The real history of KTM bike

KTM AG is also the maker of the X-Bow hypercar, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008 and is still currently in production today. There are three major motorcycle manufacturing epicenter s in the world. In Europe, Austria’s KTM AG reigns supreme as Europe’s #1 largest motorcycle brand. In 2016, KTM AG had sold more motorcycles than even such marques as BMW, Aprilia, and Ducati. In America, Wisconsin’s Harley-Davidson is the top producer. In Asia, it’s India’s Hero MotoCorp, which also happens to be the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

1934

Hans Trunkenpolz opens a repair workshop in Mattighofen [Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen].

KTM founder Hans Trunkenpolz, circa 1937.

Austrian engineer Hans Trunkenpolz opened a car repair shop in Mattighofen. The story of KTM begins in 1934, long before the idea of high-performance racing bikes and supercars were even conceptualized. This was the beginning of the KTM brand name. Three years later, Trunkenpolz’s shop was selling DKW motorcycles and the following year, had added Opel automobiles to his company’s offerings. The shop came to be known as Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen: Kraftfahrzeug, the German word for motor vehicle, Trunkenpolz, named after its founder Hans Trunkenpolz; and Mattighofen, the location of the shop.

Like in the early years, the Trunkenpolz’ company focused on vehicle repairs again. On the other hand there was a lack of roadworthy trucks, since they had been damaged during military intervention. It is hardly surprising that Trunkenpolz had to search for new options after the loss of revenues from the repair workshop. By then, Hans Trunkenpolz employed 35 people and the company rapidly evolved into one of the biggest repair workshops in Upper Austria. 1937

The Trunkenpolz company appears as an official supplier of motorcycles for the first time (sale of DKW motorcycles).

1938
The Trunkenpolz company expands continuously, becoming one of the biggest motorcycle and car repair workshops in Upper Austria.

In the meantime, the company had expanded further and Hans Trunkenpolz employed five workers. Meanwhile, Hans Trunkenpolz was released from military service with the official order to repair trucks and engines for the military.

1945 -1948
In the hardship of the post-war years, there was a huge demand for trucks to provide the population with basic needs. Just before the outbreak of the World War Two, the company moved into a new building at Mühlweg 2 in Mattighofen. As a DKW dealer he gained wide experience in the motorcycle business in the pre-war period. His wife Elisabeth unavoidably had to manage the business by the end of 1943. The population´s wish for motorized transport came at a proper time.

At that time, only a few people could afford a car. The Trunkenpolz family did not immediately benefit from these developments: repair orders for trucks dropped remarkably and only the manufacturing of spare parts generated some revenue. Trunkenpolz made a virtue out of necessity and manufactured the most urgently needed spare parts in his own company.
In 1948 the company was expanded with an added drop forge and a foundry. Due to the war damage at the vehicle manufacturers the supply of spare parts had still not gained momentum. Shortly afterwards, the company founder was called up for military service. These actions created new jobs and at the end of the war, the workforce doubled to 70 people.

The economic miracle loomed in Austria and, not at least due to the Marshall Plan, the industry rapidly bounced back. At the same time Trunkenpolz specialized in the series production of crankshaft bearings. Therefore Trunkenpolz decided to develop a lightweight motorcycle. The terms were set quickly – it should be a “real motorcycle” with footpegs, without the pedal-drive known from the motor-driven bicycles.

1951
First major development commences: A light-weight motorcycle – the R100 – fitted with a 98cc Rotax engine with pull starter goes into production in the little town Gunskirchen.

KTM R 100

1953

Introduction of the first production series of KTM motorcycles (a team of 20 completes 3 motorcycles per day). KTM wins the Austrian 125 category national championships for the first time.

1955

Development of the KTM Tourist model (125 cc); first road races. First racing activities (5th Gaisberg competition: KTM comes first, second and third).

[Businessman and racing enthusiast Ernst Kronreif buys into KTM.] The company is now officially known as “Kronreif, Trunkenpolz, Mattighofen”.

1954

Delivery of the 1000th KTM motorcycle.

Baederpreiss Race – 1955

1956

First participation in the International Six Days; Egon Dornauer wins gold.

125cc DOHC Apfelbeck

1957

Range extended to include a sports motorcycle (Trophy 125 cc) and its first scooter (Mirabell).

Erwin Lechner – 1957

1958

However, the first “Ponny” scooter and KTM moped are introduced. 

Erwin Lechner keeps on winning off-road with KTM’s new racing motorcycle, constructed by engineer Ludwig Apfelbeck.

1959

Motorcycle production ceases as the result of the crisis in the two-wheeler industry.

KTM 125 RS – 1959

1963

Range increased to include the Comet.

1964

Bicycle production commences. KTM wins three gold medals at the international Six Days in Sweden.

1966

Production of the 10,000th Comet moped. 

