My friends Dad's KTM 350.... Boom

newmann
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newmann 12/4/2010 1:56pm
12/4/2010 1:56pm
mxb2 wrote:
Na man i like both 2 strokes and 4 strokes, but i at least speak with my wallet, guess i don t understand why someone that...
Na man i like both 2 strokes and 4 strokes, but i at least speak with my wallet, guess i don t understand why someone that hates 4 strokes owns one! If its such a headache sell the 4 stokes and take the loss. Trust me someone will buy them, then you can buy a new 150 and new 2 strokes mini s for your kids!
The kids have outgrown minis. They are both loving their RM125 and KTM144 though. I'll be keeping my two 250F's as a reminder as to why not to buy anymore. Couldn't get enough for the pair of them to put a decent downpayment on a sweet new KTM, so I'll just let them collect dust like the new ones at the dealers do.
mxb2
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mxb2 12/4/2010 1:59pm
12/4/2010 1:59pm
I have a 2008.5 rmz 450 with no problems so far, and also have a 07 yz 250, so far no problems , and i was given a 09 engine replacement. Take care of the bike and it will be fine! All bikes break if not taken care of.
`ol Ger
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`ol Ger 12/4/2010 3:49pm
12/4/2010 3:49pm
nytsmaC wrote:
KTM recommends a new piston and rings at 7.5 hours, this was clearly caused by neglect.
Smile
Trent179
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Trent179 12/4/2010 4:04pm
12/4/2010 4:04pm
I didn't mean this thread to be a shot a ktm, I was just sharing a story of what happened to someone locally here with one. Also curious if anyone else had the same thing happen. That's it, I know all manufactures have problems from time to time.

The Shop

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Flatliner
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Flatliner 12/4/2010 4:32pm
12/4/2010 4:32pm
mxb2 wrote:
Na man i like both 2 strokes and 4 strokes, but i at least speak with my wallet, guess i don t understand why someone that...
Na man i like both 2 strokes and 4 strokes, but i at least speak with my wallet, guess i don t understand why someone that hates 4 strokes owns one! If its such a headache sell the 4 stokes and take the loss. Trust me someone will buy them, then you can buy a new 150 and new 2 strokes mini s for your kids!
newmann wrote:
The kids have outgrown minis. They are both loving their RM125 and KTM144 though. I'll be keeping my two 250F's as a reminder as to why...
The kids have outgrown minis. They are both loving their RM125 and KTM144 though. I'll be keeping my two 250F's as a reminder as to why not to buy anymore. Couldn't get enough for the pair of them to put a decent downpayment on a sweet new KTM, so I'll just let them collect dust like the new ones at the dealers do.
I thoroughly enjoyed the last sentence.

mxb2
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mxb2 12/4/2010 4:49pm
12/4/2010 4:49pm
mxb2 wrote:
Na man i like both 2 strokes and 4 strokes, but i at least speak with my wallet, guess i don t understand why someone that...
Na man i like both 2 strokes and 4 strokes, but i at least speak with my wallet, guess i don t understand why someone that hates 4 strokes owns one! If its such a headache sell the 4 stokes and take the loss. Trust me someone will buy them, then you can buy a new 150 and new 2 strokes mini s for your kids!
newmann wrote:
The kids have outgrown minis. They are both loving their RM125 and KTM144 though. I'll be keeping my two 250F's as a reminder as to why...
The kids have outgrown minis. They are both loving their RM125 and KTM144 though. I'll be keeping my two 250F's as a reminder as to why not to buy anymore. Couldn't get enough for the pair of them to put a decent downpayment on a sweet new KTM, so I'll just let them collect dust like the new ones at the dealers do.
Must be nice to be rich, having bikes laying around , you sound like a smart guy, i think your memory will be fine if you sell them LOL!
Cygnus
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Cygnus 12/4/2010 5:12pm
12/4/2010 5:12pm
Even though my post disappeared?Evil I still think KTM's are junk.Cool
T-Fish
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T-Fish 12/4/2010 5:38pm
12/4/2010 5:38pm
T-Fish wrote:
I'd be confident in saying KTM will take care of it 100%, even after the 30 day period.

