For this week’s episode of the SML Show, host Donn Maeda sits down with RedBull KTM’s Ian Harrison, again, to reflect on leaving Suzuki for KTM with Roger De Coster, Ryan Dungey’s transition, and plenty more. Plugin those headphones and hear part two with Ian on the Swapmoto Live Show!
@Carolina Hurricanes
10 Comments
No more rj ?
Had Suzuki not been run by bone heads, can you imagine the titles Ryan Dungey/DeCoster/Harrison could have racked up? That Dungey could survive 2011 on that Suzuki after losing his team, all the bike failures etc., then move to KTM to help build a brand new bike and three years later win 3 straight SX championships is incredible. The guy doesn't get the accolades he deserves for that. I mean, he was competing with all time great, Villopoto, and Kawi was doing everything possible for him-including building a new bike mid season 2011 as Dungey was beating him outdoors. He also was competing with James Stewart, Eli Tomac, Chad Reed, Roczen, Trey Canard etc. Also, that 2012 KTM was a good bike but Dungey NEVER looked like the same rider again until 2015. THAT bike was great. I wish we could have seen Dunge and RV race in 2015 when they both would have been their best.
Can Ian discuss KTM’s current troubles? The cams in their twin cylinder adventure bikes are collapsing and it seems that KTM is not resolving the issue. And, in their two strokes, some 300 pistons hit the crank at high RPM and detonate the engine, plastic fuel pump in-tank filters are cracking, bikes are fouling plugs, some come with piston seize marks, starter bendix’s are failing, start switches are failing, some steering head bearings have metal shavings jamming them, etc. And, the dealers generally are not warranting the problems.
KTM built a great reputation for cutting-edge performance, build quality, and value. But now, people are afraid to buy.
It seems that some or all of production is moving to China, scaring buyers further.
There is a large overstock in dealers around the US, with most models selling for $2,000 off list price. And, it has been reported that they laid off 200 employees.
What is the truth? To avoid collapse, KTM must resolve any quality issues.
People will pay a premium price for a premium bike if they have no reliability issues.
Ian's comment about stepping off a (sinking) submarine onto a rocket really underscores how valuable He and De Coster were to Suzuki's success. Things fell apart in the Suzuki pits the following year. Dungey lost the 2011 MX title to DNF'S and stupid mistakes that I believe would not have occurred with De Coster at the helm and Ian riding herd with whip in hand. It is no coincidence KTM took off when they came aboard.
Really enjoyed this show
YES! RC4's career was insane! Cool guest, thanks for the video.
How’s KTM doing today? EU bailout
The memories he must have gotta be FREAKIN Amazing 👊 Great career Ian 🔥🤟
Well now I know why KTM has such a hard time with wins…when you said you have a hard time trusting the rider you just told on yourself and how the whole company operates. You have to without a doubt believe in your rider and listen to him as he is the one married to the machine out on the track and knows every inch and how it reacts…DeCoster would know this!
Can you guys please stop smacking your lips, its disgusting