Motorcycle brands are not only about popularizing prestigious vehicles for lovers of drive and dynamics. This is a whole story that the creators of each trademark cherish. This is a legend that has found its realization, in reality, an extensive field of associations, someone’s dream embodied in practice. We bring to your attention an overview of the famous Austrian brands.
What is Austrian Motorcycle Brands?
Among the operating motorcycle companies in Austria, KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles, Puch, Husaberg, BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG are leading. The bankrupt brands include Delta-Gnom and Steyr-Daimler-Puch.
KTM
The KTM company appeared in 1936. The company was founded in Mattighofen. Engineer Hans Trunkenpolz headed the company. Initially, it was a workshop that specialized in metal processing. As for the production of motorcycles, it began almost two decades after the enterprise’s founding in 1954.
The brand is widely known for off-road motorcycles. But over the past few years, its product line has expanded to include road bikes.
Understanding the history of the company, the symbolism of the logo becomes clearer. The name of the company is in italic type. This evokes an association with dynamics that are natural to the off-road motorcycle lifestyle. The letter “T,” which rises above the rest, prompts thoughts about the company’s solidity, a solid history, respectability, and responsibility in the production process. However, orange in logo design is perceived to be softer than red. In this case, it can be interpreted in the context of the company’s reliability.
Husqvarna Motorcycles
Husqvarna Motorcycles is a subsidiary of the giant KTM. However, the brand itself appeared in Sweden much earlier. At the end of the 19th century, the Husqvarna company was founded, specializing in the production of bicycles. The year 1903 became a landmark in the work of the enterprise when the first motorcycle was produced under this brand.
Husqvarna Motorcycles’ recent history is as dynamic as riding its bikes. The enterprise was resold several times to powerful concerns, having managed to be the property of the Italian company Cavina and the legendary BMW Group brand. In 2013, KTM acquired Husqvarna Motorcycles. Today the company is known all over the world for its racing motorcycles. So here we see the amalgamation of Australian and Austrian manufacturers.
If we talk about the Husqvarna Motorcycles logo, it is quite interesting from a conceptual perspective. The company name is spelled out in full, but its capital letter is framed with an interesting visual symbol, the top vaguely resembling a crown. Part of the second word is underlined, which speaks of emphasis and specificity. And blue, which is associated with safety and tranquility in logo design, is quite appropriate in this context. He seems to remind: “The manufacturer has taken care that his motorcycles are reliable and not let down.”
Puch
Puch is originally an Austro-Hungarian and then an Austrian company. At first it was called Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Since 1864, the company has been producing military equipment, firearms, cars, airplanes, and motorcycles. Car production ceased in the early 2000s. It should be noted that many in the world know the company precisely as a motorcycle manufacturer.
The logo is designed as an emblem. This is a competent stylistic decision that indicates tradition and authority. The direct font is a sign of specificity in positioning. The contrast of black and white colors indicates the clarity and uniqueness of the associative range that the brand evokes. However, the logo also uses bright green. This color is associated with nature, activity, health, and dynamics. This combination looks quite logical not only visually but also in meaning. And rounded shapes and lines smooth out the contrast and, in addition to being specific, add a little appropriate softness to the emblem concept.
Husaberg
After the Italian company bought the production arm of Husqvarna Motorcycles in 1987 and moved production to Italy, the engineers decided to stay in Sweden. Thomas Gustavsson headed it. This decision served as the beginning of the existence of the Husaberg brand, which was subsequently acquired by the Austrian company KTM Sportmotorcycle.
The full name of the company is used in the logo of the company. The stylized font and symmetrical oblong first and last letters with sharp edges are an interesting solution. Undoubtedly, such a logo looks memorable, stylish, and bright. Especially when you consider that it uses the deep blue color of the font itself and the bright yellow line chosen for the top underline. By itself, the idea of an underscore evokes an association with strangeness. At the same time, it is a good stylistic trick that makes the logo even clearer. This decision is rational and practical since the different sizes of the letters in the lower part of the logo would not allow drawing a line under it.
BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG
The Austrian manufacturing company BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG is better known simply as Rotax. It is a subsidiary of the Canadian company BRP and specializes in motorized vehicles for entertainment and extreme sports. The history of the world fame of the Austrian company began in 1950 – together with the production of the famous LOHNER scooter.
Today the company logo evokes associations with specifics and manufacturability. The upright white font is reminiscent of the clarity and transparency of manufacturing standards. Burgundy background with a gradient is traditionally considered an emphasis on authority, solidity, and intelligence. And the BRP insignia is an apt reminder of which giant is the parent company of Rotax.
Defunct motorcycle brands
Delta-Gnom
Delta-Gnom was founded in 1923. At one time, she went down in history as a famous motorcycle manufacturer. Production continued until the 30s. For some time, it resumed and lasted until 1955.
If you look at the company’s logo, it is quite eloquent and corresponds to its name. At the base is a large triangle (delta), divided into inner segments by small triangles. The stylized font, the inclinations of which follow the segments of the figure, are inscribed in its composition.
Steyr-Daimler-Puch
Steyr-Daimler-Puch has already been mentioned above. It dates back to the times of Austria-Hungary, which existed from 1864 to 2001. The company logo resembles a target, in the center of which its name is placed in white letters. The word next to it is duplicated in black italic font. This solution is highly unusual. But if you get acquainted with the company’s history, which at some stages of its existence produced, among other things, firearms, it is quite understandable. At the same time, the name in the center can be associated with a goal that is relevant for people with a “targeted” vision of their priorities. Even though the logo uses only white and black colors, it looks strong from a visual and semantic perspective.
This was the TOP of interesting and attractive logos of Austrian motorcycle brands.
Are any motorcycles made in Australia?
Australia has a motorcycle production, but the domestic market is very small because the government practically does not support the motorcycle industry.
Which country made KTM?
KTM AG vehicles are manufactured in various countries around the world. For example, the Indian company Bajaj is engaged in creating low-capacity motorcycles, and the rest of the motorcycles are manufactured in Austria. Some products are manufactured in Chinese factories.
What brands do KTM own?
KTM AG owns the following subsidiary brands: KTM Immobilien GmbH, KTM Technologies GmbH, Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH, KTM Sportmotorcycle GmbH.
Where are KTM motorcycles from?
KTM is registered in Austria, but its motorcycles are not only produced in this country. Most of the products are manufactured in India because Bajaj Auto Limited is located there, one of the two owners of KTM.