Chinese motorcycle maker CFMoto has bought a 51 percent stake in German Moto2 chassis manufacturer Kalex, positioning itself as an official entrant in the Moto2 World Championship. Kalex founders retain 49 percent and management roles. The deal follows CFMoto's failed bid for KTM's MotoGP assets.
CFMoto, a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer, announced the purchase of a 51 percent interest in Kalex, the German company that has dominated Moto2 chassis production. This acquisition establishes CFMoto as an official manufacturer in the Moto2 World Championship, with ambitions hinted at for higher tiers of road racing. Kalex has supplied chassis in Moto2 since 2010, securing 13 of 16 riders’ championships and the manufacturers’ title annually from 2013 through 2025. Kalex founders Alex Baumgärtel and Klaus Hirsekorn hold onto the remaining 49 percent and will stay in management. From CFMoto, vice president Zhiyong Chen and Sebastian Sekira—who previously headed engine development at KTM—will assume executive positions at Kalex. The move comes after CFMoto's unsuccessful negotiations to acquire KTM's MotoGP Factory Racing assets. CFMoto, already victorious in Moto3 and Moto2 categories, aimed to enter MotoGP, but Indian firm Bajaj purchased the KTM brand instead. Bajaj managing director Rajiv Bajaj has stated plans to cut KTM costs by 50 percent, potentially including a sale of the KTM Factory Racing Division, which could reopen opportunities for CFMoto in MotoGP.