Sharp design to elevate brand.
Introducing the KTM Freeride-E: an electric offroad bike freshly developed for 2025. With its futuristic design and fiery orange bodywork, it stands proudly in the space between leisure and performance.
Powering product decisions with on-point industry insights.
KTM | Strategic Product Management | Tools & Processes
Why brand? Well, in today’s fast-paced world, innovations get copied fast. But one aspect always stands the test of time: a powerful brand. Tech can be replicated – a brand’s essence cannot. Case in point: the KTM DUKEs. These rebellious naked bikes have ruled the streets since 1993, thriving on their aggressive, untamed character. What keeps DUKEs raw after three decades isn’t luck—it’s strategic product vision, carefully safeguarded by Strategic Product Management.
From motorcycles to riding gear, user insights fuel every type of product development. Explore the award-winning KTM TERRA ADVENTURE JACKET here.
The first stage of most projects, including new members of the DUKE family, is the ‘idea & validation stage’. As we scout market opportunities, an idea sparks. Armed with powerful data – sourced from trend monitoring, segment reviews, marketing analyses, influencer / customer feedback, and our own field research – we identify the significant opportunities from the fleeting ones, predicting future requirements.
“Brands value a dedicated team which studies the market deeply and anticipates the future. Our insights power strategic business decisions – and highlight previously unseen opportunities”
– Karen Rodriguez | Senior Strategic Analyst.
Distilling business opportunities from the market relies on a strong understanding of the status-quo. From our first-hand knowledge and solid backbone of monitoring tools, we’re able to put the facts on the table. An Idea Card is created, outlining a clear picture of the business opportunity for stakeholders. And once their approval is secured, we’re all-in. Full gas.
From there, we dig deep. Comprehensive research ensures we create robust corridors for product, design, and technology development – always with the big-picture business targets in mind. We validate our assumptions in the field, gathering insights country by country.
“You can’t just jump into creating a new product, even if it makes sense from a brand point-of-view. You also need market potential to make that product a success”
– Matthew West | Lead Product Strategy Consultant.
Our secret weapon? Our team. We’re all riders, each specialising in different segments, from track to offroad to commuting. We crosscheck our thinking with real-world testing in emerging markets, rider rallies, dealer events, and expos. Benchmarking is hands-on. Helmets on, throttles open.
From our research, we develop a 360° view of the entire idea, from product positioning to feasibility to business case. It turns the ‘vision’ into realistic, client-specific product recommendations and becomes the ‘North Star’ for the KISKA and client teams.
This research powers our communication team too! Check out our KTM projects here.
“We’re always in exploration mode. Our experience and awareness gives us a real picture of what the future might look like, country by country, year on year”
– Fausto Ruggeri | Product Strategy Consultant.
Collaboration with designers and clay modellers is very close. As the KTM product guardians, we ensure the DUKEs look great while staying true to their bold archetype. Nothing is done for pure aesthetics; everything has a function. We’re heavily involved in the ergonomics package, crafting the right rider / bike interaction. Once the boundaries are clear, the designers are free to do what they do best. Design!
Our guidance ensures that everyone, from designer to test rider to prototypers, shares the same vision. There are generations of DUKEs – but only one united DNA.
We reintroduced the 990cc capacity back into the DUKE family. Check it out here.
“Brands can rely on us, whether they’ve reached a sales ceiling or are stuck in a rut. An outsider’s view can provide an unseen fresh perspective”
– Christoph Pranger | Team Lead Strategic Product Management
But we’re not just about creating breakthrough products, SPM is deeply involved in lifecycle management too. By continually updating and refining products to meet changing market demands, we ensure product portfolios remain relevant and high performing.
From five to ten years ahead, the biggest advantage SPM can provide to clients is clarity. For KTM and other clients, we use this knowledge to create unique ‘bike recipes’ and entire portfolios developed from real rider insights, market research, and future awareness. What’s next for DUKE? You’ll just have to wait and see…
Check out more of our work.
Sharp thinking. Bold execution. KISKA generates brand experiences with business value. From strategic consulting to hands-on execution of your vision. See the results for yourself.
