Some of our bloggers who have been clicking on for a long time, might remember me posting the quote by a Japanese Businessman that we used to sell some stuff for – Dougie Tanaka!! – Well Dougie was a pretty sharp dude and this is what he said to me back in 1987 – “GO BIG – GO BLOKE !!” ( meaning broke of course)
I mentioned we had a visit from our English buddy who lives in Edson AB on his big KTM – While we were chatting, he mentioned about the Austrian Motorcycle Giant, being in financial trouble, something he had seen on You Tube.
So Sunday being another “kick-back” day – I tuned into this info, which if you happen to ride a new Gasser – could make you swallow hard, because yes it looks like the brand might once again be in trouble.
There are a few other sad KTM stories of soft cams etc – and I should remind our readers that KTM did in fact file for bankruptcy many years ago, but were bailed out by the German Deutcher bank. –
However, what makes things a bit different in 2024, is the fact that money is tight World wide and Motorcycle sales are in the toilet.
The good news ( and yes I listened to Dougie Tanaka – which might be the reason we are still here) – We have sold various brands over the years, dropping some when it seemed the right time and since 1993 have sold Beta – then we picked up TRS when they came on the market in 2016.
Beta is a family owned business so doesn’t have to satisfy a large group of share holders ( as far as we know) – Also, Jordie seems to be catering to the Trials market primarily – something he knows and has seen what has happened to other Spanish factories in the past.
Obviously the first thing that gets cut when money is tight – are race teams – and the rumor now is that Repsol are pulling the pin on Honda at the end of this year. – It also makes you wonder just how wide spread the Red Bull Teams will be affected ?? – I’m sure there are a lot of nervous racers out there right now – and lets not forget quite a few top Trials riders have Red Bull contracts.
So now we have got rid of the bad news !! What is the flip side? – — ( And it’s not Electric) -It’s Trials dealers and I’m talking about only Trials dealers – they are in it for the sport, and as such keep a close watch on purse strings – in other words, they are survivors !! –
This is good news for anybody wanting to get into the “feet up” game – as your local Trials dealer will have a vast knowledge of what you should or should not be spending your hard earned cash on, and will keep inventory levels reasonable. but not over-extended.
Hello ! Is that my phone ringing???
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Answer to the last quiz – Sara Trentini – Correct and only answer by Harlow.
Quiz today – Guess who. and where??????
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In the UK – the 2024 British Championship for Trials is now done and it was a win in the top class for Harry Hemingway ( Beta) – While in Trial 2 – young Scots lad Jamie Galloway (TRS) – took the win for the 125cc class.
Here are a few pics from the event – obviously Importers Steve Saunders (TRS) and John Lampkin (Beta) are on top of the world.
Below is pic of Harry with his young brother George, who just happens to be the World 125cc Trials Champ for 2024 – what could be “BETA” – Did I happen to mention we are dealers for both those brands!!!!
Thanks to Neil Sturgeon for the pics.
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