The entire history of KTM motorcycles

History of KTM, and how the company developed through the years.
Everything you need to know about the KTM motorcycle brand.
This video explores how KTM got started, where they are made, how the company went bankrupt, how they got so big, and became one of the most successful off-road motorcycle brand in the world.
This is a brief history on the success story KTM motorcycles, the in Dakar Rally, Enduro World Championships, and FIM Motocross World Championships.

[@KTMK73]

Looks like we a got new player in youtube motosphere. Amazing production.

[@edgekost426]

Damn man , what a well made video , good job ! when i saw it had under 1k views i was like "wtf is this?" "is KZbin bugged?" .

[@GoViking933]

You did a really great job on this, I appreciate the relevant footage and history.

[@richardclegg5853]

Penton had a lot more to do in helping build the brand besides importing a few bikes... John Penton pretty much transformed them from a moped maker to producing the finest dirtbikes of that Era, impossible without his vision and involvement... still, an excellent video, keep em coming

[@domenik8339]

So KTM's early success comes from not being a KTM. And their later success comes from buying succeasful parts companies because they couldn't make good ones if they tried. Everything good about KTM comes from the outside.

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

Let’s get real … KTM stole Penton.

[@scary9077]

I had a 125 Penton in about 1970 that I raced in places like Saddleback Park, Carlsbad and Bay Mare in southern Kalifornia. It was a nice bike fore it's day and I was sad to see them go. @@FilosophicalPharmer

[@TheKitchenTechnician]

Penton was a true visionary.

[@krannie1]

You skipped over the MOST important part of the story, which was the motorcycle that John Penton asked for from Husqvarna was not to be built, and so he went to KTM instead, who built a bike to HIS SPECIFICATIONS, which became the first real offroad motorycle made by KTM, and sold ONLY by Penton. They were NOT sold by anyone else until KTM broke the signed agreement with Penton and started distributing the same motorcycles under the KTM name.....hence killing the Penton brand.

[@Saint_Ann]

I appreciate everybody who provided some information regarding the connection between Penton and KTM. I started racing motocross in January 1972, and there were many Pentons racing at that time.

[@billmoxon9506]

I've owned 2 KTMs... a 1983 air cooled and a 1990 water cooled, both 250cc MXC. Both were excellent trail bikes but the older air cooled was lighter, better handling, and better power from top to bottom of the Rev range. I'd love to have that old 1983 again.

[@SYNCnine]

Great job, you kept it concise. Worth mentioning, they own GasGas since 2019.

[@cowpker4life333]

Just the name and trials bike

[@blindy5370]

No everything

[@GregSamborski]

That was superb, thank you. I got my first KTM, a 2012 500 EXC and EVERY TIME I ride it I have a huge grin. I've ridden a lot of bike over the last 20 years, this one just fits with me, takes anything I can throw at it.

[@Ricardo_Moto]

I have the same , down to the year. Know how you feel!

[@vascomarum]

Really good content, great presentation and very entertaining! I'd love to see a series of these videos about different brands. And congrats on your feature on RideApart!

[@joemendez5683]

Had to pause the vid within the first min to make sure I had the hit the subscribe button. Extremely happy to have found your vids, can’t wait to watch you grow

[@shivvashishthabhargava4600]

This is an absolutely wonderful documentary. Got my first machine from the masters at Mattighofen last month. Couldn't be happier. Thank you brother. ❤❤❤

[@1969cmp]

