KTM's success

WORCSRacer
Posts
2295
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Clovis, CA, USA
Edited Date/Time 12/9/2012 10:02am
Say what you will about KTM but there is only one company that has GROWN sales 20% in the period 2009-2012; KTM. KTM is also the only brand committed to racing MX, SX, Offroad and Two Stroke motorcycles. Coincidence?? Not a chance.

KTM has proven that by staying true to the people who buy bikes (continued support of the affordable and RESALE friendly 2 stroke), instead of only producing ever increasing complexity and costly four strokes, instead of only focusing on running a "branding" race team like their Japanese competitors, they've actually grown their business. KTM has proven common sense pays. Hopefully, for the good of the industry, the Japanese OEM's product managers and for that matter the management of those companies get their pink slips soon if for no other reason than the sheer arrogance and stupidity that has drastically reduced their business.

In the meantime KTM keep up the good work and here's to your continued success.
|
mag23
Posts
748
Joined
5/12/2010
Location
Lincoln, CA, USA
12/6/2012 10:48pm
bikes are sick now... bought a 150 in 2011, loved it, bought a new 450 this year, love it even more
chump6784
Posts
1776
Joined
5/9/2011
Location
AU
12/7/2012 12:45am
Bought a new 250sx a few months ago. was waiting for an updated jap 2 stroke but they never came so I went ktm. After owning one I will never go back to jap again
jamma10
Posts
10573
Joined
8/24/2008
Location
Bristol, GB
12/7/2012 1:49am
Its times like this that I like to reflect.

carlosmacho 1/15/2012 8:44 PM

No one will buy KTM bikes. KTM is still trying to force the 350 down our throats, but Americans are not stupid like Euros. They are not buying it for MX. In the 450, KTM looks no better that any of the other Japanese bike. (I am not sure the Euros are buying them either, when I was at MXON at Matterley Basin the English sounded poor with the guys I talked to trying to buy used two strokes (where were selling for about the same as our new 4 strokes)

KTM has a bad reputation here to overcome, sure it is a better bike now but I think KTM has to show some superiority before American population buys it. Are they superior in fuel injection or suspension? No. Just because Dungey wins a race doesn't mean much and I think if RV started in 10th place, instead of last, he would have passed Dungey. So lets watch the next race and see if KTM dominates the World Championship AMA racing.

KTM to dominate in USA
12/7/2012 1:53am Edited Date/Time 12/7/2012 1:53am
I particularly like the last 4 words in that quote.........

The Shop

Derpin' DJ
Posts
6415
Joined
5/27/2011
Location
Newcastle, AU
12/7/2012 1:54am
jamma10 wrote:
Its times like this that I like to reflect. [b]carlosmacho[/b] 1/15/2012 8:44 PM No one will buy KTM bikes. KTM is still trying to force the...
Its times like this that I like to reflect.

carlosmacho 1/15/2012 8:44 PM

No one will buy KTM bikes. KTM is still trying to force the 350 down our throats, but Americans are not stupid like Euros. They are not buying it for MX. In the 450, KTM looks no better that any of the other Japanese bike. (I am not sure the Euros are buying them either, when I was at MXON at Matterley Basin the English sounded poor with the guys I talked to trying to buy used two strokes (where were selling for about the same as our new 4 strokes)

KTM has a bad reputation here to overcome, sure it is a better bike now but I think KTM has to show some superiority before American population buys it. Are they superior in fuel injection or suspension? No. Just because Dungey wins a race doesn't mean much and I think if RV started in 10th place, instead of last, he would have passed Dungey. So lets watch the next race and see if KTM dominates the World Championship AMA racing.

KTM to dominate in USA
He must have hung himself after the MXdN Laughing
12/7/2012 1:58am
back on topic - I remember my 1st white KTM 80 back in the 80's - couldn't get pistons and parts for shit and when you did they were sooo damn expensive, unreliable but fast, turned quick, and a very revvy little bugger, great fun but more importantly to me it was different from all my mate's CR and KX - not sure my parents agreed due to repair and upgrade costs mind but hey ho.
jamma10
Posts
10573
Joined
8/24/2008
Location
Bristol, GB
12/7/2012 2:05am
back on topic - I remember my 1st white KTM 80 back in the 80's - couldn't get pistons and parts for shit and when you...
back on topic - I remember my 1st white KTM 80 back in the 80's - couldn't get pistons and parts for shit and when you did they were sooo damn expensive, unreliable but fast, turned quick, and a very revvy little bugger, great fun but more importantly to me it was different from all my mate's CR and KX - not sure my parents agreed due to repair and upgrade costs mind but hey ho.
Mate of mine had a KTM80 back when we raced schoolboys too (had flame stickers on the fork guards!).

