I have a 2007 KTM 525 EXC which has broken 1st gear (apparently a common fault) and I'm waiting for parts to arrive from Austria because KTM Australia don't keep parts on hand. Now how many 520/525/450's have been sold with the same gearbox in this country? It would be thousands, but they don't keep parts for them.....

It's bad enough that Hobart no longer has a KTM dealer, but even worse that the national importer doesn't carry parts!

I have e-mailed KTM Austria asking for a reason, but all I have got is an automated response and that was over 2 weeks ago. The only answer I can come up with is they don't actually care.

Keep that in mind next time you look for a new bike - I certainly will. KTM I was your biggest fan..... Goodby!

Have you spoken to KTM Australia directly regarding the problem mate?

I don't mind people joining the site and stating their opinion, however is the 525 gearbox (part you need) the same as what's in the current 2010 models? I would have to check for any changes noted, but just wondering since you have the 2007 model.

In my experiences owning KTMs (I've owned three) there was never a problem getting any of the parts I required and the dealers here in New South Wales that I've dealt with were all super helpful.

I cannot find a link on the web site for any contact details at all, or I would have tried. That's why I went straight to Austria.

As far as I'm aware the engine/gearbox was changed in 2008 when the 530 came out. I'm dealing with Bikeworks in Moonah Tas, who were the KTM agents when I bought the bike and they have done all servicing since new. I believe they are using Sutto's to obtain the parts.

This is also my third KTM and I don't mind things breaking with age, it has done 220 hours of mostly racing and I was goind to change it at the end of the season.

I actually heard this afternoon that nearly all of the parts will be here Monday, except for part of the shift mechanism, which had arrived but has been recalled!

What has bothered me the most is that my enquiry to Austria has not been followed up either, I would have thought that would at the very least have been sent on to KTM Australia?

A Yamaha dealer, when I said I broke a gear (not telling him which) said "I know they break 1st gear" - which is what broke (before breaking a few other bits at the same time) so if they are known to break 1st gear you would have thought someone in the country, KTM for instance, would carry spares.

I've missed 3 races while my bike has been out of action, thankfully the 2nd round of the State series was rained out as I'm currently leading B Grade...

Would you be happy waiting 6 weeks for parts on one of the brand's best sellers?

I don't think anybody would be happy to miss any racing, however your dealer should be able to give you the contact details to KTM Australia if you are that concerned, rather than signing up to a website just to say that KTM keeps zero parts in Australia. Fair enough it must be frustrating if they don't have that particular part for an older model, but as I said in my experience I've never had a problem sourcing parts for the bikes that I have owned previously (including engine parts for an SMR450).

All I can say is you have been lucky, and I really wish I could say the same. What you're really saying if I interpret your comments correctly is it's really my own fault for having such an old bike, but that engine and gearbox have been around for some 7 years or so in large numbers so it's not actually that rare. I would have bought a new bike sooner had I been in a position to do so. With the oil seal issues on the newer bikes (I can refer you to many people to verify that) many people suggested I would be better to stick with the old bike anyway.

I was a regular reader for the record, but wanted to flush out anyone else in the same boat.

Perhaps as someone who seems so well informed, can you advise me if the Husabergs are better supported? I believe it is the same importer?

I'm not saying that it's your fault at all bobster, far from it. The bets bet is just get your dealer to get you onto KTM Australia's customer support or whatnot and I'm sure there will be a reasonable explanation. If not then yep, sure is a shame and an oversight on their behalf if it is a regularly broken part as you say. Good luck with it, let us know how you go and be sure to keep visiting!

Ring KTM Australia and im sure they could work something out for you.

Good news, KTM Austria has just come back on line and forwarded my message to KTM Australia who have been in touch. Firstly I'm now happy that steps are being taken to find out why it has taken so long to get the parts (as KTM say they should have been in stock here) and KTM Austria does care! Secondly the guy from KTM was very professional (as you suggested Damo51) and I'm now assisting with making sure this doesn't happen again.

Also - MY PARTS ARE HERE!

Good news, glad to hear you'll be back on track in no time mate!

My recent letter to KTM regarding the shambles that was the dirt test days still remains unanswered. Add to that the laughable "service" from our local dealer and I agree with your earlier comments re KTM - no way they get my business.

Yoshi what is the problem with the dirt days?

I belive KTM have the best customer service in the country. Not only do I work for a KTM dealer but i have delt with kawasaki yamaha and honda and none of them have matched the speed and customer service of KTM.

Pull the other one damo!! I can race u in a parts delivery any day and beat u worse than u get beaten b C graders

so how is it my parts come from WA and are he the next day but yours takes 2 days from your own state?

so how is it my parts come from WA and are he the next day but yours takes 2 days from your own state?

Thats when you order them after hours dude.

and what are those hours Ash?

and what are those hours Ash?

When you walk in at 5.15pm after you have knocked and order a part its not going to be there the next day dude. But I can tell you how many they have instock in Aust and Japan, even other dealers that have them.

it was 4.15 mate get it right hahaha

it was 4.15 mate get it right hahaha

Pretty sure I was about to open a beer

yeh wat sort of customer service is that

What kinda customer sneaks in thru the back doors when the front r closed

the front doors were open

You have never walked thru the front doors