Hypothetical - Prado to KTM

Hypothetically speaking, let's say Prado and Kawi part ways mid-season. 

If you were the KTM Group would you pick him up? Why or why not? 

Poll

If you're KTM, would you hire Prado?

Choices
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7/24/2025 11:05am

Lewis mentioned something similar in his podcast with Kellen. He said in a hypothetical scenario where Prado and Kawasaki part ways KTM would be better off signing him than Tomac. Maybe it’s just recency bias but I thought that was a pretty hot take.

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7/24/2025 11:14am
Lewis mentioned something similar in his podcast with Kellen. He said in a hypothetical scenario where Prado and Kawasaki part ways KTM would be better off...

Lewis mentioned something similar in his podcast with Kellen. He said in a hypothetical scenario where Prado and Kawasaki part ways KTM would be better off signing him than Tomac. Maybe it’s just recency bias but I thought that was a pretty hot take.

I have to believe the money he will be able to command after this will have gone down. No one will touch him without a discount in America. Might be different in MXGP but here in the states he only brings half the equation and even that has been tarnished. I could be wrong but I can’t see teams here dying to sign Prado at this point.

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Teej317
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7/24/2025 11:17am

No room at KTM if Vialle stays. If Vialle leaves, I suppose there’s room but that’s a lot of heavy salaries. The Rockstar effort seems full too with Malcolm and RJ. 

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JazzyJJ
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7/24/2025 11:18am
Teej317 wrote:
No room at KTM if Vialle stays. If Vialle leaves, I suppose there’s room but that’s a lot of heavy salaries. The Rockstar effort seems full...

No room at KTM if Vialle stays. If Vialle leaves, I suppose there’s room but that’s a lot of heavy salaries. The Rockstar effort seems full too with Malcolm and RJ. 

Vialle is gone to HRC in GPs according to basically everyone at this point 

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The Shop

Sparkalounger
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7/24/2025 11:29am

I say yes, but at a discounted rate.

Minimal downside.

If he performs, it makes the kawi look bad, especially if Chase has some issues with it.

If he doesn't perform, everyone will think its on Prado and not the bike.

Give him a shot with large win bonuses.

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mxxxeR1
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7/24/2025 11:32am

That would be a brilliant move from ktm ....if he would end up on the podium.....yes it's hard to believe when you see him now.....but he can do that .. yes he is that good......that would be great advertising for ktm.... and very bad for kawa

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7/24/2025 12:13pm

He bashed the GasGas/ktm very hard on his way out. I can’t imagine they took that too kindly. Of course relationships can be repaired but I just couldn’t see it happening so soon after his departure. 

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7/24/2025 12:43pm

I think Prado would be a better sign than ET3.  The platform would be totally familiar to Jorge, AND, he no doubt would have better finishes..(hard to get worse)  - In the eyes of KTM marketing, what better way to prove the Austrian machine is superior?

Fire away but know that I only own Kawi's-  At the old man level it's the Nacho Libre of 450's..  'Da beeest'

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Bonanza69
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7/24/2025 12:53pm
I think Prado would be a better sign than ET3.  The platform would be totally familiar to Jorge, AND, he no doubt would have better finishes..(hard...

I think Prado would be a better sign than ET3.  The platform would be totally familiar to Jorge, AND, he no doubt would have better finishes..(hard to get worse)  - In the eyes of KTM marketing, what better way to prove the Austrian machine is superior?

Fire away but know that I only own Kawi's-  At the old man level it's the Nacho Libre of 450's..  'Da beeest'

In the US: ET3 > Prado

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Spike33
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7/24/2025 1:03pm

Maybe let’s wait and see if Prado can consistently beat Cade Clason before we start slotting him in for a factory ride 

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7/24/2025 1:17pm
I think Prado would be a better sign than ET3.  The platform would be totally familiar to Jorge, AND, he no doubt would have better finishes..(hard...

I think Prado would be a better sign than ET3.  The platform would be totally familiar to Jorge, AND, he no doubt would have better finishes..(hard to get worse)  - In the eyes of KTM marketing, what better way to prove the Austrian machine is superior?

