Just wondering, what with this new cloned bike out. When, not if is KTM going to add it's weight to the trials world?

I don't think they will. KTM have committed themselves to manufacturing large trailies and tourers to compete with BMW (a friend used to be a KTM agent and this was told to him at a dealers convention). So it really isn't in KTM's interest to persue a niche market like trials. MX & enduros they will continue to support because, presently, they are it's bread & butter.

Havn't the Beta Enduro bikes got the kTM engine?

So how much input they gave to the Rev-4 ????????

Ulf Karlson will be competing in the WTC in 2008

So it really isn't in KTM's interest to persue a niche market like trials.

Dont see why not, there throwing enough money in 125 and 250 GP's for no real return, sucess on the race track cant be helping sell touring bikes or trail bikes can it?

from what i understand KTM dont have that much input into the 125 and 250 GP bikes . they are basically Bartols, designed, built and maintained bikes with KTM written on them, mind you they write the cheques so fair play.

So it really isn't in KTM's interest to persue a niche market like trials.

Dont see why not, there throwing enough money in 125 and 250 GP's for no real return, sucess on the race track cant be helping sell touring bikes or trail bikes can it?

There's a heck of a difference between trials and GP's. GP's are broadcast live, in prime sports time (on sports channels) in Europe. Trials are not. Imagine the coverage they're receiving.

There's a heck of a difference between trials and GP's. GP's are broadcast live, in prime sports time (on sports channels) in Europe. Trials are not. Imagine the coverage they're receiving.

Plenty of coverage, but is it helping to sell more enduro bikes?

I could understand if they were trying to sell a 125 or 250 sports bike, but there not.

If you want a 125 sports bike you buy an Aprilia, they are getting something out of GP's but KTM dont seem to be, the people that are really keen and have off road bikes arent sat at home watching the GP's on a Sunday, they are out on their bikes.

Nothing sells sports bike better than some on track success, KTM are having some success but dont have a product to sell, what they do have is a very good reputation for making excellent off road bikes, it would be nice to see them use that and build a trials bike.

Sure, but I think KTM's sales in MX & enduros is being pushed by their success in those sports. Sort of a self sustaining thing. What wins on Sunday sells on Monday (we should all remember that when thinking about the Xispa). The involvement in the GP's is to push brand awareness. KTM's commitment to the Dakar is to promote the big traillies.

I agree with what your saying, but KTM would be just as likely to do as good in the trials world, dont forget plenty of people come into trials when they get to old for MX/enduro, KTM would have plenty of loyal riders that would happily take their KTM enduro back to the dealers and trade it in for a KTM trials bike.

Im sure a Mick Adrews type person working at the KTM factory could quite easily put together a fairly good trials bike with a few mods to most of the bits that would be lying around.

They have tried it in the past. Whether it's worth doing again is the question.

KTM trials bike

Correct me if i'm wrong but don't ktm supply beta with the engines for the mini-trial surely they must take some intrest or is it just another sale?

Correct me if i'm wrong but don't ktm supply beta with the engines for the mini-trial surely they must take some intrest or is it just another sale?

The other way around, Beta make a number of the engines for the KTM mini bikes and then use them in the Mini Trial. The Rev 50 and Rev 80 use a dedicated Trials engine made by Beta.

dont forget plenty of people come into trials when they get to old for MX/enduro,

Ouch...I resemble that remark!

The Rev 50 and Rev 80 use a dedicated Trials engine made by Beta

The Rev 50 & 80 use the same motor as the KTM 65's built by Beta of course. You wouldn't know it from riding them though, they ride completely different as they should. Even on the KTM's cylinder there's a big "B" on them

I don't see them making a trials bike for one simple reason, not enough profit

Edited September 6, 200718 yr by sirhc