1968
Production of the cross-country Penton Six Days for export to the USA. 

1970
Production of the first KTM engines commences. Manfred Klerr wins the Austrian national championships on the newly developed 250 cc Motocross bike. Cross-country racing resumed; birth of the first KTM works team participation in the Six Days.

1971
KTM’s workforce reaches 400.

1973
Serial production of the 250 (Cross & Endure) commences. First WC points and Grand Prix wins for KTM (P. Gennadij Moissev wins his second 250 cc Motocross World Championship on KTM. Moissev).

1974
KTM’s product range consists of 42 different models. KTM works rider Sigi Lerner becomes Austrian Motocross road champion. Russian Gennadij Moissev wins the first 250 cc Motocross World Championship title for KTM

1975
Introduction of the road model Comet Grand Prix 125 RS. Roulev & G. Alessandro Gritti becomes European Enduro Champion. Series production of KTM Hobby III commences.

1976

Construction of our own 125 cc engine. 50 cc product range extended. Intensive further development of the sports models (weight reduction, membrane steering). International success for the Italian Farioli racing team (two European Championships).

1978

“KTM America Inc.” established in Lorain, Ohio; the company’s first US subsidiary. Third 250 cc Motocross World Championship title for KTM and Moissev.

1980

Company name changed to “KTM Motor-Fahrzeugbau KTM”.

1981

Production of the first water-cooled 125 cc Motocross bike. 700 employees achieve an annual turnover of ATS 750 million, 76% of the production is exported to 13 countries.

1982

Motocross models fitted with the new “Pro Lever” back wheels suspension. Development of a KTM 4-stroke engine with water-cooling commences (first supplier on the market).

1984

Manufacture of KTM radiators commences. First order for the Austrian Army. Heinz Kinigadner becomes 250cc Motocross World Champion on KTM.

1985

Production of the 100,000th KTM engine (500cc, liquid cooled, over 50 bpm). Heinz Kinigadner wins the 250cc Motocross World Championship for the second time.

KTM 250 MX

1986

KTM becomes the first manufacturer to offer disc brakes front and rear. Company commences production of the road model of the Duke series. 

1987

Series production commences of the KTM 4-stroke engine (1 cylinder, 560ccm, overhead camshaft). Production of 98,000 radiators, 93,700 bicycles, 12,600 mopeds and 10,600 motorcycles.

1988

Scooter manufacture ceases.

1989

KTM and Trampas Parker (USA) become 125cc Motocross World Champion, and Motocross World Champions in the sidecar category with the Huesser twins (CH). Majority shares sold by KTM to GIT Trust Holding. Company manager Erich Trunkenpolz dies.

1991

KTM Motorfahrzeugbau AG files for bankruptcy; divided into independent successors for radiators, motorcycles, bicycles and tooling manufacture.

1992

The newly formed motorcycle division – KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH – opens up under new management, new Hard Enduro concept and a new motorcycle design. KTM Enduro World Championship title 1990 goes to Paul Edmondson (125), Peter Hansson (500), 1991 and 1992 to Jeff Nilsson (125), 1992 to Mario Rinaldi (350).

1993

KTM Rally commitment begins (win at the Atlas Rally in 5 categories).

1994

KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH renamed KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG. Workforce 212. Company commences production of the road model of the Duke series.

Duke

1995
Production of 12,000 motorcycles, turnover ATS 1.1 billion. Acquisition of Swedish Husaberg AB and takeover of White Power Suspension (NL). 2 Enduro World Championship titles, wins at the Master Rally and the Tunisia Rally.

1996

Other subsidiaries set up (Germany and Switzerland). 500cc Motocross World Championship title with Shayne King, countless wins in Enduro and Rally competitions.

First series production of KTM LC4 engine with e-starter. KTM-Motorradholding AG listed on the Vienna stock exchange. 

1997

3 Enduro World Championship titles: Shane Watts (125), Mario Rinaldi (400) and Kari Tiainen (500). Market introduction of the LC4 Supermoto for the road, and LC4 Adventure, KTM’s first cruising bike.

1998

Marketing subsidiary KTM UK opens. Construction of a new assembly plant with a new R&D centre. PDS (Linkless Suspension System) on the 2-stroke models, new engine generation 125/200cc, new Z design. KTM wins 2nd to 12th position at the 20th Paris-Dakar Rally.

1999

Enduro World Champion Juha Salminen (125), overall winner of the Enduro World Championship (Giovanni Sala). Withdrawal from the stock exchange. Production commences at KTM’s new manufacturing facility. Thierry Magnaldi wins the new Rally World Cup.

[Alfie Cox claims 3rd place (2nd KTM rider) in the Dakar with two stage wins.]. Production of KTM’s new 4-stroke engine with separate lubrication 125/200cc.

Marketing subsidiary KTM Spain opens.

