26 • May 2024 • Powersports Business

KTM and parent company PIERER Mobility AG recently announced that they are exercising a call option to acquire a 50.1 % majority stake in MV Agusta Motor S . p . A . a year earlier than planned . This means KTM AG will take over industrial leadership and expand the factory in Varese , Italy , to increase capacity .

In November 2022 , KTM AG , a subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG , acquired 25.1 % of MV Agusta , based in Varese , as part of a capital increase . As part of this cooperation , KTM AG took over the supply chain and purchasing of MV Agusta in October 2023 . In addition , MV Agusta ’ s product range is

also distributed in part via PIERER Mobility ’ s global sales network , according to statements from the company .

CALL OPTION The call option to acquire a majority stake in MV Agusta was granted to KTM AG based on the annual financial statements for 2025 , but this has now been changed to 2024 . The purchase price for the remaining 25 % of the shares was calculated in accordance with the previously agreed valuation method ( EBITDA multiple ).

KTM AG will take over the majority stake and also the industrial management of MV Agusta Motor S . p . A . KTM says it plans to help MV Agusta ramp up its production volume to more than 10,000 motorcycles after the expansion of the Varese factory is completed .

NEW CEO NAMED As a result of the early takeover , Hubert Trunkenpolz , a member of the executive board of PIERER Mobility AG , is taking over the role of CEO and chairman of the board of directors from Timur Sardarov , who will continue to be available to the company as vice-chairman , brand ambassador and consultant .

Triumph has unveiled the new Rocket 3 Storm models , named to match its moody color scheme and muscular style . Twenty years after the first record-breaking Rocket III burst onto the motorcycle scene , Triumph says the new generation of Rockets will deliver more performance and better handling .

The Rocket 3 Storm R and GT feature the world ’ s largest production motorcycle engine with a capacity of 2,458cc and gain 15PS peak power , now delivering a massive 182 PS at 7,000 rpm .

The torque has also increased by 4 Nm , reaching a new peak of 225 Nm at a low 4,000 rpm . This flat , rich torque curve with maximum torque all the way through the mid-range gives explosive acceleration and effortless response in any gear .

The Rocket ’ s 16−inch rear and 17−inch front wheels have been updated with a sportier ten-spoke cast aluminum design , reducing unsprung mass . This reduction positively impacts steering response and improves the Rocket ’ s agility . The strong and lightweight aluminum frame , first introduced in 2019 , uses cast and forged elements for an exceptional torque-to-weight ratio .

Following the sales success of recent special edition Rockets which featured blackedout components , the new Rocket 3 Storm

The 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R offers increased power and torque , and a darker and moodier appearance .

Photo courtesy of Triumph

models feature a dark color scheme and quality detailing . The almost five-gallon tank features the new Storm name , and each model has three distinctive two-tone color options . The R is available in Carnival Red with Sapphire Black , Satin Pacific Blue with Matt Sapphire Black and Sapphire Black with Granite . The GT is available in the same colors , but the split of the tank is reversed , providing a distinctive , high impact look and consistent color choice across both models . The Rocket 3 Storm also comes with highquality black finishes throughout .

Also new for 2024 , the Rocket 3 Storm now exceeds the latest Euro 5b requirements , featuring liquid cooling , low emissions and excellent fuel efficiency .

“ Known around the world as the ultimate muscle roadster , the Rocket has already achieved global sales of more than 18,000 since the 2.5−liter engine was introduced in 2019 ,” says Paul Stroud , chief commercial officer , Triumph . “ By listening to feedback from our customers , we know they love the Rocket ’ s muscular presence and heartstopping performance . We also know that riders desire even more . That ’ s why the new Rocket 3 Storm R and GT have been given an impressive power and torque increase , even greater agility and an even darker , moodier style and presence on the road .”

ERGONOMICS Each Rocket offers a distinct feel and personality , due to key differences in ergonomics . The Rocket R ’ s roadster rider position and handlebar placement are designed to provide optimum power and control to create a relaxed and engaging ride . The GT has a slightly more swept back set-up with almost a five-inch difference in grip position versus the R , for a more upright riding position .

BLACKED OUT STYLE The Rocket 3 Storm features a black powder-coated intake cover and hydro-formed exhaust headers . The models also come with high-quality black anodized finishes throughout ; the rear frame forging , swingarm guard , forks lowers and yokes , risers and handlebar clamps , RSU Rocker , seat finisher , footrests and hangers for rider and passenger , brake and gear pedals , levers , and side stand .

2024 TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 STORM GT Both Rocket 3 Storms have twin LED headlights with the Triumph maker ’ s mark triangle and signature-shaped daytime running lights . LED indicators include the rear light and the number plate light .

RIDER FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY From lean-angle sensitive ABS and traction control to switchable throttle maps and intuitive cruise control , riderfocused technology allows riders to confidently exploit the Rocket 3 Storm ’ s performance potential .

Ride-by-wire enhances rideability , safety and control , while the Rocket ’ s high-performance gearbox is engineered with helical cut gears to transmit the huge torque to the rear wheel smoothly . The Torque Assist clutch helps riders shift up and down the six-speed box with satisfying speed and smoothness , while a Quickshifter is available as an accessory fit for both models .

Both models feature optimized cornering ABS and traction control for enhanced stability , improving both straight line and cornering , acceleration and braking . Hill Hold prevents the bike from rolling backward and applies the rear brake until sensing the rider is starting to move off . Both come equipped with four riding modes including road , rain , sport and rider , which adjusts the throttle map and traction control settings .

The new Rocket 3 Storm R MSRP is $ 24,995 and the Rocket 3 Storm GT MSRP is $ 25,795 . The models are expected to arrive in dealerships in April .