is ktm wiring really that bad?
 

or just on exc models?

Older KTMs weren't that reliable, but set against that they were mostly off road racing machines, so they sold on their ability to win races not how easy they were to live with! I had a 250 EXC and the electric starter would turn over without the engine firing... not the end of the world as you could still kick it. Otherwise the electrics never gave any trouble.

The road bikes particularly the bigger ones have benefited from focus and experience to improve reliability and I know of people who have clocked up high mileages with no significant trouble. There may be the odd rogue but I think the marque as a whole is pretty sound these days.

but what kinda experience you have to have to know wiring on bike has to be waterproof and wires cannot be brittle ? it's basic knowledge.

btw you cannot kick new ktm exc anymore.

As mentioned, earlier KTM's may have had some issues, and not just electrical.

I've had a few KTM's, starting with 2 stroke ('99 KTM 300EXC) race bike with virtually NO electrical conveniences. Basic, but nothing ever failed.

I also had a 2000 KTM 640 Adventure and a 2001 KTM Duke ll. No electrical problems on either but neither saw super tough duty and very little rain riding. Both would start easily on Kick Start and on the button provided battery was not flat.

Several friends I ride with had the early twins (from around 2004 to 2008)
These bikes had all sorts of problems ... like major engine issues. (950/990)

Electrical issues don't stand out in my memory but I'm not an owner nor an
expert on KTM elec. issues. I've seen these bikes stripped down and the wiring harnesses looked
well sorted to my eye. All waterproof plugs IIRC and tidy wire loom with good routing.

It would seem KTM's over last 5 years and new gen bikes have got a HELL OF A LOT more reliable overall. (finally!) Took them forever to get the 640 right and the 950/990's had issues too. The newer 10, 11 and 12 series bikes seem better among guys I know riding them long and hard.

I recently did a ride with 5 guys riding new-ish KTM 1290's. There have been a few issues among these guys, but about 80% all good, with the 20% being not major issues. Can't recall any specific electrical issues among this small group.

KTM Race Bikes are in a different class and like most race bikes, need more attention. The new 690's over last few years seem much better than early 690's, which had major, show stopping problems.

Now? Still not perfect but much improved from most reports.

Check out today's report from the two guys posting here riding 690's in Africa.
All pretty good aside from both bikes using oil, one using A LOT of oil. I don't mind some oil use on my bikes ... but a liter a day means I'm not going any further until solved.

My DR650 Suzuki used NO oil ... even cruising at 75 MPH ALL DAY, 10 hours a day, for weeks of travel. It now has 62K miles and has just begun to use some oil. Maybe half liter in 6000 miles?

fallowing up my initial question I can answer it for myself now from my experience - yes ktm wiring is bad as well as their routing. My ktm 500 exc is excellent bike, suspension, engine etc but wiring is it's Achilles heel for sure. At near 200 mth I had already 3 electrical issues, first after bike washing speedo connector got loose hence whole display stopped working, got to glue it back on because how flimsy these connectors were. Next wiring loom shield on the right side of the handlebar cracked open from friction and 2 wires were cut so my headlamp went bad. Then another 2 wires broke in another wire loom from starter button so I couldn't start the bike. TBH I expected better wiring quality on 10k $ bike, behind the headlight mask there is just electrical mess...Never had wiring issues on any of other bikes I had. :thumbdown:

https://i.imgur.com/crSEMPc.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XPY9Qsv.jpg

there already third party kit for changing that mess here

https://youtu.be/GPaLk-sAJe4