2000

Extremely good year for competitions: KTM wins 6 World Championships! 125cc Motocross World Champion (Grant Langston), 500cc Motocross World Champion (Joel Smets), 125cc Enduro World Champion (Juha Salminen), 250 4T Enduro World Champion (Matteo Rubin), 400cc Enduro World Champion (Mario Rinaldi), 500cc Enduro World Champion (Kari Tiainen).

[Alfie Cox wins stage 8 of the Dakar but ends up in 45th place overall after an engine failure. Marketing subsidiary KTM France opens. KTM riders win 10 of the 13 stages.]. Introduction of KTM’s 2-cylinder project at the Intermot Munich.

2001

KTM riders fill the first 5 places. Juha Salminen takes World Enduro Championship title and James Dobb wins 125cc Motocross Championship.

[Fabrizio Meoni take the first of KTM’s wins on the Dakar. Alfie Cox takes two stage wins and fifth place overall.}. Move to the new spare parts warehouse in Mattighofen.

2002

Therry van den Bosch becomes World Supermoto Champion. Fabrizio Meoni wins the Dakar Rally riding the new 950 Rally twin. Juha Salminen wins the World Enduro Championship again. Move to the new engine assembly plant in Munder Fing.

Fabrizio Meoni’s Dakar winning LC8 950 – Ciao Fabrizio, sempre con noi.

2003

National US Champions 2003: Grant Langston (125 Supercross), Mike Lafferty (Enduro).

[KTM riders again win every stage of the Dakar. Entrainment in the new development centre in Mattighofen. Launch of the 950 Adventure. Alfie Cox wins stage 7, but is then forced to retire after a crash on stage 8.]. Presentation of the 990 Duke. 70,514 motorcycles sold worldwide with a total revenue of 376 million Euros.

KTM enters the 125cc Moto GP Road Racing World Championship. World Champions 2003: Juha Salminen (Enduro), Steve Ramon (125 MX), Joel Smets (650 MX), Rally world cup victory for Cyril Despres.

2004

Construction of a new administration building in Mattighofen. Launch of the 990 Super Duke, Presentation of the 990 RC8 Venom and the 950 Supermoto at the Intermot Munich. Successful placement of the KTM bond at the capital market.

Super Duke 990

World wide sales of 76,815 motorcycles and a total revenue of 402.4 million Euros 17 World Championship titles, 104 titles in total. Foundation of two new subsidiaries in Hungary and Slovenia.

2005

Cooperation with Polaris Industries Inc. [Alfie Cox finishes the Dakar in 3rd place behind Despres and Marc Coma.]. World wide sales of 80,356 motorcycles and a total revenue of 451.2 million Euros.

16 World Championship titles, 120 titles in total, KTM wins the Contractor title in the 125cc Road Racing World Championship. All 6 Enduro World Championship titles go to KTM.

Cyril Despres wins the Dakar. Launch of the 950 Supermoto. Presentation of the 990 Adventure and the 950 Super Enduro R.

2006

9 riders world championship titles, 7 manufacturers titles – 136 World Championship titles overall. A total of 84,421 motorcycles sold. This positive growth has been caused in the offroad segment by the introduction of further models and in the street segment by the successful presentation of the new models (990 Adventure, 950 Super Enduro) and the in sales (950 Supermoto) in the 2-cylinder segment. [KTM riders win all but one stage of the Dakar. Marc Coma wins the race and KTM riders take the top eight spots.]

2006 Austria Post – 1957 KTM 125 ‘Tarzan’

2007

The extremely positive feedback at the world premiere of the KTM X-Bow at the Geneva International Motor Show has turned the balance: The Upper Austrian company will go into series production with the light weight sports car.

2008

The KTM factory teams win 9 riders and 7 constructors World Championship titles which lead to an amazing total of 162 titles. The new highly modern KTM parts and logistics centre was finished and related products distribution starts taking place from this facility which guarantees a highly reliable and time efficient spare parts supply to the entire KTM world.

2008 was another very successful year in racing.

2009

The Motocross and Enduro teams achieved 4 out of 6 possible World Championship titles and a first KTM Superbike project resulted in a vice championship title at the IDM. The motorsport enthusiastic company now holds 173 World Championship titles. The official racers provided a more than positive result again. At the EICMA show in Milan KTM presented a revolutionary 350cc MX race bike along side two highly attractive 125 concept bikes, that brought out cheers, not only in the youth scene.

Jeremy McWilliams – RC8 at Assen IDM Superbike series

2010

Antonio Cairoli wins the MX1 class on the revolutionary 350 SX-F while Marvin Musquin secures the MX2 title and Steffi Laier the WMX title.

The long awaited 125 Duke is successfully launched worldwide. KTM does the impossible and brings home all Motocross World Championship titles.

Finely Duke launched world wid.