KTM bikes are made by KTM AG under Pierer Mobility (now controlled by Bajaj), with production in Austria, India, and China.
KTM motorcycles come from KTM AG, the Austrian maker based in Mattighofen. The brand sits under Pierer Mobility, the group that also holds Husqvarna Motorcycles and GASGAS. In late 2025, Bajaj Auto assumed control of the group through its holding entity, bringing fresh capital and tighter oversight. Day to day, KTM AG designs, engineers, and builds the bikes; Pierer Mobility sets strategy; Bajaj supports funding, scale, and shared platforms for small- to mid-capacity models.
Fast Facts: KTM, Ownership, And Where Bikes Are Built
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | KTM AG (Mattighofen, Austria) | Design, R&D, racing programs, core assembly |
| Parent Holding | Pierer Mobility AG | Group also includes Husqvarna Motorcycles, GASGAS, WP |
| Control (2025) | Bajaj Auto via Pierer Bajaj/Bajaj Auto International Holdings | Control secured after EU approvals and call-option close |
| HQ & Flagship Plant | Mattighofen, Upper Austria | Enduro, motocross, and larger street models built here |
| Partner Plant (India) | Chakan, Maharashtra (Bajaj Auto) | 125–390 class Duke/RC/Adventure for global markets |
| Partner Plant (China) | CFMOTO, China | 790 platform production under KTM–CFMOTO agreement |
| Brand Scope | KTM, Husqvarna, GASGAS, WP Suspension | Shared tech and components across lines |
| Bicycles Clarification | KTM Fahrrad GmbH (separate company) | Not part of KTM AG motorcycles |
That breakdown answers who builds the bikes and who steers the group. Riders also ask where specific models roll off the line. The short version: big-bore machines remain largely Austrian, the small-capacity lineup rides on Indian scale, and the 790 platform comes from China through the CFMOTO tie-up.
Which Company Makes KTM Bikes? Now By Owner And Plant
The phrasing “which company makes ktm bikes?” shows up in searches because the brand touches a few corporate homes. Here’s the clean answer you can rely on: KTM AG manufactures the motorcycles; Pierer Mobility owns the motorcycle group; Bajaj Auto now controls the parent through its holding arm. The production footprint spans Austria, India, and China, with final specs and quality systems set by KTM AG. That structure lets KTM keep European development speed while tapping Bajaj’s volume muscle and CFMOTO’s focused capacity for the 790 line.
How The KTM–Bajaj–Pierer Structure Works
Pierer Mobility AG is the listed holding company above KTM AG. After a staged set of deals and approvals in 2025, Bajaj Auto’s holding entity took control of the intermediate vehicle that owns the majority of Pierer Mobility. In plain terms, Bajaj gained the keys to the group while KTM AG kept its Austrian identity, teams, and processes. The partnership isn’t new; Bajaj and KTM have co-developed and manufactured small-displacement platforms for years. The 125, 200, 250, and 390 families prove the model: KTM designs, sets standards, and signs off; Bajaj builds at scale in India for both domestic and export markets.
What “Made In Austria” Still Means
Plenty of bikes still wear “Made in Austria” on the headstock. Enduro and motocross race bikes, along with many larger displacement street models, continue to run down lines in Mattighofen and nearby sites. Austrian plants carry the halo. They anchor testing, race program feedback, and platform leadership.
What India Builds For KTM
India handles the small-to-mid segment that sells in big numbers worldwide. That includes the Duke and RC families from 125 to 390 cc, plus the 390 Adventure series. The Indian plant is not just an assembly outpost. It produces engines, frames, wheels, and wiring looms to KTM specs, with end-of-line dyno checks and global export prep. Many bikes you see in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas come from Chakan.
What China Builds For KTM
Through the CFMOTO partnership, China produces the 790 platform, including 790 Duke and 790 Adventure models. The program lets KTM offer a proven twin at an attractive price point while reserving Austrian lines for higher-mix machines. The deal also supports parts commonality and dealer coverage across regions.
Ownership Timeline In Short
KTM’s modern corporate map took shape over two decades. Bajaj first took a stake years ago, then deepened the tie with joint development and manufacturing. In 2025, a call-option path and debt package led to control of the parent group after regulatory approvals. The end state: KTM AG remains the maker; Pierer Mobility is the parent; Bajaj is in charge at the top of that stack. For riders, the outcome is steady product flow, quicker refreshes, and more price-point choices.