At the time it seemed as though he must have been the only person in the world to have one, but obviously there were two of you! Smile
12/7/2012 2:12am
yup - just 2, no fucker else was daft enough hahaaa, i recognised reliabilty when i moved to Kawasaki on the 125 but oh, the good old days of the white kTM aaaah, takes me back.
jamma10
Posts
10573
Joined
8/24/2008
Location
Bristol, GB
12/7/2012 2:26am
And a massive blue seat like a sofa from what I remember!
12/7/2012 3:07am
yar - ugly thing although i had my seat covered in ............red n white stripes hahahaaa.
newmann
Posts
24437
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
12/7/2012 6:07am
jamma10 wrote:
Its times like this that I like to reflect. [b]carlosmacho[/b] 1/15/2012 8:44 PM No one will buy KTM bikes. KTM is still trying to force the...
Its times like this that I like to reflect.

carlosmacho 1/15/2012 8:44 PM

No one will buy KTM bikes. KTM is still trying to force the 350 down our throats, but Americans are not stupid like Euros. They are not buying it for MX. In the 450, KTM looks no better that any of the other Japanese bike. (I am not sure the Euros are buying them either, when I was at MXON at Matterley Basin the English sounded poor with the guys I talked to trying to buy used two strokes (where were selling for about the same as our new 4 strokes)

KTM has a bad reputation here to overcome, sure it is a better bike now but I think KTM has to show some superiority before American population buys it. Are they superior in fuel injection or suspension? No. Just because Dungey wins a race doesn't mean much and I think if RV started in 10th place, instead of last, he would have passed Dungey. So lets watch the next race and see if KTM dominates the World Championship AMA racing.

KTM to dominate in USA
Laughing Woohoo Silly Grinning Sideways Whistling Evil Huh
resetjet
Posts
2551
Joined
3/16/2012
Location
Tampa, FL, USA
12/7/2012 8:15am
when the dust clears after this recession, the japs are going to be dumbfounded.
robkinuk
Posts
4280
Joined
5/16/2007
Location
Ashbourne, GB
12/7/2012 9:48am Edited Date/Time 12/7/2012 9:51am
Ktm won 12 world titles this year, counting in Dungeys outdoor title. That's world domination in virtually every m/c discipline, from Rallye to Moto 3 road racing. Currently working on a major project for Pit Bierer to celebrate this success. All will be revealed next weekend!
WORCSRacer
Posts
2295
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Clovis, CA, USA
12/7/2012 11:35am
resetjet wrote:
when the dust clears after this recession, the japs are going to be dumbfounded.
No need to wait for the dust to clear. There is a new world order and KTM has assumed the leadership role in Motorcycles. They have worked very hard to earn their position and that was made even easier by the Japanese who have proven to be incredibly stupid and shortsighted when it comes to market planning. The sad part is the Japanese seem to be too proud to admit they were wrong and are now headed to the dust heap of history.
newmann
Posts
24437
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
12/7/2012 12:01pm
Meanwhile, back in Japan....

disbanded
Posts
6958
Joined
8/26/2007
Location
Evergreen, CO, USA
12/7/2012 12:25pm
jamma10 wrote:
Its times like this that I like to reflect. [b]carlosmacho[/b] 1/15/2012 8:44 PM No one will buy KTM bikes. KTM is still trying to force the...
Its times like this that I like to reflect.

carlosmacho 1/15/2012 8:44 PM

No one will buy KTM bikes. KTM is still trying to force the 350 down our throats, but Americans are not stupid like Euros. They are not buying it for MX. In the 450, KTM looks no better that any of the other Japanese bike. (I am not sure the Euros are buying them either, when I was at MXON at Matterley Basin the English sounded poor with the guys I talked to trying to buy used two strokes (where were selling for about the same as our new 4 strokes)

KTM has a bad reputation here to overcome, sure it is a better bike now but I think KTM has to show some superiority before American population buys it. Are they superior in fuel injection or suspension? No. Just because Dungey wins a race doesn't mean much and I think if RV started in 10th place, instead of last, he would have passed Dungey. So lets watch the next race and see if KTM dominates the World Championship AMA racing.

KTM to dominate in USA
Love it!
WhKnuckle
Posts
7327
Joined
7/17/2007
Location
USA
12/7/2012 12:53pm
KTM is the only factory out there that really has its heart in off road and moto. The Japanese factories are just going through the motions.
rikioh
Posts
50
Joined
11/2/2009
Location
AT
12/7/2012 1:16pm
i am from austria and i have visited the ktm factory, even know some of the employees . i think one of the keys to success for ktm is that the whole team (including the big bosses) are passionate about riding (dirt) bikes. where others (japanese) are just looking about the whole economics, cutting costs and counting dollars the guys at ktm are just doing what they love to do. cause dirt bikes is where they came from, which is their core business
dcg141
Posts
2319
Joined
11/30/2009
Location
USA
12/7/2012 1:16pm
My KTM rep told me there was a huge increase in big bike entries at the Mini O's for KTM vs 2011. I would love to hear that number. I had forgotten about carlos. I guess he and R-racer have slit thier wrists by now.
WORCSRacer
Posts
2295
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Clovis, CA, USA
12/7/2012 1:21pm
WhKnuckle wrote:
KTM is the only factory out there that really has its heart in off road and moto. The Japanese factories are just going through the motions.
Besides KTM, name a OEM that gives a shit about you.

