KTM Ends CFMOTO Distribution in Europe

Step by step: KTM didn't handle CFMOTO distribution in all European countries. Currently, the import and distribution are managed by CFMOTO Motorcycles Distribution GmbH—a fully-owned KTM subsidiary—only in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Spain, and this will continue until May 31, 2025. After that, new, yet unnamed importers will take over. According to KTM, the decision was made jointly with CFMOTO to focus more clearly on their own brands in the future. It's also evident that with the current issues within the corporation, there's no energy to invest in importing vehicles that increasingly compete with their own product lineup. But more on that later.

Even though distribution is being relinquished, KTM states that the technical collaboration remains intact. Behind the scenes, this partnership has led to specific model families where the similarities between KTM and CFMOTO were clearly visible.

For instance, the CFMOTO 800MT is based on KTM's LC8c twin-cylinder engine, familiar from the 790 Adventure. The chassis architecture and electronics package closely mirror original KTM models. The CFMOTO 800NK, a Chinese naked bike, also utilizes the same technical foundation.

Attentive market observers might have noticed that CFMOTO's new 675cc three-cylinder engine platform, a complete in-house development, closely matches the performance figures of the 800cc twin on paper. How long CFMOTO will keep two such closely positioned engines and bikes, like the 675NK and 800NK, in their lineup remains to be seen. The 800NK is currently still listed as a Euro 5 model on the official website, while the KTM 790 Duke, reintroduced as a "Made in China" model, now boasts a Euro 5+ update and is offered at attractive prices.

KTM was also involved with the electric brand ZEEHO—providing technological advice and sharing platform knowledge to help make e-mobility from Asia more mainstream in Europe. The projects surrounding ZEEHO remain uncertain in the mid-term—here, too, a new distribution partner is being sought.

In a brief press release, KTM emphasized that the split solely concerns the distribution structure. The ongoing collaboration in production in China—specifically at the joint venture plant in Hangzhou—remains unchanged. This facility produces both KTM and CFMOTO models, including the KTM 790 Duke, the CFMOTO 800MT, as well as various models for the Asian market that do not reach Europe.

The distribution agreement in China, where CFMOTO distributes KTM models in the Middle Kingdom, is expected to remain unchanged for the time being, as there is no information to the contrary.

A Refocus on Core Brands KTM, GASGAS, and Husqvarna, but Possibly a Signal for the Next Investor?

Looking at the current situation at KTM AG, the decision to relinquish CFMOTO distribution in Europe appears to be a clear step towards streamlining the structure ahead of potential investor talks. The search for investors, recently speculated about in industry circles, might have significantly influenced this decision—even if it's not mentioned in the official statement.

Until May 31, 2025, everything will remain the same for dealers in the DACH region, the UK, and Spain. After that, the transition should run as smoothly as possible according to KTM—though the new distribution partners are still completely unknown at this time. For end customers, this means no immediate changes—service and spare parts supply will remain secure according to KTM. For us at 1000PS, this means we won't have access to CFMOTO press vehicles for the time being, so unfortunately, tests will be withheld for a while. We hope to get our hands on bikes again in the second half of 2025 to provide you with detailed information and exciting (comparison) tests as usual.