2014 KTM Freeride 250R

[maxim_X]

What's the deal with this thing? An off-road bike with the lightweight compact design of a trials bike? I honestly don't know but it seems interesting. The euro models are getting plates and they all com with E-start and lights and goodies so plating a US model might be similar to the current 2 strokes. It seems like it would tear it up at enduros and scrambles around here. What do you guys think? In 5 years are the starting lines going to be full of these?

http://www.ktm.com/freeride/freeride...l#.UiNE6zY3uCc

http://blog.derestricted.com/motorcy...-freeride-350/

[Chippertheripper]

I'm pretty sure it's marketed as a play bike, similar to an xr250 philosophically.
I like the idea of a docile 250 2t for endurance woodsy racing, personally. And since every bike really needs suspension help, it coming with price point type boingers is a non issue. I love that there isn't a huge expansion chamber right in front for me to pancake.

[gregp]

As soon as the full e-version arrives, I will own one. Aside from organized events, it is the only way to trail ride in this region. That said, I am not yet willing to give up my 350EXC for a Freeride - 2 or 4 stroke. There are now several of these "Hybrid" bikes available here, in the US (I believe) - The Sherco X-Ride, The Ossa Explorer, and the Scorpa T-Ride. None have the marketing power of KTM, though. There have been competitors who have entered Enduro-cross events on trials bikes, but they have not won consistently yet. These hybrids may change that.

[Kurlon]

Looks like the perfect step up from a TTR125 for my wife.

[maxim_X]

That's weird. I got a different impression from reading some of the reviews. It seemed to me like it was a full size bike, just crossing the gap between their EXC and a trials, maybe I'm misunderstanding the concept. Regardless of what the final product comes out as I'd love to see one up close. The narrow design and pipe protection alone seem like an awesome step forward for an offroad/enduro type bike. We will see what it costs.

[slowkermit]

If a 2t can work with a small pipe like that, how come we have fucking tubas hanging off ours?

[gregp]

If a 2t can work with a small pipe like that, how come we have fucking tubas hanging off ours?

It depends on what kind of power you want/need. The Freeride probably goes somewhat "flat" after a strong midrange. The Freeride pipe is only slightly fatter than a 2-T trials bike's pipe. No power valve means that the ports are tuned to work well in a vert specific RPM range - most likely low-mid.

[Chippertheripper]

http://youtu.be/kCEvnq8pcrg

Edit: suck my ass, the title said it had English subtitles.

[KB]

Oh boy. I think I found my new ride.

KB

[Kurlon]

If only I had money.

[B440]

If a 2t can work with a small pipe like that, how come we have fucking tubas hanging off ours?

Ever ride a Yamaha RT100? Same style pipe: 0 midrange hit. Or, no powaband, if that's what you want to call it. Just 4-stroke style acceleration that flattens out on top.

[Paul_E_D]

THIS is the bike for Diz!!! Are you listening Diz?

[R7]

I saw a 250 freeride at the dealer on Friday..I like it, would like to try one...maybe

[breakdirt916]

demo rides on freestyle maybe for 2016?~?

[Paul_E_D]

My dealer is a woods race and KTM buff. He's not a fan of the freeride. he says it doe nothing right at all for going fast in the woods. I was a little shocked. he wrote it off as a girl's bike. (sorry jerseygirl...)

[Chippertheripper]

My dealer is a woods race and KTM buff. He's not a fan of the freeride. he says it doe nothing right at all for going fast in the woods. I was a little shocked. he wrote it off as a girl's bike. (sorry jerseygirl...)

I've seen a couple at enduros, guys seem to like them for long efforts like that. They are spring for the kiddies and they don't carry a lot of fuel, that's the two reported shortcomings.
Once the fuel capacity thing is resolved if seriously consider it, because I just assume everything needs suspension help now.

[Paul_E_D]

My dealer wouldn't sell it to me if I wanted it. LOL

[Chippertheripper]

Valley?

[Paul_E_D]

Shhhh

[Chippertheripper]

I don't recall seeing jerry out there at all...
It's a worthy machine, especially for somebody of smaller physical stature. It has a pretty unique percussive sound for a smoker too, which I like.
I'd rip it. Once it gets a bigger bladder. Throw the boingers at c-cycle and call it a career.

[Kurlon]

I thought the Freerides were having all sorts of teething problems, stuff breaking, motor flaws, etc?

[Chippertheripper]

I thought the Freerides were having all sorts of teething problems, stuff breaking, motor flaws, etc?

I haven't looked at what the innernets was saying. I'm just going off the 4-5 I've seen out there frequently.