KTM, which narrowly avoided liquidation at the end of 2024, is again at the center of a scandal. As an investigation by a number of leading European publications, including Spiegel and Manager Magazin, found, the Austrian manufacturer sells off-road motorcycles, registering them as road motorcycles, in violation of the law.
KTM delivers off-road models (such as the KTM 350 EXC-F) in a specially “strangled” state – power is reduced from 51 to 15 hp. In this form, the bike is registered for public roads. After the sale, the dealer restores full capacity.
A KTM representative at the motor show admitted that it “feels a bit like cheating.”
In a “stifled” state, the engine operates in emergency mode. A dealer in Austria reported that the engines fail after 20 km of driving, as they are not designed for such a limitation.
The consequences for buyers are serious: insurance on such motorcycles will be considered invalid. In the event of an accident, the rider faces jail time.
Environmental tests have shown that when restored, the bikes produce more than double the permissible noise level and produce CO emissions comparable to a diesel locomotive.
KTM responded by stating that modifications are only made at customer request. At the same time, dealers warn buyers that after the restrictions are lifted, the bike becomes illegal, but they cannot influence its use.
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