The KTM’s woes continue part 3

There are two paths I can travel, when it comes to fixing this bike

• Fix it myself. I started down this road, then realised it’s going to take a lot of time, especially when I lack the ability to talk to it’s CPU (brain).
• Send it to the friendly romans at a dealer, spend lots of money, and pray for a happy ending.

However, following the dealer path has led to a bleak picture.

I was looking in the wrong area of the bike, and it’s likely the faulty component is actually one of several rather expensive parts.

To add some complication to this, KTM itself is in dire financial trouble (likely terminal), which means even the agent can’t get any parts for it.

https://amcn.com.au/editorial/ktm-inside-a-cash-crisis/

The only source for parts then, is Ebay, which can be dubious as to what you are getting.

All of leads to the question of whether it’s worth keeping the bike.

A test ride of a possible replacement bike was a revelation. It just went and everything worked flawlessly with a very efficient Japanese feel to it. (even the clock works!)

The KTM in comparision is ‘contankerous’ in it’s nature. Unless you warm it up nicely in the morning, its going to give you a hard time (it will stall and then be hard to start). It only likes 95 octane (preferably higher). On 91 octane, it just feels flat and lacks any urgency. 

The thing with these ‘character’ bikes though, is that they are never boring.

With a bit dedication and some late nights, perhaps I can get it sorted.