• Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
imotorbike logo
  • Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

  • YouTube

  • LinkedIn

  • RSS

News

KTM: A Legacy on the Brink of Transformation

KTM: A Legacy on the Brink of Transformation
Michelle Liew
January 22, 2025

KTM faces a turning point as overproduction and debt push the legendary motorcycle brand into bankruptcy. Explore the challenges, and opportunities for buyers, and what the future holds for this iconic name in motorsports.

KTM: A Legacy on the Brink of Transformation

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

For motorcycle enthusiasts, KTM is more than a brand—it’s an icon. Known for its exceptional performance, rugged designs, and dominance in off-road racing, this Austrian company has long been a beacon of innovation and adventure. Yet, even legends stumble, and KTM now finds itself facing a monumental challenge. Struggling under a €2 billion (approx. RM9.2 billion) debt and a surplus of 300,000 unsold motorcycles, the company has declared bankruptcy, leaving fans and industry watchers wondering: how did it come to this, and what’s next for the motorcycle titan?

The Rise of KTM

Founded in 1934, KTM built its reputation on engineering excellence and an unwavering commitment to quality. Specializing in high-performance motorcycles, it became a staple in extreme sports and off-road racing. KTM’s bikes symbolized grit and precision, and the brand cultivated a loyal following among thrill-seekers and professional racers alike.

But even the strongest foundations can be shaken. A series of strategic missteps has brought KTM to an inflection point.

What Went Wrong?

At the heart of KTM’s troubles lies a mismatch between ambition and market demand. Over recent years, the company ramped up production to levels far exceeding what the market could absorb. This overproduction led to warehouses overflowing with unsold motorcycles, draining resources and creating a cash flow crisis.

Compounding this issue, KTM prioritized manufacturing high-end models—bikes packed with premium features but priced out of reach for many buyers. While these motorcycles solidified KTM’s reputation for cutting-edge performance, they alienated budget-conscious riders, who turned to more affordable competitors. The result? A dwindling customer base and an inventory problem are too big to ignore.

What This Means for Riders

For motorcycle enthusiasts, KTM’s predicament offers a unique opportunity. In a bid to reduce stock, the company is expected to offer significant discounts on its bikes. Popular models from sub-brands like Husqvarna and GasGas could become more accessible, making this a prime time for riders to snag a high-performance machine at an unbeatable price. Experts even suggest additional dealer incentives as KTM works to clear its inventory.

A Ripple Effect on the Industry

KTM’s financial struggles have already sent shockwaves through its operations. Hundreds of employees have been laid off, and production has been suspended until at least March 2025. Suppliers, wary of the company’s instability, have pulled back, forcing KTM to sell off assets like its stake in MV Agusta. Some analysts speculate that even iconic brands like Husqvarna might be sold to ease the mounting debt burden.

Will KTM Find a Lifeline?

KTM’s future may rest in the hands of potential buyers. Indian manufacturing giant Bajaj Auto, already a longtime partner of KTM, and Chinese powerhouse CFMoto are both rumoured to be interested in acquiring the brand. Bajaj, with its massive production scale and market expertise, could help stabilize KTM, while CFMoto sees the acquisition as a gateway to strengthen its presence in Europe.

The decision to sell, restructure, or shutter operations will be pivotal, not just for KTM, but for the motorcycle industry at large.

What’s Next?

KTM’s crisis is a reminder that even the most established brands are vulnerable to miscalculations and market shifts. While the path ahead is uncertain, the brand’s legacy of innovation and performance remains intact. Whether KTM emerges as a restructured leader, a subsidiary of a larger corporation, or a cherished memory for riders, one thing is clear: its story isn’t over yet.

For fans and enthusiasts, this moment offers a rare chance to own a piece of KTM’s history. As the company navigates this turbulent chapter, the open road awaits, and KTM’s spirit of adventure endures.

Related Itemsfeaturedktmktm motorcyclenewnews
To read the full story
login with google
login with facebook
or
Create an account for free
This won't cost you.
by clicking this button you agree to iMotorbike's visitor agreement
Already have an account? Sign in here
Click here to get notified on every new article
News
January 22, 2025
Michelle Liew

An avid fan of motorsports bringing you top-notch content from the two-wheeler world! Gear up for the latest updates and news with top speed delivery

