KTM go into administration

[Alan M]

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Sad day for KTM.

 

Think the motorcycle industry in general is not in good shape. In the last year there has been quite a few bike shops  in the UK closing their doors.

 

Don’t think biking in general is a thing with much of the younger generation.

[Tenerider]

Indeed a sad day - although I rather think riding a motorcycle is actually spreading again across the youth. I'm a teacher, a lot of kids around 16-18 years old are getting a license - especially girls. It's definitely getting more over the last years.

 

I think the bad situation for KTM is at least partly caused by their bad reputation in regards of quality. The camshaft issue might have been the final blow.

 

Anyways, I hope they'll recover!

[Alan M]

That’s good to hear with regards younger riders. I’ve just noticed in the last few years out on a run I never seem to see any riders under 50.

 

Yeah, think poor customer service with regards quality issues and maybe also their fast growth over the last few decades.

 

Cost of bikes has got to be a big part of it, I got into off road riding only in around 2018 but the price of a 300EXC has almost doubled in that time. Crazy.

[Tenerider]

1 hour ago, Alan M said:

That’s good to hear with regards younger riders. I’ve just noticed in the last few years out on a run I never seem to see any riders under 50.

 

Yeah, think poor customer service with regards quality issues and maybe also their fast growth over the last few decades.

 

Cost of bikes has got to be a big part of it, I got into off road riding only in around 2018 but the price of a 300EXC has almost doubled in that time. Crazy.

Good point. Their prices are indeed crazy.

[john_aero]

Touratech were in a similar shape few years ago and managed get through

 

Biggest issue is customer service & warranty is god awful

 

I wasn't a fan of them buying out Husaberg, then Husqvarna, closing up Husaberg and finally buying Gasgas. They own most of the enduro names and if one goes they all go.

 

I am sure will all be ok but they might be able avoid lot warranty issues if go into bankrupcy and they re open,

[thepointchris]

1 hour ago, john_aero said:

Touratech were in a similar shape few years ago and managed get through

 

Biggest issue is customer service & warranty is god awful

 

I wasn't a fan of them buying out Husaberg, then Husqvarna, closing up Husaberg and finally buying Gasgas. They own most of the enduro names and if one goes they all go.

 

I am sure will all be ok but they might be able avoid lot warranty issues if go into bankrupcy and they re open,

I forgot about Touratech, yes! Thanks for the reminder. Disconcerting, but hardly new, is it? Look at how many times HD flirted with death. What's new, for me at least, is the speed at which this unfolded this year - almost like e TechStartup. There will be dirty laundry, I bet.

[Rider 101]

Watch this space.

I can see a wholly chinese operation in the very near future.

[BADDANDY]

"We build our motorcycles reliably and robustly for every race, for every terrain".  The 690 thru 1290 folks find this out at the most inopportune times, like out in the middle of nowhere!  From what I've read, their warranty issues have always been a total nightmare.  Who warranties a race bike?

I think most people that spend $12k and more for a bike want it to last longer than one race.  

I believe having the best bike vs having the worst customer service is not conductive to have the best reputation and loyalty.

I sense that Beta, SWM, Sherco, AJP, and the Japanese build theirs to last a bit longer than that and for less $ with having mostly ZERO warranty issues.

That being said, they do invent the most capable bikes in every class and my 2 Huskies have been very reliable for 6 years now, but I don't race them, 

And since mine are reliable, and I don't race, and are of the new generation (2017-2025), I can't justify ever replacing them with the price being 20% higher and 10lbs heavier now!  

[Windblown]

Pierer Mobility took a lot of mis-steps. Hindsight being 20/20 and all...  They became too investor driven and controlled, tried to absorb too many companies too fast in the name of growth and market share, demanded too much from their core employees and treated them less well than they should have,  took their growing customer base for granted and expected the crop of new customers to share their existing customer bases fierce loyalty and willingness to overlook a lot of production niggles but they weren't, and in general they failed to make the needed transition from niche company with a fiercely loyal following to a major player in the world MC marketplace.   In other words, they didn't keep their eye on the ball and let decisions be made by those unqualified to make them. 

 

I've owned several KTMs and generally very much dig their bikes however I decided 3 years ago I didn't care for how the company was changing and decided I would not be putting any more money directly into the pocket of PM until they got themselves straightened out.  That is until now... If you have an itch for a Orange, blue&white, or Red KTM now is a great time to get a deal on one. All this turmoil combined with the drop in sales and over production has resulted in some smoking hot deals as they try to reduce inventories and come up with operating cash. 

 

I made a deal today on a brand new '24 Husky FE501-S for 5K under MSRP. I've been wanting a 500 since around 2018 and almost bought a used one that was 2 years old last year for $500 more than I'm paying for this brand new one. Deals are happening.  Apparently my loyalty can be bought back, for about $5000.00   

Edited November 28 by Windblown

[Tenerider]

2 hours ago, Windblown said:

Pierer Mobility took a lot of mis-steps. Hindsight being 20/20 and all...  They became too investor driven and controlled, tried to absorb too many companies too fast in the name of growth and market share, demanded too much from their core employees and treated them less well than they should have,  took their growing customer base for granted and expected the crop of new customers to share their exiting customer bases fierce loyalty and be willingness to overlook a lot of production niggles but they weren't, and in general they failed to make the needed transition from niche company with a fiercely loyal following to a major player in the world MC marketplace.   In other words, they didn't keep their eye on the ball and let decisions be made by those unqualified to make them. 

