The history of the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM dates back to 1937. It started by selling DKW motorcycles, and then it went on to launch the Audi car brand. During World War II, the company was primarily reliant on automotive maintenance to ensure that the bikes were in tip-top condition. Eventually, the company developed into one of the largest maintenance plants in Austria, and the R24 was born. As the war ended, KTM had to change directions and switch to other areas, and it began selling BMW motorcycles.
In 1954, KTM delivered its thousandth motorcycle. It also won the Austrian 125 national championship and made its debut at the International Six Days Trials. That year, Egon Dornauer, a KTM rider, won gold. In 1958, the company developed a racing motorcycle, and in 1959, the company’s factory team entered the ISDE and won the championship. In 1964, the company began building bicycles as well.
By 1995, the company reorganized and made its presence known in the United States. It had over 12,000 motorcycles produced and had a total sales turnover of 1.1 billion Austrian shillings. In addition, KTM won two endurance world championships and acquired the Husaberg sports motorcycle company and the Dutch WP shock absorber company. Despite the recent reorganization, KTM continues to grow and expand.
In addition to its road racing efforts, the company is also active in the MotoGP World Championships. The RC16, with its LC4 engine, is the current MotoGP wildcard entry. The RC16 is the next model in line for MotoGP racing, and it is also the spec bike in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. Ultimately, the company will field bikes in both classes in 2017 and 2018.
The EXC line from KTM has long been the top choice in the Enduro market and consistently outsells other brands. Its 250 cc models feature the RFS motor, which was available from 2000 to 2007. The XC4 motor replaced the RFS in 2007. Electric starting has been added to the 250 and 300 EXC models in 2008 and 2013.
Two-stroke bikes are also cheaper to produce than four-strokes, making them a popular choice for motocross competitions. In 2008, the AMA lowered the displacement requirement for two-stroke bikes. While other manufacturers have ceased manufacturing two-stroke bikes, KTM continued to improve the quality of the 2-stroke engine. The company now controls a significant portion of the two-stroke bike market. However, there are still some AMA regulations regarding 2-stroke bikes.
The new model of the KTM Duke 125 has improved aerodynamics and handling. The split trellis frame has sharper body panels and LED DRLs in the headlamp unit. The new Duke 125 comes with a two-position rear mirror adjustment. The KTM 125 Duke’s suspension system is equipped with a ball joint. Its racing chassis has rebound settings for left or right-hand riders. It is available with a standard manufacturer warranty of two years.