KTM AG () is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and motorsports brand. It traces its foundation to 1934 as <u>K</u>ronreif & <u>T</u>runkenpolz <u>M</u>attighofen. Today, Bajaj Mobility AG (formerly Pierer Mobility AG) operates as the manufacturer of KTM-branded motorcycles, and KTM Fahrrad GmbH operates as the manufacturer of KTM-branded bicycles.
KTM is known for its off-road motorcycles and as a reputed MotoGP constructor.
In November 2025, it was announced that Bajaj Auto had completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in KTM for €800 million, increasing its indirect holding to approximately 75%.
History
thumb|upright|Hans Trunkenpolz and Ernst Kronreif
Early years
In 1934, Austrian engineer Johann (Hans) Trunkenpolz (1909–1962) set up a fitter's and car repair shop in Mattighofen. In 1937, he started selling DKW motorcycles, and Opel cars the following year. His shop was known as Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, but the name was unregistered. During the Second World War, his wife took care of the business which was thriving mainly on account of diesel engine repairs.
After the war, demand for repair works fell sharply and Trunkenpolz started thinking about producing his own motorcycles. The prototype of his first motorcycle, the R100, was built in 1951. The components of the motorcycle were produced in house, except for the Rotax engines which were made by Fichtel & Sachs. Serial production of the R100 started in 1953. With just 20 employees, motorcycles were built at a rate of three per day.
Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Era [1953–1991]
In 1953, businessman Ernst Kronreif became a major shareholder of the company, which was renamed and registered as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. In 1954, the R125 Tourist was introduced, followed by the Grand Tourist and the scooter Mirabell in 1955.
The company secured its first racing title in the 1954 Austrian 125cc national championship. In 1956, KTM made its appearance at the International Six Days Trials, where Egon Dornauer won a gold medal on a KTM machine.
In 1957, KTM built its first sports motorcycle, the Trophy 125cc. KTM's first moped, named Mecky, was launched in 1957, followed by Ponny I in 1960 and Ponny II in 1962 and Comet in 1963. The 1960s also saw the beginning of bicycle production in Mattighofen.
Ernst Kronreif died in 1960. Two years later in 1962, Hans Trunkenpolz also died of a heart attack. His son, Erich Trunkenpolz, took charge of the company's management.
As the company continued to expand, the workforce totaled 400 in 1971, and forty years after it was founded, KTM was offering 42 different models. Additionally, KTM was able to produce motorcycles for the racing industry and began producing motorcycles for John Penton. During the 1970s and 80s, KTM also started to develop and produce engines and radiators. Radiators sold to European car manufacturers constituted a sizable part of the company's business in the 1980s.
thumb|KTM 50 RSL (1977)
In 1978, US subsidiary KTM North America Inc. was founded in Lorain, Ohio.
In 1980, the company was renamed KTM Motor-Fahrzeugbau KG. and in 1991, management of KTM was transferred to a consortium of creditor banks.
In 1991, the company was split into four new entities: KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH (motorcycles division), KTM Fahrrad GmbH (bicycles division), KTM Kühler GmbH (radiators division) and KTM Werkzeugbau GmbH (tooling division).
Bicycles: Urcauf Family Era [1992 Onwards]
After the split, Urcauf family took over the bicycle division KTM Fahrrad GmbH in 1992.
In 1994, they started producing bikes with aluminium frames and electric bikes.
In 1996, Carol Urkauf-Chen takes over the company.
In 1998, They adopt orange colour in their logo.
In 2006 they launch bikes with full carbon frame.
In 2007, they shift to a new headquarter in Wels, Upper Austria.
In 2018 Owner Carol Urkauf-Chen moves to the supervisory board, Johanna Urkauf and Stefan Limbrunner act as managing directors.
Motorcycles: Stefan Pierer Era [1992-2025]
Austrian automotive entrepreneur Stefan Peirer took control of KTM Motorcycles in 1992 and later took over the sibling tooling division KTM Werkzeugbau. In the following years, while steadily increasing production and turnover, investing in new production and R&D facilities, introducing new models and successfully sponsoring and taking part in various sports racing events, the company underwent a series of restructurings and stakeholder changes guided by KTM's managing director Stefan Pierer.