Model Lines And Typical Assembly Sites
Not every VIN tells the same story, but patterns hold. Use the table below as a quick guide when shopping or comparing brochures. Always check the headstock plate and VIN for the specific bike you’re buying.
| Model Family | Typical Plant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EXC / XC-W (Enduro) | Austria | Race-led development and assembly |
| SX / SX-F (Motocross) | Austria | MX GP learnings feed into production |
| 1290 Super Adventure / Super Duke | Austria | Large-capacity street bikes |
| 890 Duke / Adventure | Austria or regional assembly | Depends on model year and market |
| 790 Duke / Adventure | China (CFMOTO) | Built under KTM–CFMOTO program |
| RC 390 / Duke 390 | India (Bajaj) | Made in Chakan to KTM standards |
| Duke 125 / 200 / 250 | India (Bajaj) | High-volume export lines |
Why The Structure Works For Riders
Racing DNA stays central in Austria, while price-sensitive segments gain from scale in India and China. Parts availability improves. Dealers get steadier supply. The portfolio can stretch from entry models to halo bikes without long gaps between updates.
Quality Control Across Plants
KTM’s engineering teams define components, tolerances, and testing. That includes supplier audits, torque procedures, and end-of-line checks. Plants share digital work instructions and traceability. Engines run on dynos before crating. Random audits pull finished bikes for deeper checks. It’s the same playbook across Austria, India, and China, with local tweaks only for logistics or regulations.
Where The Money Flows And Why It Matters
Bajaj’s control gives Pierer Mobility access to funding without long delays. That matters for retooling, emissions updates, and platform refreshes. Shared purchasing reduces cost swings on steel, castings, and electronics. WP components feed the group with matching valving and fit. The winner is the rider who wants a reliable price and faster delivery.
How To Tell Where A KTM Was Built
Check The VIN And Plate
Look at the headstock plate and the first characters in the VIN. They indicate the country and plant. Dealer staff can decode it if you’re not sure. Brochures often list assembly locations for each region, and many markets require a country-of-origin note on the spec sheet.
Look For Platform Cues
The 125–390 family points to India for most markets. The 790 line points to China. High-end enduro and motocross models lean toward Austria. Special editions and race replicas tend to be Austrian as well, though final allocation can shift by year.
About KTM Bicycles Vs. Motorcycles
Shoppers sometimes mix up motorcycle and bicycle pages. KTM Fahrrad GmbH makes bicycles and e-bikes. KTM AG makes motorcycles. The companies share historic roots and a name, but they’re separate businesses with separate product lines. If you’re scanning dealer sites, confirm whether you’re on the motorcycle or bicycle brand before placing an order.
Trusted References If You Want To Read More
For the corporate layer, see the holding company overview at PIERER Mobility AG. For the small-displacement manufacturing program in India, Bajaj outlines its role on the Bajaj–KTM partnership page. Both sources confirm the structure and the split of work across regions.
Buying Tips When Comparing VIN Origins
Match The Bike To Your Use
If you plan long highway days with luggage, a big-twin from Austria will feel calm and planted. If you commute in dense traffic, a Duke 250 or 390 from India blends punch with light weight. Want a twin at a friendly price? The 790 platform from China hits a sweet spot for range and torque.
Service, Parts, And Warranty
Pick a dealer with steady parts flow. Ask about lead times for common wear items. Confirm labor rates and first-service pricing. The warranty terms stay consistent for a given market, regardless of plant, as long as the bike is an official import through KTM’s network.
Resale Signals
Clean service records help more than plant origin. Keep invoices and the pre-delivery report. Buyers like bikes with updated software, fresh brake fluid, and proof of valve checks on schedule.
Bottom Line For Shoppers
When someone asks “which company makes ktm bikes?” the answer is KTM AG. The group above it is Pierer Mobility, now under Bajaj’s control. Big-bore and many off-road bikes are built in Austria. Small-to-mid displacements come from India with KTM oversight. The 790 line is made with CFMOTO in China. That mix gives you range, price points, and strong dealer support without losing the Austrian DNA that made the brand famous on dirt and tarmac.