Photo: KTM
We might as well wave KTM and Husqvarna 2-stroke 125cc enduro machines goodbye, at least for 2017. Whether the two brands will consider making investments in engineering such motorcycles that are less polluting remains to be seen.
The fact that the stricter emission regulations will affect the motorcycle industry at least in Europe is not a secret, and it doesn't take a marketing specialist to understand that the Euro 4 standards will introduce significant changes in the business.
However, the effects of the Euro 4 start to become observable, as KTM and Husqvarna will reportedly not be offering 125cc 2-stroke enduro motorcycles as 2017 model years. The current models are not Euro 4-compliant, and apparently, "adapting" it and making them legal is not the easiest of tasks.
The small-displacement machines represent a strong segment in Europe, most likely because of the stricter licensing procedures. At the same time, these machines are a great starting point for riders who are new to the off-road sports and want to hone their skills first on less savage motorcycles.
Still, Europe is not exactly THE driving force of the segment in the big picture, and even though small-displacement bikes are sold in much greater numbers in emerging markets around the world, they are not required to meet such strict regulations.
Putting things in fewer words, KTM and Husqvarna might not see investing in Euro 4-compliant 125cc 2-stroke engines strictly for European markets as the most profitable move.
The only hope is that the math looks good enough to convince KTM to spend big bucks and come up with new 2-stroke engines that are both Euro 4 compliant and, why not, easy to upgrade to higher emission standards in the future.
However, the effects of the Euro 4 start to become observable, as KTM and Husqvarna will reportedly not be offering 125cc 2-stroke enduro motorcycles as 2017 model years. The current models are not Euro 4-compliant, and apparently, "adapting" it and making them legal is not the easiest of tasks.
Worldwide sales will dictate the future of the 2-stroke 125cc segment
It's hard to guess what the future will bring for these motorcycles, because the direction to be followed will be dictated by how strong the segment performs in the overall sales.The small-displacement machines represent a strong segment in Europe, most likely because of the stricter licensing procedures. At the same time, these machines are a great starting point for riders who are new to the off-road sports and want to hone their skills first on less savage motorcycles.
Still, Europe is not exactly THE driving force of the segment in the big picture, and even though small-displacement bikes are sold in much greater numbers in emerging markets around the world, they are not required to meet such strict regulations.
Putting things in fewer words, KTM and Husqvarna might not see investing in Euro 4-compliant 125cc 2-stroke engines strictly for European markets as the most profitable move.
The only hope is that the math looks good enough to convince KTM to spend big bucks and come up with new 2-stroke engines that are both Euro 4 compliant and, why not, easy to upgrade to higher emission standards in the future.
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