News
KTM “is back”
KTM’s debts to be cleared in new funding deal underwritten by Indian partner Bajaj
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 22 May 2025 | 0 min read
The perfect storm of reliability woes, job losses, stalled production and unsold bikes afflicting KTM has been the talk of the motorcycle industry for some months now, the brand’s future very much in doubt throughout this period. Seemingly an answer has been found, and just 24 hours before the deadline for a 600m euros down payment for a previously agreed restructuring plan Indian partner Bajaj has confirmed it will underwrite the debt. As part of the deal Stefan Pierer will step down from his role as CEO KTM parent company Pierer Mobility AG.
For those not fluent in corporate financial dealings the announcement has been made in the brand’s characteristically blunt language, and the promise “KTM is back!” For dealers, owners, fans and those cautious about committing to buying a new KTM this will be all the news they wanted to hear, and means the focus can switch from endless speculation about staggering debts and management failings to KTM’s business of building fast, noisy and unapologetically lairy bikes of all styles, engine sizes and prices. There remain many unanswered questions, such as how Bajaj’s involvement will affect KTM’s ownership of brands like Husqvarna, its partnership with CFMoto and the shared Chinese production it has with the same. The fact Bajaj already has a close relationship with Triumph through the design, development and production of its acclaimed Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X range adds further confusion. KTM will meanwhile be hoping the departure of Stefan Pierer and news of Bajaj’s funding will finally draw a line under a series of events that rocked the whole industry. And see a return to business as normal. Or, at least, a new normal.
For those not fluent in corporate financial dealings the announcement has been made in the brand’s characteristically blunt language, and the promise “KTM is back!” For dealers, owners, fans and those cautious about committing to buying a new KTM this will be all the news they wanted to hear, and means the focus can switch from endless speculation about staggering debts and management failings to KTM’s business of building fast, noisy and unapologetically lairy bikes of all styles, engine sizes and prices. There remain many unanswered questions, such as how Bajaj’s involvement will affect KTM’s ownership of brands like Husqvarna, its partnership with CFMoto and the shared Chinese production it has with the same. The fact Bajaj already has a close relationship with Triumph through the design, development and production of its acclaimed Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X range adds further confusion. KTM will meanwhile be hoping the departure of Stefan Pierer and news of Bajaj’s funding will finally draw a line under a series of events that rocked the whole industry. And see a return to business as normal. Or, at least, a new normal.