In the early part of the twentieth century, the KTM company had its own logo. The logo featured an oval white with dark trim and black capital letters. However, in 1962, the company changed their colors to blue, white, and a darker blue oval. The logo was used in two versions: with a white border and blue-colored capital letters. The logo is now used in a campus located in Southern California. This campus is set to be complete in 2023.
The KTM brand has made a name for itself in motorsports. The company was first involved in Motocross, but has since gained international recognition through its dominance in rally-raid events like the Paris-Dakar Rally and Atlas-Rally. In 2003, the company started sponsoring road racing, and their road-racing focus will expand into Superbike competition. The LC8 engine is currently used in the company’s dual-sport motorcycle, the 950 Adventure, and the 1190 RC8 superbike.
Despite its growing popularity, KTM has been in business for over 80 years. It was founded by Hans Trunkenpolz, a former engineer at the BMW Group. Today, KTM produces motorcycles, bikes, and mopeds, as well as parts, clothing, and accessories. The company’s motorcycles are sold around the world and are sold at more than 2,000 retail outlets. In addition to its motorcycles, KTM also produces motorcycle engines and radiators for other car companies.
During the 1980s, KTM saw the introduction of Japanese motorcycles. Japanese brands were quickly catching up and soon surpassed the 2-wheel giants. As a result, KTM mopeds and scooter sales went into a downward spiral. In 1989, the company returned to production and Josef Taus spearheaded a 51% takeover. In the same year, the company launched the Mirabell scooter. Its offerings increased, and the company started providing a factory team for ISDE racing events.
After World War II, Trunkenpolz and his wife started building motorcycles. They began producing the R100 in 1953 with 20 employees. They also produced race-only motorcycles for the motorcycle racing circuit. In the 1970s, KTM began making radiators for other automakers, which contributed to the company’s income in the 1980s. In 1954, KTM rebranded itself as KTM Motor-Fahrzeugbau KG. By 1981, the company had a workforce of 700 and an annual income of $750 million.
In 2005, KTM formed a partnership with Polaris in Europe and North America. The partnership began with a two-year trial agreement. Later, KTM began providing Polaris with 450cc and 510cc RFS engines. In the same year, KTM also introduced a new 125cc model. It also developed a new Z design. It is the first manufacturer to provide rear disc brakes for its off-road machines.
While KTM bikes are popular with kids in India, the company has expanded beyond their traditional market with more than 50 models. Today, the KTM X-Bow is a mid/rear-engine sports car designed for street and racetrack use in North America. It weighs just 1,700 pounds, less than a standard passenger car. It is also made of carbon fiber. KTM has also launched a new line of electric vehicles.
