100 hour KTM "major engine service"

[OaklandF4i]

I read up and folks are talking about ~$500 piston/rings on their KTM so I thought it was steep in comparison. It's not the parts prices that get me, it's the labor lol.

I see it all the time on the internet. People who write that bs have either never done a rebuild, or live somewhere that labor is $15hr. :thumbdown :laughing

Completely honest, I would expect most shops in the inner bay area would have been $1k for the service you got quoted with the cheaper Pro X parts. But regardless if its $850 or $1k, it isn't cheap..... and that will be your cheapest major service.

Eventually you will need a cylinder replate, valve job, and bottom end in addition to regular piston replacements. Its easy to shoot up to $2-3k for these services. Its not if, but when. No different if its KTM or one of the big four.

Thedub and Elemental both own a modern SOHC KTM 500 and could give you the better first hand advice about what to expect in hours before rebuilding. I can only relate my experience on other bikes and how/when I rebuild.

My experience is more often than not I'll see compression loss, valves wearing beyond spec, failed leak down, or part failures long before 500 hrs (usually a fraction of that.) I hear about those bikes, I just don't generally experience them and believe the are the exceptions not the rule. Its always cheaper to replace before a failure.... and how far you want to risk it is up to you.

So I called a larger KTM dealer and the service department rep was actually saying it probably doesn't even need to be replaced. Just ride it until it loses power, if it's good power then keep riding. I like this guy.

He is probably right, it all depends on use and maintenance. I would add however that if you follow this route, buy a motion pro compression and leak down tester. The power loss will be gradual and you won't notice it. If it gets so bad you notice it via the seat of your pants, you are potentially going to be spending more money.

Get in a habit of checking your valves, doing a compression and leakdown test on a regular basis every so many hours and actually keeping track of it or paying someone to do it. The tests will tell you when you have lost 10% compression, I doubt you will feel it when gradual.

 

[KooLaid]

I came upon this great little blog covering this exact topic by Wiseco.
http://blog.wiseco.com/how-to-know-when-to-replace-the-piston-in-your-motorcycle-or-atv

In other news, I solved the problem. I sold the bike. I'm kinda sad about it. Bike did NOT need piston/ring, just a valve adjustment at most. I'm certain I sold one rock solid 118 hour machine without having done piston/rings.

 

[byke]

I like to do a timing chain around 100hrs. Valves usually need an adjustment when new, but then take a seat and stay there for the bulk of their life, then start moving again when they're on their way out.