In 1994, KTM started production of the Duke series of road motorcycles; in 1996, KTM motocross machines were first decked out in KTM's signature orange color, and 1997 saw the introduction of liquid-cooled two-cylinder Supermoto and Adventure motorcycles. In 2007, the company debuted the KTM X-Bow sports car.
In 1995, KTM acquired Swedish motorcycle maker Husaberg AB and took control of the Dutch company WP Suspension.
In 2007, Indian motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj Auto acquired a 14.5% stake in KTM; which by 2013, increased to 47.97%.
In 2010 KTM Kühler divested their automotive radiator business to Mahle GmbH and the motorcycle radiator business to WP Suspension under WP Radiator brand.
In 2013, KTM acquired the formerly Swedish motorcycle maker Husqvarna from its prior owner BMW. In 2020 GasGas became a wholly owned subsidiary of KTM.
In 2021 Bajaj Auto sold 46.5% of KTM's shares to Pierer Mobility AG in exchange for 49% shares in the latter company and thus became an indirect stakeholder in KTM.
In 2022, Pierer Mobility acquired a 25.1% stake in Italian motorcycle company MV Agusta; and increased to a majority 50.1% in 2024.
In 2023 Pierer Mobility's financial situation became increasingly unsustainable and by 2024 they had a heavy debt to pay off. In 2024 KTM went into self imposed administration. Pierer Mobility was compelled to sell their stake in MV Agusta back to the previous owners the Sardarov family.
In the early 2025 Stefan Pierer started exiting from executives roles in KTM and its affiliates, making way for new investors.
In May 2026, KTM was accused by a consortium of European media outlets, including Le Monde, El País, Der Spiegel and ORF, of providing substantial and widespread assistance in the de-limiting of its enduro motorcycles at dealerships, in order to circumvent European emissions standards.
Motorcycles: Bajaj Auto Era [2025 onwards]
In 2025, Bajaj Auto, who were until now holding 49% stake in Pierer Mobility had offerred to take full control of KTM and its sister concerns by an 800 million Euro debt package. The deal was concluded in November 2025. Pierer Mobility is due to be rennamed as Bajaj Mobility which will hold 74.94% shares in KTM; rest of which lies in public hands.
Operations
At present, KTM brand is operated by two corporate houses-
- Bajaj Auto — motorcycles & affiliated businesses
- KTM Fahrrad GmbH — bicycles & related businesses
KTM Motorcycles
KTM has facilities in Austria, India (partnership with Bajaj), and China (partnership with CFMoto) producing over 380,000 motorcycles (290,000 KTM models) in 2023. The main production site located at Mattighofen, Austria manufacturers majority of the models. In collaboration with Bajaj, the facilitiy located in Pune, India is responsible for producing smaller displacement motorcycles, including the Duke and RC series, for both the domestic and international markets. KTM and CFMOTO oversee the global production of the two LC8c models (790 Duke and 790 Adventure) in Hangzhou, China.
Furthermore, KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH and Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH operate 24 and 8 distribution subsidiaries worldwide, respectively, most of them in European and Asian countries and in the US.
Joint ventures
KTM started exporting their GS model to the US in 1968 through an American importer, John Penton under the Penton brand. This joint venture lasted until KTM established KTM America Inc. in Ohio in 1978.
In 2005, KTM-Sportmotocycle began a partnership with ATV manufacturer Polaris Industries with the goal of shared research, and more importantly shared distribution networks. This partnership was a two-year trial arrangement, at the end of which both parties had the option of merging the two companies into one. In 2006, KTM announced that the partnership with Polaris had been downgraded, and would instead only supply their 450cc and 510cc RFS engines to Polaris.
In January 2008, Bajaj announced that it would jointly develop two new 125cc and 200cc bikes for Europe and the Far East. The bikes would be badged KTM. In January 2012, Bajaj launched the Duke 200 model in India.
