Hello from Sacramento, California— home of the 2012-2013 KTM Motorcycle Dealer Show. I’m here at the show to learn more about KTM motorcycles, the history of their company and to see the new models in action as well as speak with mechanics and KTM team members.
Prior to my arrival in Sacramento, I knew of KTM through our Foremost Racing riders, Josh Strang and Kailub Russell, but I was not aware of how KTM established itself as a consistent racing championship organization. I was eager to learn as much as possible.
You may be wondering, as was I, “What does KTM stand for and where are they from?” I was given the complete story during the keynote presentations and breakout sessions hosted by the KTM staff today. The K and T stand for Ernst Kronreif and Hand Trunkenpolz , founders of the company. The M stands for Mattighofen, the Austrian town where KTM was founded. KTM’s factory color is orange, which sets their machines apart from others on the racetrack or road
KTM has won more than 180 world championship titles in racing, most recently winning the 2011 Dakar Rally. This gave the company their tenth consecutive win at this grueling 9,500 kilometer race. KTM has a rich history of racing success throughout the world and a “Ready to Race” philosophy. That philosophy carries over into their production operations as they take what they’ve learned through racing and apply it to their current and future model lineups.
KTM is not just an off-road motorcycle company. They also produce a line of street, travel and enduro bikes, as well as a successful lineup of all-terrain vehicles. KTM continues to gain market share by developing new motorcycles and new motorcycle technology. They have announced 26 (and maybe more!) new models for the year 2013. The models range from new motocross and enduro models to a lineup of “Big Minis” which are 50, 65 and 85 cc bikes. KTM has also unveiled new motorcycle technology in engine development, chassis design and dampening technology, which all help the control, power and handling of the machines.
I’d like to hear what others have experienced on a KTM machine, working with KTM staff and especially, cheering on the KTM – Foremost riders, Josh Strang and Kailub Russell. Have you seen any KTM orange lately?
