2012 KTM 350 freeride

[One67]

Yeah, I don't know where the "recycled mini bike parts" comment came from either.
The only parts that are out of the ordinary for KTM are brakes made by Italian company Formula, who usually make light weight components for mountain bikes.
The wheels are 18" rear and 21" front.

[Steveman]

Originally Posted by jon_l

It is the same old thing - sell a cheap bike with cheap components, and folks moan about budget suspension and heavy weight. Sell an expensive bike with high-spec components, and they complain about price.

I'm glad to see a bike designed for folks who want a purpose-built, high-spec bike with quality components that isn't designed as a go-fast racing machine.

+1 true that is

[JTucker]

Originally Posted by jesusgatos

Yeah, they use a lot of components that are either carried directly over from their smaller bikes, or are slightly modified versions of those parts. No concerns over here though. Was only saying that should help keep the cost down, compared to all new purpose-built components.

I don't know what all the parts are off of but if there's one think KTM is good at is building parts bin bikes, and there's nothing wrong with that.

BTW, the GasGas pampera was a similar idea as well as the Sherco X-ride. Don't remember specs on the GG but the x-ride with a 290cc two stroke. MSRP 7999 US

Weight	92,5 kg (203.93 lb)
Wheelbase	1.404 mm (55.3 in)
Ground clearance	325 mm (12.8 in)
Seat height	850 mm (33.5 in)

[DrKayak]

Some of you guys have drank too much of the orange Kool-Aid.

It's fun to get all excited about a new bike but you have to asks yourself - do I really have the technical single track available to justify a Free Ride as my dirt bike?

Of all the trail available in NorCal. I would say 5% is Free Ride teritory. The rest would be more fun on a 350exc/f. Unless you are a very timid rider and always goes slow. Then the Honda may be just as good for you at 1/2 the price.

The forks are off a 85SX - kids bike. They may work execlent on the slow technical stuff but take a 200lb dude in the whoops on then and the performance will be very Honda like.

As to comparing prices to a trials bike -- You can get a NEW GasGas for $5,500 While $1,000 less than a 35exc/f = $9,500 for a Free Ride in CA.

The Free Ride will be plated in the U.S. It's the only way they will sell any.

I have money and love trials 10x more than ripping down easy stuff on my 450exc... still I don't see dropping $10k on a Free Ride. Even thougn it would be perfect on my favorite 5%.

[Max Kool]

Please don't forget, some people would actually love a more sedate, but yet still hi tech bike, especially for "enduro-wandern". A play bike instead of a race bike.

(I would!)

[milzispete]

Originally Posted by Max Kool

Please don't forget, some people would actually love a more sedate, but yet still hi tech bike, especially for "enduro-wandern". A play bike instead of a race bike.

(I would!)

+1 me too

[One67]

Originally Posted by Max Kool

Please don't forget, some people would actually love a more sedate, but yet still hi tech bike, especially for "enduro-wandern". A play bike instead of a race bike.

(I would!)

Me too, I love mine

[mwalker]

Originally Posted by Max Kool

Please don't forget, some people would actually love a more sedate, but yet still hi tech bike, especially for "enduro-wandern". A play bike instead of a race bike.

(I would!)

+1..... I'm 55 and not interested in a race bike anymore but still appreciate a light weight, lower seat height, higher tech machine to ride in and out of forest roads. 10k is a lot but its probably my last bike.

[JTucker]

I agree, I don't understand why they can't build a lightweight, de-tuned super reliable comfortable trail bike.

[OneEffinName]

Originally Posted by DrKayak

Of all the trail available in NorCal. I would say 5% is Free Ride teritory

You need to move. Up here 90% of what I ride would be great on a freeride. The other 10% is just for catchin your breath.

[jon_l]

Originally Posted by JTucker

I agree, I don't understand why they can't build a lightweight, de-tuned super reliable comfortable trail bike.

Long-term reliability isn't known, but hopefully that is exactly what the Freeride 350 is.

[OneEffinName]

He he. Remember the FR350 does have the 350 race engine in it. Thats how they get the weight down, power up and torque up. Don't expect it to be reliable like a tank of a DR350. It ain't goinna happen.

According to the service schedule you'll have to change the oil every 20 hrs and the piston, con rod and valves every 120hrs. Now if you take good care of it that might not be needed until 250-300hrs. But that is far from reliable. I put on 150hrs a year easy.

[VxZeroKnots]

Originally Posted by OneEffinName

He he. Remember the FR350 does have the 350 race engine in it. Thats how they get the weight down, power up and torque up. Don't expect it to be reliable like a tank of a DR350. It ain't goinna happen.

According to the service schedule you'll have to change the oil every 20 hrs and the piston, con rod and valves every 120hrs. Now if you take good care of it that might not be needed until 250-300hrs. But that is far from reliable. I put on 150hrs a year easy.

re·li·a·ble
/riˈlīəbəl/
Adjective
Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
Noun
A person or thing with such trustworthy qualities.
Synonyms
trustworthy - dependable - trusty - sure - safe - sound


I have no doubt it will be plenty reliable, as most KTM's are these days.

[OneEffinName]

I think I touched a nerve and got a little bit of that there skooling! touchy touchy!

[Myfuture_yourdebt]

Originally Posted by OneEffinName

I think I touched a nerve and got a little bit of that there skooling! touchy touchy!

http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...8#post20191148