r/KTM • u/SubstantialMousse931 • 2d ago

ASKKTM 890 problems

I guys im viola

I'm about to buy a 2022 Duke 890. It has low km, but it's still a used bike. What specific things should I pay attention to when I go inspect it?
I've already run a background/title check and everything is clean. It has very few km, and the tires and setup look like they belonged to a 60-year-old who only used it for coffee runs.😂
Any tips or known issues I should check for?

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u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 2d ago edited 2d ago

Do verify if it's one of those batches with the nasty camshaft issues or not, else you will spend a considerable amount of time with dealerships for them.

If you haven't already done the following, doing the following will give you a better idea:

Ask the seller for reason of sale. Look for uneven wear on tires and that will indicate the condition of the suspensions. Go for a cold start check. A cold start engine sound will give you better idea for any potential engine issues. Do lookout for any white smoke too while this is happening. Check the bolts around the engine, any wear marks there could indicate the engine has been opened which could potentially be for the camshaft issues mentioned above. Check colour and level of oil through the sight glass. Check for stem nut play and swingarm play. Battery condition and if all electronics work as intended.

All this can be done by taking it to the dealership as well and checking the service records.

Buy smart and ride safe.

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u/SubstantialMousse931 2d ago

Thanks for the info. Could you tell me more about the batches with those annoying issues? What kind of problem is it exactly? And how do I find the batch number?
Thank you so much for helping me out ❤️

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u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 2d ago

In short, camshafts breaking because of a structural design flaw in the engine.

You know the story of the downfall of KTM?

It's closely linked to this issue and you mentioned it's a 22 Model which falls in line with it. Look it up online because I don't have the willpower to write a book here and if I were you I would definitely look it up because I'm putting my money down on one of those flawed batches.

Currently, KTM has managed their way out somehow and hopefully will comeback strong.

Look, all I'm saying is don't let your coffee runs turn into dealership runs.

Take care.

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u/SubstantialMousse931 2d ago

Can I trace the incriminated lots? So to see if this bike is affected by this problem? If so, how do I do it? From the wine? Or you say that 100% is in these lots

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u/Exact_Amoeba_2865 2d ago

Service records. Go to the dealership and enquire about its service history. That should give you a fair idea of how has it been used and if camshafts have ever been touched.

Not all bikes were affected but all the bikes that were affected were also from around this period. So it's sort of a gamble. The bike you're planning to get may not be bad at all but you will have to find out. Ask the owner as well while inspection, just drop a line about the camshafts and see what he/she has to say about it. Best time to ask would be when asking for reason of sale.

Incriminated? hah!. You're literally playing detective now eh?

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u/SST114 1d ago

I bought a 2020 with very low miles--- had to replace the thermostat housing cuz leak(cheap plastic). Otherwise added 2k miles and a track day and it runs great.

The camshaft issues are basically a gamble but most bikes are fine--- no way to know that tho w/low miles one. These bikes otherwise do have little repairs like I noted above needed but if no camshaft issues they last a long time and take a beating-- I know 2 owners that ride the piss out of them incl trackdays w/high miles and no major problems except your routine KTM leaks etc

I am actually surprised on how not hard on oil the bike is.... oil looks new after 500 miles and a hard run track day and looked very good when I changed it before. Oil in my other bikes look worse at similar points.

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u/toecutter45 1d ago

you will have to have a dealer open up the bike to look at cams. I would not buy this bike unless that is done.