What you need to know: Senator John Thune new Majority Leader
You may not know this, but John Thune is a proud motorcyclist. He has been recognized by the MRF and AMA as a “champion” of motorcyclists’ rights.
My Take: This is a good thing for those of us that ride. Senator Thune has been a friend of motorcyclists, and he should continue supporting us from this more powerful position.
KTM in Grave Danger
KTM is in debt 2.5 billion Euros (2.65B US) and has filed for insolvency and self-restructuring. Of course, this also pertains to KTM other products; Husqvarna, MV Agusta and Gas-Gas.
As a result of their self-restructuring they are making changes, some of which include:
Layoff of European employees, with 500 more by the end of the year.
Board of Directors cuts the number from 6 to 2 people.
Production halted planned
Halt of MotoGP development (it claims it will be on the grid in 2025)
My Take: WOW!!! We all know that the world of motorcycling is declining as the boomer and generation X grow older. However, I do not think that many were aware that KTM was in this much debt!
KTM and its other brands are in danger. I could see a sell off of Husky and MV Agusta as their names alone are very valuable, but Gas-Gas might not make it. With the cost of running racing teams, I would not be surprised to see KTM withdrawing from everything racing but MotoGP.
We will have answers about the future of KTM sooner rather than later. KTM has until the end of February 2025 to get healthy or file bankruptcy.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 