Kronreif Trunkenpolz Mattighofen – KTM – is known the world over for its motorsports dominance, its excellence in motorbike manufacturing and its district orange, black and silver colours.
Within motorsports, the unique character, power and prestige of the KTM brand is well known to both fans and competitors around the world.
The Austrian motorcycle manufacturer can trace its history to humble beginnings. Its original foundations date back to 1934, when Hans Trunkenpolz opened a workshop in Mattighofen, naming his company ‘Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen’.
Through opportunities to work and supply motorbikes over the years, KTM expanded and began to attract attention, particularly from Ernst Kronreif. Fascinated by the work done at KTM, the business and motorcyclist enthusiast became a sizeable shareholder in the company, which then immortalised this commitment by changing its name into the now famous ‘Kronreif Trunkenpolz Mattighofen’.
In 1951 the first of many major developments into motorcycling production by the company began – a light motorcycle known as the R100. At the time, KTM could assemble only three bikes per day. The company’s curiosity into the racing scene began around this time, by quickly settling into its high standards coming first, second and third in the fifth Gaisberg Competition. Over the next few decades, KTM made a name for themselves by producing fantastic bikes, winning uncountable races and continually innovating and expanding the motorcycle industry.
KTM’s presence in the world of motorsports is still today being felt more than ever. The Austrian company has won more than 270 world championship titles and secured itself as the most successful brands in motorsports. The Austrian company has also claimed 96 MXGP, MX1 and MX2 world titles since 1974 and 114 E1, E2, E3 and Super Enduro world titles since 1990. KTM also competes in the Dakar Rally, a very popular annual offroad endurance event, successfully dominating the sport since 2001, the last 17 winners have all ridden for KTM.
KTM’s need to be the best has also become a philosophy adapted by its production team. The company boasts an impressive selection of offroad bikes and street bikes. By producing some of the best bikes available on the market, such as the naked ‘KTM 790 Duke’ and supersport ‘KTM RC390’, KTM is able to silence even its harshest of critiques.
By looking to the future KTM has also been able to invest in revolutionary sports cars as well as electric bikes, most recently the ‘KTM Freeride E-XC 2018’. “It’s very different,” said the professional motorcycle title winner Blazusiak. “It’s still performing well, it’s still going fast, it still brakes like a dirt bike, it still rides hard, but you can’t hear it. It’s definitely a new era.”
With their designs incorporating the brands philosophy to be the best, as well as being splashed over by the unmistakable orange, black and silver paintjob, anyone who’s anyone will always be able to recognise and appreciate the ride.
KTM motor bikes are available in Malta. Those wishing to view them up close are invited to visit the Fapi Motors Ltd showroom in Attard or call 2339 2328/9 for more information.
One can also e-mail info@fapimotors.com. Fapi Motors is a Mobility Business Unit within Famalco/Building Businesses.