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KTM is a famous company from Austria known for making powerful and stylish bikes and motorcycles. The full form of KTM is Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, which means Motor Vehicle in English. Many people love KTM bikes because of their speed, strong engines, and smart designs.
KTM’s history started in 1934, and today, it is one of the top motorcycle brands in the world. From making simple bikes to fast racing motorcycles, KTM has come a long way. In this article, you will learn about KTM’s history, ownership, famous models, and why knowing KTM’s full form can help you choose better.
What is the Full Form of KTM?
KTM stands for Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. In English, it means Motor Vehicle. KTM is a famous company from Austria that makes sports bikes and motorcycles. It is well-known all over the world for its powerful and stylish bikes.
History of KTM
KTM was started in 1934 by Johann Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen, Austria. At first, it was just a small shop for repairing cars and machines. In 1954, a businessman named Ernst Kronreif joined the company. After that, the company was named Kronreif Trunkenpolz Mattighofen (KTM).
In the same year, KTM won its first racing prize in the Austrian 125cc National Championship. By 1957, KTM made its first sports bike called the Trophy 125cc. As KTM grew bigger, in 1991, it split into four parts:
- KTM Kühler GmbH: for making radiators.
- KTM Fahrrad GmbH: for making bicycles.
- KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH: for making motorcycles.
- KTM Werkzeugbau GmbH: for making tools.
Origin of KTM
KTM AG is a company from Austria that makes bicycles, motorcycles, and sports vehicles. It is owned by two companies, Pierer Mobility AG from Austria and Bajaj Auto from India. KTM was officially started in 1992, but its history goes back to the year 1934.
Today, KTM AG is the main company of the KTM Group, which has many motorcycle brands.
KTM is most famous for its off-road motorcycles, like enduro bikes, motocross bikes, and supermoto bikes. In the 1990s, KTM also started making street motorcycles and sports cars, such as the X-Bow car.
In 2015, KTM sold many city motorcycles, almost equal to their off-road bikes. Since 2012, KTM has been known as Europe’s largest motorcycle maker for four years in a row. In 2016, KTM sold over 2 lakh motorcycles all over the world. Today, KTM is one of the most famous off-road motorcycle companies in the world.
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Important Dates in the History of KTM
KTM has achieved many important milestones over the years, as shown in the table below:
| Year | Event |
| 1994 | KTM started making the famous Duke series motorcycles. |
| 1995 | KTM bought Husaber AB (Sweden) and White Power Suspension (Netherlands). |
| 1996 | KTM introduced its bikes in their famous orange colour. |
| 1997 | KTM launched liquid-cooled Supermoto and Adventure motorcycles. |
| 2007 | KTM released the X-Bow sports car; Bajaj Auto from India bought 14.5% shares. |
| 2013 | Bajaj increased its stake to 47.97%; KTM bought Husqvarna and combined it with Husaberg. |
| 2021 | Bajaj sold 46.5% of shares to Pierer Mobility AG, becoming an indirect stakeholder. |
Something About the Ownership of KTM
KTM is owned by two big companies. The first and main owner is Pierer Mobility AG, which holds 51.7% of the company’s shares. This company is a part of Pierer Industrie AG.
The second owner is Bajaj Auto Limited International Holdings B.V., an Indian company. It owns 47.99% of KTM’s shares. Together, these two companies control and manage KTM.
Some Amazing Creations of KTM
KTM has made many powerful and stylish motorcycles that are loved all over the world. Here are some of the famous models made by KTM:
- 50 SX, 60 SX, 85 SX: Bikes with single-cylinder two-stroke engines, available in 50cc, 65cc, 85cc, 105cc, 125cc, 150cc, and 250cc models.
- 250 SX-F: A popular racing bike.
- Street Legal EXC Enduro: A bike that can be used on both roads and rough tracks.
- 690 cc Enduro R: A dual-sport motorcycle for both street and off-road use.
- KTM Duke 620: One of KTM’s earliest Duke models.
- 1090 Adventure: A strong bike for long-distance rides.
- 1290 Super Adventure: A powerful adventure bike for tough roads.
- 1290 Superduke GT: A fast sports bike for road trips.
- KTM X-Bow: A stylish sports car made by KTM.
These products show KTM’s great skill in making top-quality bikes and sports vehicles.
