KTM Sportmotorcycle — ktm 690 smc

Address:

7708

I bought a brand new ktm 690 smc from ktm cape town in sep 2017. The bike was taken in for its first service at 1000km. Thereafter, i was told that the bike would be fine until it's next service at 6000km.

At 4500kms on friday 8th february 2019, the engine seized and the back-wheel locked up while i was on a highway and i almost crashed into heavy traffic. The bike was collected by the aa as per my ktm aa card, and delivered to ktm cape town that same day, the 8th february 2019.

I received no confirmation that ktm had received the bike and no verbal or written communication from ktm. I received no job card or quote or anything that would require ktm to start conducting labour.

On monday, the 11th february 2019, i called ktm to enquire about the motorkbike. I was told by the head mechanic that the entire engine had melted and the costs to repair the bike was 60% of the vehicle purchase price. I would receive no warranty from ktm or any assistance whatsoever, as the bike allegedly had only 100ml of oil in it, versus its 1700ml oil capacity.

It was suggested by ktm cape town that despite the bike being only a little over 1yr old and only used to commute, that the engine failure was my fault.

(1) my oil light only ever came on for a few seconds intermittently and numerous mechanics have reported oil pressure sensor failures by ktm.
(2) the bike was not smoking and reported no strange sounds
(4) the heat gauge never exceeded about 75% of max bars

The mechanic at ktm cape town told me that the bike had lost almost all oil. I have since spoken to several independent appraisers who have admitted to having never seen a bike, let alone a 1yr old bike, lose that much oil over such a short distance traveled.

When i asked ktm cape town to have my bike collected so as to ask for an independent appraisal, i was informed that all oil and coolant had been drained, and that the bike would not be released until i paid for the labour charged to open up the engine. Which i never asked for or consented to in any legal way possible.

Ktm cape town has been nothing but rude, disrespectful and confrontational. I have never had a problem like this on any other bike brand i have ever owned and i have never received such terrible product service and quality.

My bike should still be entitled to its 2yr warranty and i should be shown even a modicum of good faith by ktm as an umbrella organisation. Please can someone help me tend to this matter urgently, else i will be forced to go public with this.