Our KTM Motorcycles

Surprisingly, some years ago when KTM was mentioned to anyone outside of Europe, motorbikes were not the first thing that comes to people’s minds.
Despite being on the European market since 1950, the company took its time to become the brand of motorbikes known all around the word that is now.

The background of KTM motorcycle

The first years

This dream started back in Austria in 1934 when Hans Trunkenpolz, an Austrian engineer, founded Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen in Mattighofen, Austria.
Back then it was a repair shop and dealer for motorcycles and cars.
During the second world war, the repair shop survived thanks to motor repair. It was just after the war ended that Hans had the idea of producing his own bikes. In 1951 the first prototype was constructed, and in 1953, with 20 employees, there was a production of 3 bikes per day.

The first KTM “motorcycles”, or scooters, were not using an in-house engine yet. And these were only for daily use in the city.
It took until 1957 to see the first KTM sport motorcycle. It was thanks to the investment of a new entrepreneur, Ernst Kronkeif, who renamed the company “Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen”.

Back then the company was not only building motorcycles but bikes and scooters too. In the coming years, the company went through a series of good and bad moments. They had to leave the scooter and the bike production.Even, they went into bankruptcy in the 90s.

Since 1990

The company was split into four divisions, but one of those divisions was doing very well in the business. This division bought the motorcycle division and the good sales allowed the company, now KTM AG, to export offroad and racing motorbikes all around the world. With highly competitive prices and an efficient distribution system of spare parts.

This success is also present in the sports racing field, where KTM stands out in many competitions as the Super Enduro and Super Cross world championships and the Dakar Rally.

KTM Costa Rica

KTM was just introduced some years ago and became rapidly one of the favorites of the locals. These motorcycles just got adapted very well to the combination of highways, city roads, and rural roads in the country. Also, the low combustible consumption is a good point of sale for many costa ricans. The “bichilla”, the way Ticos affectionately call their KTM motorcycles, has become part of the daily landscape of the country.

KTM Pura Vida Motorbike

Customers, guides, and lessees, all of them agree that KTM did the job to tame Costa Rica’s roads, and it was done well. More mileage per liter of fuel, nice on highways and offroad, very comfortable on long trips and you can easily attach your luggage.

KTM was made for Central America. It was a long road to come here but we are sure these bikes are not going anywhere else, they came to stay here and help you to travel through these wild lands.

Reserve a tour with us by clicking here or renting your KTM motorbike by clicking here. Costa Rica awaits you.