Wide Range of Off-Road Motorcycles by KTM
KTM is well-known for making a wide variety of off-road motorcycles. These bikes are specially designed for riding on rough tracks, hills, mud, and tough terrains. However, not all KTM models are available in every country. The list below highlights the popular off-road KTM bikes that are available in the United States:
1. Motocross Series (SX and SX-F)
KTM’s Motocross bikes are built for racing and off-road tracks. They include:
- Two-stroke bikes with engine sizes: 50cc, 65cc, 85cc, 105cc, 125cc, 150cc, and 250cc. The 50 SX, 65 SX, and 85 SX are specially made for kids and young riders.
- Four-stroke bikes with engine sizes: 250cc, 350cc, and 450cc, known as the SX-F models.
The KTM 250 SX-F was introduced in 2005, and the full SX-F racing series started in 2007. These bikes have a powerful engine system called the RC4, which uses a twin overhead camshaft for better performance.
2. Cross-Country Series (XC)
KTM also makes cross-country motorcycles, which are great for long off-road rides. These include:
- Two-stroke XC models with engine sizes: 150cc, 250cc, and 300cc. These come with close-ratio or wide-ratio gearboxes depending on the model.
- Four-stroke XC models with engine sizes: 250cc, 350cc, and 450cc. These bikes have a semi-closed gearbox and most come with electric starters for easy ignition.
3. Enduro Series (EXC and Enduro R)
KTM’s Enduro motorcycles are built for both racing and adventure riding. These bikes are based on the XC models but come with:
- Softer suspension for better comfort on rough roads.
- Wider gear ratios and headlights, making them suitable for long-distance rides.
Available models in the U.S. include:
- Four-stroke EXC bikes: 250cc, 350cc, 450cc, and 500cc (actual size is 510cc).
- KTM 690 Enduro R: A powerful dual-sport motorcycle that can be used on both roads and off-road trails.
4. Freeride Series
The KTM Freeride is a unique off-road bike that is a mix between Enduro and Trials motorcycles. These bikes are lightweight and easy to handle.
- The Freeride 250R comes with a special six-speed gearbox, with close gears for control and a wide sixth gear for speed. It uses a lighter version of the 250 EXC Enduro engine.
In Europe, KTM also offers:
- A four-stroke 350cc Freeride with similar features.
- Electric versions like the Freeride E-SX, Freeride E-XC, and a street version called Freeride E-SM.
How Knowing KTM’s Full Form Helps You Make a Better Choice
Understanding the full form of KTM gives more meaning to your bike and helps you feel more connected to the brand. KTM stands for Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, which are the names of the company’s founders and its birthplace in Austria.
1. Strong Brand Identity
- When you know what KTM stands for, it helps you understand the history behind the brand.
- Riders feel more connected to their bikes, knowing they are riding something made with passion and tradition.
- It makes you feel proud to be part of a brand that has grown from a small shop to a world-famous motorcycle company.
2. Helps You Make Informed Choices
- If you are planning to take a two-wheeler loan to buy a KTM bike, this knowledge makes you more confident in your decision.
- You are not just buying a product; you are investing in a brand that is respected across the world for its quality and performance.
3. Increases the Pride of Ownership
- Knowing the full form of KTM and its history gives you more pride in owning the bike.
- You will feel that you are not just riding any bike—you are part of a brand that believes in innovation, power, and excellence.
4. Builds a Cultural Connection
- KTM is more than just a company that makes motorcycles, it is a symbol of biking culture.
- When you understand its background, you feel like a member of a big community of riders who respect KTM across the world.
5. Trust in Quality and Engineering
- KTM is known for strong, fast, and high-performance bikes.
- When you know what KTM means and its story, it gives you more trust in the brand’s quality.
- You will understand why KTM bikes may cost more than others—because they are made with better engineering and attention to detail.
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FAQs on KTM Full Form
What is the full form of KTM?
KTM stands for Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, named after its founder and the town Mattighofen in Austria.
Who owns KTM?
KTM is owned by Pierer Mobility AG (Austria) and Bajaj Auto (India).
Who is the CEO of KTM?
Stefan Pierer is the current CEO of KTM AG.
Where is KTM located?
KTM’s headquarters is in Mattighofen, Austria, with production units in Austria and India.
