During my childhood, I always dreamed of owning a KTM SX 85 while riding my Yamaha YZ 85. As I grew older, my aspirations shifted to a 1290 Super Duke R and eventually a KTM Duke 890 R. I have always been a big fan of team orange and the rebellious Ready to Race attitude of the Austrian brand. However, my enthusiasm waned when the brand mismanaged its funds, causing harm to many riders and off-road championships.
Therefore, the recent announcement of KTM's 2026 off-road lineup is met with a sense of skepticism rather than cynicism. The brand has outlined a timeline for the release of its new models.
According to KTM, the new lineup will focus on enhancing competitive performance in all categories. Developed with input from top-level racing, the range demonstrates KTM's dedication to pushing the boundaries of off-road capability and maintaining its leading position in the sport.
The rollout of the lineup will occur in phases, with each off-road category being unveiled separately to give riders and teams worldwide something to anticipate. While specific updates to each model have not been disclosed yet, KTM promises "factory-inspired chassis enhancements, cutting-edge electronics, and advanced connectivity features for off-road racing". You can stay updated on each category's progress here.
Despite rumors circulating about KTM's MotoGP star considering a switch due to uncertainties surrounding bike development and the brand's future presence on the grid, it is important not to underestimate the significance of the 2026 updates to the company's off-road lineup.
Let's remain optimistic - KTM has previously dominated the off-road scene, and hopefully, they will once again produce exceptional bikes.