Motodork wrote:
I have some beautiful beach front property in Florida that I am selling if you interested.
I spoke from experience. I had an issue with an '08 bike that happened 5 months after I purchased the bike and KTM took care of it all.
lappedrider
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lappedrider 12/4/2010 7:48pm
12/4/2010 7:48pm
T-Fish wrote:
I'd be confident in saying KTM will take care of it 100%, even after the 30 day period.

Motodork wrote:
I have some beautiful beach front property in Florida that I am selling if you interested.
T-Fish wrote:
I spoke from experience. I had an issue with an '08 bike that happened 5 months after I purchased the bike and KTM took care of...
I spoke from experience. I had an issue with an '08 bike that happened 5 months after I purchased the bike and KTM took care of it all.
KTM fixed my bike 10 months after purchase. No hassles about it either.
rmgsxr
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rmgsxr 12/4/2010 8:28pm
12/4/2010 8:28pm
Trent179 wrote:
Wow, 8 hours on a ktm 350 and boom. Something is locked up in the engine! Anybody else had a problem like this or is it...
Wow, 8 hours on a ktm 350 and boom. Something is locked up in the engine! Anybody else had a problem like this or is it just bad luck? This guy takes exceptionally good care of his bikes also!
Newmann you are a pretty sharp guy but your hatred for four strokes is almost comical. I can't comment about all of the cases that you listed there but a few of them I can. Not all CRF150Rs broke cams. I sold at least 20 of them when the bulletin came out and by that time I had seen one of them broke. On the 08 RMZ450 the motors were not exactly flying to pieces. The cases were cracking/breaking where the kickstart idler gear shaft was. I saw two of them cracked and we didn't replace motors we replaced the cases. Suzuki did an awesome job supplying some motors instead of going through a bunch of problems from some dumbass dealers that wouldn't know how to replace a set of cases.

My memory sucks so I will have to dig out some records to back up a few of these deals. In 95 I don't think I have ever gone through so much crap as we did on CR250s. Some deals motor related some not. RM85s we have seen an issue with some ports not getting enough chamfer(sp?). Had a brand new CR250 explode a main bearing within 10 minutes. What about............

Wait a minute, I'm just a dumbass. You are sitting here laughing at me cause you just caught another big one with your cast. I'm such a fool.
mcopsey
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mcopsey 12/4/2010 8:44pm
12/4/2010 8:44pm
rmgsxr wrote:
Newmann you are a pretty sharp guy but your hatred for four strokes is almost comical. I can't comment about all of the cases that you...
Newmann you are a pretty sharp guy but your hatred for four strokes is almost comical. I can't comment about all of the cases that you listed there but a few of them I can. Not all CRF150Rs broke cams. I sold at least 20 of them when the bulletin came out and by that time I had seen one of them broke. On the 08 RMZ450 the motors were not exactly flying to pieces. The cases were cracking/breaking where the kickstart idler gear shaft was. I saw two of them cracked and we didn't replace motors we replaced the cases. Suzuki did an awesome job supplying some motors instead of going through a bunch of problems from some dumbass dealers that wouldn't know how to replace a set of cases.

My memory sucks so I will have to dig out some records to back up a few of these deals. In 95 I don't think I have ever gone through so much crap as we did on CR250s. Some deals motor related some not. RM85s we have seen an issue with some ports not getting enough chamfer(sp?). Had a brand new CR250 explode a main bearing within 10 minutes. What about............

