ADVrider - KTM Freeride (new bike)

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KTM Freeride (new bike)

Here is the translated article:

Quote:

It weighs 99.5 kg, the engine has the 350 EXC-F and arrive at the Milan Show. It is not an Enduro and is not a trial, is a different way of thinking to off-road. XOffRoad the next issue of the complete test and service adventure, with Cyril Despres in the Pyrenees
World premiere! Photo Gallery

The engine of the beast Johnny Aubert, but a dual exhaust that makes it quiet and peaceful. Derived from the prototype of the electric Freeride presented in previous years, here is the KTM 350 Freeride. It is not a concept,
is a real bike! Arrive at the Milan Show, to be marketed in early 2012.
He climbs everywhere. Curious? In the next issue of XOffRoad full service.

Looks promising!

KTM Press Release

At the EICMA Motorcycle Fair next month KTM will present the Freeride 350, an Enduro that has only one simple message: Maximal offroad pleasure.

KTM, the world market leader for Enduro motorcycles unveils the Freeride 350. This is a motorcycle that has all the same genes as every KTM competition Enduro bike but is still quite different. The aim was to create a bike on offroad wheels that could master the same challenges as a KTM EXC, but with significantly less effort and energy. So the Freeride 350 is a playful and feather light Enduro to really enjoy and no extreme competition machine.

At merely 99 kg, the Freeride 350, available in Spring 2012, is an invitation to all those who have until now had no contact with this fascinating sport. Never has it been easier to get into riding an Enduro.
This 24 hp strong, 350 cc high single cylinder with fuel injection always delivers enough but never too much power. Thanks to its homologation and a slim and noise reducing double pipe exhaust system this light fun machine can be used in normal traffic any time.

A new composite frame design has also been achieved to further enhance the advantages of the lightweight concept. High quality and proven WP suspension components ensure that the Freeride 350 meets the expectations of a genuine KTM even during a hard ride on tough terrain.

Darn it MUd quit finding all these cool bikes! Don't you dare get one I already am following your lead with the Husaberg and now the Monty 4rt coming this week. I can't afford anymore and my husband is waaaaay past the tolerant stage :1drink

Quote:

Originally Posted by mud (Post 17136461)

Here is the translated article:
It is not an Enduro and is not a trial, is a different way of thinking to off-road.

As different as the Alpina 40 years ago? :ear

That would be a blast in the mtns. I likey! :wink:

Will be a total failure in the US.

:deal

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Originally Posted by dpforth (Post 17144686)

As different as the Alpina 40 years ago? :ear

Everything old is "new" again.

My club is full of KTM's with Dunlop trials tires on the back.

The Sherco looks more interesting. The two things I would want are a low seat height and light weight.

http://www.trial-club.com/webzine-tr...sherco-x-ride/

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Originally Posted by dlrides (Post 17294733)

Will be a total failure in the US.

:deal

I agree. It is too heavy and too tall to be en "easier to ride enduro". The lower HP will turn many people off after they get bored playing trials rider. They should have used the 200cc 2 stroke engine to get the weight under 200 lbs. I like the sherco better for trail riding and playing around.

Its got a 1"shorter seat height and 1"shorter suspension than an xr 400 weighs 30lbs less has fuel injection 5 less hp, same wheelbase,and comes with lights, and has the magic button and you don't think it will be a good trail bike?

I think if it comes to the U.S. you will be surprised at how well it does. It looks like a fun bike for the tight stuff, climbing, and other technical riding.

------------------------------------------------------------
Luke
2009 Husky WR250

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlrides (Post 17294733)

Will be a total failure in the US.

:deal

Agreed.

Americans have proven time and again that they want cheap moreso than functional.

I think the Japanese have missed the boat by not selling decent dirt bikes that are street legal. AFAIK, the KTM and Husky dealers locally are doing pretty well with their road-going dirt machines. Let's ask NM Trailboss on this one -- he works for a multi-line, multi-shop dealer and would know if street papers help.

The main advantage I see here in the US is that trail mileage is being lost on public lands, and if your bike is street-legal it makes it easier to string together a good trail ride. If KTM brings this Freeride here with road-going papers, I don't think they'll languish in the showrooms.

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Originally Posted by ridenm (Post 17328859)

They sell well enough for boutique brands. That is not well enough for Honda, Yam, etc.

The argument I always hear is that people want the performance of a KTM race bike, with the maintenance intervals of an air-cooled jap bike for the price of a 10 year old KLR. Plus 12 inches of travel at both ends and someone 5' 3" should be able to flat foot.

Ugh.