My thoughts on KTM were forever imprinted on my mind almost 15 yrs ago ax I rode down Interstate 5 with an old departed friend, he riding his 990 KTM, at less than 70 mph just south of Bellingham. The mechanical explosion was unlike anything I’d ever seen, chunks of aluminum scattered, oil, smoke, the signs of an ill engineered engine. I vowed never to own one ever again. Certain things should not happen, if proper maintenance and ownership are undertaken.
OH STOP IT ALREADY WITH THE PICTURES. You make me feel BAD. Tucked my bike away in the storage shed today after a low mileage year. "Maybe next year will be better? He said hopefully.
Looked into some of the economics of this and it appears Covid years were overly prosperous resulting in and adjustment in volume not withstanding some higher interest rates not helping. KTM group also appear to be suffering from some quality control issues and a buyer backlash.
Some of these numbers are simply amazing. For example, Harley Davidson's electric motorcycle spinoff, Livewire report only 99 motorcycles thru 3rd quarter 2024. which is nearly double the 50 bikes sold thru 3rd quarter 2023. KTM is in huge trouble. Polaris down 15%. Harley Davisdon down 13%.
