Exhaust #294: What's Happening at KTM? (And Harley-Davidson)

Exhaust #294: What's Happening at KTM? (And Harley-Davidson)

Author: Jason Weigandt and the Racer X Illustrated/Racer X Online editorial staff May 19, 2025 Duration: 44:16

Is KTM okay or not? A year of scary news about financials for the massive Austrian maker of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas motorcycles continues, with rumors of a make it or break it payment looming this week. It appears KTM's business partner Bajaj might have gotten the loan needed to restart the KTM assembly lines and keep the company going. 

Jason Weigandt gives the latest on that, then chats with Frank White of long-time American dirt bike manufacturer ATK. Yes, the ATK brand is still around, now as a parts supplier, and it has partnered with Harley-Davidson on projects before. 

Frank White doesn't like what he sees over at H-D these days, with the company reporting a loss of over $200 million in the final quarter of 2024. White and others would like to see the CEO of Harley ousted, and a revamp of the type of products the company produces. 

While a recent vote will keep the current CEO in place for at least this year, these are still times of stress at two of the biggest motorcycle companies in the world.

The Racer X Exhaust podcast is presented by Yoshimura, Insta360 Cameras and OnTrack School.


For anyone who lives with the sound of engines and the smell of two-stroke oil in their memory, The Racer X Podcast Network is your weekly pit board. Hosted by longtime journalist Jason Weigandt alongside the seasoned editorial staff from Racer X Illustrated and Racer X Online, this isn't just a recap of last weekend's races. It's a deep, authentic conversation from inside the sport. You'll hear unfiltered analysis of the supercross and motocross seasons, breaking down the battles, the bike setups, and the championship drama as only those with decades of access can. But the discussion goes beyond the checkered flag, diving into the personalities, the history, and the grassroots culture that makes dirt biking more than just a sport. This podcast brings the voices you read in the magazines straight to your ears, offering stories from the road, insights on rider development, and honest opinions on the industry's biggest topics. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just curious about the world beyond the stadium lights, each episode feels like pulling up a chair in the Racer X office. Tune in for the definitive audio companion to everything happening on and off the track.
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