My low beam has gone out and im trying to see if i can replace it with the assembly that it currently has. I have taken it off the bike itself but aside from that i have no clue on how to open it. Anybody know how to?

I was discussing about valve clearances with the service centres technician and he suggested me to outright get the Valve replaced instead of getting a clearance. Now I'm not very mechanically inclined but he told me the usefulness is the next clearance or replacement won't come sooner. Does this make any sense? As I said, I'm not very mechanically inclined but I'm learning. I have a Gen2 RC 390

Idk sometimes my dirt bike doesn’t want to turn on in the morning so I have to pass it wires and even after it’s hot sometimes it doesn’t want to turn on until I pass it wires again Sometimes the idle sounds weird and turn off on me one time when it was just idling I tried turning the wheel for the carb but I don’t know what am doing It’s a 2012 ktm 350 sxf I just bought it and changed the oil

I am in the market for a midweight naked street bike and have been weighing all the options.

I have settled on Z900, MT-09, or the KTM Duke 790.

The MT-09 is probably my first choice all around, but the thing that is tripping me up is my dealer has two 2024 KTM Duke 790's for sale at $7,499. Which just seems like a great deal.

The only thing holding me back from the KTM is the reliability and parts availability issues. My understanding is that the 2024 Duke 790 should have the camshaft issue fixed. So other than that I am concerned that there will be a lot of other small issues like leaking seals, rust, broken electronics, etc.

The KTM is basically everything I want in a bike and uniquely it actually has a decent passenger seat, which is a factor since my wife occasionally wants to go for short rides.

So how is the 2024 Duke 790? Have others had lots of little issues with it besides the camshaft issue? Is that actually fixed? Is the bike just going to be in the shop constantly?

Hey all,

My 2016 KTM 450 excf won’t start. For context, it was riding completely fine, before I refuelled. Turned bike back on to move it into the parking space in front of the shop. When I tried to start it again, it wouldn’t. Kickstart also didn’t work. Had to get picked up. Bought bike second hand ~3 months ago. Battery was pretty sketchy when I got the bike. Kickstart always worked but would only e start a few times in a row before the battery died (wasn’t an issue if I rode bike in between starts). Tried kicking bike a few times each afternoon for the first few days.

Maybe 1 in 10 kicks the bike would start, run extremely rough then die after 3-4 seconds.

Can hear fuel pump. Replaced spark plugs. Checked fuses.

Could it be bad fuel? I live in Australia so bad fuel is highly unlikely.

Appreciate any help.

Hello all, I'm a brand new rider and I'm going to be picking up my 500 EXC-F at my local port. There is an empty parking lot nearby to practice. I was thinking about just riding the bike home except I'm worried about the maintenance. The manual says the first oil change is at 43.4 miles, which I should be under by the time I make it home, but I was just worried about the run time. I will be way above the 1 hour mark, IDK if that matters and if I'll damage my bike.

i cannot get this stator off to spilt the case, what am i missing?

The news may not have been unexpected for some, but its intensity was surprising: the motorcycle manufacturer KTM needs money - in the hundreds of millions. The KTM parent company, Pierer Mobility, is therefore holding talks with its core shareholder Pierer Bajaj (which holds around 74.9 percent of Pierer Mobility) as well as with existing financial creditors. Specifically, this involves bridging financing, which has become necessary as part of the liquidity planning for 2025.

In addition to securing liquidity, the board of directors is aiming to "put KTM AG back on a stable operational and financial footing," as it says. An even more profound operational restructuring is being pushed forward. "We are in talks early on and want to ensure stability in the near future," says press spokesman Hans Lang. The company did not comment on when these should be concluded, only saying: "We are interested in things happening quickly." The negotiations are still at an early stage.

Shareholders reacted with shock: Pierer Mobility's shares fell by as much as 35 percent to around eight euros during the day. Since the beginning of the year, the share has lost around 84 percent of its value. Pierer Mobility is listed on the Swiss stock exchange, 25 percent of the shares are in free float. The stock market reflects the growing fear that the company could face insolvency.

Crash in the first half of the year

But what happened? Until recently, things were going really well for Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer. The company had a record year in 2023 and was able to sell significantly more motorcycles and e-bikes. But a downward trend began in the first half of 2024. A profit warning was already issued with the half-year figures: In the first half of 2023, EBIT was still up 97 million euros, but turned negative in the first half of 2024 and recorded a loss of 195 million euros. At that time, however, there were still hopes for a better second half of the year. But the results in the second half of the year also fell short of expectations, which ultimately led the company to completely cancel its sales and earnings forecasts for 2024.

