Unless you’re living under a rock, you’d know KTM and CFMoto have been long-term partners. It all began a few years ago when the Chinese giant started building motorcycles for Team Orange in China. Then, the relationship deepened as CFMoto expanded into Europe with KTM’s backing and dealership network. Now, though, it appears the relationship might be going sour. Here’s why.
Pierer Mobility Group Will Reportedly Stop Selling CFMoto Bikes Via Its Network
Yes, you read that right. Rumors from China and Europe suggest CFMoto bikes will no longer be sold via the Pierer Mobility Group (owner of KTM) network in the West. The news comes not too long after rumors of CFMoto planning to buy a majority stake in the struggling KTM brand. So there’s a chance the long-term partnership is taking a slight hit. What happens to CFMoto if PMG indeed pulls out?
Well, not much. We think the Chinese brand will either take up the import process under its own wing, giving it plenty of flexibility to bring whatever motorcycle it wants to bring here. Or it could join hands with industry giants like the KSR Group, which is responsible for selling several other Chinese bikes overseas. Both will help CFMoto make a bigger mark, as the company’s European deliveries have been lackluster (as claimed by Motorrad Online).
KTM Will Be The Big Loser If The Relationship With CFMoto Goes Sour
Believe it or not, KTM has more to lose here than CFMoto. Team Orange is reliant on the Chinese giant for the manufacturing of its renowned 790 range, whereas CFMoto does its own thing, on its own. Yes, the Chinese company uses KTM engines in several products, but it also has other, more popular bikes that make do with entirely different engines.
Let’s also not forget KTM is in deep financial trouble, which will make life worse if it tries to find another Chinese partner. In contrast, CFMoto is probably in its most stable financial condition today. That said, this is the worst-case scenario, and we don’t think it will come to that. Even if there are differences, both brands have been quite close in the past.
So they will come up with a solution that profits each party. As an update on KTM, there is a ray of sunshine amidst all the dark clouds. The bikemaker recently restarted production of its bikes in Mattighofen, Austria. The company claims it will ramp up production slowly, aiming to reach full speed in a couple of months.
KTM Bikes Made By CFMoto
- 790 Duke
- 790 Adventure
- 790 Adventure R
CFMoto Bikes That Use KTM Engines
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