Rumormill: Volkswagen partnering with KTM on motorcycle?
Shortly after the revelation that Volkswagen wished it hadn't passed up on the opportunity to purchase famed Italian bike maker Ducati, comes a word that the German automaker has plans for its own line of motorcycles. What we can say for sure is that the rumored bike isn't likely to look anything like the picture above, which nonetheless is an interesting mash-up of an Aprilia trellis frame along with bodywork from MV Agusta. At least the artist chose good stock from which to pilfer. KTM, more and more a serious manufacturer itself, is the likely source of bike-specific components and is rumored to be providing technical know-how to VW as a sort-of repayment for the help it received in designing the awesome X-Bow, which uses an Audi engine. KTM is known in the bike realm for producing excellent engines, so basing a possible VeeDub VeeTwin on existing Katoom architecture strikes us as a good idea. What also strikes us as a good idea is the reconsideration of the ill-fated GX3 three-wheeler, which was axed over fears of possible litigation. If VW were to sponsor a range of two-wheelers already, though, the GX3 would be a much safer bet for future production. Let us cross our collective fingers on this one.
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
imoore 7:42PM (5/14/2008)
Auto Express strikes again. These guys don't give up, do they?
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Yago Bal 7:49PM (5/14/2008)
I still want the GX3 so much :p
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Cheese302 8:20PM (5/14/2008)
PLEASE!!!!!!! i am such a huge VW nut, and love riding lets do this
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Big Jim Slade 8:37PM (5/14/2008)
At least when it breaks down you can push it along with your feet.
Why didn't VW think of this year ago???
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Gabriel 8:49PM (5/14/2008)
Please, please, please make the GX3!!! I'll buy two! I'm not sure why, but if it will help get it into production...
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D. 10:26PM (5/14/2008)
This looks like a not very original mix of:
- mv agusta brutale for the front;
- pick a BMW motorcycle (like R1200R) for the seat and the back and
- a Yamaha YZF for the middle (the tank).
I don't like what they did (try to do)
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john riley 5:26AM (5/15/2008)
If they did a GX3, maybe they could do a performance version, and an economy version.
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Jesse Thoresen 2:25PM (5/20/2008)
TDI motorcycle anyone?
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