If they did they, they'd be more interested in giving customers something they can buy instead of what OEM's want them to buy. Good news for the guys who actually ride is there are enough used bikes around to last decades. Technology outpaced rider skill 20 years ago. However If you feel the need to buy something new, KTM is building reliable and lower overall cost bikes. You know what you call a KTM 250sx with a 300 kit and a flywheel? PERFECT.
jemcee
Posts
12812
Joined
8/11/2008
Location
AU
12/7/2012 6:50pm
the best thing about KTM I feel is their range it's amazing
My mates own and run a dealership in town and I just went down to see them and there was a weird looking white KTM sitting out the front and I asked what it was.. it was a lower lighter 350 it almost looked like an electric bike.. what other manufacturer would slightly change a bike and bring it out as another option?

I used to laugh at carlos when he would say that KTM were forcing the 350 down our throats when the other manufacturer's give you what 2 maybe 3 realistic big bike options

KTM has something like 10 haha (I'm not sure how many really)
sharkey
Posts
2446
Joined
7/28/2008
Location
Marysville, WA, USA
12/7/2012 7:39pm
why is this a suprise to any of you. look at the riders they bought overseas and here. dungey , carioli, musquin, roczen,nagl, herlings. look at all the titles and wins between all those guys
newmann
Posts
24437
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
12/7/2012 8:07pm
sharkey wrote:
why is this a suprise to any of you. look at the riders they bought overseas and here. dungey , carioli, musquin, roczen,nagl, herlings. look at...
why is this a suprise to any of you. look at the riders they bought overseas and here. dungey , carioli, musquin, roczen,nagl, herlings. look at all the titles and wins between all those guys
Yeah, but we heard some of those guys would never win again after going to KTM. Career suicide some said.Cool
CR250Rider
Posts
6706
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Moses Lake, WA, USA
12/7/2012 9:50pm
Build what the People want = KTM
12/8/2012 9:54am
jemcee wrote:
the best thing about KTM I feel is their range it's amazing My mates own and run a dealership in town and I just went down...
the best thing about KTM I feel is their range it's amazing
My mates own and run a dealership in town and I just went down to see them and there was a weird looking white KTM sitting out the front and I asked what it was.. it was a lower lighter 350 it almost looked like an electric bike.. what other manufacturer would slightly change a bike and bring it out as another option?

I used to laugh at carlos when he would say that KTM were forcing the 350 down our throats when the other manufacturer's give you what 2 maybe 3 realistic big bike options

KTM has something like 10 haha (I'm not sure how many really)
I guess you are talking about the KTM 350 freeride, and there is an electric version of it too Smile





they are only producing them in limited numbers at the moment to test them, but once they get them fully dialed they will be for sale too. Seriously fun bike to ride, but it for sure needs a little more work.

More here
jemcee
Posts
12812
Joined
8/11/2008
Location
AU
12/8/2012 3:20pm
yeah here's a pic and a video


Parks65
Posts
267
Joined
12/8/2012
Location
Meridian, ID, USA
12/8/2012 4:53pm
The KTM's have come a long way. In 02' I had a 125 and it was the best 125 I have ever ridden motor wise, of course everyone knows how dreadful the suspension was back then but it's great to see them improve year after year and the dedication they have to keeping two strokes alive and well is awesome.

I'm awaiting STFU NOOB in 5,4,3,2...........
BobbyM
Posts
21436
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
USA
12/8/2012 6:26pm
Until they win the xgames they ain't shit. Wink
BobbyM
Posts
21436
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
USA
12/8/2012 6:32pm
Also one of the reasons they are great bikes and are successful now is because they finally learned to build a bike that didn't feel like a ktm. They captured the feeling of the Japanese MX bike's so disrespecting the jap bikes is kind of ironic...don't ya think?
Derpin' DJ
Posts
6415
Joined
5/27/2011
Location
Newcastle, AU
12/8/2012 7:02pm
jemcee wrote:
yeah here's a pic and a video [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/12/08/350_freeride_75145.jpg[/img] [embed] https://youtu.be/n2eUucG4gwU [/embed]
yeah here's a pic and a video


They had them at the KTM dirt days earlier this year. Everyone that rode one said that they were a blast to ride. Kinda wish I rode one of them instead of the 450 SX-F

Post a reply to: KTM's success

The Latest