Related Itemsfeaturedktmktm motorcyclenewnews

More in News

Kawasaki Launches Eliminator 400 Plaza Edition in Japan

Michelle LiewSeptember 16, 2025
Read More

ECE22-06 Helmet Standard Sets New Safety Benchmark

Michelle LiewSeptember 16, 2025
Read More

Quartararo Wary After Yamaha V4 MotoGP Test

Michelle LiewSeptember 16, 2025
Read More

Honda Sweeps St. Louis SMX to Lead Both Title Fights

Michelle LiewSeptember 16, 2025
Read More

Riding with the AKASO 360: Affordable 360 Cam Tested

Hazique ZairillSeptember 15, 2025
Read More

Bezzecchi Triumphs as Marquez Crashes Out in Misano Sprint

Hazique ZairillSeptember 14, 2025
Read More

Modenas Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Launch of Elit 150S Scooter

Hazique ZairillSeptember 14, 2025
Read More

Savic C-Series: Australia’s Electric Motorcycle Goes Global

Michelle LiewSeptember 13, 2025
Read More

Nakagami to Return as Wildcard Rider at Japanese Grand Prix

Hazique ZairillSeptember 12, 2025
Read More

Yamaha Unveils V4-Powered YZR-M1, Set for San Marino GP Wild-Card Debut

Hazique ZairillSeptember 12, 2025
Read More

Pope Leo XIV’s Custom BMW R 18 to Be Auctioned for Charity

Michelle LiewSeptember 11, 2025
Read More

BMW Vision CE Redefines the Electric Motorcycle

Michelle LiewSeptember 11, 2025
Read More
We want to buy your bike Join us on Telegram
Scroll for more
Tap

Join us on Facebook

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • YADEA RS20 Electric Scooter Launched in Malaysia at RM4,998
    Buyer's guideAugust 18, 2025
  • Buell Super Cruiser Breaks All the Cruiser Rules
    NewsAugust 23, 2025
  • Triumph Street Triple 765 RS Review: When Perfection Meets Performance
    Buyer's guideAugust 20, 2025
  • MotoGP to Kick Off 2026 Season with Global Launch in Singapore
    EventsSeptember 10, 2025
  • QJMotor SRK250R Officially Launched in Malaysia at RM9,988
    Buyer's guideAugust 18, 2025
  • Hanway BOB125S Launches in Malaysia
    Buyer's guideAugust 29, 2025
  • Suzuki GSX-S1000GX Review: The Supreme Sport Crossover
    Buyer's guideAugust 26, 2025
  • Kawasaki Launches Eliminator 400 Plaza Edition in Japan
    NewsSeptember 16, 2025
  • ECE22-06 Helmet Standard Sets New Safety Benchmark
    NewsSeptember 16, 2025
  • Quartararo Wary After Yamaha V4 MotoGP Test
    NewsSeptember 16, 2025
  • Honda Sweeps St. Louis SMX to Lead Both Title Fights
    MotorsportSeptember 16, 2025
  • Riding with the AKASO 360: Affordable 360 Cam Tested
    Buyer's guideSeptember 15, 2025
  • Bezzecchi Triumphs as Marquez Crashes Out in Misano Sprint
    MotoGPSeptember 14, 2025
  • Modenas Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Launch of Elit 150S Scooter
    Buyer's guideSeptember 14, 2025
  • MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5: testing the Schiranna prototype - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • CFMOTO 450SR to enter Malaysia in March 2023 at RM29,300 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Suzuki V-Strom now available in Malaysia at RM81,900 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Colin says:

    I hope they make the Dax street legal. Love to…

  • Mohd Razi bin Rosli says:

    Adv 150cc

  • Nena Maxberry says:

    Just curious what they would retail for

  • Adam Kenny says:

    RM4159 for the front fork is it?

Categories

  • Buyer's guide
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • cafe racer malaysia murah
  • Campaign
  • CSR Programme
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Industry
  • Industry
  • Kedai Motor
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
      • EICMa
    • Helmet
    • Motorsport
      • ARRC
      • CubPrix
      • Moto3
      • Motocross
      • MSBK
      • WSBK
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Moto2
  • Motor Murah
  • News
    • Locals
    • MotoGP
    • Scoop
  • Review
  • Scoop
  • Scoop
  • SEO
  • Suzuka 8 Hours
  • Tips & Tricks

Corporate

About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclosure Policy
Contact Us
SUBSCRIBE NOW!

2024 iMotorbike World Sdn. Bhd.(1205246-M). All rights reserved.

iMotorbike Extends CSR Efforts with Visit to Local Old Folks’ Home 
Petronas MIE Racing Honda Team Completes Jerez Test
Nak Jual Beli Motor 😊 ?
WhatsApp
Hi iMotorbike 😊
Open chat