Trouble at KTM

[SoCal250]

Things are not going well at KTM
KTM AG Enters Self-Administration to Restructure Debt

[dgorms]

I don't understand? They charge so f'n much for their sh'''t !

[busa1300]

Over half their stuff is built in China or India.... Yet their prices are as if they were built in Austria.
I love my 1290SDGT, but I'll never buy another one after hearing all the issues other have had with their KTMs...as well as the cost.

[m in sc]

yeah.. the 390 i had was the 1st Indian made model, was eyeballed the 1st year by the KTM team that 1st year, then after that, not so much. no more after that. Fact is a fact, the Indian made stuff just isn't good. TO the point, id take a Chinese bike over a made in India one any day.  And that's not saying a whole lot... Look at the Royal Enfield owners group on FB.., I'm a member of it just because... holy cow the stuff they think is acceptable because its cheaper, sort of, but not really, it's unreal. 

[pdxjim]

I've had many KTM's and have no complaints about any of them, including my current 698smcr.

That said, the 690 is for sale and I'm looking toward a 765 Street Triple RS as my next purchase.

[Striker1423]

I've had many KTM's and have no complaints about any of them, including my current 698smcr.

That said, the 690 is for sale and I'm looking toward a 765 Street Triple RS as my next purchase.

My brother has a street triple. He absolutely loves it. A lot of grunt.

[pdxjim]

My brother has a street triple. He absolutely loves it. A lot of grunt.

Yeah, I had an '09 Daytona 675. It was amazing but I sold it to buy a basket KH400. One of the poorer decisions I've made.

[Longbow62]

Just this past week I was comparing the on paper 390 Duke specs and performance to the RD 400. The are pretty comparable performance wise and the RD is almost 50 years old. Of course there have been advancements in frames and suspensions etc. that the Duke has, but it's kinda a testament to how good the RD was for it's time.   

[m in sc]

that was a big reason why I had one. it did well, I enjoyed it but even 1st year ones had issues. the smaller bikes for now are all made in India but components for the bigger ones are def coming from there. damn shame but is what it is

[SoCal250]

There have been rumblings of financial issues at KTM for nearly the entire 2024 GP season, but no official word came from the company until they announced their recent restructuring and firing of their CFO.

Now the story is getting worse at KTM. The actual debt is nearly double of what was first reported, and in recent days has been estimated at €2.9 billion ($3.05B) to nearly 2500 creditors.

While KTM had adamantly stated in the past that the finance issues would not affect their racing programs, that news has now changed and they have frozen MotoGP development. Testing will proceed as planned but this certainly isn't good for their teams in GP. The company has declared they are not going anywhere and will be competing in MotoGP through 2027 because they have a contract to fulfill with Dorna.
It really sucks for Acosta and Binder. I think Miller was handed a huge favor when he was let go and then moved over the Yamaha.

[RDryan]

Over half their stuff is built in China or India.... Yet their prices are as if they were built in Austria.
I love my 1290SDGT, but I'll never buy another one after hearing all the issues other have had with their KTMs...as well as the cost.

I currently own the same bike and my biggest complaints are that I don't use it for it's intended purchase and it's too big for me. I had to learn the hard way that I am not in the mindset to fully enjoy a sport touring type bike, long days in the saddle just don't fit with my idea, wallet, lifestyle. As for it being too big, I am 5,10 with a 30" inseam so the bike is absolute horse. I can peg leg flat foot at stops and lights but it's uncomfortable if I'm doing that frequently. Also in terms of that size is the weight and the power, it isn't as fun as my little RD250 on a back road. Also I can flat foot with 06' GSXR1000 and because that bike is so much lighter with a fairing and the helibars I put on it well it doesn't have the tech or the torque of 1290 but it seems just as quick and maybe faster in a different way and I get used to even though it's not as upright riding style. I dunno I had to try it. I'm not really good at selling bikes so that's about the only reason why I still have it. Really disappointed to hear this about KTM as a business as I was thinking of just trading my 1290 in for a 300 XCW and doing a Supermoto conversion as I guess it's easy to street legal em even here in MA. but I dunno have to see what happens with this news, the new economy, work etc, etc. Have a feeling I may just sell that bike for a dirt cheap price on Facebook and again I hate the idea of having to sell my bike privately. Oh well be much easier if the company and or product could just do a better job at selling itself if that makes sense. But bikes are expensive and who wants to buy a bike like this with the world and or country like it is?...I did say to myself that if I ever got an inside job I could just keep it and treat as a second vehicle but at present I work for myself and need the car to do that.

[m in sc]

friend of mine bought a used superduke last year. Not my cup of tea, at all, but other dealers will def take it in on trade.

[busa1300]

I bought my 1290SDGT for one...I was burnt out on working on bikes and wanted something that would start and go anytime I wanted without some type of concern in the back of my mind. Also it is the only bike I have that has a back seat my wife can go on a ride with me (and have room to carry stuff back home if we stop to buy anything)...everything else is sportbike one up basically.
But I also wanted something that could seriously haul ass, drag foot pegs, and do wheelies at will....this bike will do it...even with a passenger.
They do build somewhat on the fringe edge of what the general bike buyers want...

[SoCal250]

Job cuts are underway.
https://www.crash.net/motogp/news/1061560/1/ktm-set-more-job-cuts-amid-financial-struggles

[m in sc]

expect the ip to be sold by q3 next year. that's my prediction