History of KTM that shines on

Far more than a simple slogan, READY TO RACE - for KTM stands for the entire company philosophy of developing vehicles which without any modifications comprehensively assert themselves in any race. Direct from the dealer onto the track and into the battle for victory. Having an unconditional passion for motorcycles; Designers, Engineers and Riders are bound by clear common denominator.

KTM’s commitment to living life to the EXTREME and building motorcycles with EXTREME performance guarantees that every KTM ignites emotions and delivers thrills. Countless off road World and European championship titles plus brilliant victories in the worlds toughest races (International Six Days Enduro, Dakar Rally, Erzbergrodeo, and many more) all speak for themselves. And KTM Supermotos, Naked Bikes, Superbikes and the X-Bow all demonstrate what lead means on asphalt. KTM’s pure racing focus is reflected in the PURITY of design and uncompromising function - as each KTM is built for the single purpose of performance, so it is reduced to the limit and free of unnecessary weight, gadgets or gimmicks.

Over the years KTM built a reputation as a fierce competitor on racetracks around the world. Remarkable success on the world stage reflected in every product it creates and every move it makes. With an established presence in the off-road segments, KTM progressed to become one of the world’s most innovative manufacturers of street motorcycles, and now aims to be the world’s biggest manufacturer of sport motorcycles.

The story of "Ready to race"; genes began in the era where the tendency of powerful racing bikes and cars was not even conceptualized by the general public. In 1934, an Austrian engineer Hans Trunkenpolz had opened a car repair shop in Mattighofen. In a short span of 3 years; he brought motors from DKW motorcycles and Opel automobile to its venture.

This was the evolution of KTM as a brand as the venture began to know as Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen: Kraftfahrzeug, meaning a motor vehicle in German language Trunkenpolz, named after its founder Hans Trunkenpolz; and Mattighofen, the location of the shop.

After its early success during the 70s and 80s the venture was split into four separate entities in 1992; where bicycles were manufactured by KTM Fahrrad GmbH automotive radiators were built by KTM Kühler GmbH, tooling manufacturing was assigned to KTM Werkzeugbau GmbH and the most predominant division i.e motorcycle division was then under KTM sport motorcycle GmbH.

Since the early days KTM was always portrayed the purity of the design and uncompromising function that defines the READY TO RACE mentality on its motor be it be on the early KTM R 100 or be it be modern predator Duke 390. KTM as a brand always prioritized the power and performance of its motors since its early era. The year 1957 can be termed as a milestone year for the KTM as the venture was successful to manufacture its first sports motor of the venture “Trophy 125” and its first scooter “Mirabell” to its Ready to Race line.

Not only the KTM has established itself as a most preferable brand when it comes to commercial wide scale manufacturing but also it created name for itself by dominating the Toughest Race on The Face Of This Planet Dakar Rally by winning the event for 18 consecutive years from 2001-2019 and recent podiums in MotoGP was extended KTM’s.

The Championship counts to 316.