Powersports Business January 2025 | Page 24

24 • January 2025 • Powersports Business

MOTORCYCLE www . PowersportsBusiness . com

KTM launches more refined 790 Adventure for 2025

The 2025 KTM 790 Adventure keeps its place alongside the KTM 890 Adventure R as a more affordable but extremely capable stablemate .
Thanks to a slew of upgrades on the 2024 model , the latest generation KTM 790 Adventure is more stable , more comfortable
and benefits from premium electronic rider features .
For 2025 , to take the KTM 790 Adventure to the next level , the suspension received an upgrade , with the adjustable 43mm WP Apex open cartridge front fork and WP Apex shock absorber taken directly from the KTM 890 Adventure .
Up front , split function technology separates the compression and rebound damping between the two fork legs thanks to rebound and compression damping adjusters on the top cap of each fork leg . This allows for a more precise setup when riding two-up or more extreme off-road trails .
The adjustable WP Apex shock absorber features 200mm suspension travel , with a rebound damping adjuster and a hand adjuster for the spring preload . This allows for easy alterations to the shock behavior in different riding situations .
The 2025 edition of the 790 Adventure will be available at authorized KTM dealers in March 2025 . Pricing for this model has not yet been released .
The 2025 KTM 790 Adventure R offers premium electronic rider features . Photo courtesy of KTM
North America , Inc .

YCF Motorcycles partners with Central Powersports Distribution

YCF Motorcycles has partnered with Central Powersports Distribution ( CPD ), its exclusive distributor in the U . S . This collaboration marks a significant milestone in YCF ’ s mission to provide quality off-road motorcycles to American enthusiasts , dealers and riders of all levels at a great price level .
YCF Motorcycles offers bikes designed for beginners and seasoned riders . By teaming up with CPD , YCF Motorcycles is poised to expand its footprint and elevate the riding experience for customers across the U . S .
“ We are excited to partner with Central Powersports Distribution to bring our motorcycles to a wider audience in the United States ,” says Yannick Coquard , CEO of YCF Motorcycles . “ CPD ’ s reputation for exceptional service , dealer support and deep industry knowledge aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering top-quality bikes that inspire riders .”
CPD , headquartered in Marshall , Texas , is renowned for its robust dealer network and expertise in powersports distribution . This partnership will enable seamless access to YCF ’ s products , enhanced dealer support and aftermarket parts and accessories . “ We ’ re honored to be named YCF Motorcycles ’ exclusive distributor in the U . S .,” says Mark Berg , owner and operator of CPD . “ YCF is a respected brand with an incredible lineup of motorcycles that appeals to riders of all ages and skill levels from the beginning with electric balance bikes for the youngest of kids , all the way up to full-sized 4−stroke play bikes . Together , we ’ re committed to growing the YCF brand .”
Dealers who want to join the CPD dealer network and offer YCF motorcycles can contact CPD . CPD is taking orders through December 2024 for spring 2025 delivery .

KTM CEO and Co-CEO address company ’ s restructuring plan

KTM CEO Stefan Pierer and Co-CEO Gottfried Neumeister have addressed the company ’ s more than 5,000 employees , unveiling a comprehensive plan to navigate the current financial challenges and ensure a robust future for KTM .
“ Over the past three decades , we have grown to become Europe ’ s largest motorcycle manufacturer ,” says Stefan Pierer ,
KTM CEO Stefan Pierer ( pictured ) and Co-CEO Gottfried Neumeister have shared a plan to navigate the current financial challenges and ensure a robust future for KTM . Photo courtesy of KTM
CEO of KTM AG . “ We inspire millions of motorcycle riders around the world with our products . Now , we are taking a pit stop for the future . The KTM brand is my life ’ s work , and I will fight for it .”
KTM , which has grown from 160 employees and a production volume of 6,000 units in 1992 to a capacity of up to 1,000 motorcycles per day , is now facing significant hurdles .
To address these , KTM will initiate a legal restructuring proceeding with self-administration . The application was submitted on Friday , November 29 , with the goal of concluding the process within 90 days .
Since September 2024 , Gottfried Neumeister has joined the Executive Board as Co-CEO . “ Gottfried Neumeister has brought impressive experience and a breath of fresh
air and has significantly contributed to addressing the current situation ,” Pierer says . “ I am convinced that together we will get the company back on track for success .”
“ The enthusiasm of our employees is our most important competitive advantage ,” Neumeister says . “ Their passion is the reason why KTM is globally synonymous with peak performance . We build our motorcycles reliably and robustly for every race and terrain . Now , it ’ s about making the company robust . Robust for the future . So that we can quickly focus again on what we do best : building the coolest motorcycles in the world .”
During this period , Pierer and Neumeister emphasized the importance of the employees ’ commitment and support . “ Together , we have made KTM a success story , and together , we will carry KTM into the future ,” they stated .
“ As somebody who has been directly involved with KTM even longer than Pierre , somebody who has owned two successful dealerships and prepared bikes that have won more than 25 national and world championships ( mostly with KTM ), my advice for what it ’ s worth , would be for KTM to start listening to their customers and public opinion ,” says a former KTM dealer . “ Get back to the level of service you had in the early 2000s and , plus some extra , improve quality control , improve warranty and technical backup , and stop chasing advanced technologies until proven reliable . Success depends on customer satisfaction , something that in the UK has been missing for a while due to the absolute arrogance of the management team here – sack them all and bring in new blood that ’ s enthusiastic and sympathetic to the customer who has spent thousands .”