Fire away but know that I only own Kawi's-  At the old man level it's the Nacho Libre of 450's..  'Da beeest'

If we’re just talking outdoors I can see where you’re coming from, if Prado can get back to the level he was at in the GP’s he’d be running upfront and quite possibly beating Tomac. As far as Supercross goes though his potential is a massive question mark, which we all know is what teams in the US are really after.

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Tim507
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7/24/2025 1:17pm

If JP were to go to KTM it would be to fill the AP slot if it opens up in 27

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smee113
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7/24/2025 1:18pm Edited Date/Time 7/24/2025 1:19pm

In regards to signing Prado over Tomac; Tomac has an additional benefit to KTM in that people tend to remember riders by the bike they last raced on. If Tomac has success on the KTM and then retires, there's a good chance that fans will associate him with KTM even after he retires.

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Nairb#70
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7/24/2025 2:23pm

If Barcia splits he'd like it there I bet.

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PRM31
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7/24/2025 2:47pm

ET3 will beat Prado in SX regardless of what bike Prado rides. 

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zookrider62!
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7/24/2025 2:58pm

Prado over ET is a wild take to me

Sx - ET is obviously the better choice

Mx - Prado potentially has more upside, but that hasn’t been the case

Smx - ET again

Fan favorite- another win for tomac


The only benefit would be if he was significantly cheaper and you had fears that ET can’t ride the ktm and Prado will shine on it

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7/24/2025 4:07pm Edited Date/Time 7/24/2025 4:34pm

KTM ain’t exactly flush with cash these days and I’d say there’s way more upside with the Coenen kids at this point.

Plus, they haven’t bad mouthed the bike that I’m aware of.

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Press516
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7/24/2025 4:13pm Edited Date/Time 7/24/2025 4:55pm

Prado needs it...  It could fix his F'd up brain.  Not sure if KTM needs it, ET3 is always going to be near the podium.

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Titan1
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7/24/2025 4:54pm

Only way KTM could possibly benefit from signing Prado over Tomac, is long term investment...he's younger.  Results wise, Tomac beats him in SX, MX, and SMX...Tomac has a bigger fan presence here.

Prado's stock really dropped this summer...and he's going to have to redeem himself or go back to the GP's with his tail between his legs and try and redeem himself there.  Results wise, American motocross hasn't been kind to him.  Which is a shame, because I really thought he had as good a shot as any at running with Jett/Hunter/Chase/Tomac, and winning races against them, and it just didn't happen...

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7/25/2025 8:23pm

Tomac isn't going to be a good welcom home reunion party at kawi. The bike is not where tomac wants it to be. Chassis and suspension will be fine for him especially if they let him run kyb again. But the motor package they have right now he will suffer. Better off at ktm.

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Kenny Banyan
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7/25/2025 8:34pm

I would want riders that give it their all. I don’t believe Prado has done that, so no I wouldn’t want him on my team. I think his performance at Washougal was an embarrassment to Kawasaki and to himself .

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7/25/2025 8:47pm
smee113 wrote:
In regards to signing Prado over Tomac; Tomac has an additional benefit to KTM in that people tend to remember riders by the bike they last...

In regards to signing Prado over Tomac; Tomac has an additional benefit to KTM in that people tend to remember riders by the bike they last raced on. If Tomac has success on the KTM and then retires, there's a good chance that fans will associate him with KTM even after he retires.

I’m going to associate him with yamaha even after he retires. I still can’t believe he’s going to ktm, and I just can’t imagine him on that bike. As i’ve said before, my first race as a fan was seeing Eli win the 2022 mx title, i’ll always remember him on blue.

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wreckitrandy
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7/25/2025 9:18pm

Why would any factory team sign people that constantly bellyache about the bike? It doesn't help sell units or promote the brand. Even if it's the truth. You will eventually run out of bridges to burn.

