KTM has parted ways with its long-standing design partner Kiska. For the uninitiated, the aggressive-looking, angular and sharp designs sported by KTM’s motorcycles is the brainchild of Kiska, a design studio which was under KTM’s umbrella. However, the partnership has now been dissolved.
According to a report by 1000PS, Bajaj, KTM’s new owner, is looking to set up its own design studio for KTM. This means Bajaj is not looking to spend money on outsourcing the designs. The report also claims that the in-house designers will not be based out of KTM’s factory in Mattigofen, but close to Kiska’s centre in Salzburg.
According to Kiska’s CEO Julain Herget, there is a multi-year contract between KTM and Kiska, and thus the partnership will remain present. While KTM has sold its 20 percent shares in Kiska, it is ensured that KTM will have access to Kiska’s resources. However, the CEO also mentioned that its reliance on KTM was unhealthy as the company had taken a hit of $4.1 million just because KTM was strapped financially before Bajaj took over it. Kiska says that they will never again depend on a single customer.
While the separation is less likely to hamper the designs of KTM’s motorcycles, it is to be seen if the upcoming models under development show any signs of straying away from its sharp design language. There is no word on it yet, but it could also mean Bajaj will make KTM step away from the MotoGP and Dakar racing, as it is an expensive sport. Millions of dollars are invested in developing new bikes and running the teams. However, it is highly unlikely for Bajaj to pull the plug on racing as KTM has had a global dominance on racing, especially in the gruelling Dakar rally.
