Months after an 11th hour salvation from Indian motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj, KTM is still seemingly finding it difficult to navigate its post insolvency, and nearly DOA, world as the company is once again announcing that production of its upcoming bikes is being delayed. Again.
We've discussed at length the numerous issues the Austrian company has faced since its saving, including optimistic sales figures, production starts and stops, it's continued will they-won't they relationship with MotoGP, the sale of its X-Bow supercar line, among others. As well as the brave—possibly naive—face that the current CEO, Gottfried Neumeister, has shown in public through press releases and talks with the media.
But now, after once again saying that everything at the brand is hunky-dory only a few short weeks ago through its first-half sales and revenue figures, Neumeister is announcing that it's going delay production for four of its newest motorcycles, including one of the most anticipated from the brand in recent memory. Yeah, KTM is delaying its superbike return again.
And one model is getting delayed to 2027.
In KTM's press release, Neumeister couched his language in how hopeful he is for the brand, as well as how excited the public is for KTM's upcoming motorcycles, saying, "The excitement surrounding the new model lineup has been tremendous, especially after the announcements at EICMA and other national trade shows." However, that supposed excitement isn't enough to produce motorcycles in the timeframe KTM originally stated.
The CEO added, "After careful consideration, we believe [these delays are] the right decision. By focusing on achieving complete readiness, we are confident that the new models will offer superior performance and innovative technology that will set new standards in the motorcycle industry. We can’t wait to bring these bikes to our riders soon." So which models are affected? Not the already built by Bajaj 390s, that's for sure.
According to KTM, the brand's return to superbikes will be first off the production line, with the 990 RC starting production this October, followed by the 1390 Super Adventure S, Evo, and R. Following those models, KTM will begin to produce the 990 Duke R this November, while the 1390 Super Duke GT will have to wait until sometime in 2027 to see its time to shine. Again, these are just the production start dates. Not when you'll begin to see them show up in dealerships around the world.
The press release also gives up that KTM is still looking at a hefty older inventory at its dealerships, as the company stated that it will be offering a "complimentary 4-Year Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty on all new 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 LC8 and LC8c Street and Adventure models." So not only do they have a bunch of 2024 and 2025 MY bikes sitting, KTM still has brand-new 2023 motorcycles, too.
Honestly, I really want to see KTM turn the corner and right the ship. But it's hard to see how it comes out of this in any form that isn't greatly paired down from where it used to be. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
