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1220
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4/1/2008
Location
Houston, TX
US
Edited Date/Time
7/28/2020 10:47am
I've seen a lot of hype about the 'Prankl' transmissions found in the newer KTMs.
I've done a lot of searching for 'Prankl' and have not come up with anything, searching on google and SAE databases.
I was hoping someone could direct me to a website or perhaps even a contact for this Prankl or even just enlighten me about what it is (I assume it is a European supplier but I really have no idea, perhaps it's merely an adjective or acronym.)
Thanks in advance.
I've done a lot of searching for 'Prankl' and have not come up with anything, searching on google and SAE databases.
I was hoping someone could direct me to a website or perhaps even a contact for this Prankl or even just enlighten me about what it is (I assume it is a European supplier but I really have no idea, perhaps it's merely an adjective or acronym.)
Thanks in advance.
Thanks!
The Shop
Pankl is without a doubt a top notch Tier 1 supplier and developer of drivetrain components. KTM has been doing business with Pankl for a long time, nothing new there, this is an established partnership that goes back many years. Pankl is headquartered in Austria, but also operates globally in many different markets
Keep in mind that KTM is Europe's largest producer of motorcycles and Pankl produces transmissions for more than 11 different KTM models. This helps provide a frame of reference for how much volume Pankl is producing for KTM - a very siginificant % of their business model.
In 2016, Pankl had to build a new Facility in Austria to keep up with KTMs growing production volume as well as their desire to continue the "ready to race" mantra. In less than 2 years, Pankl completed building this new facility in Kapfenberg. The Kapfenberg facility is ultra-modern and dedicated to only high performance drivetrain engineering, development, and production. Everything in this facility is top notch equipment, from the machining centers, heat treat, quality control, etc.....this is absolutely a cutting edge Industry 4.0 enabled factory.
I have visited the facilities of many different drivetrain suppliers. The Pankl Kapfenberg facility is absolutely near the top of the list in terms of modernization, quality control, and engineering expertise.
Is the KTM "Pankl" transmission anything earth-shattering? No, but no doubt in my mind that Pankl is producing very high quality products for production models. KTM has direct oversight of the product and they have always placed a huge emphasis on lightweight design and component quality.
What I find interesting is that as of 2018, KTM industries holds over 98% of the share capital in Pankl Racing Systems AG, which is the business unit that operates Pankl Racing Products. Pankl Racing Systems AG also has CP & Carillo as US subsidiaries. Wondering how that works with CP & Carillo supporting racing efforts for other brands, yet KTMI holds a controlling share in the parent organization?
While the methods may not vary vastly , the processes, materials and finishing will massively different. Superfinishing, HIP-ing , and DLC/Balanit coatings push prices way past what you can justify for mass produced bikes.
Most of the parts we used were made in the UK, at the specialist Motorsports division, and were proper top drawer.
I am also a drivetrain research engineer, which is why I was trying to dig up more info on Pankl.
Perhaps an exchange of business cards is in order? I'll attempt to PM you.
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