"The first 125cc water-cooled motocross bikes". Correction; In 1981, the Suzuki RM125 and Honda CR125 were liquid-cooled (as was the CR250) and KTM offered both air and liquid cooling. KTM came out with a single stock and modern linkage rear suspension in 1982, the year after the Honda CR range and Pro-Link. Yamaha had been using a single shock since the mid 70's, Suzuki Full Floater since 1981 and Kawasaki Uni-Trak 1980 both using a heavier and more complex strut system. KTM, Kawasaki and Maico all came out with disc brakes front and rear though Maico did not make a 125 mxer, both the KTM125 and the Kawasaki KX125 were disc front and rear out of the showroom. (pictured in your feature @4:45 is the 1985 model with drum rear brake) In 1986, the KTM range came out with a computer Digital Ignition. The 1984 KTM495 came out with USD forks but depending on market and capacity, the 1985 KTM came with either USD or conventional Marzocchi forks.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Great Job.. I used to hang out in a local Penton Dealer shop in Portage MI .. KTM manufactures in Asia and China now too.. I don't like that very much but it keeps the prices down ... Too bad Maico didn't survive..

[@braycorso9548]

I appreciate the effort you put into making this, very enjoyable and educating with great editing!

[@enormouslittlethings6893]

Loving the vids my dude. Excellent work!

[@fretstain]

Sick video. I hope this channel keeps growing!

[@bend3rbot]

INTERESTING! A touch glib, progressing wildly and a liitle light on depth. But not bad, for "not a bike guy".

[@andreadacquisto9790]

This is a really good video. Good job, i’ve enjoyed so much. Thanks!

[@TheSar]

Really great narration mate - thank you. Go well!

[@Bushrookie820]

The scene of Hans looking for cars to fix sold me. Instantly liked and subscribed 😂

[@osamahel-aroud7393]

Great information, excellent quality video, and hell yes would like to see more!! ✌🏽

[@martonbussay8326]

Wow, how have I not seen this video. This was awesome

[@Coldgecko]

Oh, good job on this video. Fun and informative.

[@iaku2227]

Thanks for the info. Short but informative

[@zachariahhershberger3367]

Love your Videos! Keep it up

[@marcussantiago]

Awesome vid! Thanks for the history lesson :D

[@GastroRacing]

anytime, appreciate you stopping by!

[@LaceyOGrady]

Great video bud, you should touch on the retooling of all the factories back in like 2012 or so I think. Thats when they started doing crazy stuff like balanced 2 strokes, fuel injected 2 strokes and so on. Great job though, you clearly love KTM like the rest of us.

[@johnnyu9692]

you killin' it bro

[@kentprepper6392]

Appreciate the vid, i learned a lot, thanks 👍

[@louvega8414]

Great work, man!

[@johnmurphy1868]

Great video my man

[@mrktm65sx]

Great video, thanks for putting this together!

[@KevInTheAlps]

Very cool video. I raced a KTM 250 in the mid 80’s... currently have a KTM 950 Super Enduro. 😎

[@screaminchief]

Brilliant video. Funny and insightful. Great work.

[@AMACHiiBiong]

this channel should get more views.

[@Davido50]

KTM rules Motocross nowadays. Things truly came full circle! -NY

[@sampatton548]

Awesome little video, very surprised to see your subscriber count after watching the video. Keep up the good work

[@MauricetheMonster]

Exceptional documentary. I can't wait to see what you do next. subscriber #41!

[@GastroRacing]

I appreciate this, many more to come! (:

[@angusloughor-clarke386]

Great video

[@THEDOGHOUSECUSTOMMOTORCYCLES]

great video, be good to see more

[@whatthe9078]

Underrated channel. You’ve earned a sub

[@nikomonaco6672]

Video good enough for a marketing plan bussiness presentation.All clear,all true.Keep going pal.Mamore videos for the japanese dirt bikes :)

[@MrFuzzy001]

Nice job Sir. ! 👍 From a 950SM owner

[@newworldredglobe]

love the videos, keep it up

[@geckolord0337]

I loved this video as John Penton still lives in Amherst, Ohio and where we still have a major KTM warehouse where my family and friends have worked and I plan on working. I love that our little slice of Ohio has played such a major part in moto history. We also have the locally historical Meadowlarks motorcycle club that’s been around since the 40’s too

[@mraycgz]

I’m in northeast ohio and ride orange. It just feels right doesn’t it.

[@trackfriends]

Very well done!

