What's going on with 2023 KTMs? Piston Failures??

[Taranis]

You nailed it. I learned from a very knowledgeable and reliable source that it's all related to their TPI design, which is exactly why they're tossing it. He straight up told me not to buy a TPI bike. He said even getting them properly set up to race (or even ride enjoyably for that matter) cost a fortune, having to buy a new tunable ECU and also upgrade the trash suspension they're now using. He said around $1.5k~$2k is what it cost to make things right and reliable.

I took his advice come time to replace my 2013 350 by going with another 350. I was however still faced with having to upgrade the trash suspension.

I always think about the difference in purchase price between a KTHusky and a Yamaha, and then think about just getting a 315 built for a YZ250FX with part of the difference. Or a lower-effort, cheaper big bore or bore/stroke and head work.

 

[iDropEmAlot]

This might shed some light (click the "watch on YouTube"):

. . . message received! Perhaps I'm being a bit too scrupulous here secondary to being in the middle of diagnosing a no-start condition on my '03 125

 

[iDropEmAlot]

There are a lot of TPI bikes with various issues...some user created. I think that's why they've simplified by going the TBI route. I
never thought replacing an oil pump should be part of your maintenance schedule.
As for crossover to 4stroke models or any other models to have similar failures. That would be a stretch as they don't share
the same internals. The YouTube you referred to indicated a 300 exc . Not sure what country that is available in no 23 EXC's
in the U.S.
I doubt almost everything I hear and believe 50% of what I see.
Finally, We only see the people that are having problems..I've had issues with some of my previous KTM's but
nothing catastrophic. Hoping this helps.
You're welcome to message me.

Fair enough, yea I might just be being a bit too nitpicky here - and you're right, we only hear about the problem children!