Wait a minute, I'm just a dumbass. You are sitting here laughing at me cause you just caught another big one with your cast. I'm such a fool.
No, you are right, he's just an old guy that can't live in the present.
Blake
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Blake 12/4/2010 9:36pm
12/4/2010 9:36pm
newmann wrote:
Probably has something to do with those unnecessary extra 200 or so small parts in the engine. Any idea if they are planning on offering a...
Probably has something to do with those unnecessary extra 200 or so small parts in the engine. Any idea if they are planning on offering a 350cc 2 stroke retrofit kit?
Werd.
dunn2500
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dunn2500 12/4/2010 9:55pm
12/4/2010 9:55pm
ktm is actually really good about that kinda thing........100% certain they will take care of it especially since that is their baby.....they dont want any bad press, i have seen a lot of situations where ktm stepped up, some even being the owners fault...........and true it has happened to every single brand out there, if you dont think it has and ktm is just a pos then you are pretty f'en ignorant......have heard or known this to be true with every brand
crf250pilot
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crf250pilot 12/4/2010 11:02pm
12/4/2010 11:02pm Edited Date/Time 12/4/2010 11:04pm
Cygnus wrote:
Even though my post disappeared?Evil I still think KTM's are junk.Cool
Don't beat around the bush Cyg, tell us what you really think. Curious to what your disappearing 1st post read. Must've been something good lol.
Rim Lock
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Rim Lock 12/4/2010 11:38pm
12/4/2010 11:38pm
Trent179 wrote:
Wow, 8 hours on a ktm 350 and boom. Something is locked up in the engine! Anybody else had a problem like this or is it...
Wow, 8 hours on a ktm 350 and boom. Something is locked up in the engine! Anybody else had a problem like this or is it just bad luck? This guy takes exceptionally good care of his bikes also!
Don't you think for a second that this post might be a bit unfair?
"Something is locked up in the engine" you scream.
What was it exactly that locked up?
If you have never seen a CRF450 locked up for various reasons then you don't go to the track much.

Instead of starting an anti-KTM350 thread, it would have been cool to hear what the exact issue with the bike was so others could benefit from the experience.
rikioh
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rikioh 12/5/2010 2:18am
12/5/2010 2:18am Edited Date/Time 12/5/2010 2:19am
i had a 07 250 SXF with 50h when the engine locked up

even then KTM payed 50% of the repair costs...

so their support is really good
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 12/5/2010 3:26pm
12/5/2010 3:26pm
mxb2 wrote:
Must be nice to be rich, having bikes laying around , you sound like a smart guy, i think your memory will be fine if you...
Must be nice to be rich, having bikes laying around , you sound like a smart guy, i think your memory will be fine if you sell them LOL!
I'm amazed at how much you seem to care about if he sells or keeps them. It's none of your business, get a life dude!
FIREfish148
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FIREfish148 12/5/2010 3:29pm
12/5/2010 3:29pm
Sometimes techs mess the bikes up during assembly. Gotta keep that in mind. I got a new bike one time and found a 1" glob of grease inside the airbox intake while going over it.
Im sure the ktm 350s are great bikes.

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Beeby
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Beeby 12/5/2010 3:42pm
12/5/2010 3:42pm
Do we think the KTM desire to help owners with issues is down to them wanting to capture brand loyalty? A realisation that they messed up and need to fix it? Just good service or is it a difference between the European manufacturers and the Japanese ones?

