KTM lands in emissions scandal as enduro reputation takes a bruising

Investigation points to systematic derestriction

An investigation coordinated by Climate Whistleblowers and published by Le Monde, El País, Der Spiegel, DeSmog and other European outlets claims that KTM enduro models passed type approval in restricted form, only for dealers to remove those restrictions before handover or shortly after sale. The investigation covers at least 16 enduro models across the KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas ranges.

The alleged scheme revolves around two realities. On paper, the bike runs in a homologated, road legal configuration. In practice, the customer may receive a machine on which the dealer removed or altered parts linked to emissions and noise control, including the lambda sensor, catalytic converter, air or intake restrictors and engine management software. According to DeSmog, dealers told investigators that KTM knew about the practice and supplied showrooms with parts and training.

The problem is not only legal, but mechanical

Enduro motorcycles live on the border between two worlds. They are not conventional road bikes, yet in Europe they often need a number plate because riders must use public roads to reach forest trails, race venues or training areas. That is exactly why type approval gives models such as the KTM EXC and EXC F a commercial advantage. The buyer gets a race flavoured machine that may also be used on public roads.

When a bike meets the rules only in its homologated setting but runs in a different configuration in real life, type approval loses much of its meaning. The story will feel familiar to anyone who followed car industry scandals. The parallel with Dieselgate is not technically exact, because this case does not centre on software that detects a test cycle. It concerns alleged physical and software changes after type approval. The logic, however, remains similar. The regulatory world and real use do not match.

Lab tests showed more pollution and more noise

According to an independent study commissioned by the ICCT, a derestricted KTM EXC 300 Enduro proved more than ten times more polluting and roughly twice as loud as EU motorcycle type approval limits allow. El País reported that some measured figures, including carbon monoxide and particulate emissions, exceeded legal limits by as much as 20 times.

Technically, that should surprise nobody. Remove the catalytic converter, interrupt the lambda sensor and recalibrate the engine management for a richer fuel mixture, and the engine produces more punch, but also more unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulates. In enduro use, that means sharper throttle response and better low speed traction. On public roads, it means more pollution and more noise.

KTM denies wrongdoing

KTM AG responded on 27 May 2026 with a statement rejecting the allegations and saying that all KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas enduro models leave the factory in road legal, homologated condition. KTM added that a dealer may convert a bike for competition or off road use at the customer’s request only after purchase, but the customer must then understand that the bike loses its right to use public roads.

The manufacturer also points to scale. Enduro models account for roughly 3 per cent of KTM’s global sales. KTM further argues that enduro motorcycles cover few kilometres each year and that their overall CO2 impact remains small compared with road motorcycles.

That defence answers part of the question, but not the central contradiction. If the dealers’ claims and hidden recordings prove accurate, attention shifts from the factory gate to the sales network. Did the manufacturer simply sell a legal motorcycle, or did it knowingly help create a process that made the bike illegal after type approval?

Regulators may come under pressure

So far, no European regulator publicly accused KTM of breaking emissions or type approval rules. Autocar India stressed that the allegations remain at the investigation stage and that KTM denies wrongdoing.

Even so, DeSmog said French and German transport authorities are reviewing the findings, while the European Commission was made aware of the ICCT report. If authorities find a breach, the case could bring fines, sales restrictions, recalls or tougher scrutiny across the enduro sector.

For Europe, the story touches a sore point

Next to cars, the European motorcycle market is not the biggest emissions problem. But the enduro sector depends heavily on trust. The buyer wants a powerful, light motorcycle. The official wants a road legal machine. The manufacturer wants to sell both ideas at once. If the investigators’ claims stand up, the KTM case shows how fragile that compromise really is.

The stakes are high in competition terms too. KTM built its image for years around the phrase “Ready to Race” and dominated the enduro and off road world together with Husqvarna and GasGas. If the brand loses trust in Europe, Beta, Sherco, Honda, Yamaha and other manufacturers could benefit by stressing cleaner homologation and a more transparent sales process.

A scandal at the worst possible time

KTM’s recent financial position makes the case sharper. Reuters reported in May 2025 that India’s Bajaj Auto would take control of KTM through an 800 million euro debt package designed to help the Austrian manufacturer emerge from restructuring. Before that, KTM faced serious liquidity problems and court supervised reorganisation.

That means the emissions scandal is not only a technical or legal risk. It is also a reputational and commercial problem at a time when KTM must rebuild supply, sales volume, dealer confidence and owner trust. If an official investigation confirms the allegations, Bajaj may inherit not just a debt burden, but also a European type approval credibility problem.

Technical summary

The investigation covers at least 16 KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas enduro models.

The claims centre on homologated settings that dealers allegedly derestricted.

The alleged changes may include disconnecting the lambda sensor, removing or replacing the catalytic converter and recalibrating the engine management.

A test commissioned by the ICCT found that a derestricted KTM EXC 300 Enduro exceeded emissions and noise limits by a large margin.

KTM denies wrongdoing and says all motorcycles leave the factory in road legal condition.