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KTM - The Early Years

Saturday, 25 November 2006

In 1955 a Salzburg buyer named Ernst Kronreif became a partner in the company, which was then renamed “Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen” producing 20 motorcycles daily. Thus the KTM name reflects the two founders and the town of its origin.

Hans Trunkenpolz and Ernst Kronreif (1960)

Erich Trunkenpolz and an early Penton (1970)

Although Hans Trunkenpolz died unexpectedly in 1962, Hans’ son Erich continued to grow the company. In 1964 KTM built a 800 m² assembly area, with a second 3000 m² building constructed in 1967 and a third built in 1973 for the construction and development department.

KTM Timeline to 1990
1934	Hans Trunkenpolz opens a repair workshop in Mattighofen, Austria.
1937	The Trunkenpolz company appears as the official supplier of motorcycles for the first time (sale of DKW motorcycles).
1937 to 1950	The Trunkenpolz company expands continuously, becoming one of the biggest motorcycle and car repair workshops in Upper Austria.
1951/52	First major development project commences: a lightweight motorcycle of 98 cm³ (R 100).
1953	Introduction of the first production series of KTM motorcycles (a team of 20 completes 3 motorcycles per day). First racing activities (5th Gaisberg competition: KTM comes first, second and third) The company is now officially known as "Kronreif, Trunkenpolz, Mattighofen".
1954	Delivery of the 1000th KTM motorcycle. KTM wins the Austrian 125 category national championships for the first time.
1955	Development of the KTM Tourist model (125 cc); first road races.
1956	First participation in the International Six Days; Egon Dornauer wins gold.
1957	Range extended to include a sports motorcycle (Trophy 125 cc) and its first scooter (Mirabell).
1958/59	Erwin Lechner keeps on winning off-road with KTM's new racing motorcycle, constructed by engineer Ludwig Apfelbeck.
1959/60	Motorcycle production ceases as theresult of the crisis in the two-wheel industry. However, the first "Ponny" scooter and KTM moped are introduced.
1963	Range increased to include the Comet.
1964	Bicycle production commences. Cross-country racing resumed; birth of the first KTM works team participation in the Six Days.
1966/67	Production of the 10,000th Comet moped. KTM wins three gold medals at the international Six Days in Sweden.
1968	Production of the cross-country Penton Six Days for export to the USA.
1970	Production of the first KTM engines commences. Manfred Klerr wins the Austrian national championships on the newly developed 250 cc Motocross bike.
1971/72	KTM's workforce reaches 400.
1973	Serial production of the 250 (Cross & Enduro) commences First World Championship Moto-Cross points and Grand Prix wins for KTM (P. Roulev & G. Moiseev).
1974	KTM's product range consists of 42 different models. Series production of KTM Hobby III commences. Russian Gennadij Moiseev wins the first 250 cc Motocross World Championship title for KTM.
1975	Introduction of the road model Comet Grand Prix 125 RS KTM works rider Sigi Lerner becomes Austrian Motocross road champion. Alessandro Gritti becomes European Enduro Champion.G. Moiseev wins his second 250 cc Motocross World Championship on KTM.
1976	Construction of our own 125 cc engine International success for the Italian Farioli racing team (2 European Championships).
1978	"KTM America Inc." established in Lorrain, Ohio; the company's first US subsidiary. 50 cc product range extended. Third 250 cc Motocross World Championship title for KTM and Moiseev.
1980	Company name changed to "KTM Motor-Fahrzeugbau KG" Intensive further development of the sports models (weight reduction, membrane steering).
1981	Production of the first water-cooled 125 cc Motocross bikes. 700 employees achieve an annual turnover of ATS 750 million; 76% of the production is exported to 13 countries.
1982	Motocross models fitted with the new "Pro Lever" back wheel suspension Development of a KTM 4-stroke engine with water-cooling commences (first supplier on the market).
1984	Manufacture of KTM radiators commences. First order for the Austrian Army Heinz Kinigadner becomes 250 cc Motocross World Champion on KTM.
1985	Production of the 100,000th KTM engine (500 cc, liquid cooled, over 50 bhp). Heinz Kinigadner wins the 250 cc Motocross World Championships for the second time.
1986	KTM becomes the first manufacturer to offer disc brakes front and rear KTM wins every category at the Six Days in Italy.
1987	Series production commences of the KTM 4-stroke engine (1 cylinder, 560 cm³, overhead camshaft) Production of 98,000 radiators, 93,700 bicycles, 12,600 mopeds and 10,600 motorcycles.
1988/89	1988 Scooter manufacture ceases 1989 Majority shares sold by KTM to GIT Trust Holding Company manager Eric Trunkenpolz dies.
1989	KTM and Trampas Parker (USA) become 125 cc Motocross World Champion, and Motocross World Champions in the sidecar category with the Huesser twins (CH).

1972 Inside the Factory

The 1972 Works 250

1976 Inside the Factory

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KTM Timeline to 1990