I've certainly heard of a lot of cases of KTM looking after owners. but then I've heard of a lot more KTM's with faults than the others.
jbond722
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jbond722 12/5/2010 3:48pm
12/5/2010 3:48pm
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM rep looked at it, said coolant had been getting into the cylinder due to the fact that the piston was "shiny". Not the case, just run a really clean burning oil. Hadn't lost a drop of coolant since day one. KTM basically gave us the middle finger and we had to fit the bill for $2400 by the time all parts were bought. Also have had non stop problems with the pipe cracking, and have broken two stock clutch plates. TWICE. Wonder if I got a lemon? This time went aftermarket on the clutch and bought a FMF factory fatty too. If this bike wasn't worth it's weight and power in gold to me (I'm 120 without gear) I'd probably never buy one again. Remember this bike is meticulously maintained too.
nytsmaC
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nytsmaC 12/5/2010 3:58pm
12/5/2010 3:58pm
jbond722 wrote:
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM...
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM rep looked at it, said coolant had been getting into the cylinder due to the fact that the piston was "shiny". Not the case, just run a really clean burning oil. Hadn't lost a drop of coolant since day one. KTM basically gave us the middle finger and we had to fit the bill for $2400 by the time all parts were bought. Also have had non stop problems with the pipe cracking, and have broken two stock clutch plates. TWICE. Wonder if I got a lemon? This time went aftermarket on the clutch and bought a FMF factory fatty too. If this bike wasn't worth it's weight and power in gold to me (I'm 120 without gear) I'd probably never buy one again. Remember this bike is meticulously maintained too.
Doesn't sound so bad, I've had much worse luck with brand new Kawasakis in the past.
Team Ideal
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Team Ideal 12/5/2010 6:06pm
12/5/2010 6:06pm
mxb2 wrote:
Does nt Yamaha still have their 30 day warranty?
yes, just bought one.
kardy
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kardy 12/5/2010 7:38pm
12/5/2010 7:38pm
jbond722 wrote:
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM...
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM rep looked at it, said coolant had been getting into the cylinder due to the fact that the piston was "shiny". Not the case, just run a really clean burning oil. Hadn't lost a drop of coolant since day one. KTM basically gave us the middle finger and we had to fit the bill for $2400 by the time all parts were bought. Also have had non stop problems with the pipe cracking, and have broken two stock clutch plates. TWICE. Wonder if I got a lemon? This time went aftermarket on the clutch and bought a FMF factory fatty too. If this bike wasn't worth it's weight and power in gold to me (I'm 120 without gear) I'd probably never buy one again. Remember this bike is meticulously maintained too.
Impossible that it cost that much to fix a 2 smoke. Just ask Newman. Only 4 bangers are that pricey to repair, plus 2 smokes don't break so it's a non-issue.
newmann
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newmann 12/5/2010 7:52pm
12/5/2010 7:52pm
jbond722 wrote:
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM...
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM rep looked at it, said coolant had been getting into the cylinder due to the fact that the piston was "shiny". Not the case, just run a really clean burning oil. Hadn't lost a drop of coolant since day one. KTM basically gave us the middle finger and we had to fit the bill for $2400 by the time all parts were bought. Also have had non stop problems with the pipe cracking, and have broken two stock clutch plates. TWICE. Wonder if I got a lemon? This time went aftermarket on the clutch and bought a FMF factory fatty too. If this bike wasn't worth it's weight and power in gold to me (I'm 120 without gear) I'd probably never buy one again. Remember this bike is meticulously maintained too.
kardy wrote:
Impossible that it cost that much to fix a 2 smoke. Just ask Newman. Only 4 bangers are that pricey to repair, plus 2 smokes don't...
Impossible that it cost that much to fix a 2 smoke. Just ask Newman. Only 4 bangers are that pricey to repair, plus 2 smokes don't break so it's a non-issue.
Well, I was going to inquire as to what all had to be replaced to run up that much of a tab. Must have been pretty bad, but considering you can buy the complete 300cc top end kit with ignition and powervalve components for $800.00, did this thing need a crank and a set of cases? I know the KTM parts are a little pricey. I've had to price out some misc. bits for our 144SX and while a little pricier than Japanese parts I was blown away by the in stock parts and the rapid service from the guys at Munn Racing KTM. And, how often have you seen a $2400.00 repair bill for a blown 2 stroke? It's a common tab for a 250F though.

I'm betting jbond722 at 120lbs. on a 250SX can go pretty damn quick!
TerryK
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TerryK 12/5/2010 9:22pm
12/5/2010 9:22pm
My buddy owns the biggest KTM dealer in 700 miles and he also sells Kawasaki. He sells KTMs 3/1 over Kawasaki and the service his customers get from KTM is impeccable.
Motodude
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Motodude 12/5/2010 11:04pm
12/5/2010 11:04pm Edited Date/Time 12/5/2010 11:05pm
My 04 450SX let go of a rod in its second race. Locked solid like a rock. KTM fixed it under warranty. Been awesome since.
jbond722
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jbond722 12/5/2010 11:44pm
12/5/2010 11:44pm
jbond722 wrote:
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM...
My 09 250sx smoker locked up solid at 20 hours. Split the piston all the way around the wrist pin, which was a factory defect. KTM rep looked at it, said coolant had been getting into the cylinder due to the fact that the piston was "shiny". Not the case, just run a really clean burning oil. Hadn't lost a drop of coolant since day one. KTM basically gave us the middle finger and we had to fit the bill for $2400 by the time all parts were bought. Also have had non stop problems with the pipe cracking, and have broken two stock clutch plates. TWICE. Wonder if I got a lemon? This time went aftermarket on the clutch and bought a FMF factory fatty too. If this bike wasn't worth it's weight and power in gold to me (I'm 120 without gear) I'd probably never buy one again. Remember this bike is meticulously maintained too.
kardy wrote:
Impossible that it cost that much to fix a 2 smoke. Just ask Newman. Only 4 bangers are that pricey to repair, plus 2 smokes don't...
Impossible that it cost that much to fix a 2 smoke. Just ask Newman. Only 4 bangers are that pricey to repair, plus 2 smokes don't break so it's a non-issue.
newmann wrote:
Well, I was going to inquire as to what all had to be replaced to run up that much of a tab. Must have been pretty...
Well, I was going to inquire as to what all had to be replaced to run up that much of a tab. Must have been pretty bad, but considering you can buy the complete 300cc top end kit with ignition and powervalve components for $800.00, did this thing need a crank and a set of cases? I know the KTM parts are a little pricey. I've had to price out some misc. bits for our 144SX and while a little pricier than Japanese parts I was blown away by the in stock parts and the rapid service from the guys at Munn Racing KTM. And, how often have you seen a $2400.00 repair bill for a blown 2 stroke? It's a common tab for a 250F though.

