From 2026, Guenther Steiner, former team principal of Haas in Formula 1, will take over the management of the MotoGP team Red Bull KTM Tech3. Steiner will succeed Hervé Poncharal, who founded the team in 1990. Poncharal will remain part of the team as an advisor. Steiner will lead Tech3 as CEO in the future, while Richard Coleman will join as team principal. The takeover is part of a consortium. Tech3 is considered the longest-running independent team in MotoGP.
Just under ten years after entering MotoGP, KTM has taken another significant step in its motorsport history. The new 850cc engine concept for the 2027 season was tested on the test bench for the first time in Mattighofen, Austria. The reason for this is the upcoming technical regulations that will apply in the premier class from 2027.
In the world of motorcycles, the return of forced induction is a rare event. After Kawasaki set a milestone with the Ninja H2, things remained quiet on the supercharger front for a long time. While the Ninja H2R continued to be considered the most powerful production motorcycle with a supercharger, the field seemed to be left to other manufacturers. However, recent technological changes have brought movement to the scene: Honda introduced a fully electric supercharger with the V3R, and Yamaha developed its own solution with the E-Turbo. Now KTM is also entering the stage – with a novel, electrically assisted supercharger system that combines elements of both technologies and, according to the patent, is intended to offer a middle ground between classic superchargers and modern electric drives.
With a novel approach to extending the range of electric motorcycles, KTM is pursuing a solution that aims to enable greater flexibility and everyday usability. Based on current patent applications, the Austrian manufacturer is working on a modular system that can be attached to the rear of the motorcycle like a top case. Depending on the variant, the compact additional box will contain either a mini combustion engine, a fuel cell, or additional batteries.
KTM continues to face the ongoing effects of economic problems in the 2025 model year. Due to two development breaks and a temporary production stoppage, the manufacture of several new models has been delayed. Series production was not able to resume until the end of July 2025. The models affected should have rolled off the production line long ago, but are now only starting series production after a delay.
Following the financial rescue and successful relaunch of Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM, uncertainty is now rearing its head once again. Statements by Rajiv Bajaj, CEO of Indian co-owner Bajaj Auto, are causing concern and raising questions about the future of production in Mattighofen and Munderfing. His publicly expressed assessment that “European production is dead” is causing concern, particularly in Upper Austria – even though KTM currently emphasizes that there are no concrete plans to relocate.
Prototypes of new KTM twin models have recently been spotted in Europe. The motorcycles show clear differences from the familiar 790 or 890 series and leave room for speculation about the manufacturer's future mid-range strategy. What is striking are the rather simple chassis components, such as a conventional fork, a single brake disc ring at the front, and a simple swing arm. This equipment suggests an affordable platform that could be positioned in the 400 to 750 cc segment.
Pierer Mobility AG closed the first half of 2025 with surprisingly positive results – less due to operational success, however, and primarily due to a special accounting effect in the wake of the completed restructuring of KTM AG. The restructuring profit of €1.187 billion (approx. $1.29 billion) has ensured that the group's balance sheet has stabilized again. As a result, equity rose to €532 million (around $580 million), after still being negative at the end of 2024.
With the new EXC 6DAYS 2026 model series, KTM is once again launching a limited edition series specifically for the traditional FIM International Six Days Enduro. The special models are designed to impress not only with their technical finesse, but also with their distinctive appearance – in keeping with the spirit of the team competition, which will be held in Bergamo, Italy, in 2025.
KTM parts ways with X-Bow: Sports car division goes to investor group led by Belgian brewing dynasty
After many years, KTM is finally withdrawing from the automotive business. The Austrian motorcycle brand is selling its subsidiary KTM Sportcar GmbH, which has been responsible for the development and production of X-Bow sports cars since 2008. In future, the division will be continued by an international investor group headed by the Belgian industrialist family De Mevius – founders of the world's largest brewery group Anheuser-Busch InBev.
With the new KTM 160 Duke, the Austrian manufacturer is launching an entry-level motorcycle that stands out not only for its modern technology and sporty design, but also for its strategic importance within the group. The model is produced by KTM's Indian majority shareholder Bajaj Auto, which has recently invested heavily in the brand and is apparently aiming for a reorientation towards small, high-volume models.
KTM has released the first concrete details about the 690 Enduro R for the 2026 model year. Following a presentation at this year's Adventure Bike Rider Festival, the Austrian manufacturer has confirmed that the revised Enduro will be available at dealers from the beginning of next year. The focus is on a fundamental redesign of the well-known LC4 single-cylinder engine, but also on numerous innovations in the areas of electronics and ergonomics.
The financial restructuring of KTM AG and its sister companies KTM Components GmbH and KTM Forschungs & Entwicklungs GmbH has been officially completed. The Ried im Innkreis Regional Court confirmed the implementation of the restructuring plans after the statutory deadlines had expired. As announced by the parent company Pierer Mobility AG on June 17, 2025, creditors will now receive a one-time payment of 30 percent of their recognized claims. A total of around 525 million euros (approx. 560 million US dollars) will be transferred to creditors by June 30, 2025.
The KTM 450 Rally Replica 2026 represents the latest state of development in the rally-raid segment. Built on the basis of over two decades of Dakar experience and success, it is by far the closest motorcycle to the factory race bike. Developed and produced in Austria, it is limited to 150 units - supplemented by five extremely exclusive Sanders Edition models.
The financial and structural problems at Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM now also have direct consequences for one of its long-standing partners: Jensen Beeler, previously CEO of Krämer Motorcycles USA, has resigned from his position with immediate effect. The reason: supply bottlenecks, economic uncertainties - and a clear cut in the cost structure.
Pierer Mobility AG, the parent company of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas, is about to make significant changes to its Supervisory Board. Three long-standing members - including Chairman Stephan Zöchling and his deputy Rajiv Bajaj - are stepping down as part of a strategic realignment. Friedrich Roithner, most recently also a member of the Supervisory Board, will also be stepping down. The changes will take effect at the end of the next Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2025.
The rumor mill surrounding an electric version of the KTM Duke has been given new fuel: An Instagram video by official KTM stunt rider Rok Bagoroš shows a near-production E-Duke prototype model for the first time at the KTM Motohall in Mattighofen. This confirms what Pierer Mobility had already announced in 2022: the iconic Duke naked bike series will soon also be available electrically.
The Austrian motorcycle brand KTM has stood for uncompromising motorsport for years - especially in MotoGP. KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister has now commented on the company's long-term motorsport strategy in a detailed interview with the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper. Despite economic caution and changing framework conditions, such as those that could accompany Liberty Media's entry into MotoGP, the course remains clear: KTM wants to remain true to racing.
The traditional Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM is facing a historic turning point: the Indian industrial group Bajaj is taking full control of the company, bringing an era to an end. The withdrawal of Stefan Pierer, the long-time string-puller behind KTM, marks the end of a decades-long era in Austrian industrial history. In the course of the insolvency proceedings, Bajaj takes over all debts and liabilities of KTM AG - and thus also the operational control.
The future of Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM seems secure for the time being - thanks to a massive financial commitment by Indian co-owner Bajaj. Just a few days before the legally stipulated deadline for satisfying creditors expires, there has been some movement in the restructuring process. The Indians have secured a loan of 566 million euros (approx. 614 million US dollars) via three international banks - an amount that should be sufficient to almost completely satisfy the creditors' share required in the restructuring plan.