What can be done to improve the availability of KTM spare parts

Service centres refused to sell parts outside of their workshops, and online retailers either lacked stock or charged exorbitant prices exceeding the MRP.

BHPian pandu1564 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear TeamBHPians,

Last year, I gave my 2014 KTM 390 Duke, affectionately nicknamed "Mirinda," a complete engine rebuild to ensure its mechanical soundness. However, acquiring spare parts proved to be a major hurdle. Service centers refused to sell parts outside of their workshops, and online retailers either lacked stock or charged exorbitant prices exceeding the MRP.

To overcome this challenge, I adopted a resourceful approach. With the KTM 390 Duke parts catalogue on one hand and the Bajaj Spare Parts app on the other, I identified parts readily available from Bajaj that were compatible with my Duke. For the KTM-specific parts, I endured lengthy waiting periods to place orders.

My experience begs the question: What can be done to improve the accessibility of KTM spare parts? Is there a potential business opportunity in streamlining the supply chain and offering competitive pricing, especially considering the long wait times I faced? Perhaps, a representative from Bajaj could shed light on the possibility of KTM establishing authorized spare parts outlets similar to Bajaj's extensive network across India.

Cheers!

Here's what BHPian SunnyBoi had to say about the matter:

This is unfortunate. I've been to about 5 different KTM service centers around Bangalore and Mysore and I have never been denied parts. I buy most of my parts off the counter.

Yes, this issue is very rampant. Someone online is selling an adjustable clutch lever which sells brand new for an MRP of Rs 360 and asking Rs 1100 for a refurbished one.

You can also check 99RPM for Bajaj parts online - however, the shipping costs are very expensive, especially when you have 10x 10g parts and they want 300+rs for it.

Since you already have the spares catalogue, part numbers starting with JG and JL are common between Bajaj and KTM, so there is a good chance of getting the same parts from Bajaj themselves. Part numbers starting with JY are KTM exclusive.

You can also check the MRP of all Bajaj/KTM parts through OEMShip. They maintain their price list in EUR so multiply by 110 to get the INR value. Some parts are priced 3x or 10x, for example, bolts for the rotors are 10x. This is because they come in a pack of 10.

Here's what BHPian saikishor had to say about the matter:

There is nothing that can be done unless strict consumer protection laws are enforced. When a customer is ready to pay but the company is not willing to provide the required good, I don't know what to say except for pure atrocity. That too for a popular model like Duke. Spare part availability is one major reason why I wouldn't outright recommend a new KTM to anyone. I had suffered from parts shortage when I crashed my friend's RC200 BS4, and finally ended up procuring parts from the black market by paying 3x the price.

Even if KTM wants to create an artificial part shortage, they are the losers here as black market guys are happily reaping profits.

TLDR: nothing can be done until strict consumer protection acts are introduced.

Here's what BHPian VijayAnand1 had to say about the matter:

Sadly, what was once benign had now turned out to be malignant. The issue is compounded by showroom folks taking matters into their own hands primarily owing to getting better margins - a job outside is a job lost and hence they sinisterly use this side of the loophole to hoodwink every guy looking for a spare.

Where I live, they did deny selling me even an O ring stating the manager doesn't allow counter sale. (this is after travelling 80 kms one way to the showroom). Been a while since I've started to source here. This is where Bangalore folks come into play, KTM Kadubeesnahali and especially BTM layout and the sales guy at the BTM spares counter went above and beyond to source my requirements as the part I had asked for was out of stock at the showroom. I was asked to wait for an hour -- meanwhile, they sent a guy to a parts warehouse and after an hour plus of waiting, an Activa came fully loaded with parts.

Was simply astounding, to say the least, was in the service bay talking to the folks and pretty much everyone was polite and helpful. Since then, I've got hold of a couple of great guys in BLR who help me with the spares availability especially old gen and I get it couriered.

Regarding JG, JL, JY.. KTMs and Bajaj have a mix of all, JG JL and JY, they're all independent yet mutually exclusive. There isn't one catalogue that lists everything as JY JG or JL. It's a jungle out there.

Our laws are lopsided, to say the least, and simply put - cash is king, and the customer is bakra.

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