The philosophy, as I read it
Orange, sharp, and unapologetically aggressive. KTM's dirt-bike heritage shapes everything from the ergonomics to the marketing, and the road bikes are built by people who think a motorcycle should be light first and comfortable never. The Dukes and the Adventures are the most exciting machines in their classes. The company's near-collapse in 2024 and 2025 is a lesson in how quickly ambition outruns cash.
History in a paragraph
Founded in Mattighofen in 1934 as a metalworking shop, KTM built its first motorcycle in 1953 and became the dominant force in off-road racing, with an unbroken run of Dakar Rally wins from 2001 to 2019. The Duke range from 1994 brought that attitude to the street, and Bajaj's partnership from 2007 made the small Dukes global bestsellers. Pierer Mobility's overreach led to insolvency proceedings in late 2024.
On the track
Nineteen consecutive Dakar wins and a MotoGP programme that has produced race winners but not yet a title.
Reviewed
The KTM bikes we have ridden
KTM · 2026
390 Duke
The beginner bike that does not feel like one.
KTM · 2026
990 Duke
The scalpel of the naked class. Sharp enough to cut yourself.
KTM · 2026
890 Adventure R
A rally bike with number plates. Long travel, low tank, serious intent.