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.
KTM AG is facing a decisive moment in its corporate history. Around 600 million euros (approx. 648 million US dollars) and additional procedural costs must be transferred to the account of insolvency administrator Peter Vogl by May 23, 2025. This is the only way that the 30% repayment of debts to creditors promised by the court in February can be implemented. The deadline is not only a financial turning point, but also a symbolic one - and the company is working on two key areas to ensure its continued existence.
The news surrounding KTM has come to a dramatic head in recent months. The traditional Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, once celebrated as the innovation engine of the European motorcycle industry, is currently in a profound crisis. In addition to financial difficulties, production stoppages and internal power struggles, a potential buyer is now at the center of attention: the Canadian group Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), known for brands such as Can-Am, Ski-Doo and Rotax.
The fastest MotoGP bike of all time is up for sale - but only for exhibition purposes and with a starting price in excess of €350,000 (around $375,000). The bike in question is Brad Binder's KTM RC16, with which the South African reached a record speed of 366.1 km/h (227.5 mph) on the Mugello Circuit in 2023. The bike still holds the official top speed record in MotoGP to this day.
The crisis at the Upper Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM has reached a new level of escalation. At the center are two key players: Stefan Pierer, long-time CEO and formative figure of KTM AG, and Stephan Zöchling, owner of the Remus Group and recently Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Pierer Mobility AG. A fierce conflict has broken out between the two entrepreneurs over millions of euros and share packages, which could have a significant impact on the fate of KTM.
The bad news continues at KTM: Just six weeks after the restart of production, the plant in Mattighofen is once again at a standstill. CEO Gottfried Neumeister announced in a video message that production will be paused from April 28, 2025 and is not expected to resume until July 27, 2025. The main reason for this is the lack of components as a result of the insolvency at the end of 2024.
The financial situation of Pierer Mobility AG and its subsidiary KTM continues to worsen. The ambitious capital measures intended to rescue the traditional motorcycle manufacturer cannot be implemented under the planned conditions. As the company announced, the originally planned steps cannot be realized either within the intended time frame or under the proposed conditions.
The collaboration between KTM and Brabus is entering the next round: with the Brabus 1400 R, a new high-end naked bike is about to be unveiled. Following the success of the limited Brabus 1300 R, the successor is now being announced for 2025 - more exclusive, more powerful and even more unique in terms of design. Despite the financial challenges that KTM has recently had to overcome, it is clear that no money is being saved on this prestigious project.
KTM has officially confirmed that the 125cc models, including the Duke 125 and the RC 125, will no longer be sold in India from April 1, 2025. The reason for this is apparently the increasing competition from Japanese manufacturers such as Yamaha, whose R15 and MT-15 models are becoming increasingly popular in this market.
An era is coming to an end at KTM: Stefan Pierer has stepped down from his active role on the Executive Board of KTM AG after more than three decades. Pierer stepped down from his position as CEO at the end of January 2025 and initially moved to the position of Co-CEO. This was followed by his complete withdrawal from the Executive Board on March 4, 2025. Gottfried Neumeister, who had previously worked alongside Pierer as Co-CEO, will take over the sole management of KTM AG with immediate effect.
On February 25, 2025, a decisive decision was made for KTM AG: the creditors approved the company's restructuring plan. This not only enables the company to continue operations, but also increases speculation about a possible takeover by BMW Motorrad. Despite the approval, it remains to be seen who will provide the financial means to save the brand.
The rumor mill around KTM is churning. Various sources are reporting that BMW Motorrad is interested in taking over the Austrian brand. KTM's economic situation, which has been tense for some time now, has led to numerous speculations. But what is the truth of the reports and what consequences could a takeover by BMW have?
After an intensive restructuring phase, MV Agusta has regained full control of its company. Timur Sardarov, previously a minority shareholder, has acquired all of KTM AG's shares in the traditional Italian brand. The separation was officially confirmed on the evening of January 31, 2025.
KTM, Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer, is facing one of its biggest challenges. With financial difficulties, restructuring measures and a change in management, a decisive chapter is beginning for the brand. Here is an overview of the most important developments and background information.
With the introduction of the 2025 KTM 125 Enduro R and 390 Enduro R, KTM is expanding its off-road range and offering two new options for A1 and A2 license holders. These models combine off-road performance with features suitable for everyday use and will be available from the beginning of 2025.
KTM is expanding its range in the Supermoto segment with the new KTM 125 SMC R and KTM 390 SMC R models. With their compact design and powerful single-cylinder engine, the two motorcycles are intended to appeal to both beginners and experienced riders.
KTM's financial situation is currently causing quite a stir in the motorcycling world. Despite economic turbulence and restructuring processes, the Austrian manufacturer has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to MotoGP. But what is really behind the statements and what are the plans for 2025?