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dadofagun
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7/25/2025 9:26pm

Follow me here....  this is all hypothetical anyway....  KTM has, or made an offer to Tom for one year.  It seems Tom wants more, and I do not blame him a bit......  he is going home.  Came, saw, won, later.....  Now, should Prado decide he does not wanna share a bed with KX folks anymore, as I am certain they are probably fed up as well, they all split.  If I am Katoom, I take the offer that was supposed to go to Tom, and say, "Look, it is not the cash you are used to getting......  but it IS the bike you obviously want based on your public comments.......  just come home, albeit here in the states.  If you can prove your worth, on a bike that you obviously miss, PLUS handle AP7 this season, you can have his slot in 27......  put up, or shut up."  This probably will never happen of course, but assuming ET3 has a done deal, AP7 is already locked in, there is a way this could be a reality.  A fucking thin reality, but anything is possible.....  IF a scene like this were to possibly take place, I got a 12 pack of someones favorites that says Prado would say no way.  He is too picky, fussy, and to be honest, comes across as VERY spoiled to bow down to a hardline decision as such.  In his eyes, and mind, he is a WORLD CHAMP.  PERIOD.  This is all true, but last I checked, the USA is in the world as well.......  and over here with us real racers, he hasn't proved a thing, unless you count the fact he DOES know how to bitch, and complain.  To prove ones self, at times you make great sacrifice.....  I don't think he can.  Too much a priss......  But, I will give him this, he is a polite priss......

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mxxxeR1
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7/26/2025 1:37am
dadofagun wrote:
Follow me here....  this is all hypothetical anyway....  KTM has, or made an offer to Tom for one year.  It seems Tom wants more, and I...

Follow me here....  this is all hypothetical anyway....  KTM has, or made an offer to Tom for one year.  It seems Tom wants more, and I do not blame him a bit......  he is going home.  Came, saw, won, later.....  Now, should Prado decide he does not wanna share a bed with KX folks anymore, as I am certain they are probably fed up as well, they all split.  If I am Katoom, I take the offer that was supposed to go to Tom, and say, "Look, it is not the cash you are used to getting......  but it IS the bike you obviously want based on your public comments.......  just come home, albeit here in the states.  If you can prove your worth, on a bike that you obviously miss, PLUS handle AP7 this season, you can have his slot in 27......  put up, or shut up."  This probably will never happen of course, but assuming ET3 has a done deal, AP7 is already locked in, there is a way this could be a reality.  A fucking thin reality, but anything is possible.....  IF a scene like this were to possibly take place, I got a 12 pack of someones favorites that says Prado would say no way.  He is too picky, fussy, and to be honest, comes across as VERY spoiled to bow down to a hardline decision as such.  In his eyes, and mind, he is a WORLD CHAMP.  PERIOD.  This is all true, but last I checked, the USA is in the world as well.......  and over here with us real racers, he hasn't proved a thing, unless you count the fact he DOES know how to bitch, and complain.  To prove ones self, at times you make great sacrifice.....  I don't think he can.  Too much a priss......  But, I will give him this, he is a polite priss......

It's a shame you never see those american real racers in lommel

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EAmato88
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7/26/2025 2:27am Edited Date/Time 7/26/2025 2:28am

Im not a betting man but i would be willing to bet putting Prado on an orange bike does not fix his problems. Prado and Tomac on the same bike, Tomac beats the brakes off him in all 3 disciplines, Im willing to go as far as AP is a sure bet over Prado in SX and probably MX as well.

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7/26/2025 9:25am
EAmato88 wrote:
Im not a betting man but i would be willing to bet putting Prado on an orange bike does not fix his problems. Prado and Tomac...

Im not a betting man but i would be willing to bet putting Prado on an orange bike does not fix his problems. Prado and Tomac on the same bike, Tomac beats the brakes off him in all 3 disciplines, Im willing to go as far as AP is a sure bet over Prado in SX and probably MX as well.

I'd take that bet (so long as they could get his base setting(s)) pushed over quickly. Confidence cant be underestimated. 

Not taking the bet against Tomac though! Im not sure Jorge is ready for the end of a moto beast looking to eat just yet. 

I think on a bike he believes in Jorge's a podium threat. I did think he could have something for Jett in time, just because how he looks at speed, but I think that was just me hoping for good racing... shit - if it was just how good somebody looks on the bike Axel would be up there with Jett 

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dadofagun
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7/26/2025 1:29pm
dadofagun wrote:
Follow me here....  this is all hypothetical anyway....  KTM has, or made an offer to Tom for one year.  It seems Tom wants more, and I...