 

I've owned several KTMs and generally very much dig their bikes however I decided 3 years ago I didn't care for how the company was changing and decided I would not be putting any more money directly into the pocket of PM until they got themselves straightened out.  That is until now... If you have an itch for a Orange, blue&white, or Red KTM now is a great time to get a deal on one. All this turmoil combined with the drop in sales and over production has resulted in some smoking hot deals as they try to reduce inventories and come up with operating cash. 

 

I made a deal today on a brand new '24 Husky FE501-S for 5K under MSRP. I've been wanting a 500 since around 2018 and almost bought a used one that was 2 years old last year for $500 more than I'm paying for this brand new one. Deals are happening.  Apparently my loyalty can be bought back, for about $5000.00   

Actually I'm quite driven to a 701 and this might be the right time to pull the trigger. But I can't justify two big bikes in my garage (next to my Beta Evo 300).

 

Agree completely on your analysis.

[ScorpionT16]

Manufacturers spent too many years focusing on big fat, expensive bikes which drove the younger crowd away. Some are starting to get back with the new lighter and cheaper offerings like the 390's or CRF300ls. I'm surprised Yamaha hasn't replaced the WR250R yet, this is the time for Japanese manufacturers to up their game and scoop up some KTM customers in that category. 

 

 I just got a 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F and am wondering what will happened in the future with the brand. I wonder if I should have just gone with Honda or Beta, as I don't really love KTM and the way they treat customers, though the 500 is king in its class. I had a 2008 KTM 250 xcf-w that was an unreliable piece of junk, hoping the exc-f fairs better. Though it's already had trouble starting in the cold due to the lithium battery 

 

As a brand, their unreliable reputation is etched in my mind. I still would never ride one far from home regardless of seeing others RTW on them, I still get anxiety on every ride wondering what will break and when, from the fuel pump to cracked fuel filters. Something any Japanese bike I've had has never given me, problems. So not surprising to see their problems extend to management and finances. When the 790's came out it was their chance to prove they could make a reliable platform, and failed miserably. Even the Aprilla Tuereg is holding well, to the point I'd trust one as much as the T7

 

Not sure I'd ever buy another KTM/Husky/GG. Even if they get out of this, there will be a lot of cost cutting and uncertainty of their ownership. 

[Tenerider]

15 minutes ago, ScorpionT16 said:

Manufacturers spent too many years focusing on big fat, expensive bikes which drove the younger crowd away. Some are starting to get back with the new lighter and cheaper offerings like the 390's or CRF300ls. I'm surprised Yamaha hasn't replaced the WR250R yet, this is the time for Japanese manufacturers to up their game and scoop up some KTM customers in that category. 

 

 I just got a 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F and am wondering what will happened in the future with the brand. I wonder if I should have just gone with Honda or Beta, as I don't really love KTM and the way they treat customers, though the 500 is king in its class. I had a 2008 KTM 250 xcf-w that was an unreliable piece of junk, hoping the exc-f fairs better. Though it's already had trouble starting in the cold due to the lithium battery 

 

As a brand, their unreliable reputation is etched in my mind. I still would never ride one far from home regardless of seeing others RTW on them, I still get anxiety on every ride wondering what will break and when, from the fuel pump to cracked fuel filters. Something any Japanese bike I've had has never given me, problems. So not surprising to see their problems extend to management and finances. When the 790's came out it was their chance to prove they could make a reliable platform, and failed miserably. Even the Aprilla Tuereg is holding well, to the point I'd trust one as much as the T7

 

Not sure I'd ever buy another KTM/Husky/GG. Even if they get out of this, there will be a lot of cost cutting and uncertainty of their ownership. 

I wonder as well when Yamaha will follow and offer a small, light ADV bike. Suzuki brought back their DR-Z4S to Europe, this will be a BIG hit over here I guess. Just between a CRF 300L and an LC4. If Yamaha offered something alike, my T7 would probably have to find another stable.

[TenereTragic700]

@Windblown I replaced my 2010 KTM450 XCW with a '24 500 EXC-F in August and I was pretty happy with the price of it back then. 

But the same bike for MSRP minus 5k is excellent.  That 501 is unchanged in 2025.

I hesitated spending the money on the Taco Moto ECU, but boy that made a difference.  I think 42hp to 58hp.  It is still a bit touchy transitioning from idle but a huge difference in performance.

I will have to head west for a ride!

[Windblown]

2 hours ago, TenereTragic700 said:

@Windblown I replaced my 2010 KTM450 XCW with a '24 500 EXC-F in August and I was pretty happy with the price of it back then. 

