wrench on them though. I know so many people who pay $200 an hour shop rates for a $30 fork seal repair. I've owned 5 KTM since 2016 , currently own 3 (390 adventure, 890 Duke R, and a 1090 R). They have been solid and reliable.

[@ahsnap9103]

KTM brainwashed victim. No not every manufacturer has these issue's relating to bankruptcy and reliability. Keep up the fight against reality.

[@bradymcrae7351]

I ride dirt and street. Currently don’t have one but want to get a 300 XC for single track and keep my KX450. Make great dirt bikes but wouldn’t touch their street bikes with a ten foot pole with all the issues they’ve had

[@8andsk835]

Had a 2020 790adv the second I heard about cam issues I traded it in for an 800de. The Ktm was a lot of fun to ride and tbh the 800de is pretty bland and the aftermarket is dim

[@ryann6919]

I wonder what they are going to do with MV agusta......

[@1Fasteddy]

Not good news for KTM I guess I will have to do my part to help them out and buy a new 300 😂

[@onthethrottle7104]

If you do you will be super happy, best bike made by any manufacturer. Their 300's, whether XC or XCW, are spectacular!!!

[@ZoomyZoom77]

I bought a 2017 250xc. The hardware on it was so soft everything stripped as soon as you touched it. The clutch never fully engaged either what a heap. Bought a yz250 after and had no issues

[@dougfalstad5227]

That’s odd. I had the exact opposite experience. I own an 18 300XCW and a Husky TX-300. Bought a brand new 19 YZ-250X. That bike was horrible.Bolts were soft, bike wasn’t well built. My KTM, Husky are built like tanks. Much better quality.

[@ZoomyZoom77]

@ maybe our respective bikes were built on a Friday afternoon 😂

[@phild9813]

I have a 17 250 xcw and haven’t had any issues. Great model year to jump in if you don’t want fuel injection.

[@edking9336]

Chill. The KTM brand will be fine.

[@queenslander954]

Greed & delusion .. as per usual , ignore warranty’s from their core customers then expect them to buy new models. 🤣

[@Mr---mr4ll]

Hi. Is there a go to website that has news and information like in this video but about the motorcycle industry and other manufacturers ??? I’m new to biking and this type of info is really useful.

[@TJ-oi5qe]

True, I’m totally out on CFTM’s.

[@mark_Hershey]

Had to get rid of a 300 tbi that couldn’t get rid of a random bog. Finally ended with 2 broke ribs and busted spleen.

[@100868ful]

Only the 890/790 are made in China. Not there dirt bikes. The bigger problem is the camshaft failure and how they handle it. I sold my 890 once I started having issues with it after only 1.5 yrs of ownership. I still have my 2020 KTM 350 which has been flawless. I currently own a Triumph tiger 900 adventure bike that is my replacement for my 890 I had.

[@lajostresser482]

I foresee an immediate change in ownership or a complete bust with this kind of dept load.

[@paulb_614]

I say let them fail! Camshafts and not owning up to a mistake. Denying warranty if you do your own oil changes. China. Bad rep is very hard to overcome as a business. Maybe others can learn from their failures. They should have just replaced engines in the bikes that made a claim honestly. Would have gone a long way

[@henrybuzzard4705]

The prices for all bikes have went crazy bought a brand new yz250 in 2011 for 4500 same bike is almost 10 grand

[@scottpeters8640]

MSRP on the YZ 250 has only gone up $850 since 2011.

[@schrunken]

KTM has been my favorite brand since my 620 Duke, their hard enduro bikes are in my opinion the best and they developed the 2-stroke enduro really great. I’m considering a new 300 enduro and there are at least 7 options from the same manufacturer, that’s crazy.. TE300, pro edition, heritage edition, Exc 300, champion edition, six days edition, hard enduro edition and I haven’t even mentioned GasGas two editions.

[@windridermaui]

I am happy with KTM. I am on my second KTM and plan on getting a third. I have had issues with certain things but KTM has always taken care of the problem(s). Their support team does an exceptional job working with the local mechanics. As far as the extra locked features, do you really need em?

[@jlsaibot0319]

"a little bit of trouble" is an understatement. Their partnership with CF Moto is the reason their sales are down. Why buy KTM, when you can buy a CF Moto at half the price? That's what will happen if you share your technology with a company that undercuts your prices. Is that even surprising at this point?

[@trroland1248]

All these US-based reports about KTM totally miss the point. KTM is equal parts motorcycle and bicycle company. (One does not see the bicycles in North America.) It’s the bicycle sales that have fallen off post Covid. The motorcycle sales are not that far off and the 🧀 cams have surprisingly little to do with it.

[@UncleMattsGarage]

First thing, all the software needs to come right out of the box. Second , stop making them in china . Third , be upfront with the cam issue and fix it . The are the champs of off road racing , they pretty much have the market cornered . Don’t drop that ball . The expensive ADV are really nice , but making them in china kills that , and that’s where the Yamaha’s T7 is my personal choice over the 890/901 .

[@izom]

absolutely right- and honestly the tenere is sooo more beautiful- even i ride ktm...

[@connellhuilcapi3369]

I was looking at 890r but reliability was the issue

[@MS-eo6mn]

What KTM do best is build sub standard bikes that break down and have so many issues. I had a 22 1290s 6 months of ownership, It was in the workshop for 5 months with KTM making pathetic excuses why they could not repair the bike. They blamed a lack of skilled techs as one of the excuses, After 6 months of failing to resolve my bike issues I had enough, rejected the goods and got a full refund. Absolutely awful brand and company. The bikes need to be all thrown in the skip.

[@JoshDurston]

I don’t even own one but the way the (didn’t) handled the cam issue on the 790/890 has made me steer clear. Lost trust.

[@fuellerr]

For the MX and XC off rode bikes they need to come with better suspension and they need more comfort in the frame. If you like your KTM SXF and go ride a Yam, Kaw mid day at the track and get back on the KTM your not going to be happy. You don't see the other brands selling $4000.00 forks and $2500.00 shock on the side basically saying if you want preformance we have this.

[@ffarmchicken]

If you want a KTM with softer suspension, get a Husky. Same engine.

[@AOL0321]

It’s funny that we now as consumers have to worry about and check into the financial health of a motorcycle company before buying. I guess it’s a good thing though…makes you a well informed buyer.

[@yoryo350mx]

For all those people saying only KTM is financial problem for Pier Mobility they introduce to many brand and they have too much debt. kTM is their main company but they also have Husky, GasGas, MV Augusta, Felt Bicycle, Husky Bicycle, GasGas Bicycle, WP. Sale are down for every brand. But is not a sales problem is a debt problem

[@dennisdemara8098]

Where were 2023 KTM 300’s manufactured?

[@jeffreeves7212]

I own a 2022 KTM Duke 890R with the tech pack. I love it. KTM should have kept the Duke 809R and I think the new 990 is fugly and hardly an upgrade, bad move there. I also have a 2023 Husqvarna TE300i and AFTER I did a fuel injector relocation kit and a medium compression head and ECM tune, its FN awesome now, but It wasnt at 1st and should not have needed that done to make it perfect in the 1st place, escpecially for what they cost!