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About KTM

Latest updates and information about KTM

by imman
20 Sep, 14 02:52 PM

KTM was founded in 1934 by Austrian engineer Johann Trunkenpolz as a car garage for engine repairs. After 3 years of successful setup, the shop named Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen started selling DKW motorcycles and Opel cars along with their usual repairs.

KTM was founded in 1934 by Austrian engineer Johann Trunkenpolz as a car garage for engine repairs. After 3 years of successful setup, the shop named Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen started selling DKW motorcycles and Opel cars along with their usual repairs.

Second world war brought them never ending diesel engine repairs and soon after, the sharp fall in repairs encouraged them to manufacture their own motorcycle. In 1951, they came forward with first motorcycle prototype named R100. Two years later, they entered series production with Rotax engines and homemade components. With 20 employees, three complete motorcycles were built in a day.

Ernst Kronreif, Austrian businessman and entrepreneur, soon became a shareholder and renamed the brand to Kronreif Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. They soon brought R125 Tourist, Mirabell and other machines like Grand Tourist in 1955.

Trophy 125 was their first race bike and thus, KTM not just entered but also won various titles in national racing championships. As both the owners died in 1960 and 1962, management shift was seen into the hands of Erich Trunkenpolz. Expansion saw workforce increase at a rapid rate as 1971 witnessed 400 full time workers at KTM. The bigure almost doubled in one decade.

Bajaj Auto owns almost half stake in KTM and thus, Indian operations are under the supervision of Bajaj itself. They now ship the single cylinder entire lineup from India to countries of South Asia and Europe. They are known for extreme performance specific products and Indian lineup currently brings just street and track racing products only.

Internationally, KTM offers a long list of tourers, dirt bikes, enduro products and even a sports car named X-Bow. They have a unique branding style as Orange finished frame and wheels can clearly distinguish it from other brands from KTM. They are among the best selling sportbike brands of India.

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Recent Discussions

Latest questions and answers from bikes enthusiasts

Hero Xpulse 210 for broken-road commuting in India: should comfort and suspension outweigh service and highway compromises?

Hero Xpulse 210 for a rough-road commute: what should buyers prioritise? For a first-bike buyer dealing with pothole-heavy city roads and occasional weekend touring, the decision is bigger than simply choosing an adventure-style motorcycle. The Xpulse 210 is positioned as a road-and-trail-friendly option, while independent road-test context points to its six-speed layout, suspension focus and the limits of sustained high-speed use. Shortlist the trade-offs before booking Xpulse 210: consider it if broken-road comfort and approachable performance are the priority; check nearby service support, tyre setup and your highway expectations. Himalayan 450: compare its size, weight, seat height, dealer reach and touring needs against your daily commute. KTM Adventure 250 or 390: compare performance and equipment with the extra budget, running costs and ride comfort you are willing to accept. Suzuki V-Strom SX: compare its road bias and local support with the suspension travel and rough-road confidence you need. None of these labels replaces a test ride or a city-specific on-road quotation. Ask the dealer about service intervals, tyre-repair options, delivery inspection and parts availability before paying. For your road mix, which matters most: suspension comfort, service reach, highway ease, tyre practicality or the total budget? Which alternative did you shortlist, and why?

4 answers · 1 views

What affordable alternatives to Yamaha YZF-R6 exist for sport bike lovers in India?

I've been dreaming of owning a Yamaha YZF-R6 for years, but the import duties and maintenance costs in India are making me reconsider. Being from Pune with access to some great ghats, I want something that gives me that sportbike thrill without emptying my bank account. I'm wondering if there are sasti alternatives that still deliver a proper track-oriented experience. I've been looking at the KTM RC 390 and TVS Apache RR 310 since they seem to offer good value and are built for Indian conditions. What concerns me is whether these smaller displacement bikes can provide that same josh I'd get from an R6. The local service network is definitely a plus though - finding Yamaha R6 parts in India seems like a nightmare! The other options I'm considering are the Yamaha R3 or the Kawasaki Ninja 400, which seem to balance performance and practicality better. My daily commute involves navigating through Mumbai's chaotic traffic, so I'm wondering if a full-blown supersport like the R6 makes sense at all. For weekend rides to Lonavala or track days at MMRT, would these 300-400cc bikes be satisfying enough? I understand that if I really want a liter-class experience, I'll have to shell out a premium (probably ₹15+ lakh), but I'm trying to be practical here. Are there other alternatives I should consider in the ₹3-5 lakh range that give a proper sportbike feel without the headaches of owning an imported bike in India?

5 answers · 0 views

How will the Pulsar SS400 compare against KTM's product line?

Many Indian young riders dream of owning a full faired sports bike and Pulsar SS400 can be positioned as an entry level affordable sports bike for riders upgrading from small bikes. But there is also worry that a 400cc bike is too much for inexperienced riders to ride safely. Newer riders will have to rely on the SS400's power output, weight and handling characteristics to determine its suitability for them. Maintenance costs and reliability are also a question, and can be quite important for budgeted young buyers. While some feel that a smaller bike is safer and easier to do that on, others believe the SS400 to be the ideal big bike learning platform. Ergonomics and riding position are also topics of debate, as comfort is a major issue for riders new to sporty postures.

13 answers · 0 views

What is the real world rideability of Pulsar SS400 against KTM RC 390?

Lots of engine spec sheets and track times means little to the majority of riders who want to know how a bike rides in everyday situations. The KTM RC 390 is quite aggressive in its riding position and its power delivery is peaky, something that many riders may find difficult in urban environment. As a Bajaj product, the Pulsar SS400 might be more relaxed to ride. Low speed manoeuvrability, easy maintenance, comfort in long rides are the factors that decide usage of a day to day basis. Moreover, many Indian riders are concerned about the heat management of both bikes in stop and go traffic. Given both bikes aim at overlapping segments, how does it feel to live with either of them on a daily basis?

11 answers · 0 views

How does the handling of the Pulsar NS250 compare to its competition?

Handling characteristics of a motorcycle can decide or break the riding experience in the competitive 250cc segment. Riders want to know how the Pulsar NS250 compares to the likes of the Suzuki Gixxer 250, Yamaha FZ25, and KTM Duke 250 with respect to cornering ability, stability at high speeds and maneuverability in city traffic. The NS250 gets some love for a balanced chassis and quick response from its suspension, while others say it feels heavier and less nimble than the competition. There's also question to whether the stock tires provide adequate grip for enthusiastic riding. The bike is also distributed across the weight zones, has a tight turning radius, and is well positioned ergonomically, and enthusiasts want to read up on real world experiences of NS250 owners who have pushed the bike to the limit.

7 answers · 0 views

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