My last bike was twenty years old and hammered all it's life. And likewise so were my other bikes before , with zero wear related problems. Unfortunately, I've just come to the realisation after one year of ownership that with the tenere that is not gonna happen. Perhaps true of Any thumper. But if they are all gonna fall to bits then I would have preferred the ktm for its weight and specs. I thought I did my research but I hold my hand up, didn't do it well enough. What seems now to be common knowledge that thumpers are not designed for a long life. Is not publicised very well.
As far as my tenere goes. I think it the best designed ride I've had the pleasure to ride. I can't describe it really. It feels like how cruisers should feel but it's high and takes a good bashing off road. It's not got that wanna go faster inspiring feel like sports bike. It's totally surreal.

As far as ktm go, you go on their forums and suggest they are unreliable you will immediately get the same backlash as if it were here. And yes the points bout forums predominantly being places were people are looking for fixes and help is equally valid in their case too.
I think the focus should not be about defending the model or maker but rather how best to avoid these problems and the best way to fix them if they occur.
I've read a guys blog in an Australian forum who has been through a few teneres with engines issues. He's on his third. More than bad luck. Bearing failures being the cause.
Unfortunately I'm not mechanically minded but would love to hear kevs opinion about this. Not about the statistics but what can we expect from these engines in terms of lifespan, prevention and cure.