8 • September 2025 • Powersports Business

Horsepower Financial Services has expanded its motorcycle leasing program to include Benelli and Benda, two brands under the Keeway America umbrella. The move broadens Horsepower’ s reach and offers more options to powersports dealers and riders seeking alternatives to traditional motorcycle financing.

The new partnerships build on existing agreements with CFMOTO, Moto Morini, and Royal Enfield, positioning Horsepower as a growing player in credit-free leasing options. The company’ s 36−month, FICOfree leasing model is fully digital and available to dealers around the clock, offering real-time approvals and streamlined add-ons, such as GAP coverage and vehicle protection.

“ These brands align perfectly with our mission of helping more riders get on the road and helping more dealers close deals— especially in a market where access to financing can be a major barrier,” says Leanne Richards, vice president of client development at Horsepower Financial Services.

The leasing program targets underserved customer segments and aims to simplify the transaction process for dealers. Riders benefit from lower monthly payments, simplified paperwork, and fast delivery— without

Horsepower Financial Services has expanded its motorcycle leasing program to include Benelli and Benda, two brands under the Keeway America umbrella.( Photo: Horsepower Financial Services)

the complexity or credit checks required by traditional lenders.

Horsepower Financial Services offers an automated leasing platform designed to support dealer growth and increase customer access. For more information, visit horsepowerfinancial. com.

KTM AG has officially resumed full production operations at its Mattighofen and Munderfing facilities in Austria, marking a significant milestone for the manufacturer after a challenging start to the year. The restart comes just in time for the launch of KTM’ s highly anticipated 2026 off-road lineup, underscoring the company’ s refocusing on quality, global delivery, and dealer support.

As of July 28, all four production lines are operating on a full-time, five-day schedule, with no summer shutdown planned. The return to full capacity involves around 1,000 employees and reflects KTM’ s ability to reactivate supply chains and meet global demand across its core brands— KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas.

Production is prioritizing the off-road range, including the latest motocross and enduro competition models, as well as the new LC4 platform. This includes the KTM 690 Enduro R and SMC R, as well as the Husqvarna 701 Enduro and Supermoto models.

KTM AG CEO Gottfried Neumeister credited the company’ s workforce and dealer network for their support during the ramp-up:

“ The restart of production gives us the stability we need to focus fully on quality, customer proximity, and further development. Special thanks go to our employees for their dedication, flexibility, and team spirit throughout one of the most challenging phases,” says Neumeister.

FULL PRODUCTION, MODEL UPDATES

KTM’ s restart signals good news for U. S. dealers who have been waiting for consistent inventory levels and product flow. The company emphasized that global delivery capabilities are fully restored, and dealer support is being strengthened through a new Dealer Excellence Center— a centralized hub designed to provide structured assistance and improve customer satisfaction.

Recruitment efforts are also ramping up in Austria, with new hires sought in IT, finance, marketing, and production roles to support long-term growth and innovation.

Coinciding with the production restart, KTM has unveiled the official release timeline for its 2026 off-road models. Designed with input from factory racing programs, the new models prioritize class-leading performance, rider adjustability, and seamless tech integration.

The 2026 range introduces enhancements in chassis design, electronics, and connectivity, targeting both serious racers and weekend warriors. KTM says the new generation represents its most advanced offroad bikes yet.

WHAT’ S AHEAD As production stabilizes and new models hit the market, KTM is making a clear statement: it’ s back at full throttle. For U. S. dealers, this means improved availability, renewed

See KTM, Page 10