Follow me here....  this is all hypothetical anyway....  KTM has, or made an offer to Tom for one year.  It seems Tom wants more, and I do not blame him a bit......  he is going home.  Came, saw, won, later.....  Now, should Prado decide he does not wanna share a bed with KX folks anymore, as I am certain they are probably fed up as well, they all split.  If I am Katoom, I take the offer that was supposed to go to Tom, and say, "Look, it is not the cash you are used to getting......  but it IS the bike you obviously want based on your public comments.......  just come home, albeit here in the states.  If you can prove your worth, on a bike that you obviously miss, PLUS handle AP7 this season, you can have his slot in 27......  put up, or shut up."  This probably will never happen of course, but assuming ET3 has a done deal, AP7 is already locked in, there is a way this could be a reality.  A fucking thin reality, but anything is possible.....  IF a scene like this were to possibly take place, I got a 12 pack of someones favorites that says Prado would say no way.  He is too picky, fussy, and to be honest, comes across as VERY spoiled to bow down to a hardline decision as such.  In his eyes, and mind, he is a WORLD CHAMP.  PERIOD.  This is all true, but last I checked, the USA is in the world as well.......  and over here with us real racers, he hasn't proved a thing, unless you count the fact he DOES know how to bitch, and complain.  To prove ones self, at times you make great sacrifice.....  I don't think he can.  Too much a priss......  But, I will give him this, he is a polite priss......

mxxxeR1 wrote:

It's a shame you never see those american real racers in lommel

It's a shame you base real racers on one track......  We have many here.  Indoors, and out......  Hell, we even  build hybrids.  

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ohh_454
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7/26/2025 2:15pm
dadofagun wrote:
Follow me here....  this is all hypothetical anyway....  KTM has, or made an offer to Tom for one year.  It seems Tom wants more, and I...

Follow me here....  this is all hypothetical anyway....  KTM has, or made an offer to Tom for one year.  It seems Tom wants more, and I do not blame him a bit......  he is going home.  Came, saw, won, later.....  Now, should Prado decide he does not wanna share a bed with KX folks anymore, as I am certain they are probably fed up as well, they all split.  If I am Katoom, I take the offer that was supposed to go to Tom, and say, "Look, it is not the cash you are used to getting......  but it IS the bike you obviously want based on your public comments.......  just come home, albeit here in the states.  If you can prove your worth, on a bike that you obviously miss, PLUS handle AP7 this season, you can have his slot in 27......  put up, or shut up."  This probably will never happen of course, but assuming ET3 has a done deal, AP7 is already locked in, there is a way this could be a reality.  A fucking thin reality, but anything is possible.....  IF a scene like this were to possibly take place, I got a 12 pack of someones favorites that says Prado would say no way.  He is too picky, fussy, and to be honest, comes across as VERY spoiled to bow down to a hardline decision as such.  In his eyes, and mind, he is a WORLD CHAMP.  PERIOD.  This is all true, but last I checked, the USA is in the world as well.......  and over here with us real racers, he hasn't proved a thing, unless you count the fact he DOES know how to bitch, and complain.  To prove ones self, at times you make great sacrifice.....  I don't think he can.  Too much a priss......  But, I will give him this, he is a polite priss......

mxxxeR1 wrote:

It's a shame you never see those american real racers in lommel

Yaa I think it’s cause the MXGP pays the guys who podium with a sack lunch for their efforts 🤣🤣😁😁😁

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Herr Lich
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7/26/2025 3:12pm
Prado over ET is a wild take to meSx - ET is obviously the better choiceMx - Prado potentially has more upside, but that hasn’t been...

Prado over ET is a wild take to me

Sx - ET is obviously the better choice

Mx - Prado potentially has more upside, but that hasn’t been the case

Smx - ET again

Fan favorite- another win for tomac


The only benefit would be if he was significantly cheaper and you had fears that ET can’t ride the ktm and Prado will shine on it

I agree with all of this. The only thing in Prado's favour is the age factor. He's 24. Eli is 32 and very much in the tail end of his career. 

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