Historical Background. Ernst Kronreif and Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen, Austria, founded KTM in 1934 as a repair workshop, with production of the first KTM-branded motorcycles and mopeds beginning in 1953, and a year later, KTM won its first race. Due to a depressed two-wheel economy and the emergence of the Japanese motorcycle manufacturers in Europe, the company ceased production from 1959 to 1960. When KTM reopened, it began producing motorcycles and bicycles, and by 1968, produced more than 10,000 vehicles, was racing again and began exporting motorcycles and scooters to the United States. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, KTM established its own engine production line, expanded its product range, established a wholly owned subsidiary in the United States and won several European and World motorcycle championships. 

In 1991, the company filed for bankruptcy, but reopened in 1992 as KTM Sportmotorcycles GmbH under new management, consisting of Stefan Pierer, Rudi Knünz, and Hans-Joerg Hofer. Starting in 1992, the management team embarked on an aggressive growth path, growing the business organically with a clear focus on winning races and developing its “Ready to Race” brand positioning for its production motorcycles. During this period, they acquired Husaberg motorcycles (motocross and hard enduro engines/motorcycle brand), Adventure Tours Inc. (off-road motorcycle touring company), WP suspension (suspension technology supplier) and Trumag Special Machines (aluminum machining company).

From Polaris Industries.