KTM woes

^^^^^^^
I don't have sympathy for Stefan Pierer.

I still have one of the original Husqvarna bikes, made by the factory in Varese Italy, only has 5,000 miles on it immaculate.

He purchased the brand, shut down the factory, left everyone there unemployed and slapped Husqvarna badges on his KTM's. Left me with an excellent bike which is obsolete, can't buy any spare parts for it.

Karma comes around I guess.

Today a Husqvarna is 100% KTM with Husqvarna decals.

Some remnants of original Husky bikes, the same design remains now with SWM, owned by China, but operating out of Italy.

Husky.JPEG



 
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Not suprisingly, American and European markets are a drop in the bucket.
Interesting, their biggest market appears to be India. Link to the Suzuki site in India below. Not a whole lot of options, perhaps they are selling a bunch of scooters?

 
I need to find a place here in TX to ride but love the bike and would hate to see KTM fail.

View attachment 1689115
I had a factory which I was responsible for in Paris Texas. Use to let folks know I am on my way to Paris and they thought it was cool, until I told them Paris Texas.

Anyway, there were more off the beaten path dirt roads and trails that I could think of over there.

Here in NC where I live, it is really hard to find anything unpaved. For that we escape to old Coal Mining land in WV, where dirt riding has become an industry of its own, run by old Coal Miners.
 
I believe our gallons are a bit smaller than yours. :D
Goes into the refrigerator, lasts about a week. How far do you go on a gallon, and don't give the answer in kilometers, LOL.
Ok.. your gallon is 4 litres in our money, so my one litre lasts me about 3 days… I’m only using it in tea and coffee, I use acidophilus Greek yoghurt for my brekky, cereal and berries.
It’s only me and my little dog in my household.
 
I believe our gallons are a bit smaller than yours. :D
Goes into the refrigerator, lasts about a week. How far do you go on a gallon, and don't give the answer in kilometers, LOL.
Ok.. your gallon is 4 litres in our money, so my one litre lasts me about 3 days… I’m only using it in tea and coffee, I use acidophilus Greek yoghurt for my brekky, cereal and berries
 
From the Moto GP page..

KTM faces significant financial challenges, with reports estimating the company’s debts could be as high as €3 billion. The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer has entered self-administration in an effort to restructure and avoid bankruptcy.
The situation has unfolded rapidly, with the company making substantial adjustments to its operations in recent months. These include reducing the board of directors from six to two members and laying off hundreds of employees. Production is also set to pause in January due to a surplus of unsold bikes in showrooms.
Restructuring proceedings, which began on Friday, have revealed the full extent of the crisis. Insolvency expert Cornelia Wesenauer noted that this is Austria’s largest insolvency procedure of the year, with KTM’s liabilities significantly higher than initially expected, ranging from €2.5 to €3 billion.
KTM has attributed its struggles to declining demand in key markets and the ongoing recession in Germany. While the company generated a €100 million profit in 2023, its financial position has deteriorated rapidly, with shares losing 90% of their value since their peak in February 2022.
Despite the challenges, KTM has committed to paying December salaries to its staff, though wages for November and holiday bonuses will rely on support from the Insolvency Wage Fund.
In the motorsport arena, KTM’s MotoGP project remains on track, with Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder slated to represent the factory team in 2025. The Tech3 team will feature Maverick Viñales and Enea Bastianini. However, financial constraints have forced a reduction in its racing commitments, with the GASGAS and Husqvarna brands exiting the grand prix grid.
KTM’s management, led by Motorsport Director Pit Beirer, remains determined to navigate these challenges while continuing to focus on MotoGP success and future growth.
 
More

KTM AG Faces Financial Turmoil: Impact on MotoGP and Future Strategies
KTM AG, along with its subsidiaries KTM Components and KTM Research & Development, has entered bankruptcy proceedings, putting over 3,600 jobs at risk. The company is facing a combined debt of €2.9 billion, with KTM AG accounting for €1.8 billion. In response, KTM has initiated a reorganization process to stabilize its operations.
Key measures include reducing production, implementing short-time working hours for some employees, and laying off an additional 500 staff by the end of 2024, following earlier workforce reductions. The surplus of 100,000 unsold motorcycles has further intensified the need for cost-cutting measures.
The financial crisis has raised concerns about the continuation of KTM’s motorsports programs, including its MotoGP team, which reportedly costs €70 million annually. Investments in lower-class racing categories like Moto2, Moto3, and the Red Bull Rookies Cup are also being reconsidered.
Despite these challenges, KTM remains committed to its MotoGP efforts. According to Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director:
“Fortunately, the bike for next season is ready and waiting in the workshop. The start of the 2025 season is organised. That helps us enormously in the current situation.”
To reduce expenses, KTM plans to transfer the financial burden of lower-class racing to customer teams and is reviewing its role in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, which has traditionally served as a talent development platform for various manufacturers.
MotoGP is also set to undergo significant changes, with a freeze on engine development starting in 2026 and the introduction of a new technical era in 2027. Planned changes include a ban on ride height devices, reduced aerodynamic features, and the transition to smaller 850cc engines. These adjustments will require manufacturers to redesign their bikes, adding financial pressure to KTM and others.
Beirer commented on the situation:
“These plans are currently on hold until we have clarified how we are going to proceed.”
Manufacturer contracts with MotoGP organizer Dorna Sports are valid until the end of 2026, with renewals under negotiation. While there is no indication of brands exiting the championship, KTM’s financial health and strategic decisions will be pivotal to its future involvement.
KTM’s restructuring efforts highlight the challenges of maintaining a competitive presence in motorsports amid financial difficulties, leaving its long-term trajectory in the spotlight.
#motogp #ktm #motogp2025
May be an image of 2 people, motorcycle and text that says 'BREAKING NEWS KTM AND MOTOGP ON THE ROPES: PLANS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD THAILAND MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX FEB 2025 JHON DOE'



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They have until February next year, to reorganise and find financing for continued operations. If they fail insolvency will follow.

If they fall into insolvency, I am pretty sure someone would step in and buy the assets which will go to the highest bidder and the brand will continue under new ownership.

They have a massive issue with engines built by CFMoto out of China, which will cost dearly to address.

My guess is they will go insolvent, as no one will be buying KTM's at this stage, with the above, plus the bad news.

Sad to hear about Binder and Acosta, both good riders.
 
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