The sharp, “love-it-or-hate-it” edges of KTM are about to get a whole new sharpening stone. In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the industry, the “Ready to Race” giant is finally cutting the cord on its most iconic partnership.
Here is the breakdown of KTM’s high-stakes pivot:
The Great Divorce: KTM x KISKA
For over 30 years, you couldn’t say “KTM” without thinking of KISKA. The Salzburg-based design powerhouse is responsible for the aggressive, “insectoid” look that defined the Duke and Adventure lineups.
However, the marriage is officially over. KTM has sold off its remaining shares in KISKA, ending a decades-long era. The reason? The classic corporate reality check: cost-cutting. By bringing design under their own roof, KTM is looking to tighten their belt without losing their edge.
A New Creative Fortress in Salzburg
While KTM’s headquarters are in Mattighofen, they aren’t bringing the sketchpads to the factory floor just yet. Instead, KTM is building a brand-new, in-house design studio right in the heart of Salzburg.
By staying in Salzburg, KTM is likely trying to:
Poach Top Talent: Keep the creative minds who aren’t keen on moving to a small industrial town.
Maintain the “Vibe”: Salzburg is a cultural hub, perfect for a team tasked with dreaming up the next generation of “Orange” aesthetics.
The “Wait-and-See” Buffer
If you’re worried (or hoping) that next year’s 1390 Super Duke will suddenly look like a retro cruiser, take a breath.
The Reality Check: Because motorcycle development cycles are planned years in advance, this split is unlikely to impact the design of KTM bikes in the near future.
The bikes currently on the assembly line and the ones hitting the 2025/2026 brochures were likely penned by KISKA long before the ink dried on this breakup. We likely won’t see the “True In-House” KTM look until the late 2020s.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about identity.For the first time in modern history, KTM will have total, unfiltered control over its visual DNA.
It’s a risky gamble—KISKA made KTM the most recognizable bikes on the planet. Now, KTM has to prove they can out-design the masters who put it on the map.
Source
Motorcycles.News: KTM Parts Ways with Kiska – Deep dive into the 2028 timeline for new in-house designs and the ownership split.
Autocar India: KTM Ends Decades-Long Partnership – Excellent summary of the Bajaj Auto influence and the impact on future Indian-market models.
Visordown: KTM Planning Own In-House Design Centre – Detailed analysis of the financial troubles and the impact on projects like the X-Bow.
RideApart: KTM/Bajaj & Kiska Separation – Focuses on the cost-cutting measures driven by the new ownership structure.
1000PS: KTM & Kiska Parting Ways – Comprehensive report on the “polarizing” design era coming to an end.
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