I'm betting jbond722 at 120lbs. on a 250SX can go pretty damn quick!
It ended up needing a complete clutch (basket, hub, plates, you name it), Cylinder, cylinder head, crank and rod, piston, reeds, and every bearing in the motor was replaced. Basically anything that moved on the actual engine side was replaced. The only two things "salvageable" were the cases and tranny. We ordered a spare clutch kit with fibers, steels and springs in the event of another plate break which did end up happening on the last ride btw. The cases were able to be saved (Thank god!!) The ironic thing was I was winning a night race I decided to run while we were at a track for a weekend series. Had just made the pass for the lead, and heard a noise that sounded something like i spun the chain. Got off looked, the chain was good then noticed coolant spewing out the head, and was able to peel back the part of the head with the spark plug like a banana. I was kinda irritated about what the KTM rep had to say, due to the fact that they normally atleast offer a little help. Other than that, It's a great bike...working on getting the kinks sorted out suspension wise. It handles great and really flys with how little I am on it Smile Lets just say if I so wanted it to, it would have no problem lugging 3rd all the way around the track.
EddieTheYeti 4/25/2012 4:32pm
4/25/2012 4:32pm
I have the same problem. 8.2 hours on KTM 350 xc-f. Changed the oil and filter at 4 hours with motorex 10w/50. Haven't even rode hard on it for those 8 hours. My uncle rode it out of gas about a week ago and I went to ride today filled it up completly, got to the trail parking lot went to start it and the E-start wouldnt start it, went to kick start it and the kicker would only go half way down so I put it in 1st gear pushed it forward then back in neutral hit the e-start and it turned over but took about minute for it to start and stay running. Warmed it up took off got on the trail did about 1 and a half stop signs less than a mile stalled in 2nd now won't start at all... Idk what it is or if running it out of gas had anything to do with it. But only 8.2 hours and its 1 day over 30 day warrenty so KTM better help me out with this
TbonesPop 4/25/2012 4:46pm
4/25/2012 4:46pm
Trent179 wrote:
Wow, 8 hours on a ktm 350 and boom. Something is locked up in the engine! Anybody else had a problem like this or is it...
Wow, 8 hours on a ktm 350 and boom. Something is locked up in the engine! Anybody else had a problem like this or is it just bad luck? This guy takes exceptionally good care of his bikes also!
This is a really dated thread, but there was a factory recall on the 2010 KTM 350s for something in the internal portion of the engine - I can't remember exactly what is was (think it was something in the valve train). If you have a 2010 and have not taken it into KTM, then you need to. They will fix everything under warranty - and you get a fresh oil change too Cool
EddieTheYeti 4/25/2012 4:53pm
4/25/2012 4:53pm
Yeah I seen it was outdated but this literally just happend to me a few hours ago so I thought I'd search and see if anyone else had this problem before and I called the dealer I got it from and my local dealer to see if they fix it under warrenty but it was right at closing time for both places so I gotta wait till tomorrow to see for sure. Being that its ONE day over warrenty KTM should or better handle it for me, i got an hour meter saying 8.2 and pretty much all video of me riding that too. Also this is a 2012

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