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Tech Talk / Re: PVL Timing

« on: January 12, 2025, 07:11:29 pm »

Hoony , just start a thread about to start a CR 500.

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KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: December 27, 2024, 01:07:42 pm »

The first hearing in the insolvency proceedings of KTM AG took place, shedding light on the company's challenges and steps for reorganization. The bankruptcy trustee, Peter Vogl, reported that the restructuring procedure will continue under self-administration, as it does not currently pose a disadvantage to the creditors. KTM's liquidity plan has been validated for business continuity, and although the company is facing difficulties, the plan has ensured sufficient liquidity until the next review hearing.
The insolvency was caused by significant investments financed by debt, which have led to an increase in liabilities. Despite high production levels, sales did not meet expectations, resulting in large inventories and liquidity issues. Additionally, rising personnel, energy, and material costs further strained finances.
In an effort to reduce costs, KTM plans to exit from MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3, although it’s not entirely clear whether this will apply to all classes or only Moto2 and Moto3. The company is also considering relocating production to reduce costs, with production suspended until the reorganization plan is finalized. Other measures include the sale of shares in PIERER IMMOREAL GmbH and the cancellation of payments to non-operating subsidiaries, which may result in further insolvencies within the group.
KTM is working with Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG to find investors for its restructuring. A basic agreement with potential investors is expected by mid-January 2025, but the complexity of the process means a full assessment of the reorganization plan’s feasibility will take more time. The creditors’ filing deadline is January 16, 2025, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2025.
While the exit from MotoGP and other racing classes would represent a major shift for KTM, it’s clear the company is making significant efforts to restructure and secure its financial future.

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General Discussion / Re: motorcycle sport in oz to cease

« on: December 26, 2024, 11:18:24 am »

Its all about bums on seats > money. A transparent trail of it would be interesting to study . Even more so the internal insurance company ................Claims , surpluses, and the generous remuneration packages with all french benefits for a few. Of course nobody will give up such a great monopoly voluntarily .........

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General Discussion / Re: motorcycle sport in oz to cease

« on: December 24, 2024, 03:39:38 pm »

Thanks for that info . In a nutshell , still the good old MA .............And somehow they always manage to hang on to their monopoly , find suckers"volunteers" to run the year . Always amazes me .

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General Discussion / Re: motorcycle sport in oz to cease

« on: December 22, 2024, 10:28:15 am »

Can someone actually document the full story please. The links shown , either dont work or dont make much sense.

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KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: December 13, 2024, 11:29:07 am »

This week we had a new electric bike in for measuring the shock and forks. I normally do not test ride anymore, as I can feel it stationary and the buzz of riding a new model has long gone. This time it was a bit different; the center of gravity is lower than on a petrol bike and of course I could not help myself to judge one of those creatures personally.
The owner had to log in with his phone and then attach it to the bike. Start up. Lights are flashing on the screen; the computer is starting up and checking for all sorts of things. Then all clear and green to go. No bark, just a little hissing noise. Done a few stoppies and looked for humps. All smooth and good now. Time to cruise. Top speed is set via the computer, no spluttering or running on when sitting on the limit. No hungry engine noise that pushes your adrenaline for more revs . Smooth and seamless acceleration , reaching 110 kmh just like that .The surrounding scenery appears more intense, since you don’t have to watch the speedo , revs and change gears. Different, that is for sure. I think that will bring in a whole different clientele and different type of people. I compare it with motorized sports plane and a soarer. All in all , different but pleasant nevertheless.

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KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: December 07, 2024, 12:42:04 pm »

Brands have always pandered to a bit of bling, bathtub Triumph was an early one and then the Japanese trail bikes with chrome bits though they were sort of fit for purpose and now we have stupid bikes like Virago and anything called or looks like a Vulcan or bobber. The American chopper with Ape hangers and sissy bars im sure were designed to make a bike as unrideable as possible and billions believed they were cool though I do more than smile at the Japanese Bouzouki as that surely has to be a piss take at the USA macho empire.

$500 for a rear tire that last 3-5 thousand Km (only used in the middle

)

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KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: December 05, 2024, 01:36:03 pm »

Pokey , you are absolute right about the continents and their specific needs and taste. The thing that needs to be mention is each continents population and density. I know as a fact that Honda is using the surplus from the scooter sales to prop up the big bike market and of course the money pit> racing. Companies that purely rely on race bike sales could be in lots troubles from now on.So as long as Honda is prepared to forfeit a portion of the profit to build and develop big bikes , we can still enjoy them .On the other hand I must say why do you need a 2300cc cruiser

A GSX1400 would do a much better job in my eyes. BMW is no offering 1800cc as well .......

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KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: November 30, 2024, 11:15:07 am »

From my own experience , most sales are going to the 45-70 year old bikers . Many need to be lowered , to make them feel safer and when that does not work anymore , the last bike they buy is a Can Am or , Ural sidecar,or Harley Trike , before they hang up the boots or pass away. The clientele is definitely dwindling by the year. The younger ones are mostly busy servicing their mega mortgages and putting their offspring through school.Thats what I find anyway. The only increasing market is women, biking with their wife's.(mailny cruisers ) They have the dual income and fewer commitments. ......Pokey how do you see the future market in brands and type of bikes ?

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KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: November 28, 2024, 12:45:53 pm »

Endless growth together with reckless immigration is now all nearing the end. KTM want go under, they will just regroup, ditch useless projects like GP racing (60Mio per year) , electro bikes and “luxury cars” . A reliable simple bike to commute and sell to everyday users would be a strong backbone for the future. Globally most roads going down in speed limits and exotic high-powered bikes can only be used for track days. But with all the dark clouds looming (hyperinflation, environmental issues, military conflicts etc) most people will have other things to worry about, than burning money on expensive race bikes. There is also the factor, that this upcoming generation will look at using fuels in a different way.

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