Can Ian discuss KTM’s current troubles? The cams in their twin cylinder adventure bikes are collapsing and it seems that KTM is not resolving the issue. And, in their two strokes, some 300 pistons hit the crank at high RPM and detonate the engine, plastic fuel pump in-tank filters are cracking, bikes are fouling plugs, some come with piston seize marks, starter bendix’s are failing, start switches are failing, some steering head bearings have metal shavings jamming them, etc. And, the dealers generally are not warranting the problems. KTM built a great reputation for cutting-edge performance, build quality, and value. But now, people are afraid to buy. It seems that some or all of production is moving to China, scaring buyers further. There is a large overstock in dealers around the US, with most models selling for $2,000 off list price. And, it has been reported that they laid off 200 employees. What is the truth? To avoid collapse, KTM must resolve any quality issues. People will pay a premium price for a premium bike if they have no reliability issues.
So Ian Harrison-KTM's factory race team manager, is supposed to address your dislike of KTM products? As far as that goes, maybe you're right, but I switched to KTM in '21 and put 70 hours on a 450 without so much as needing a valve adjustment. Now I have a 300SX with 60 hours and haven't had any problems with it either. A buddy that rides GH with me every week has around 140hours on his TX300 and hasn't cracked the motor. One of his buddies that's showed up a couple times has well over 200 hours on his...same thing. God bless Yamaha for still making 2 strokes as well, but nobody can honestly say theirs can last anywhere near that long Or are the 3 of us just lucky? Speaking a luck, a good buddy and 2 people I see at the track have all had catastrophic motor failures (top and bottom ends, and cases too for good measure) on '23 and newer YZ 450's. One guy had another let go 30 hours after he either had it rebuilt by Yam. dealer or new motor...can't remember which. First guy ironically went through a fuel pump first. and apparently so did a boatload of other people cuz Yamaha was sold out. He luckily found one on ebay. Say what you want about KTM, but despite of your complaints they beat the snot out of the japanese on long term reliability and owner satisfaction surveys(I looked into it before I made the switch).
Had Suzuki not been run by bone heads, can you imagine the titles Ryan Dungey/DeCoster/Harrison could have racked up? That Dungey could survive 2011 on that Suzuki after losing his team, all the bike failures etc., then move to KTM to help build a brand new bike and three years later win 3 straight SX championships is incredible. The guy doesn't get the accolades he deserves for that. I mean, he was competing with all time great, Villopoto, and Kawi was doing everything possible for him-including building a new bike mid season 2011 as Dungey was beating him outdoors. He also was competing with James Stewart, Eli Tomac, Chad Reed, Roczen, Trey Canard etc. Also, that 2012 KTM was a good bike but Dungey NEVER looked like the same rider again until 2015. THAT bike was great. I wish we could have seen Dunge and RV race in 2015 when they both would have been their best.
Ian's comment about stepping off a (sinking) submarine onto a rocket really underscores how valuable He and De Coster were to Suzuki's success. Things fell apart in the Suzuki pits the following year. Dungey lost the 2011 MX title to DNF'S and stupid mistakes that I believe would not have occurred with De Coster at the helm and Ian riding herd with whip in hand. It is no coincidence KTM took off when they came aboard.
Well now I know why KTM has such a hard time with wins...when you said you have a hard time trusting the rider you just told on yourself and how the whole company operates. You have to without a doubt believe in your rider and listen to him as he is the one married to the machine out on the track and knows every inch and how it reacts...DeCoster would know this!
Seriously???? They support the sport with significant money infused into the sport. The business aspects will work out on the corporate side of things. Why are you a Debbie Downer and not look at the big picture?
Maybe the best two episodes of SML! Thanks a lot.
YES! RC4's career was insane! Cool guest, thanks for the video.
Can Ian discuss KTM’s current troubles? The cams in their twin cylinder adventure bikes are collapsing and it seems that KTM is not resolving the issue. And, in their two strokes, some 300 pistons hit the crank at high RPM and detonate the engine, plastic fuel pump in-tank filters are cracking, bikes are fouling plugs, some come with piston seize marks, starter bendix’s are failing, start switches are failing, some steering head bearings have metal shavings jamming them, etc. And, the dealers generally are not warranting the problems.
