KTM Logo History
The History of KTM Motorcycles Logo
KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian company that produces motorcycles and bicycles. It was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen. From the very beginning, it was the metalworking and repair manufactory named Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. The motorcycle was released much later, and since 1954, the company has become one of the most iconic European manufacturers of motorcycles.
After a successful breakthrough in the motorcycle industry, the company has maintained the reputation of a really good and productive high-quality manufacturer. KTM was the first to start producing four-engine models with an air cooling system, bikes with front and rear disc brakes, and in 1998 invented hingeless rear suspension.
In 1953, KTM presented its first KTM R100 motorcycle model. The logo contained the company name and was decorated with a tiger. However, it was not official. The first official KTM emblem was presented only in 1954. It looked like a blue striped orange oval with the KTM inscription.
List of Services
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1953List Item 1
Although never an official logo, the first models of the KTM R100 were adorned with a tiger logo.
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1954List Item 2
The first official KTM logo was created when the future associate Ernst Kronreif joined the company in 1954. At this time, there was no consistent coloring: the oval was printed partly in orange and blue.
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1958List Item 3
Not an official logo, but another alternative that appeared as of 1958.
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1962List Item 4
Erich Trunkenpolz inherited the company after his father’s death and established the new logo with an “updated” lettering. After winning the first World Championship title in 1974, Erwin Lechner, former racer and at that time sales manager, decided to change the logo again: the oval was stretched, the blue color became more bold and the lettering “Austria” was added.
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1978
In 1978 the logo was again slightly edited. The lettering “Austria” disappeared and the blue coloring became darker. There were two versions: the original with outline and another one without.
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1989
After the acquisition by the TAUS-Gruppe, the KTM logo experienced a bigger change. The oval disappeared and the slogan “Fun in Motion” was added.
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1992
Three years later, Stefan Pierer took over the company and initiated the company´s re-launch. Pierer maintained the logo of 1989, but adapted it to the company´s core business “motorcycles”.
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1996
Since 1996 KTM is orange. KISKA reduced the logo to the lettering.
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1999
In 1999, the logo did not only change in terms of color, it also changed its shapes: the rear edge was adjusted and the T-line extended to line up precisely with K and M.
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2003
In 2003, the logo was reduced to three capital black colored letters — the name of the company.
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Present Day
