The sale of KTM motorcycles outpaces the global motorcycle market, breaking its ninth consecutive sales record. This recent growth in popularity is quite impressive, considering many other manufacturers are currently facing significant challenges and stagnant sales. The KTM brand has a bit of a rocky past, but one could argue this has made the company and the bikes stronger.

Get to know KTM and learn why you should consider a Duke or RC.

What Does KTM Stand For?

The acronym KTM stands for Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. Trunkenpolz is the surname of the company's founder, Johann (Hans) Trunkenpolz. Mattighofen, Austria, is the town where the company's headquarters are located. Thankfully, the company goes by the much easier-to-pronounce KTM. Officially, the company goes by KTM AG.

The "AG" stands for Aktiengesellschaft. It is a German word that translates to joint-stock or share company.

KTM History

The KTM brand started with Johann (Hans) Trunkenpolz in 1934. As a master craftsman, he opened a car workshop. Eventually, the success of his business enabled him to take over DKW, the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer at the time.

Success continued until Hans had to leave for military service. Post World War II, he focused his company on truck repair. However, this business didn't last, and he was left to come up with new opportunities.

Hans decided to produce a motorcycle, the R100. However, despite promising success, the company saw several changes in focus.

It ceased making motorcycles to focus on producing mopeds and scooters. It then pivoted again, concentrating on dirt bikes.

Bankruptcy

The early 90s were a tough time for the company. Production declined, the current leader Erich Trunkenpolz died, and the company filed for bankruptcy. In an effort to save the company, it split into four separate entities.

Modern Success

The most successful was the motorcycle division. This is mainly thanks to new leadership and strategic branding. The new image and motorcycles resonated with enthusiasts, helping the company to grow.

KTM eventually acquired Husqvarna from BMW Motorrad, expanding the company's holdings. It also re-entered the racing circuit, establishing itself as a performance-minded motorcycle manufacturer.

KTM Orange

The famous KTM orange color resulted from a marketing strategy change in the 90s. At the time, KTM's bike blended in with others on the track. The executives at KTM wanted their bikes to be immediately recognizable.

In the same way Yamaha yellow or Kawasaki green is immediately associated with the respective brands. A designer suggested orange, and the company agreed. KTM hasn't changed its branding much since.

KTM Motorcycles

Like other motorcycle manufacturers, the KTM lineup is a collection of motorcycles designed to meet specific riding needs. There are MX, enduro, and supermoto bikes for those looking to get in the dirt. There are also supersport, naked, and sport-touring motorcycles for those looking to stay on the pavement.

While there are several motorcycles in the KTM lineup, a few stand out.

KTM Street Bikes

The most recent development in the KTM lineup is the track-ready production sport bikes. The company was the first to offer a competition-ready supermoto bike to the general public.

These are bikes meant for experienced riders who want maximum performance. Beginners should look elsewhere.

KTM Duke

There are five naked motorcycles in the KTM lineup. They range in size from 200cc to 1290cc. While you can ride them all day, these bikes are best for commuting or prowling around town.

KTM RC

Two bikes sport the RC name, the RC 8C and the RC 390. These bikes are straight from the MotoGP track with as much track technology and innovation as you can handle.

Off-Road Motorcycles

KTM's rich heritage is full of motocross, cross-country, dual sport, and enduro motorcycles. These are bikes built for dirt and off-road. The company achieves impressive power-to-weight ratios, producing some competition-ready bikes.

This reputation continues today, with KTM producing top-performing motorcycles that compete in some of the most famous and grueling races. For example, Kevin Benavides recently won the final stage and overall of the Dakar Rally while riding a KTM.

KTM XC and XC-W

The enduro lineup from KTM takes your off-road and dual sport riding to the next level. They feature an impressive combination of rider ergonomics and performance technology. The bikes range in size from 125cc to 500cc with a four-stroke motor.

Despite being production bikes, you will find race-level quality components. For example, you will find titanium, high-strength anodization processes, and carbon fiber.

KTM SX and SC-F

The MX or motocross lineup of bikes from KTM features two and four-stroke motors. KTM has taken its race-winning bikes and made them available to riders who mean business. These small and lightweight bikes have superior maneuverability.

It is the engines that really make the bikes stand out, though. The SX two-stroke bikes range in displacement from 50 to 300cc. The four-stroke bikes range in size from 250cc to 450cc.

KTM Super Adventure

Six bikes have the Adventure name. They range in size from 390cc to 1290cc. This lets you configure the perfect setup for the type of adventure riding you want to do.

Each bike has a lightweight and flexible chassis for maximum maneuverability and durability. The rider ergonomics are focused on rider comfort for logging long hours in the saddle.

The torquey engine is perfect for giving you plenty of low-end power. It is also efficient to provide you with better fuel economy and cleaner operation.

Ride a KTM Motorcycle

There was a time when KTM motorcycles couldn't get a second look from American riders. However, the team behind the brand has worked hard to change this perception. Today, KTM motorcycles are impressive machines built for performance.

Let us help you find the perfect KTM motorcycle for your riding goals.