2010 KTM RC8 R: MD First Ride

[Cider]

I don't think it was some ethical issue, but KTM just didn't want to sponsor them.. The way I read it was that KTM thought they had 0 experience in this type of riding and were not good riders in general. That was 100% true.. I think they didn't want the bad press when Charlie and Ewan failed.. Bad call on their part. BMW got great press for LWR even though they cracked frames and broke tons of crap.

KTM seems to be a little cagey about their product exposure.. Must be an Austrian thing..

I read the book a couple years ago, so I don't remember the details.  In the show at least, they gave the impression that KTM was going to be a sponsor, then they changed their minds.  Sound anything like Kenny Roberts GP team, WSBK, and Red Bull Rookies Cup?

[Wonked]

I loved the show and ended up liking the two guys enough, but I thought they were kinda being pricks about the sponsor stuff. I mean, quit whining about KTM not giving you free bikes and go out and buy a couple. Frikkin' Hollywood culture.

[Cider]

Yeah, Ewan even admitted to the camera that they didn't deserve free bikes, and that it was a lot to ask for.  Still, if somebody says they are going to sponsor you, and you makes plans based on that, it would be nice if they follow through.

[derby]

I remember that part.  Charlie really wanted to ride KTM's (I think because they were lighter and were impressive in Paris-to-Dakar racing), but BMW stepped up and offered a lot more while KTM wasn't offering anything.  When I read that part I just thought KTM was a smaller company and didn't have the resources of BMW or maybe BMW just saw the potential for good publicity and KTM didn't.  I definitely didn't think KTM did anything wrong in not supplying bikes.

it's was about one offering a lot more than the other, it was about one offering something and the other not offering anything at all (even the bikes).