Model year 2020 - Engine updates
KTM adds an additional oilscreen to the cylinder head to "resolve the contributing factors" leading to camshaft failure.
"We introduced wider finger followers for MY21 and an additional oil screen for MY20 to improve the overall performance and quality of the engine. Both innovations simultaneously resolve the contributing factors mentioned above."
Ref: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2024/july/ktm-camshaft-defects/
Model year 2021 - Engine updates
KTM adds wider finger followers to "resolve the contributing factors" leading to camshaft failure.
"We introduced wider finger followers for MY21 and an additional oil screen for MY20 to improve the overall performance and quality of the engine. Both innovations simultaneously resolve the contributing factors mentioned above."
Ref: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2024/july/ktm-camshaft-defects/
July 17 2024 - KTM responds - "no inherent defect"
MCN or Motor Cycle News, a UK weekly motorcycling newspaper published by Bauer Consumer Media published an article Camshaft controversy! KTM respond to allegations of expensive engine defects on their LC8c models.
In the article, a spokesperson for KTM told MCN: "The camshafts used on the LC8c platform have no inherent defect"
The spokesman further doubles down there is no issue with camshaft wear by adding "The affected components meet the technical specifications for their intended use. This applies both to the hardness of the camshafts and the width of the finger followers, as well as to the sufficient lubrication of these components."
After the spokesman ensures readers there is no "inherent defect" and the components "meet the technical specifications for their intended use" the spokesman continued:
"We introduced wider finger followers for MY21 and an additional oil screen for MY20 to improve the overall performance and quality of the engine. Both innovations simultaneously resolve the contributing factors mentioned above."
Simultaneously while telling readers there is no issue, readers are told measures were added as long as four years ago to resolve the contributing factors for these non existent issues.
Ref: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2024/july/ktm-camshaft-defects/
July 18 2024 - KTM the Facebook post
The day after MCN published the article Camshaft controversy! KTM respond to allegations of expensive engine defects on their LC8c models, KTM make a public post on the KTM Failed Camshafts - 790/890 & 901 Facebook group.
The post says:
Hi everyone,
Here is an important update on handling the camshaft topic for selected KTM models.
Firstly, we would like to extend our apologies to the people who feel affected by the camshaft topic. We see and hear all the feedback we can, whether it's online, via authorized KTM dealers or simply through community chatter. In order to best equip our authorized KTM dealer network, we issued a communication on how to inspect camshafts if customers report issues on the following motorcycles:
- KTM 790 DUKE, model year 2018, 2019 and 2020
- KTM 790 ADVENTURE, model year 2018, 2019 and 2020
Investigations have shown that a large proportion of these camshafts that are the subject of complaints are in order. In these cases, it is not a question of wear, but mostly just discoloration or running marks that have formed on the running surface of the cams or on the bearing points of the shafts and can be removed by cleaning.
The overall quality and integrity of the camshaft itself is not the problem.
Please visit your authorized KTM dealer, in case you have experienced the following symptoms:
- Poor starting behavior
- Clearly audible, unusual running noises from the engine
- Noticeably reduced engine power
If the camshafts are found to be damaged during an inspection by an authorized KTM dealer, they will be replaced. The cost of replacing damaged camshafts will be borne by KTM under the goodwill scheme.
If customers have already ordered a camshaft replacement for affected models from an authorized KTM dealer in the past, KTM will re-examine new goodwill applications through the authorized KTM dealer network. If the conditions explained in this statement and in the communication to the authorized KTM dealer network are met, subsequent goodwill may be considered.
KTM takes product quality seriously and continuously drives the development of its products. As part of the continuous development of our products and to improve the quality and wear behavior of the engine, we have introduced wider rocker arms from model year 2021 and an additional oil strainer from model year 2020 to improve the overall performance and quality of the engine. Both adaptations simultaneously resolve the contributing factors mentioned above.
Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience or hassle that any of our customers may have experienced.
KTM
August 26, 2024 - Piere mobility report sales down -21.2%. Losses reaching 172 million euros
Pierer mobility, KTM's parent company released their H1 2024, Financial report, see: Investor Publications
In the report Piere reports "sales of motorcycles in H1 2024 fell by -21.2% compared to the same period last year"
The camshaft effect?
In stark contrast, competitor Yamaha reported a 5% increase in sales and setting new records for revenue and income.
Ref:
September 26, 2024 - Pierer Mobility AG "We damaged the KTM brand with overproduction and quality problems"
ADVPULSE publishes an article
During the interview, Trunkenpolz says "We damaged the KTM brand with overproduction and quality problems" and also highlighted a critical issue where motorcycles that were rushed through the assembly process due to supply chain disruptions and high demand during the pandemic ended up in the warranty statistics 90% of the time when answering questions regarding customer and dealer complaints regarding product quality.
October 11, 2024 - KTM confirm goodwill scheme will cover the costs of all historic and future LC8c camshaft repairs
In another article from MCN or Motor Cycle News, a UK weekly motorcycling newspaper published by Bauer Consumer Media, KTM release a statement "KTM confirm goodwill scheme will cover the costs of all historic and future LC8c camshaft repairs".
Previously, in the original aritcle on 17 July 2024, Camshaft controversy! KTM respond to allegations of expensive engine defects on their LC8c models, KTM denied any issue with camshafts: "The camshafts used on the LC8c platform have no inherent defect".
In this latest article Gareth Edmunds, UK Head of Customer Service told MCN: "We’re working really hard to support the small number of customers in the UK who are affected by this"
KTM’s Vice President of Global Motorcycle Marketing, Federico Valentini added "The issue affects a small percentage of 790 Dukes and 790 Adventures sold between 2018, 2019, 2020, alongside a small quantity 890 Dukes and 890 Adventures in 2020"
The above statement from Edmunds seems to now acknowledge a problem KTM originally denied in the July statement, but limits it to early models only.
KTM currently deny any issue with 2020+ bikes and Norden's despite online reports and photos of failed camshafts of more recent models.
MCN rightly adds: "Anecdotal reports, however, suggest some later 790 and 890 models, as well as Husqvarna’s Norden 901 range may be affected."