Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: New Members

« on: March 19, 2025, 02:13:03 pm »

I do not think covid is to blame for decline in numbers. I would blame what some call “progress”. When you remember how this forum started in early 2000, the members consisted mainly from pre 65 , pre 75 , pre 80 and pre 85 (what VMX is really all about) . That era, when men were men. Most of them were connected directly as riders from that era and everyone knew each other more or less. So, the forum was a great way to connect between the fast distances and states. By the end of the first decade however, things started to change. MA detected a new category to milk and encouraged bums on seats from then on. New faces streamed in. Some good, and others too. Bikes became 5% lighter and 10% faster than the same original winning factory bike of that particular era…..The flood gates opened to welcome the plastic bikes that demanded different tracks for those new customers. Facebook welcomed and embraced those new champions to take well care of them. Not long after that, the rainbow struck as well and from then on, it all went downhill to this day. There are still a few old faces that lurk and shake their heads, but do not comment anymore. Also some have passed and every x-mas is one less x-mas for everyone else too .

32

General Discussion / Re: New Members

« on: March 19, 2025, 01:41:16 pm »

Good old covid . Always a great base for conspiracy theories   

33

VMX Sidecars / Re: EML Jumbo 820 watercooled for sale

« on: March 15, 2025, 02:51:29 pm »

Hoony , thats to make sure you are paid up, have permission to be out and it does the lap times for you. That SOUND .still goes down to my wrist .(That does not happen often anymore)Fresh pistons and he is running it in  using the two exhaust system. I told Mike to change to the two into one system . That makes it sing and weighs a few kilo less + more room in the chair.So happy all ended up this way. Yes the tracks in Australia never let me go higher than second gear......Go stop go and full stop again in 50 meters.....The continent with the most vacant land and the smallest tracks .... Never mind its in the past for me now.Great to be able to still hear it. A petty about the green plastics, it takes some history away , But hey , its Mikes bike now . Even his dad told him the same .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt2_4D5ZKA0   Watch this video from Zaltbommel . I remember going to the startline with 39 other chairs waiting (i think it was 1988 ) at 9.30 PM and the sun still up at 11Pm . Started off smooth ground and by end of the race meter deep holes.You back off and you are going over the bars.Thats sand for you.

34

VMX Sidecars / Re: EML Jumbo 820 watercooled for sale

« on: March 14, 2025, 07:45:09 pm »

So glad my old bike has a new lease of life and its history goes on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWVxOc5GsFY

35

General Discussion / New Members

« on: March 14, 2025, 10:46:47 am »

I happen to notice the latest new member Kurtas. Out of curiosity I checked the date , he joined in 2022 . That means no new members since 2022. What is going on ?

36

KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: March 10, 2025, 07:22:17 pm »

Off to Kapooka , see you there. No Phone and no Forum for the first 4 weeks . Reveille at 5.30 sharp.

37

KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: March 07, 2025, 12:37:58 pm »

It is sad. But look at MG

 
I think MG used to stand for “Morris Garage”?
Now I think it’s “Ming Gua”?

It does not really matter . As long as the western suckers fall for it. Thats all they are interested in.

38

KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: March 05, 2025, 05:13:29 pm »

Or Holden.
Life does go on, but it’s still sad that Holden have gone.

Holden was the beginning . Now it has reached  global level.It is not just KTM , there is BMW and VW on the list as well.(With a chain reaction to follow)

39

KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: March 03, 2025, 04:46:32 pm »

The Condor 350 has been around since the mid seventies and has served well over the years as a mule, MP, courier etc .  https://bikeshedtimes.com/1977-condor-a350-10000/     Now we have also serving ladies in the forces and something more modern with electric start would be perfect.  Overall height would need to com down by 75mm and a few other little mods to make it more useful. But all in all 100-200K bikes would be used up immediately in a fast expanding market . And I mean a very fast growing market from now on , in Europe especially.

40

KTM / Re: Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

« on: March 02, 2025, 02:31:56 pm »

Leftover stock could be upgraded with racks , lower gearing , quiet mufflers and a greenish sticker kit to carry things like Amo and other supply in remote places. That is were it is heading now.

41

Tech Talk / Re: PVL Timing

« on: January 24, 2025, 06:56:01 am »

Just had both my knees replaced over the last few months . I will take good care of them from now on. The pain over the last few years has thought me a good lesson.No more kick starting and no more crashing.I just push the starter button from now on  , cruise and enjoy the trip.

42

Tech Talk / Re: PVL Timing

« on: January 23, 2025, 05:03:48 pm »

You are not the only one , Hoony. I broke at least 3 kickstarter gears on my CR 500 , before I learned to be more gentle. Unlike the 540 KTM , the Honda gears are more fragile.Most of the times we push started the Honda , problem solved. While riding ,keep it singing and have one finger on the clutch leaver ,so you can fang it out of the corner.

43

Tech Talk / Re: PVL Timing

« on: January 12, 2025, 07:11:29 pm »

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

44

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.

45

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 .........