But the same bike for MSRP minus 5k is excellent.  That 501 is unchanged in 2025.

I hesitated spending the money on the Taco Moto ECU, but boy that made a difference.  I think 42hp to 58hp.  It is still a bit touchy transitioning from idle but a huge difference in performance.

I will have to head west for a ride!

 

Nice! I'm swinging by TPItuning/RaceADV either tomorrow on my way home from picking up the bike or this weekend and will have him flash the ECU and get some odds and ends from him to finish the uncorking.   We'll have to get together so we can compare how the different ECU's compare to one another.    

Edited November 29 by Windblown

[Larry710]

18 hours ago, ScorpionT16 said:

Manufacturers spent too many years focusing on big fat, expensive bikes which drove the younger crowd away. Some are starting to get back with the new lighter and cheaper offerings like the 390's or CRF300ls. I'm surprised Yamaha hasn't replaced the WR250R yet, this is the time for Japanese manufacturers to up their game and scoop up some KTM customers in that category. 

 

 I just got a 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F and am wondering what will happened in the future with the brand. I wonder if I should have just gone with Honda or Beta, as I don't really love KTM and the way they treat customers, though the 500 is king in its class. I had a 2008 KTM 250 xcf-w that was an unreliable piece of junk, hoping the exc-f fairs better. Though it's already had trouble starting in the cold due to the lithium battery 

 

As a brand, their unreliable reputation is etched in my mind. I still would never ride one far from home regardless of seeing others RTW on them, I still get anxiety on every ride wondering what will break and when, from the fuel pump to cracked fuel filters. Something any Japanese bike I've had has never given me, problems. So not surprising to see their problems extend to management and finances. When the 790's came out it was their chance to prove they could make a reliable platform, and failed miserably. Even the Aprilla Tuereg is holding well, to the point I'd trust one as much as the T7

 

Not sure I'd ever buy another KTM/Husky/GG. Even if they get out of this, there will be a lot of cost cutting and uncertainty of their ownership. 

 

Regarding  your 500.

I had a 2020 501, the oem battery's are garbage.  Way too undersized. KTM uses the same battery in all their 2t's and is for the most part fine. bu the same battery used to turn over a 510cc engine is going to struggle from the get go. I've had to replace mine every year until I bought a shori.

And MAKE SURE you disconnect the battery before you connect the charger, or the fuel pump relay will continually flicker on/off, and fill your entire engine with fuel.

 

Love to ride the bike, but I'm glad I sold it and bought the T7.  happy to be back on Japanese. 

Edited November 29 by Larry710

[beakster]

Oi!

 

Don't hijack the thread with your 500 reviews! 

 

I for one, as an ex-owner of two 690s, would be very sad if KTM went under.

 

Frankly, I don't understand this dance on the bones. They are a big part of the European motorcycle culture.

 

The trouble they are going through is well deserved, but I really hope we will see a new kind of KTM, sooner rather than later.

 

 

[Hollybrook]

KTM's financial woes recently kept me from buying one, even with the great deals.  I was seriously looking at a 300XCW for a trail bike, but parts availability scared me away.  Having worked for a couple of companies that went through bankruptcy, I know what type of financial decisions need to be made to survive.  We kept saying, "Cash is king"! Customer satisfaction and parts availability for anything other than the most commonly sold parts were not getting any priority at all, and customers were furious.  I hated to answer the phone because it was never a happy call, though I always did because I felt like we owed them that.  I truly hope that is not the future for KTM owners.

 

It was a hard decision, because one of the most fun bikes I have ever owned was  Penton 125 ISDT back in the '70s.  KTM was a bicycle manufacturer and John Penton convinced them to build him a frame for his new, American assembled bikes that were really great for that era.  And that was the beginning of KTM's foray into motorcycles. 

 

I really wanted to get back to a KTM two stroke, but got cold feet. So, I bought a Yamaha WR250F that I am in the process of plating for limited street use. @TenereTragic700 & @Windblown I am certainly interested in some dual sport riding whenever you guys are ready.  I will most likely trailer the bike out there as an hour on the freeway on basically a 250cc MX bike is a bit much for me!

[Alan M]

Woes deepen for KTM as money problems are laid bare

---

New figure placed on liabilities exceeds €2.5 billion

I wish them all the luck for the sake of their employees but $2.5 billion is a large hole to get out of.

[SXXP]

On 11/27/2024 at 1:02 PM, Rider 101 said:

Watch this space.

I can see a wholly chinese operation in the very near future.

 

Or  Indian.  Bajaj already owns a chunk of KTM.

[Rider 101]

10 hours ago, beakster said:

Oi!

 

Don't hijack the thread with your 500 reviews! 

 

I for one, as an ex-owner of two 690s, would be very sad if KTM went under.

 

Frankly, I don't understand this dance on the bones. They are a big part of the European motorcycle culture.

 

The trouble they are going through is well deserved, but I really hope we will see a new kind of KTM, sooner rather than later.

 

 

And I really hope KTM doesn't shift to the Far East.

I am a little over the dominance in our part of the world.