In November 2022 KTM acquired a 25,1 % stake in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta.
KTM Bike Industries
KTM as a brand is also used by KTM Fahrrad GmbH, which, as the exclusive licensee, manufactures bicycles and bicycle accessories. This company originated by the spin-off of KTM in 1991 and shares the same history and heritage as that of KTM Motorcycles.
Motorsports
thumb|[[Mika Kallio's 125 cc road race motorcycle]]
thumb|[[Samuli Aro's WEC E2 class bike]]
thumb|[[Tony Cairoli's 350 SX bike]]
KTM entered motorsports competing in motocross racing around 1972 after collaborations with Penton on various off-road bikes. KTM won its first motocross championship in 1974 when Gennady Moiseyev claimed the 250cc Motocross World Championship. By the end of 2016, KTM had won more than 260 world championship titles, making the company one of the most successful brands in motorsports. to 2011, KTM teams competed in the IDM, the Superbike International German Championships. There were speculations about a possible KTM foray into the superbike world championship. Due to the company's focus shifting away from the RC8 and generally superbike design, these plans are off the table for the foreseeable future.
KTM's official company/team colours are orange, black and silver. To create a strong brand identity, all competition-ready KTMs come from the factory with bright orange plastic with "KTM" emblazoned on the side of the radiator shrouds. All KTM bikes also come from the factory with a Motorex sticker on the outside of the motor. All first fills of oil come from Motorex as well. Some official KTM teams use different colors for their bikes, most noticeably in the Dakar Rally.
Products
Off-road motorcycles
KTM manufactures a wide range of off-road motorcycles. Not all of their models are available in every country. The following section lists bikes that are sold in the US.
thumb|KTM 250 SX-F
Motocross – The current Motocross line designated by SX includes 50, 65, 85, 105, 125, 150, 250 and 300 cc single-cylinder two-stroke models (the 50 SX, 65 SX and 85 SX models are kids' and youth bikes), and 250, 350 and 450 cc single-cylinder four-stroke models (SX-F). In 2005 KTM released the new 250SX-F to the general public. Since 2007, the SX-F's have been KTM's new racing motocross range. Current versions of the KTM SX-F line have a dual overhead camshaft engine dubbed the “RC4”.
Cross-Country – The current cross-country line designated by XC includes 150, 250 and 300 cc two-stroke models and 250, 350 and 450 cc four-stroke models. The two-stroke XC machines except the 150 cc model are available with either wide-ratio or close-ratio transmission (when switching gears, there is a more or less pronounced rpm change). The four-stroke models are fitted with a semi-close ratio gearbox. Most models are equipped with an electric starter.
The very lightweight XC bikes are competition bikes only; they do not meet homologation regulations.
Enduro – The street-legal EXC enduro versions of KTM's XC cross-country bikes are supplied with plusher non-linkage suspensions, a wider-ratio gear box and lights.
The current line available in the US consists of 350, 450 and 500 (actually 510 cc) four-stroke EXC models. A four-stroke 350 cc free ride model with similar characteristics, and the all-electric single-speed models Freeride E-SX, Freeride E-XC as well as their street version Freeride E-SM are available in Europe.
Street and Dual Purpose Bikes
thumb|KTM Duke 620 – KTM's first stock supermoto bike
The first KTM street bike was the 1994 Duke 620.
Standard/Naked – With the Duke and Superduke models, KTM currently offers naked bikes with 250, 390, 990 and 1390 cc displacement. The 125 (not available in the US), 250 and 390 models have a single-cylinder four-stroke LC4 motor. The 990 Duke use a new twin-parallel engine. The 1390 R Superduke model is equipped with a 75 degree V-twin four-stroke motor (LC8).
The 200, 250 and 390 Duke models are currently produced by Bajaj Auto in Pune, India. The 250 is only available in Asia, with only the Duke 390 and Duke 200 being exported to European countries and North America.
