Browsing: KTM

The Indian Bajaj Group is sticking to its chosen course and has extended Gottfried Neumeister’s contract ahead of schedule until the end of 2028. The decision is intended to ensure stability at KTM and the future Bajaj Mobility AG.

KTM is launching a recall campaign for several 390 models of the current generation. The reason for this is a potential weak point in the side stand spring, which may break under certain circumstances.

After more than ten years, KTM is ending the international career of the RC 390. The reasons for this are weak sales figures outside India and the high cost of exhaust emission conversion.

The European type approval reveals a new, lighter KTM 1390 Super Duke RR. It is set to stand out clearly from the standard model and follows the familiar RR formula of previous generations.
The significant weight advantage over the Super Duke R is particularly interesting.

KTM is preparing a new sports bike, which has already been fully revealed in Chinese registration documents. The RC450 uses many components from the CFMoto 450SR S, but features a unique design and KTM’s signature technology.

KTM tested its new 850cc engine for the MotoGP era starting in 2027 on the race track in Jerez for the first time. The first laps mark an important step toward the upcoming regulations, which will bring about profound technical changes.

KTM is recalling numerous models from the 390 series—the closely related Husqvarna 401 is also affected. The reason for this is an urgent software update for the engine control unit to reduce the risk of dangerous engine stalling.

The upcoming documentation for the 2026 model year confirms a further slimmed-down and technically upgraded KTM 1390 Super Duke RR. The model has already been approved in Europe and suggests a similar orientation to the earlier RR special editions of the 1290 series.

The new RR is said to be more weight-conscious, more exclusively equipped, and positioned much closer to previous special editions. Documents show, among other things, weight reduction, high-quality add-on parts, and specific changes to the ergonomics.
Die neue RR soll gewichtsbewusster, exklusiver ausgestattet und deutlich näher an bisherigen Sondermodellen positioniert sein. Dokumente zeigen unter anderem Gewichtsreduktion, hochwertige Anbauteile und spezifische Änderungen an der Ergonomie.

The complete takeover of KTM’s parent company by Bajaj marks a profound turning point in the company’s history. With the new name Bajaj Mobility AG and a comprehensively adapted corporate structure, a phase of upheaval is beginning, the effects of which could be far-reaching for Austria’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

In model year 2024, KTM AG is recalling several KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles worldwide. Specifically, this affects the Duke 125, 390, and 990 models, as well as the Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 125 and 401 models. The recall is a preventive measure to replace the fuel cap sealing ring.

Brabus and KTM are about to unveil the new Brabus 1400 R Signature Edition, which is expected to make its debut at EICMA in Milan from November 6 to 9. The latest generation of jointly developed power naked bikes is set to replace the previous top model, the Brabus 1300 R Masterpiece Edition. Initial prototype images and technical information already point to comprehensive further development.

Pierer Mobility AG, previously the parent company of KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS, is facing a fundamental change. An extraordinary general meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at which the renaming of the company to “Bajaj Mobility AG” is to be decided. However, this change will only take effect if the planned takeover by Bajaj is not prohibited under the provisions of EU Regulation 2022/2560.

After months of uncertainty, the takeover of KTM AG by Indian motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj Auto has been officially sealed. By becoming the majority shareholder, Bajaj is not only bringing in fresh capital, but also initiating a far-reaching restructuring of the long-established Austrian manufacturer. The goal: to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and significantly streamline the group’s structures—with far-reaching consequences for employees, corporate philosophy, and production sites.

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.