First KTM E-Bike review

[gregp]

This looks awesome, except for the <$13,500 pricing target.
http://cyclenews.coverleaf.com/cyclenews/20111129#pg25

[OreoGaborio]

WANT

[DuncanMoto]

Very cool, but until the prices can come down....

I'm guessing you guys all saw the video on page 32??? Frickin' coolness!

[seth399]

def. awesome but since 8k bikes are already too expensive, 13.5 is waaay too expensive

[Paul_E_D]

That's awesome, but WTF would they have a non dirt rider test the thing. I wanna know what's really up. Ridden hard on a track, 20 minute battery life is short... Changing batteries should be tool less.

[jcrawford]

this is cheaper but i'd stick with a known MX brand like KTM if I were to go Electric.

http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-mx/order.php

[seth399]

there is this crf250 conversion to electric as well but guess what, $13,500

CRF2eR Electric Honda - YouTube

[breakdirt916]

I'm really not sure what to think about electric d-bikes...

but I do like how light they are!

imagine getting stuck in a 4 foot rut on an uphill sand pit, lifting the bike up with one arm, and just hitting go without worrying about popping the clutch and having it run away...

saw the video too...nothing too crazy MX wise, but I can imagine the trials version of this bike will let untalented people do some talented stuff...

[Pittenger5]

Seems like a fun idea, but I wonder how people would address the head out for an afternoon of riding. Usually you just tote 5 gallons of gas with you, but here ... not so much.

[breakdirt916]

for MX? multiple batteries, or charge one at the MX track as you're out for a heat

can't imagine how well the street version would last though...

[Pittenger5]

for MX? multiple batteries, or charge one at the MX track as you're out for a heat

can't imagine how well the street version would last though...

Where are all these outlets going to be?

[R7]

Where are all these outlets going to be?

And what's it going to add to the cost of riding per day at the local track? granted you won't be burning a 20 spot in gas, but that 20 you saved in gas will go to the track to cover their new electric costs..and the costs to add outlets to the facilities.
I don't think they will sell well until/if the economy recovers.

The video of the Honda seems like it's loud?

[Kurlon]

I'm really not sure what to think about electric d-bikes...

but I do like how light they are!

Ummm... that Freeride is heavier than my WR250R, my 92 WR250R. By 30lbs. And I can't last nearly as long as a tank of gas on it.

[breakdirt916]

I don't know how tracks would set it up, but my guess is in the pits...

and R7 is definitely right: just like the Prius, it's def. not an economical choice

imho us common folk will be on dino oil for awhile...some pro's and rich bastids will be hovering next to you on their e-ride on the track for many years until the cost comes down, the provisions for charging are there, the performance gains are definitive, and that becomes the new standard

as heavy as a WR though? weeeeaaaaaakkkkkk....give me something that weighs as much as a mini!!!

[Kurlon]

as heavy as a WR though? weeeeaaaaaakkkkkk....give me something that weighs as much as a mini!!!

I believe the Freeride is 220lbs, my WR is listed as 190 last I looked. Compared to modern four strokes the Freeride isn't bad.

[jtaylor719]

YouTube clips of the E-bike are far better. Certainly made me take a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5SqoyR8Ht0

Very stealthy, but I'm not ready to buy one. The Freeride 350 certainly has sparked my interest though. When I get sick of the 300 XC-W (not likely soon), I'll be in the market.

[Paul_E_D]

I believe the Freeride is 220lbs, my WR is listed as 190 last I looked. Compared to modern four strokes the Freeride isn't bad.

Have you weighed the WR? A 125 weighs 200+ Just sayin. I would guess a WR weighs 245 on the scales.

[Stromper]

If you make it

Trendy mo^ons will buy it

No but went the slathering Greens attack you can hold it
up as a straw dog and they will be distracted and leave you alone.

Electric vehicles are pollution movers, an inner city problem solution that the auto industry has already pretty much solved.

[R7]

http://www.ktm.com/fi/freeride/freer...l-details.html

95Kg = 209lbs, same as my XCW200 except you're not adding 20lbs worth of fuel
30hp is pretty good IMO for a 210lb bike.
As of now, it's not coming here for 2012..nor is the Freeride 350

[Fast_Eddie]

I believe the Freeride is 220lbs, my WR is listed as 190 last I looked. Compared to modern four strokes the Freeride isn't bad.

I'm not too familiar with the WR250, but I've owned a few YZ250's and the all of the water cooled YZ250's are around 230 lbs. that's 10 more than the E-Freeride.

I have high hopes for the electric MX bikes to become popular at the tracks. I have been into radio controlled helis, planes and cars for years and I've been part of the change that has happened to the R/C industry. LiPo and LiFe (KTM type) batteries and high efficiency brush-less motors dominate everything and have replaced two stroke nitro engines by bringing more torque and lower cost and far better reliability.

A mid level electronic speed control lets you program throttle curve, motor timing and drag brake (A.K.A. engine braking) with a simple programming card or a USB connector.
With a total of 3 battery packs and a place to charge batteries, you can run non-stop all day.

Electric will never be good in the woods of N.E.
The first weekend of E-bikes in the woods would end in multiple head on crashes and a few hikers and horse people being run over. I can hear the 6 oclock news now reporting that the victims of the E-dirtbikes "never heard them coming" while showing that video of the CRF250 landing on a womans head.

Woods bikes need to be between 83 db and 92 db to be safe.

[Kurlon]

I haven't weighed my WR, but I know Yam claimed 190 dry back in the day, and it's lighter than my KTM520SX was for sure.