KTM's Win at Dakar Is Proof It Needs to Focus More on Dirt

Provided it makes it out the other side of its insolvency mess.

Photo by: KTM

By: Enrico Punsalang

Jan 23, at 9:03am ET

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Ah, KTM.

The Austrian powerhouse that gave us some of the most badass MX and enduro bikes in history… and then decided to chase every shiny object in the motorcycling universe. This is a brand that went from dominating the dirt to suddenly rolling out high-tech adventure tourers with price tags that could fund a small city.

Right in the heat of its insolvency drama, KTM’s future is nothing short of murky. Yet somehow, Team Orange is still pumping out new models as if the company itself is unaware of its dire situation. So, what’s going on here? Are we witnessing a masterclass in the art of not giving a fuck? A company that’s completely lost the plot? Or maybe both?

But let’s rewind a bit. What has KTM always been known for? Dirt. Dusty, loud, unforgiving dirt.

Supercross, enduro, rally raids, you name it, KTM has dominated it. The company's off-road pedigree is unmatched by any other manufacturer out there, and this year’s Dakar Rally was a reminder of that fact as Daniel Sanders absolutely crushed it on his factory KTM, claiming his maiden Dakar win in Saudi Arabia. The Aussie wasn’t just good, he was a force to be reckoned with, leading the bikes category from start to finish in what turned out to be one of the most one-sided contests in recent memory.

So why isn't KTM focusing on its freakin' strengths?

Photo by: KTM

Let’s talk numbers for a bit: Sanders beat Honda’s Tosha Schareina with a near-nine-minute lead, finishing a whole eight minutes and 50 seconds ahead. In a rally where a single mistake can cost you hours, or sometimes even the entire race, Sander’s feat almost feels like lapping your competition on a MotoGP track.

This win marked KTM’s 20th Dakar victory and the 21st for the Pierer Mobility Group when you factor in GasGas’ 2022 win with Sam Sunderland. That’s dominance. And it’s exactly the kind of thing that reminds us KTM belongs in the dirt, not in a lab trying to perfect radar-guided cruise control, or cutting-edge motorcycle displays that can play music and talk to you, and for 180-horsepower adventure bikes at that.

KTM wasn’t just a one-man show, either. Luciano Benavides pulled off back-to-back wins in Stages 8 and 9, finishing a respectable fourth overall. Even their customer bikes made it into the top 10. It’s clear: when it comes to rally racing, KTM is at home in the dirt—and unbeatable, too.

So, here’s the question: why isn’t KTM doubling down on its off-road dominance? Sure, ADVs, superbikes, and hypernakeds are cool. They look great on Instagram and help sell merchandise. But KTM’s true legacy isn’t in breakneck top speeds or endless tech features, it’s in its ability to conquer the unforgiving wilderness, one sandy dune at a time.

Quite frankly, I wouldn’t mind seeing KTM say goodbye to its MotoGP initiatives altogether, so long as it keeps it together enough to stay alive and well in the dirt. But even that’s looking like a longshot given the current situation. But hey, it’s never over until the fat lady sings, right? And it seems that Team Orange is surely not going down without a fight.

Here’s hoping that KTM survives its current financial woes. And when it does, maybe it’ll take a long, hard look in the mirror and remember what made it great. Stick to what you’re good at, KTM. The dirt loves you, we love you for it, and let’s be honest, you’re not half as cool without it.