KTM built a great reputation for cutting-edge performance, build quality, and value. But now, people are afraid to buy.
It seems that some or all of production is moving to China, scaring buyers further.
There is a large overstock in dealers around the US, with most models selling for $2,000 off list price. And, it has been reported that they laid off 200 employees.
What is the truth? To avoid collapse, KTM must resolve any quality issues.
People will pay a premium price for a premium bike if they have no reliability issues.
All facts that KTM people hate hearing..... Ive been watching this happen to KTM for like 5+ years now. I bought a YZ250X instead and im very happy.
Sexton did a pretty honest interview a few days ago, and KTM asked for the interview to be removed.
So Ian Harrison-KTM's factory race team manager, is supposed to address your dislike of KTM products?
As far as that goes, maybe you're right, but I switched to KTM in '21 and put 70 hours on a 450 without so much as needing a valve adjustment. Now I have a 300SX with 60 hours and haven't had any problems with it either. A buddy that rides GH with me every week has around 140hours on his TX300 and hasn't cracked the motor. One of his buddies that's showed up a couple times has well over 200 hours on his...same thing. God bless Yamaha for still making 2 strokes as well, but nobody can honestly say theirs can last anywhere near that long
Or are the 3 of us just lucky? Speaking a luck, a good buddy and 2 people I see at the track have all had catastrophic motor failures (top and bottom ends, and cases too for good measure) on '23 and newer YZ 450's. One guy had another let go 30 hours after he either had it rebuilt by Yam. dealer or new motor...can't remember which. First guy ironically went through a fuel pump first. and apparently so did a boatload of other people cuz Yamaha was sold out. He luckily found one on ebay.
Say what you want about KTM, but despite of your complaints they beat the snot out of the japanese on long term reliability and owner satisfaction surveys(I looked into it before I made the switch).
Don, as the interviewer, follow up questions are highly encouraged! But I get its difficult amongst legends. I know you’re the guy to do it though!!!
The memories he must have gotta be FREAKIN Amazing 👊 Great career Ian 🔥🤟
Had Suzuki not been run by bone heads, can you imagine the titles Ryan Dungey/DeCoster/Harrison could have racked up? That Dungey could survive 2011 on that Suzuki after losing his team, all the bike failures etc., then move to KTM to help build a brand new bike and three years later win 3 straight SX championships is incredible. The guy doesn't get the accolades he deserves for that. I mean, he was competing with all time great, Villopoto, and Kawi was doing everything possible for him-including building a new bike mid season 2011 as Dungey was beating him outdoors. He also was competing with James Stewart, Eli Tomac, Chad Reed, Roczen, Trey Canard etc. Also, that 2012 KTM was a good bike but Dungey NEVER looked like the same rider again until 2015. THAT bike was great. I wish we could have seen Dunge and RV race in 2015 when they both would have been their best.
Dungey did build any motorcycles … the European build the bike.
Really enjoyed this show
I love it! Ian is such a cool guy!
Ian's comment about stepping off a (sinking) submarine onto a rocket really underscores how valuable He and De Coster were to Suzuki's success. Things fell apart in the Suzuki pits the following year. Dungey lost the 2011 MX title to DNF'S and stupid mistakes that I believe would not have occurred with De Coster at the helm and Ian riding herd with whip in hand. It is no coincidence KTM took off when they came aboard.
Well now I know why KTM has such a hard time with wins...when you said you have a hard time trusting the rider you just told on yourself and how the whole company operates. You have to without a doubt believe in your rider and listen to him as he is the one married to the machine out on the track and knows every inch and how it reacts...DeCoster would know this!
RD still in tallahassee? a huge hurricane is about to make direct hit on tallahassee
No more rj ?
He’ll be back in a new role with SML!
How’s KTM doing today? EU bailout
Seriously???? They support the sport with significant money infused into the sport. The business aspects will work out on the corporate side of things. Why are you a Debbie Downer and not look at the big picture?
Chase has never been dominant
his mistake was sticking with Suzuki way to long