Last Updated on: September 18, 2024

KTM cam issues have been “all over the internet” of late. Far too many cases to be a coincidence? Well I’m not one of the unlucky owners. 

2019 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S at Colle delle FInestre, Italy, late August 2021.

The statement “all over the internet” is of course not true, although it would be fair to say the case has made enough noise to be something KTM should be concerned about. Just search Youtube, or dive into the many forums that exists.

Anyhow…

If you’ve read any of my posts, you know that I’m not a disgruntled (ex)-KTM owner“. On the contrary, have only positive things too say about the KTM motorcycles I’ve owned. And as much about dealer experience and service. With a total of ca 80.000 kilometers on two KTMs I would say it should account for something. Done on a 2019 1290 Super Adventure S and a 2023 890 Adventure.

You could choose call me lucky. I think there was nothing exceptional about it. But I will say, per my experience, KTM’s trusted dealers are not always taken good care of by the company itself. The dealers often end up between a rock and a hard place. In a double sense. When or if mechanical issues emerge. Of which I’ve had very few. In fact. only one, and it wasn’t major.

Not Ready to Race

I’m normally “Not Ready to Race”. But I’ve certainly had my “spirited moments”. On both KTMs. Not so strange, they do invite or instigate one to “spirited riding”. The lack of being ready to race might be why the 1290 and later 890 Adventure, showed no signs of any wear or tear. Maybe my riding style has something to do with it, and not luck.

What is, I think, inevitably true, is that KTM, by their very business, market and product strategy, attract people who ride their motorcycles hard. Perhaps harder than most. And that in itself might have something to do with the whole situation. I’m an average Joe in a motorcycle context. A decent rider, whether on or offroad. But not claiming to be anything else. So “know thy limits” is something I heed.

The majority of riders likely fit in average category. We never, or seldom, push the bikes or the engines to their outer limits. However, a pertinent question still remains; do we have a reason to be worried? Well, I’m not sure. Or, it depends on what you buy and what generation of bike.

The 1290 Super Adventure S I bought at 10k kilometers, and sold at 65k. It was thoroughly checked on last big service. No wear of any kind was found on the engine. Had a minor issue with the torque converter or starter clutch. It was replaced under warranty. See here for details.

I loved that bike. The only reason for the selling was mileage. It was that or keeping it till it stopped. But I had thought about something lighter. Which led me to the next KTM.

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure, offroad in the western parts of Norway.

The end of a KTM “era”

The 2023 890 Adventure did 25.000 kilometers in my ownership. Which lasted for ca 15 months. It was in perfect condition when I traded it in. For practical reasons, wanted something more touring friendly. Ended up with a 2022 BMW 1250 GS with panniers and top box. Hard to find anything more touring friendly, except perhaps for a Honda Goldwing or a BMW 1600 GT(L).

I am happy with the 1250GS, but I do miss certain things. Like riding offroad or in the woods, without really caring or thinking about limitations. The feeling when the going gets tough, the growling sound and sensation of sitting atop a small rocket. I also miss an incredible fuel economy, even if the 1250 GS, for its size, isn’t bad.

KTM cam issues

In retrospect I have of course speculated if it was only a question of time before I too would experience the now infamous KTM cam issues. However, even after all the videos, all the postings on forums, not convinced this is a “everyone’s problem”. Not convinced that all the 790s and the 890s in the world have the same latent problem.

But of course, it is absolutely disconcerting to read about, and see videos of KTM cam issues. It might be worth the exercise though, to dig a little deeper before getting a panic attack. It’s a little mindboggling they don’t focus on being “Ready to Serve” rather than Ready to Race. Whether for customers or dealers.

My advice to KTM and their strategists; focus on quality/quality and customer or dealer care. Rather than “Ready to Race”. And your business outlook might be brighter than what it currently is for the coming years.

That’s a “No Bullshit” advice.