Dual Sport – KTM currently produces the 390 Enduro R and 690 Enduro R Dual sport models which are basically road bikes suitable for off-road excursions. These bikes typically have lower seat heights and more comfort features than a "street legal" off-road bike.
Adventure touring – KTM currently produces the 390 Adventure, 890 Adventure R, and 1290 Super Adventure dual-sport adventure bikes in versions with different seat height, wheels and suspensions that endow the machines with a road (S), off-road (R – for rally) or touring (T) bias. Not all versions are available on the US market.
The 1090 Adventure and 1290 Super Adventure bikes are powered by 75 degree V-twin four-stroke motors (LC8). The 790 Adventure is powered by the new LC8c parallel twin four-stroke motor. All 3 feature a slipper clutch, electronically controlled riding modes (sport, street and rain) with the 1290 and 790 featuring a TFT display and the 1090 featuring a twin (analog plus LCD) display.
Sport – KTM sport bikes currently offered in the supersport category include the RC 125 (not available in the US) and the RC 390. Both are street-legal versions of bikes that compete in street races. With the RC16, KTM has presented a 1000 cc sport bike that will race in the MotoGP class of the 2017 Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix. Whether there will be a street-legal production version of the RC16 at a later point in time is yet unclear.
In Asia, KTM also markets RC 200 and RC 250 street bikes. KTM is also planning to introduced a new 150cc bike in its RC lineup in the Asian countries. This would be the KTC RC 150, that will powered by a 149cc, single-cylinder engine and 6-speed gearbox. This will be launched at a more affordable price, so everyone can opt for it.
Sports Touring – The KTM sports tourer 1290 Superduke GT (Gran Turismo) is a version of the 1290 Superduke R naked bike that has been modified for more touring comfort with a longer and more robust frame, modified handlebar, larger fuel tank and modified 75 degree V-twin four-stroke LC8 motor. Like the 1290 Super Adventure, the 1290 Superduke GT features three electronically controlled riding modes.
Supermoto – KTM was the first manufacturer to offer a competition-ready supermoto bike to the public. However, the company stopped supermoto production in 2016 to focus on stock 690 SMC R machines. For the 2019 Model year, the 690 SMC R model was completely renewed. The bike now has the latest version of the single cylinder LC4 power unit, introduced for the MY2016 Duke. The previous supermoto models included the 625 SMC and the race version 560 SMR. The 141 kg light 690 SMC R model has a 48 kW liquid-cooled one-cylinder four-stroke motor (LC4) and a hydraulically actuated APTC slipper clutch.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|+<big>KTM Motorcycles Models List </big><br />
!Category
!Model
!Engine Type
!Engine Designation
!Status
!Picture
|-
|align=center rowspan=3|Motocross
|align=center|SX
|align=center|2-Stroke
|align=center|50cc; 65cc; 85cc; 125cc; 250cc; 300cc
|align=center|In Production
|align=center rowspan=3|150x150px <br> 450 SX-F
|-
|align=center|SX-F
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|250cc; 350cc; 450cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center|SX-E
|align=center|Electric
|align=center|1.8KW; 3.8KW; 5.0 KW
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center rowspan=1|Freeride
|align=center|E-XC
|align=center|Electric
|align=center|18KW
|align=center|In Production
|align=center|150px <br> Freeride E-XC
|-
| rowspan="4" align="center" |Enduro
|align=center|EXC
|align=center|2-Stroke
|align=center|125cc; 150cc; 250cc; 300cc
|align=center|In Production
| rowspan="4" align="center" |150px <br> 350 EXC-F
|-
| align="center" |EXC-F
| align="center" |4-Stroke
| align="center" |350cc; 450cc; 500cc
| align="center" |In Production
|-
|align=center|XC-W
|align=center|2-Stroke
|align=center|150cc; 250cc; 300cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center|XCF-W
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|450cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center rowspan=2|Cross Country
|align=center|XC
|align=center|2-Stroke
|align=center|250cc; 300cc
|align=center|In Production
|align=center rowspan=2|150px <br> 300 XC
|-
|align=center|XC-F
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|250cc; 350cc; 450cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center rowspan=1|Dual Sport
