KTM under scrutiny following allegations over modified enduro motorcycles

KTM has found itself at the centre of a major European investigation questioning how the company's road-legal enduro models are sold and used after delivery. Several media outlets have described the case as motorcycling's equivalent of "Dieselgate", although at this stage it remains a matter of allegations and ongoing investigations rather than proven regulatory breaches.

The investigation, carried out by a consortium of European media organisations together with Climate Whistleblowers, focuses primarily on KTM’s EXC and EXC-F models, as well as equivalent models from Husqvarna and GasGas. According to the reports, the motorcycles are sold in a Euro 5-compliant configuration to meet registration and type-approval requirements, but the restrictions are then allegedly removed before the bikes are handed over to customers.

Allegations of “Alibi registration”

Journalists involved in the investigation claim that dealers in several European countries described the de-restriction process as routine practice. According to the reports, motorcycles are being sold in a configuration that no longer corresponds to the version approved for road use. Several media outlets have used the term “alibi registration” to describe the alleged arrangement.

Laboratory tests commissioned as part of the investigation reportedly showed that modified motorcycles produced significantly higher emissions than their homologated counterparts. In some cases, emissions were said to exceed the limits applicable to the road-approved versions by several times.

KTM rejects the allegations

KTM has firmly denied the claims.

In an official statement, the company says that all KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas enduro models leave the factory in a fully road-legal and homologated condition. KTM argues that the reporting reflects a misunderstanding of how modern competition-oriented enduro motorcycles are designed and used, pointing out that these machines are intended for both competition and road use.

The company also states that any modifications for competition purposes may only be carried out after purchase and at the explicit request of the customer, and that the motorcycle is no longer approved for use on public roads once such modifications have been made.

Authorities launch investigations

Several European authorities are now reported to be examining the allegations. Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has launched an investigation to determine whether regulations have been complied with. However, no official findings or legal conclusions have yet been announced.

What the final outcome will be remains to be seen. What is already clear is that the issue has sparked debate well beyond KTM’s customer base. For critics, the case centres on emissions, noise levels and compliance with EU regulations. For KTM, the discussion concerns how competition-oriented enduro motorcycles are homologated and subsequently used in practice.

At present, no authority has concluded that KTM has breached any laws or regulations. Nevertheless, the ongoing investigations could have significant implications not only for the manufacturer, but also for the enduro segment as a whole.