Yes that one had issues....

I tell yer what fined another 11 see if yer can get to a even dozen....

This engine has been around for quite a while now, fitted to various brands and models.

As far as I know, the biggest km haul here is enough to max out the odo ie> 200,000km. I know that engine had some issues along the way, but I don't think the gearbox was one of them.

The problem is too much communication! Everyone knows the instant someone has a problem. And those who haven't had a problem sympathise. And we hope it doesn't happen to us or anyone else. Statistically, it probably won't.

But motorbikes are man-made, and thus are fallible. I know this for a fact. I will not buy another BMW:076:. My problem, not anyone else's.

Well I have owned about 20 bikes over the years and 3 XT660s. Mine were all the X model and I still have my 2011 version, all bought new and serviced at Alf England (great support). I have had zero problems with the 3 bikes and the latest one is now over 28,000 kms. Forget the horror stories, these bikes are bulletproof.

Cos you think that KTMs are reliable???????? Blimey.

I think he means exactly what i think - if you got a bike that can potentially fail and you read some scary stories about this... you better off with the bike that is more powerful, has better suspension, is lighter, and better in nearly every aspect. Yes - the rumors are they are not reliable, but to me Yamaha isn't either. This is why i decided to go for 990 ADV. If it will go wrong at least i know why :-D

I have just canceled my order and not sure which way to go now but I'm rather positive I don't want a thumper anymore...

My last bike was twenty years old and hammered all it's life. And likewise so were my other bikes before , with zero wear related problems. Unfortunately, I've just come to the realisation after one year of ownership that with the tenere that is not gonna happen. Perhaps true of Any thumper. But if they are all gonna fall to bits then I would have preferred the ktm for its weight and specs. I thought I did my research but I hold my hand up, didn't do it well enough. What seems now to be common knowledge that thumpers are not designed for a long life. Is not publicised very well.
As far as my tenere goes. I think it the best designed ride I've had the pleasure to ride. I can't describe it really. It feels like how cruisers should feel but it's high and takes a good bashing off road. It's not got that wanna go faster inspiring feel like sports bike. It's totally surreal.

As far as ktm go, you go on their forums and suggest they are unreliable you will immediately get the same backlash as if it were here. And yes the points bout forums predominantly being places were people are looking for fixes and help is equally valid in their case too.
I think the focus should not be about defending the model or maker but rather how best to avoid these problems and the best way to fix them if they occur.
I've read a guys blog in an Australian forum who has been through a few teneres with engines issues. He's on his third. More than bad luck. Bearing failures being the cause.
Unfortunately I'm not mechanically minded but would love to hear kevs opinion about this. Not about the statistics but what can we expect from these engines in terms of lifespan, prevention and cure.

Marques, you can hammer your Tenere. Give it heaps. But:
1. Warm it up first, and
2. Don't ever make the engine slog. It WILL die. Imo...

Now I'm really worried. What do u mean by slog

when I'm afraid about the engine reliability, I read this thread:

http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=19698

Afterwards I can sleep like a Baby


Ciao
Solitario