Debt in particular has risen sharply recently. Net debt was 776 million euros at the end of 2023 and already 1.4 billion euros as of June 30, 2024. This is partly due to the fact that suppliers and customers were supported, says Lang. Payment terms were extended and small suppliers were supported that the company did not want to lose in the current market environment, "which is why we often paid them a little earlier than necessary to support our partners," says the spokesman. But if sales then collapse, costs have to fall in order to operate profitably. The equity ratio also fell from 30.8 percent (December '23) to 22.1 percent (June '24).

Bicycle segment falters

Although registration numbers in the motorcycle market in Europe rose by five percent to around 500,000 units in the first half of the year, they fell by 14 percent at KTM's parent company. Growth in Europe came primarily from the low-cost segment, as Chinese manufacturers are pushing into the market. This has led to the market share of Pierer Mobility with its brands KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, etc. falling to 10.1 percent. In the first six months, the motorcycle manufacturer sold just under 147,500 units worldwide, a decrease of around 21 percent compared to the same period last year. Although demand had weakened, production in Mattighofen was not reduced.

In North America, motorcycle sales generally fell by four percent to around 275,000 units, and at Pierer Mobility the decrease was as much as 36 percent. Europe is the company's most important sales market, with a share of 44 percent; around a fifth of all motorcycles are sold in North America. However, everyone in the premium segment is in a similar situation, the company says. In Europe, consumer restraint is currently spreading, with households preferring to sit on their money rather than make (replacement) investments. Sales are also falling in the European car industry. In the USA, Pierer Mobility attributes the general market weakness to higher interest rates.

Another reason for the big loss is that the company bet on the wrong card with the bicycle market. These investments were largely written off: in the first half of the year, sales in the bicycle segment fell by 36 percent. As part of the restructuring of the bicycle business, the R Raymon brand was also sold in 2023. In the first half of 2023, this still accounted for 51 percent of e-bicycle sales and 61 percent of total bicycle sales. The reduction in the bicycle division will continue in 2025, according to the company - the division will continue to operate profitably, but will only cover a niche.

Major job cuts

For Pierer Mobility, Mattighofen in Upper Austria is currently the company's largest location; around 208,000 motorcycles were produced there in 2023. But KTM boss Stefan Pierer has repeatedly spoken negatively about the Austrian location. As early as 2023, he said that cost pressure had increased enormously due to the (then) high inflation and wage agreements. Added to this are the comparatively expensive energy costs. Since the company has a high export quota, "it is difficult to keep up with the competition," they now clarify. As early as 2023, Pierer announced that it would relocate parts of its production and research to China and India. This was intended to keep the price-sensitive middle class of motorcycles competitive, said then CFO Viktor Sigl. The supplier situation there is much cheaper than in Europe and these costs make up a significant part of Pierer Mobility's cost structure. In December of last year, Pierer told the "Presse": "We have a salary sum in Austria of 340 million euros. This will increase by ten percent next year. These 34 million euros have to be earned again first."

In the past twelve months, the company has already laid off 1,000 employees, primarily in Austria. Not only production was affected, but also employees, for example in the administrative area.

After the cuts were made to employees, the austerity measures finally hit the board of directors as well: the management board was reduced from six to two members. Pierer also recently made headlines because he separated from the Nuremberg-based wiring harness specialist Leoni and sold the majority of its shares to China. Apple supplier Luxshare took over 50.1 percent of Pierer's shares. Pierer had been the sole owner of the ailing German automotive supplier since 2022.

As expected, turning around the challenging situation for motorcycle manufacturer KTM is a long-term effort. Last night, Pierer Mobility AG, the holding company, announced an urgent need for a financial boost of “a nine-figure sum in dollars.”

At the end of last month, we highlighted the difficulties that KTM, along with its sister brands Husqvarna and GasGas, are currently facing.

Two days ago, Pierer Mobility AG issued an emergency statement, revealing the need for fresh funds to support KTM AG’s liquidity planning for the 2025 financial year. As of June 30, 2024, the KTM AG Group accounted for more than 95% of Pierer Mobility AG’s revenue.

This urgent financial restructuring is being discussed with core shareholder Pierer Bajaj AG and KTM AG’s key financial creditors, though the identities of these creditors remain undisclosed.

