11/11/2024 07:30
Updated 11/11/2024 07:30
The new electric field motorcycle from the Austrian manufacturer arrives in the midst of a crisis that is plaguing the sector and of which the group Pierer Mobilityto which it belongs KTMis not alien.
We said in a reportage a few days ago “that the Austrian group is especially noticing the effects of the crisis that the motorcycle industry is going through, and has gone from growing 15% in sales during the first half of 2023, with a profit of 53 million euros, to the first six months of 2024 in which they have accumulated losses of 172 million, in year-on-year terms.”
However, as they say, the best defense is an attack and it seems that is what KTM has done with its new Freeride E 2025which is a completely new model (the previous one dated from 2014) and which has been piloted by the Enduro racer Manuel Lettenbichler in the most demanding competition such as the Hard Enduro World Championship.
And that a rider in this category has used this same electric motorcycle in such demanding off-road environments confirms the validity of electric motorcycles in competition and, above all, the high level achieved by the Freeride E.
Is it actually an Enduro bike?
The KTM Freeride E was born with the idea of combining different concepts in a motorcycle that, thanks to its electric status, was also environmentally friendly (low emissions and almost non-existent noise). The Freeride E is an Enduro motorcycle with somewhat lowered suspensions that reduce the height of the saddle (it is 910 mm from the ground) compared to the rest of the motorcycles in the category. This, together with a great power delivery at low speeds, also allows it to perform in Trial environments. In fact, the first Freeride E had a curious tire combination: an Enduro tire on the front wheel and a Trial tire on the rear.
We can say that the new 2025 version is a little closer to the Enduro concept (the wheels are already ‘knob’), but without abandoning that ease of handling that the original Freeride E had, which was a little closer to the Trial.
The brand ensures, on the other hand, that the not having gears and being able to operate the brakes in both hands (as on bicycles) makes handling, in technical areas, easier on the Freeride E than on any other combustion motorcycle.
An engine that dazzles
The new engine offers a nominal power of 11 kW, with peak power of up to 19.2 kW and more than 37 Nm of torque. The maximum speed declared by KTM is 95 km/h, enough to have strong sensations on the roads. The Austrian firm says that the new power unit is much more silentand that is better chilled (the liquid cooling system has been optimized), with great treatment anti water and anti dust.
Three are the driving modes available (ECO, NORMAL and SPORT) and three the energy recovery settings (OFF, MID and HIGH).
He traction control is adjustable in order to limit or increase wheel slip. To finish the security aspect, a rollover sensorwhich cuts off the current in the event of a fall.
The battery MX50 lithium ion weighs 29kg and it is removable, which allows us to have a second unit. The capacity is 5.5 kWh (1.5 kWh more than that of the previous Freeride E), which allows an increase in autonomy by 20% (in ‘real Enduro’ driving it can last between 2 and 3 hours). KTM states that the life of the new battery can withstand more than 1,000 charge cycles before dropping to 80% effectiveness. A full charge from a household outlet is estimated to take about 8 hours.
The chassis is also new.
The cycle part of the new Freeride E is completely new, with a different geometry that prioritizes stability and comfort (the wheelbase has been increased). The chassis is chrome-molybdenum steel and uses the engine as a supporting part, that is, it also serves as a structure (various components are anchored to it). The subframe, for its part, is made of aluminum. The total weight declared by KTM does not reach the 112kg.
The suspension uses WP components, with an imposing inverted fork WP XACT (43 mm bars) easily adjustable and reaches the 250mm travel. For its part, the rear bases its operation on a monoshock system with a shock absorber WP XPLOR and progressive PDS system (does not have linkages), which provides 240mm travel.
Available January 2025
The first units will leave the factory at the end of 2024, so KTM ensures that In early 2025 they will be available in stores. They have not revealed the price but it is understood that so much technology will be faithfully reflected in it. As it is registrable, it can be driven on highways and roads where motor vehicles are permitted. We hope that electric motorcycles will reopen many of the trails that have been gradually closed to traffic: They do not pollute and do not make noisetwo of the aspects that have harmed combustion motorcycles the most. We will see.
More information at: KTM Freeride E 2025
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