KTM

KTM was founded in 1934 near Salzburg by Hans Trunkenpolz. In the beginning it was a locksmith shop. Hans repairs cars, trucks and motorcycles. He manages the distribution of DKW motorcycles, Opel cars and manufactures spare parts.

In 1950, he became one of the most repairing cars and motorcycles in Upper Austria.

It was not until 1951 that KTM developed the production of a motorcycle. Three prototypes were presented at the Spring Motor Show in Vienna in 1953. It's going to be the R 100. Immediately, the mass production of the model is launched at the rate of 3 motorcycles per day. The R 100 will not be successful, but Haans will decide to introduce other models.

Wanting to develop his image, Hans decided to start competing cross and set up his stable. The first KTM cross-country bikes were born in 1967. It was a real success as, 7 years later, KTM won the world championship of the discipline in its category and repeated the feat in 1978, 1980, 1984 and 1985.

In 1954, Ernst Kronreif joined the company. The name KTM is adopted meaning "Kronreif und Trunkenpolz Mattighoffen". Following his arrival KTM experienced increasing production and won for the very first time the Austrian Speed Championship 125.

But it's not going to last. During the 1960s, the global economic crisis ruined the motorcycle industry and KTM was forced to temporarily stop producing motorcycles. He then orients his production on scooters and mopeds.

1960 also the year of Ernst Kronreif's death. Engineer Zizala takes over and brings several innovations to KTM projects.

Two years later it will be Hans Trunkenpolz who will die in turn. Hans's son Erich will take over from his father at KTM and decide to resume production of off-road motorcycles.

It will then be the golden age of KTM that decides to resume the competition and open a stable once again. The manufacturer will have seen right because it will give him the medals of gold as at the internationals of Germany and Sweden as well as at the European championships.

In 1970, KTM developed its first engine in its workshops and Manfred Klerr became Austrian champion in cross-country competition.

In 1980, the firm's name changed to "KTM Motor-Fahrzeugbau KG". The company returned to the Trunkenpolz after the sale of the shares of the sponsors KTM and the company ZKW to the family of the founder.

In 1991, KTM frowned the failite but won again in 1994 with its first series of Duke.

In 2018? KTM announces the commercialization of an average cylinder twin-cylinder on the 790 Duke, which it will adapt into a trail.

Bike KTM model(s)