[@MaxsMotoShop]

Lmfao I was a KTM mechanic for five years nothing like watching a brand new bike roll out of the crate, and into the shop for major work🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mortkb]

Nice job on this. I have owned four KTMs over the years. They are excellent kit for sure. Would love to see a deep dive into Penton someday. I will subscribe so I don't miss it!

[@gitarmaniatv]

thanks for the documentary bro.

[@GVMotoring]

Amazing video!!

[@duducarblog]

Such a great video story telling from small channel ,defenitely subscribed

[@user-ei7ud1bo9h]

Nice work on this one!

[@newoization]

Thanks for the vid. I really enjoyed it. KTM really are the coolest bikes.

[@jvabsher]

Excellent video!

[@NomadSweden]

Superbly put together. You're good at this. Please continue :)

[@NomadSweden]

Haha I see you did continue. Watching now.

[@MechTronMan]

wow this was great. subscribed right away :D

[@mraycgz]

Wait what? The 950 Adventure was the best bike on its class for decades. It’s literally a bucket list bike for adventure riders. You silly.

[@Biffoaussie85]

Brilliant video

[@cil-6350]

Super cool vid! I really enjoyed it! Thank you. Subed for more!

[@dhrubaboruah4592]

very nice video well explained

[@hpblack1953]

In the mid 70s my BIL managed a bike shop with a focus on Suzuki’s portfolio. They even got a Wankel Suzuki for ride demos; in addition they sold Pentons and the whole shop raced MX or Enduro. Somehow they finagled to get a Trials bike. They were a start-up but well financed and aggressive in both marketing and sales. The Penton bikes were the best off-road bikes hands down. Out of my financial reach but those who could afford the Pentons had better have been A+ ringers or they got in over their heads quickly. It was a pro bike offered to the public.

[@cazsimon914]

Great presentation

[@Kepacc8]

damn this video is hard to make nice job man.

[@HB-Nation]

Great job

[@sampath_shetty]

ThankQ for making me proud owner of a KTM Duke... wishing you the best 💐🌹

[@dxc12345]

Great video. Just found your channel. May I request your take on the japanese big four? An maybe the history of the UJMs? thank you

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Huskvarna is a very Interestinbg CO made Sewing machines and chain saws too .. also Monarch from Sweden had the best small two stroke Motocross bikes before the 1974 Honda Elsinore.. Marty Smtih rode a Monarch and Lyble Lovit too..

[@jeff40]

@Mike Skidmore Husqvarna also made rifle's way back a long while ago. Great Swedish brand , then it was AMF of Italy that bought the motorcycle co. in the late 80's or early 90's after that they were purchased by BMW of Germany but still kept the factory in Italy & built the 4t engines in Taiwan and finally in 2014 Stephen Perier of Períer enterprises purchase Husqvarna from BMW and now their owned by KTM of Austria.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@jeff40 I knew an Italian CO had bought the Husky Name. I knew KTM is the Present Owner. What happened to Husqvarna Sewing Machines? I once saw an add it showed a sewing machine labeled Bultaco. The add said "here at Bultaco we only make Motorcycles. I own several Husqvarna Chain Saws and weed trimmers.. I think they even have a Factory in the USA for them. Looks like they put the Husky name on riding lawnmowers and Roto-tillers made by other manufacturers..

[@fredeschen3783]

They also made rifles and axes.

[@581937]

I own a 390a. I had no idea of the history of the brand. Thank you.

[@Ntmoffi]

How's your bike been so far? Just bought a 2023 model.

[@bigboi36]

Done Well bro. After watching the 2021 Supercross Racing led me here.

[@lallos4681]

Nice video mate good job. I would of added a bit more about ktm in mxgp and Tony Cairoli as he pushed ktm quite a lot in Europe and made them win numerous championships. But still amazing job

[@somsmotocast]

Loved it brother ❤

[@arzy3119]

amazing

[@rock801]

I hope you keep making those videos. I like the blunt truth portrayed here. It reminds me of Different Spokes whom I enjoy to watch too.