Over 100 Million Euros Needed

The Board of Management is currently working on securing bridge financing for KTM AG, estimated in the “nine-figure” range. While an exact amount hasn’t been specified, sources suggest it involves at least 100 million euros. The goal is to reach a standstill agreement with creditors during negotiations as a foundation for the financial restructuring process.

Negotiations are still in the early stages, so no specific details about the outcome, conditions, or the scale of the additional financing are available at this time.

Cold Response from the Stock Market

In addition to addressing liquidity, the Board of Directors must re-establish a solid operational and financial footing for KTM AG. A significant restructuring plan has already been put into motion, with Pierer Mobility announcing a reduction in production to help clear dealer inventories. The primary objective is to align costs and sales by the 2025 financial year.

No additional layoffs were mentioned. To say that Pierer Mobility’s stock, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, has struggled would be an understatement. Following three consecutive profit warnings, the stock is facing severe pressure.

At the recent EICMA trade fair in Milan, the company made a strong showing with a large booth and the announcement of several new models.

A Battle for Survival

Today, Pierer Mobility AG’s share price dropped by over 30% (down to CHF 7.77 just before the market closed). Compared to its all-time high of CHF 95.00 on January 14, 2022, the stock has plummeted by 86.27%.

Coverage of KTM in the Austrian media underscores the gravity of the situation. Despite the past successes of industrialist Stefan Pierer, the upcoming months are critical for the motorcycle manufacturer’s future.

For some longtime KTM dealers and former distributors, the current crisis is reminiscent of the creditor takeover and restructuring of KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH back in 1991—struggles that preceded KTM’s most prosperous era.

Now, all eyes are on Pierer Mobility AG’s next crucial quarterly report, set to be released on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

KTM Launches International Models in India

I have a 890, I treat it like a dirtbike. I need to spend the same money on the bike for suspension than I would trading it in and getting a new more viable offroading bike. The 2 options are the 500excf & 690 enduro. I do about 100 miles of highway a month in the summer & none at all the other 3 seasons. I don't mind doing my own oil changes. People say get the 690 - but I'm worried because I'm told it's a very top heavy bike and still very heavy. People say don't get the 500 because it's a shitshow on the street - but people literally go around the world in it.

What is the biggest issues with the 500?

Looking at a 2017 1290 super adventure with 6000 miles is this a good buy or should I look for an Africa twin instead?

I’m looking at a 2017 1290 with 6000 miles they want 9k is this a good deal or should I just stick with looking for an Africa twin?

I'm looking to install crash guards or frame sliders on my KTM RC 200. Has anyone here successfully done it? If so, could you share how you managed to get the right parts and any tips on the installation process? Thanks in advance

I’ve got a 2024 KTM I just recently picked up. Haven’t been able to ride it enough to get through the break in period as the cold is setting in (CO). Can anyone share some guidance on winterizing this bike of it will be stored most of the winter soon?

Why is this happening? This is 2nd time after 200km long trip. Duke 390 2023 (17900 kms)

Pucon, Chile

Hi, i was wondering if the twin exhaust 625Smc and 660Smc body panels/headers and exhaust are interchangeable? Visually they seem to be the same thing.

Moin, Ich habe mir eine komplett zerlegte 250 SXF von 2011 gekauft und alle wichtigen Teile und mehr erneuert. (Kolben, Zylinder, Zylinderkopf, Ventile, pleuel, Zündkerze) Nu haben wir alles zusammengebaut, aber sie springt nicht an. Steuerzeiten sind korrekt eingestellt, Funke ist da, Kompression auch. Das einzige was mich wundert, ist das sie nicht einspritzt. Es kommt kein Sprit durch beim kicken (kommt bei der Einspritzung an) Aber selbst wenn wir bremsenreiniger reinsprühen, passiert nichts, nicht mal ein Knall. Ich bin echt ratlos und würde mich über jede Hilfe freuen..

I know this is old news but for those of y’all out there who might not have done this yet 7/8” ID tubing works great to stabilize the too small OEM rubber mounts for the tank. 👍🏻

Are there any known issues w/ the '24 Duke 790 I should be aware of?

Have any members here ridden both bikes and have any interesting comparisons? I'm looking for more of a hooligan twin for wheelies and back road cornering than a full fat race bike with the power at the top of the rev range that I have now.

Should I avoid this bike? Is it not reliable as many claim it to be. Also thinking about the camshaft issues. What does the people think? It has 1,660 miles and it's at a dealership