Team-BHP - Reliability and Life Span of modern motorcycle engines

Hi TeamBhp, I have been an avid reader of the forum for quite sometime now and Its a great platform for newbies like me to get insights from experts and fellow enthusiasts.

I am looking for getting by first motorcycle and I have been monitoring the market for a good motorcycle that suits my usecase and my riding style. During the research I came across some information online stating that KTM engines need a rebuild at 40k kms.

We know that KTM are high compression, short stroke engines and the durability factor also depends on the maintenance and the rider. I would like to know how true is this news about rebuild and also would like to initiate a conversation about the niggles and reliability factors of today's modern motorcycle engines.

Thanks in Advance to fellow BHPians for sharing your thoughts and enlightening me and other enthusiasts!!

Modern engines are reliable as long as you treat them like they are supposed to be treated. Meaning - Follow the owner manual strictly. Follow run-in procedure as recommended by the manual. Do not unnecessarily redline or stunt. Service on time, use stock engine oil or atleast the same grade oil.

Regarding engine rebuild, there is never a thumb rule to get it done at any specified kilometres for any motorcycle engine. It will always differ from one motorcycle to another. Ofcourse mechanics may suggest you to go for a rebuild after certain kms as it will get them good labour charge. Even for KTM, it cannot be generalized that they need a rebuild in 40k kms. I've read some long term ownership reviews where there hasn't been any rebuild and have seen rebuild videos with as low as 25k kms.

Having said that, the general consensus is Japanese engines are more reliable than non Japanese engines. But in 2024, I don't think the difference is that much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaaq (Post 5803412)

Not only KTM, which ever bikes tuned for performance, doesn't last longer. KTM engines maximum can run for 50k kms. Two of my friends rebuild their KTM engines after 40k+ kms. In order to increase power and performance companies use light weight piston and engine components which are prone to quick wear and tear. Motorcycles which are designed for touring generally give longer life, again it depends upon how they ride and maintain it.

I own a 2017 KTM DUKE 390 and there are all sorts is KTM bikes in my friend circle. The 200 and 250 seems to last a lot more as far as the engine life is concerned. 390, the old engine that is, is an over stressed engine which doesn't last as much. I can't comment on the new engine.
But something else makes me not to want to get a ktm bike again. They exponentially increased the spare parts price for the bike. The TFT speedometer which used to cost somewhere under 20k costs 30k now. Earlier, an engine rebuild for the 390 used to cost somewhere around 50k. But it was ok for the performance it offered. If it goes higher, this bike doesn't make any sense.
Plus, KTM is barely selling any bikes these days. There are better options available today for each segment whether it is track (RS457), touring (Himalayan), adventure (Himalayan) or city riding (CB350).

Quote:

Originally Posted by sac23 (Post 5830613)

Price increase is true across the board, even my RE 650 had much cheaper spares 5 years ago. Even after market, the RPC adjustable levers are now 7.5k MRP, whereas it was 5.2k when I bought in 2022.

So either it's a macro trend, or everyone is colluding to fleece us.

Do you think the Himalayan or the CB350 are comparable to the Duke 390? IME they are quite different bikes. The Duke is still the standout 390 for me, RC and Adv have better alternatives like the Aprilia or the H450. The Duke remains hooligan #1 for me.

As some other members have pointed out, the engines of today are reliable, when we don't neglect the maintenance. But the engines of the commuter bikes are definitely reliable as they have been designed and manufactured for long life.

In the non commuter (luxury) segment, the bikes usually don't run much during their life. I have seen many luxury bikes / bullets which haven't run more than 10,000 km during their life. After a few weeks or a few months of ownership, the bike spends most of the time standing idle in parking.

The manufacturers know this. So the main value delivered to the customer is the "feeling of owning a luxury brand" or the "performance" and not the life / reliability.