[@WBD86]

wow nice video!

[@Mistah242]

More please!

[@joshabreu1156]

Nice video

[@iward940]

Well done. 🔥

[@random-characters4162]

I didn't take KTM seriously, and now I love this company! Awesome video. Like subscribe

[@fetterchinese24]

I love these old things (50s 60s...) I was at the motohall a year ago, and this is INSANE.

[@johnbranson7253]

Enjoyed your video, even the parts you didn’t get quite right (Penton).

[@Rugsadventures]

👏 bro magnificent video I bleed orange I love the KTM I have a really hard time supporting China and Japan but just an out standing video it was impeccable!!!!

[@Spasm975]

I've got to admit in performance KTM is really a top-tier, but they've managed to keep their heritage of amazing unreliability. I've owned 2 KTM's and those were breaking up constantly, sometimes even 3 times a month. My friend owns KTM Duke 790 - brand new from the factory, after 2 weeks it started dripping oil from the engine - in the KTM Service they said they were not gonna do anything about it because it's typical for that bike and if they fix it it will come back in 1-2 weeks. KTM's are also constantly breaking up in their superbikes competitions as well. I love the designs, I love the sound of the Duke cross-plane engine, I love how SuperDuke is aggressive, but the reliability is pissing me off. btw. I own Yamaha now for 4 years straight - not a single issue for all those years, coincidence?

[@Skramort]

Got 3 ktm in my life, 690 SMCR 2019 (7000 km on it), 890 Duke R 2021 (12000 on it), and now a Superduke R 2022 (4800km on it), never had issues with them. Yes it is not the reliability of a japanese, but if you take care of them (let the warm up, going to the garage when you need to, etc...) you will not have problem !

[@TheSmokingMustache]

Yea, just got my first KTM and from all the research i did, the reliability factor didn't come across as THAT bad, in many cases much better than other comparable bikes. Like the reliability of th LC4 vs the DRZ400 motor seems to be no contest, and having dealt with a nightmare DRZ im happy to move to something with much better power and reliability

[@BinoyMishra88]

Nice vid bro. Wish you touched on the Bajaj partnership as well, but still, very well made video.

[@racidjawed274]

Nice 👍

Amazing video! Really great job...

[@Coldgecko]

I am a GS rider -- who has rode around the world in the worst places... I would love to get a KTM 890 Adventure but I worry about reliability. BMW's are the safe choice but they are heavy and that gets old when your in the middle of nowhere. Its an issue to buy a KTM and not worry that it will break down...

[@supertrickyrickyandtheslip1473]

I bought my first 6 months ago which was a 2007 model 250 sx. recently I just took delivery of my brand new 500 exc-f now owning 2 with my eyes alos on a 300 2 stroke to add to the collection.

[@eyemallears2647]

Thanks bro!

[@sinancinar7910]

The 950 is a awsome bike was made for dakar rally

[@codyblade7872]

Your research into KTM is good but your editing is fucking brilliant 😂 made me laugh a good couple times 😂 gona smash that sub button 🍻

[@samoliverio7455]

Great video! I think more people need to embrace KTM, I feel like there's a big 4 ride or die mentality. They are great bikes, but as of today I wholly believe KTM leaves them in the dust when it comes to quality, workmanship, and performance. Plus they still make modern 2 stroke tech👍

[@JBlinky67]

I dunno. I've never seen a Japanese bike snap a head weld or swingarm.

[@ollelarsson995]

@@JBlinky67Obveiously an error during the manufacturing process of that particular bike as they are made to take a beating being a mx bike, just because you havent seen others doing that doesn't mean that it havent happen before, and Suzuki is a dying brand nowadays in mc, no where to be seen in factory racing, dont make any new machines or innovate or anything but you go ahead and keep worship the Japanese brands as they have some kind of magic power being a japanese brand. At the end of the day the laws of physics are universial thats why Ktm are just as good now if not better than most japanese brands when it comes to off road

[@maico125]

Giving you props for pronouncing Husqvarna correctly.

