Dark clouds hanging over Mattighofen

[Dungar Pilot]

Hi Everyone,

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.

Perhaps it is already happening:

The rear sprocket suggests lower gearing but racks might not be the best if you need to ditch the bike. Vinyl wraps are cheaper than plastics, just saying...

[PeterC]

We may all have to sign up for Army service, will need to supply our own transport, clothing and armaments (contact local bikie group), machettes wont cut the mustard

[Wasp]

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

[pokey]

Pappadums not included.

It wont be China its all India.

Im at a loss how people keep track of who owns what with parent companies and grandparent companies. I was not aware of the actual owners of KTM and they were jointly owned by PIERER Mobility AG who is owned by PIERER with 50.1% and  Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV held 49.9% of the company known as Pierer Bajaj AG.

Now that we are all confused it seems Bajaj has taken a controlling interest in PIERER Mobility AG and thus KTM. either way KTM is saved for the moment.

Im sure most have heard of the Indian company Bajaj and i think one of the largest bike manufactures in the world thanks to its domestic sales alone.

India have taken a large bite in the automotive industry with Tata taking over many english auto brands and heavily involved in F1. Tata also have a big stake in the aerospace industry. The days of crappy knock off Royal enfields and  Morris oxfords are disappearing before our eyes.

How Bajaj goes with the KTM brand is yet to be seen and if the latest recall notice of 20,000 bikes is anything to go by they will need all the help they can get.

[Wasp]

And the good old Japanese Manufacturers just plot along nicely . Little dramas ,good conservative production and marketing .No extreme gimmicks. No unhealthy coffein drink peddling.I guess they are eating popcorn now and observe it all carefully.

[pokey]

 And the Rot continues. CCM have administrators appointed.

Last year I tripped over a write up for their newest product, a frankly quite expensive street racer bobber thing all the while thinking thats going to be a hard sell to a miniscule market. It has the typical great CCM engineering and great utilisation of the best components but its not a great looker and Ive noted street bobbers have been created in back sheds cheaply. £9,995 to £22,995 for an exclusive 600 single street bike is a hell of a lot of money. call it a single seat heritage styled Bentley.

The parent company Pitalia group has a portfolio reminiscent of an Eton mess with brands from obscure snack foods to an online chemist. Once again the reminder of when a sports company AMF had control of Harley Davidson almost killing the brand. Diversification can be fruitful but not at the expense of your core who supported you through the ages. Here's hoping a company with experience within the historic motorcycle racing community picks up CCM.