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KTM to halt distribution of CFMoto
CFMoto seeks new importer after KTM closes its European distribution company for its Chinese partner
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 22 April 2025 | 0 min read
The fall-out from the long-running financial sagas afflicting Austrian manufacturer KTM and the wider group of brands like Husqvarna and Gas Gas it also owns has taken another twist with news that it will no longer act as a European distributor for Chinese brand CFMoto.
This apparent ‘divorce’ is an interesting move, given CFMoto is a technical partner and engine builder for KTM and its related brands, as well as making bikes for them in its Chinese factories. This relationship will, apparently, continue but CFMoto will need to appoint new importers and distributors for the European markets in which it operates by the end of the month, with the closure of the European-based and KTM-run distribution company currently bringing the bikes in. How that will affect dealers and existing customers remains to be seen.
This apparent ‘divorce’ is an interesting move, given CFMoto is a technical partner and engine builder for KTM and its related brands, as well as making bikes for them in its Chinese factories. This relationship will, apparently, continue but CFMoto will need to appoint new importers and distributors for the European markets in which it operates by the end of the month, with the closure of the European-based and KTM-run distribution company currently bringing the bikes in. How that will affect dealers and existing customers remains to be seen.
As one of a growing number of Chinese brands entering the market CFMoto’s links with KTM have been a great help, its mid-sized 800MT adventure bike impressing us when compared with the (also Chinese built) Voge DS900X and sharing its engine with various KTM and Husqvarna equivalents. Affordable, versatile, well-equipped and good to ride, the MT family sits at the heart of the popular adventure and touring market but the brand has been showing its ambitions to go beyond that with new products like the critically acclaimed and track focused 675SR-R supersports triple.
Off the back of that speculation will no doubt build that KTM was watching CFMoto evolve from ally to threat, not least with its ability to price its products competitively while enjoying the reputational benefits of shared engines and tech. There is also, of course, the wider issue of global trade tariffs adding further complications for businesses with technical or production partnerships with Chinese-based brands. Boardroom politics and global trade calculations are only part of the story, of course, and customers already enjoying CFMoto bikes or considering one as their next purchase will face a period of uncertainty until the new distributor has been confirmed. More when we have it.
Off the back of that speculation will no doubt build that KTM was watching CFMoto evolve from ally to threat, not least with its ability to price its products competitively while enjoying the reputational benefits of shared engines and tech. There is also, of course, the wider issue of global trade tariffs adding further complications for businesses with technical or production partnerships with Chinese-based brands. Boardroom politics and global trade calculations are only part of the story, of course, and customers already enjoying CFMoto bikes or considering one as their next purchase will face a period of uncertainty until the new distributor has been confirmed. More when we have it.
