Interesting. Seems like a cool idea but wonder how it will sell. Might end up being a GREAT small person / wife bike. Note that is is specifically marketed as not an extreme bike. Light duty I'm sure. http://www.motocross.com/features/first-look-ktm-freeride-350/
If it comes with a license plate, it could be a great campground bike to run to the store - instead of a toad (towed) behind the rv.
quasi trials moderate trail bike right? kinda like the gas gas pampera, only more modern. A way to get a more trails like machine to pass by E cross and extreme enduro regulations????
Kinda reminds me of the Scorpa T-Ride, which I was convinced I wanted for the longest time because of the weight and seat height. I don't know if they really made them for the public, though. http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/scorpa_t-ride_250f_2011.php
The composite steel-aluminum frame is unique. Looks really fun on single track. KTM is being very innovative.
If they make it as light as they claim and it's E-start and has a lower seat height and it's priced reasonable, Honda can quit selling their CRF230s as this bike could eat most of their sales. It looks to be everything Honda should have been doing with the 230 for the last 10 years, but didn't....... Personally, I don't believe they'll be able to sell them with a sub 220# weight..... The rad looks to be a one piece design ala the older Husabergs. This bike could also have easily been made aircooled....
I think the concept [assuming I understand the concept] is a great idea. Something a little less "extreme" for the masses that will get you anywhere you want to go [just not as quickly]. Add the plate to the equation and I think this is a really nice idea. Price point would be critical though -- how much would you pay for something to dink around on???? 5k? 6k? In my book this would be a fantastic bike if the price were low enough -- like $4k or so.
i'm confused by the description in the link. "really-really awesome, aimed at conquering any off-road terrain imaginable"... but not really because it's a low HP, non-extreme, non-enduro, play bike with a 350cc motor? hmmm looks really interesting. nice catch on the rad. would like to see more pics (but i ain't no pumpkin rider, hehee)
Just another gimmick to push fourstrokes. Isn't a 250SX 212 pounds. If they are going for lightweight why not put a (de-tuned) 300 two stroke in it?
Love it! Instead of a wacky orange 4-stroke "light-weight" singletrack bike, how about something really innovative like: http://www.dirtrider.com/reviews/dirt_bike/141_1108_2011_ossa_tr280i_riding_impression/index.html Pic in Dirt Bike mag of BETA Trials with a long range kit added! How about a DI 2-stroke w/ a long range kit! I'm hoping that DI 2-strokes are in the near future in the off-road world. A new "2-stroke revolution" would be priceless.
I might suggest the comparable market niche would be a Yamaha 250 wrx with a wheesl or rim swap. I just happened to be with a guy within a week that didn't need a hauler to go dirt bike riding. It appears to me that that 250 yamaha water cooled version in the dirt wheel or "supermoto" wheel sells out as Yamaha/Kawasaki dealers at least three of them this year have had none and tried to intrest me in the kawasaki version. It is tough to understand what a warranty really covers but the model I mention can be bumpet out to four years at least I understand. Using my comparable the above price point comparisons seem way low. Fran
you think maybe that that low HP number is taxable number EU style? Is that system still used or in effect in EU?? I still think (IMHO) its a KTM conceptual specific rule breaker bike for EX and Ex enduros,,,,,,a regular dirtbike that is almost a trials bike,,,,,even though Katos EX man Taddy could win on just about any dirtbike out there in the ugly stuff. He said he acyually likes the 4t power better, but just that when mistakes are made its alot more difficult to deal with (read HEAVIER).
If they put their 200 2t engine in that and got the weight to about 185 lbs they would really have something. If it's going to push 220 lbs why not just ride an enduro with a trials tire?
There has been conjecture elsewhere that the horsepower number got distorted in the translation of units. I have seen on the ktm official site specifications for bore and stroke which only the inch version of one corresponds to the mm version. As for your rule breaker theory, That frame concept and the name starts out in the electric motorcycle project. You can still have your theory just thought I might mention. Fran
it will be interesting to see if this is a cheater enduro bike or a low cost trail bike. Could be a low cost trail bike made by their partners in India. GP
After reading the link again sounds like it will be a serious bike, half enduro, half trials. Maybe not a race bike, may not take the pounding and the motor is tuned for slow,tough terrain like trials. And it won't be cheap. GP
yep by KTMs own admission its an entry level machine, an invitation to enjoy the offroad world..(you can see quiet,eco friendly etc).....but just wait a few months all the hot rodders will be going nuts with it!! http://www.ktm.com/at/news-events/n...ew-and-very-light-start-ktm-freeride-350.html
Yes, I am a little confused on this one too. It looks pretty cool and in many ways is a great concept. But it won't have a ton of unique performance. It isn't super light. It really has to be a 4k range price and I just can't see that happening. While the components are somewhat downgraded, they don't look inexpensive. I am thinking it more of a Euro market concept. Wait until KTM tries stuffing dealerships full of those.