|align=center|Enduro R
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|125cc; 390cc; 690cc
|align=center|In Production
|align=center rowspan=1|150px<br> 690 Enduro R
|-
|align=center rowspan=3|Adventure
|align=center|Adventure
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|390cc, 890cc
|align=center|In Production
|align=center rowspan=3|150px <br> 390 Adventure
|-
|align=center|Super Adventure
|align=center|LC8c: 4-Stroke; 75° V-twin
|align=center|1290cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center|Rally Replica
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|450cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center rowspan=2|Sports Tourer
|align=center|Super Duke GT
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|1290cc
|align=center|In Production
| rowspan="2" align="center" |150px <br> 1290 Super Duke GT
|-
|align=center|SMT
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|890cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center rowspan=2|Supermoto
|align=center|SMR
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|450cc
|align=center|In Production
| rowspan="2" |150px <br> 450 SMR
|-
|align=center|SMC R
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|125cc; 390cc; 690cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center rowspan=3|Naked
|align=center|Duke
|align=center|LC4c: 4-Stroke; Single Cylinder <br> LC8c: 4-Stroke; Parallel Twin
|align=center|250cc; 390cc; 790cc; 990cc
|align=center|In Production
|align=center rowspan=3|150px <br> Duke 790
|-
|align=center|Super Duke
|align=center|LC8: 4-Stroke; 75° V-twin
|align=center|1390cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
|align=center|Brabus
|align=center|4-Stroke; 75° V-twin
|align=center|1400cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
| rowspan="3" align="center" |Supersport
|align=center|RC
|align=center|4-Stroke
|align=center|125cc; 390cc
|align=center|In Production
|align=center rowspan="3" align="center" |150px<br> 990 RC R
|-
|align=center|RC 8C
|align=center|4-Stroke; Parallel Twin
|align=center|890cc
|align=center|In Production
|-
| align="center" |990 RC R
| align="center" |4-stroke; Parallel Twin
| align="center" |990cc
| align="center" |In Production
|}
X-Bow
thumb|KTM X-Bow GT4
The KTM X-Bow (pronounced cross-bow) is a series of lightweight, two-seater sports cars known as the X-Bow R, the X-Bow RR, the X-Bow GT and the X-BOW GT4. The R and GT versions of the X-Bow are street-legal in Europe, North America, China and Australia. It uses an Audi engine and a carbon fibre chassis developed in cooperation with Italian racing car manufacturer Dallara, making it the world's first street-legal car with a full carbon fibre monocoque.
Discontinued
KTM retired from superbike production and competitions. While other manufacturers have decided to discontinue their two-stroke models, KTM has continued with creating and improving their two-stroke engines and has consequently taken up a very high proportion of the two-stroke bike market.
New European emission laws have increased the pressure on two-stroke bikes, as their engines are less fuel efficient and produce more pollution than four-stroke engines. However, with newer advances in technology, two-strokes have begun to burn cleaner and pass stricter environmental standards. Starting in 2017, all newly registered motorcycles must conform with the Euro 4 regulations for emissions management. In May 2017, KTM unveiled a new two-stroke engine with direct fuel injection. By pressure-injecting an electronically controlled amount of fuel into the transfer port of the cylinder, the new TPI (transfer port injection) engines will be more fuel efficient and cleaner than classic carburetor two-stroke engines, albeit more complex and expensive. By 2018, 250 and 300 EXC TPI enduro models will be powered by the new engine.
Design
Since 2016, KTM motorcycles have been designed by KISKA GmbH, a Salzburg-based design firm. KISKA also designed four versions of the X-Bow and is responsible for the overall branding for KTM and Husqvarna.
Parts and Wear
Under the Powerparts label, KTM sells tuning and styling parts for its street and off-road motorcycles and the X-Bow. The Powerwear label offers race gear and equipment, clothing, accessories and merchandise articles.
References
External links
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