[@cowpker4life333]

Ryan dungey and de coster was huge for there growth last 10 or so years. Before that was a euro mx bike or enduro. Penton also did lot for the bikes in the usa.

[@jimhackney4727]

I know John Penton and his son Jack. John and I have consumed much coffee talking about KTM and Penton motorcycles. All of the off road bikes produced from 68 to the mid 70's were John's design. He just needed to find a company willing to build them. The mainstream brands such as Husqvarna, CZ, et al turned him down. KTM (the bicycle company) was the only company willing to build them but not without much reservation. He wasn't an importer. He was the designer and owner of the Penton brand as well as Hi Point racing products. btw Hi Point boots were actually Alpinestars. Hi Point is partly responsible for the success of that company. Also John developed his own 2 stroke oil under the Hi Point brand which eventually became Golden Spectro Oil. This is a bold statement, but everything about KTM off road motorcycles can be traced back to John Penton. And in many ways Penton motorcycles were responsible for the Japanese manufacturers deciding that they wanted a piece of the pie since the Penton race teams were dominating all off road racing events. John decided to sell the rights fully to KTM only after realizing he could not keep up with the production capabilities of Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki. One of the requirements of the sale was that KTM would build its north American HQ right here in Amherst, Ohio, not Lorain as you stated. I appreciate the time you put into making this video, but if you really want to title it, The Entire History of KTM Motorcycles, you should edit and re upload this video due to these glaring mistakes. John Penton was not just a business man. He was a racer with multiple wins including several ISDE medals. He is in the AMA Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and so are his sons Jack and Tom.

[@toddmphoto]

Great video !!What motorcycle do you ride ? Do you work in the film industry? Your videos are so well done !! Todd

[@toddmphoto]

How long does it take you to make your videos ? Hours?

[@GastroRacing]

Thanks Todd! I've ridden LC640, and currently riding a Ducati 620. I have a media degree, so I've been doing this stuff for a bit!

[@GastroRacing]

@@toddmphoto this one took a couple weeks, 9hrs a day but only because it was the first video and had to do a bit of research. The next coupe have been a lot faster to do. Appreciate you checking out my channel btw, means a ton!

[@Partnerthedog]

I spent my life savings on my dream bike, a husqvarna svartpilen and it broke down within a month and had constant electrical issues. I’ve owned like 12 motorcycles and never once had an issue with anything Japanese even one time. Needless to say I’m on my 2nd suzuki supermoto now and I love it, cheap and easy to fix and it’ll even run great on the cheapest gas and parts you can find

[@domenik8339]

I had a friend who was sponsored by KTM dirt bikes in the early 2000s. After every race he was spending hours fixing everything that broke, it would literally be a list. KTM would send him the parts for free, but he ended up spending so much time fixing them that he wasn't able to practice and lost his sponsorship. It was probably a 1 to 10 ratio. Every 1 hour of riding was 10 hours of repair.

[@machupikachu1085]

I hear that. What are you riding now?

[@Partnerthedog]

@@machupikachu1085 I have a 2020 Suzuki drz 400 supermoto! Gray plastics blue wheels, super nice 👌

[@machupikachu1085]

@@Partnerthedog sweet. Congrats! I picked up one myself a few months ago. I'm diggin it! Maybe if we're in the same part of the world we should go for a rip and a burger some time. Cheers!

[@Partnerthedog]

@machupikachu1085 I actually travel America full time I'm in Oregon now what about you

[@lukewheelzz6518]

640 sumo + 950 adventure got the wrong pics. love the rest!

[@r7avi]

Proud KTM 39T Owner

[@ZUnit80]

Nice But the 950 adventure is a sweet bike 🏍

[@sharpiefatah3657]

i believe your gonna make other companies videos too😉