Deutsche Umwelthilfe requests investigation into KTM motorcycles

Berlin, June 8, 2026 – The environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has filed a request with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA) to initiate investigations into Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM. DUH urges the authority to take action against tens of thousands of motorcycles allegedly sold without valid type approval.

According to media research and revelations from an international consortium of investigative journalists, KTM's enduro motorcycles reportedly received type approval for restricted versions. However, the manufacturer is accused of supplying these with kits and software updates that remove the restrictions. This would allegedly lead to a significant increase in engine power, noise levels, and emissions compared to the approved specifications. DUH demands that the KBA revoke the relevant type approvals and impose substantial sanctions on the manufacturer.

Jürgen Resch, DUH's Federal Managing Director, stated that KTM has allegedly tolerated illegally high emissions and noise pollution for years. He emphasized that the manufacturer supplies dealers with conversion kits, enabling motorcycles to be modified into more powerful machines with higher environmental impact. DUH estimates that up to 25,000 such vehicles might be in illegal circulation in Germany.

Although KTM requires buyers to sign a declaration stating that the motorcycles will not be used in road traffic but only in competitions and on private property, DUH considers this insufficient to absolve the manufacturer of responsibility. The organization views the manufacturer's sales strategy as a systematic attempt to circumvent regulations and is now calling for effective intervention by the authorities.