KTM Motorcycles

About KTM

KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer. KTM is most commonly known for its off road motorcycles though in recent years it has expanded into street motorcycle production.

The company was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen. It started out as a metal working shop and was named Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. In 1937, it started repairing and selling DKW motorcycles, and Opel the following year.

In 1954 KTM began producing motorcycles, almost all of the components being produced in house, with the notable exception of engines, made most often by company Rotax.

In 1955, a businessman Ernst Kronreif became shareholder of the company, on acquiring a sizable portion of the company. It was then renamed Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen.

KTM's first moped, called Mecky was launched in 1957, followed by Ponny I in 1960 and Ponny II in 1962, and the decade saw the beginning of the bicycle production.

Kronreif died in 1960 and Trunkenpolz two years later, of a heart attack. Company name was changed back to Kraftrader Trunkenpolz Mattighofen with his son Erich taking managing the company. In 1978, US subsidiary KTM North America Inc. was founded in Lorain, Ohio. In 1980, it was renamed KTM Motor-Fahrzeugbau KG.

Since 1990, KTM motorcycles and automobiles (X-Bow) have been designed by KiskaDesign, a Salzburg-based design firm. It is responsible for the overall branding for KTM; including the design of the vehicles, shops, exhibits and printed material.

KTM first participated in motorsports events in 1953 in the 5th Gaisberg competition in which it won the first three places. One year later, KTM won the Austrian 125 national championship. Two years later, in 1956, KTM participated in the International Six Days race for the first time and Egon Dornauer won the gold. 1966 year marks the winning of the Austrian national championship by Manfred Klerr using the new 250cc Motorcross bike. In 1973, the Austrian team records the first World Championship points and the first Grand Prix wins.

Moto blog

2014 KTM 1190 Adventure Introduces Motorcycle Stability Control Technology

KTM unveiled the 2014 versions of the 1190 Adventure and 1190 Adventure R, along with a new rider assist system it calls Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC). Developed with anti-lock brake system manufacturer Bosch, MSC applies combined-ABS and traction control even when leaned over into a curve. Sensors gather data on various parameters including wheel speed, lean angle, pitch angle, acceleration and braking pressure.

New: MIVV exhausts for KTM Duke 125 and 200

Italian exhaust manufacturer MIVV have produced three new slip-on exhausts to fit the Duke 125 and Duke 200. They offer small power gains and save around 1.5kg off the stock exhaust. We like the Ghibli, pictured above.

Dainese Reveals D-Air Racing Thorax

Dainese has revealed a new version of its airbag protection system for racers that adds protection to a rider’s chest named the D-Air Thorax. Like the D-Air Street, the Thorax uses an airbag that inflates upon a collision to protect the collarbone and torso, but has a more ergonomic design to suit a racer’s compact riding posture. The shoulder protection has also changed from the original D-Air Racing design, covering more of the shoulders’ sides as well as the collarbone area.

Enduro Legend Juha Salminen Announces Retirement

Finnish racer Juha Salminen announced his retirement from racing at the end of the 2013 World Enduro Championship, capping off a career that included 13 world championships and a record 96 World Enduro Championship wins. Only the great Giacomo Agostini holds more individual motorcycle racing world titles than Salminen with 15. “Enduro as a sport has given me a lot, but now it is time to move on to new challenges.

2014 KTM Freeride 250R – Two-Stroke Power in a 204-Pound Package

Back in 2011, KTM introduced a new entry-level off-road model called the Freeride 350 with an astounding light claimed weight of just 218 pounds. Three years later, the Austrian has followed it up with a new 249cc two-stroke version claiming an even lighter 204 pounds. The new Freeride 250R becomes the third member of KTM’s Freeride family alongside the 350 and the electric Freeride E.

KTM Reports Q2 2013 Sales Results

KTM reported sales of 52,054 motorcycles over the first six months of 2013, a 26.3% increase from the 41,202 motorcycles sold in the same period of 2012. Streetbike sales were particularly strong, with KTM selling 27,752 motorcycles, a 28.4% improvement form 21,610 motorcycles. KTM credits the increase to strong sales for the 125 Duke and 200 Duke produced with Indian partner Bajaj which accounted for 3,392 motorcycles.

Bodachs on bikes

With the Gaelic for ‘old man’ being Bodach it was only right we call our annual has been Scottish Racers run out 'Bodachs on Bikes'.  The gang now includes names from the past like Morrison, MacPherson, Simpson and Duffus with a Robert Burns and Big Gordo thrown in for good measure. Island hopping was on the agenda this time round, so for £60 we acquired a Caledonian Macbrayne Hopscotch ticket allowing us three ferry crossings between the mainland, Skye and Lewis.  Having heard lots of good stuff about the new KTM 1190 Adventure I thought this could be the perfect bike for the journey so managed to book Loughborough’s Redline KTM’s demo out for a week.  My first stint was an uneventful 400 miles north but with an average of 250 miles range per tank and 80s club classics on the i pod it felt like I was there in no time.  I also kept myself amused scrolling through the easy to navigate countless combinations of engine performance, traction/anti wheelie and suspension settings clearly displayed on the dash.  There seems to be a setting for everyone; luggage or no luggage, big guy or small guy, brave or scared ( no rider aids or full rider aids).  After assembling in the holiday town of Helensburgh on day two, we rode up around the coast on the A82, A85 and A828 to Ballachulish.  A quick puddle jump across Loch Linnhe then saw us heading round the A861 to Strontian before going north to Mallaig.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days A Rousing Success

AMA members and motorcyclists from across the country celebrated the people, machines and sport of motorcycling at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, featuring the riders and champions of Husqvarna, over the July 19-21 weekend. The annual gathering of tens of thousands of motorcycling enthusiasts participated in vintage racing, took in numerous bike shows, met their motorcycling heroes, purchased vintage parts and motorcycles in the massive swap meet, spent time with old friends, and met new ones, all at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The AMA and the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, extend their appreciation to AMA members, racers, enthusiasts, collectors, restorers, fans, clubs, companies and others who supported the three-day celebration of motorcycling’s history and heroes.

See and Hear the KTM 1290 Super Duke R Prototype at Goodwood Festival of Speed – Video

Last weekend, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R prototype made its public debut in action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Those of us who couldn’t make it over to England missed on out seeing and hearing the prototype in action along with other historic and exotic motorcycles and cars at the Goodwood House’s Hill Climb circuit. Well worry not, as KTM recorded the 1290 Super Duke R in action, with former MotoGP racer Jeremy McWilliams taking “the Beast” out for five laps.

The Power Of Sound Video Reveals Why Two Strokes Are Revered

Pre-mix. Reed valves. Expansion chambers.