gasser
New member
KTM is almost there but not quite. While the other Euro bike builders have been trying to make trials bikes into beginner enduro bikes KTM took the approach of starting with an enduro bike and downsizing and detuning it. We have 4 bikes here, 3 which are very much alike (2stroke Pamrera, X-Ride, and the Explorer) and one quite different (the Freeride). The only overall objective I've seen in print for these bikes is to go where other bikes can't. Rokon built a bike for that purpose years ago and we all know what a huge segment of the bike market that approach got them. So was the object to build a trials bike that could be taken deep into the woods? That concept was tried nearly 50 years ago - remember the Bultaco Alpina. There's one trials bike that's been making large tank and seat conversions for their models for years but I've never seen one in the woods. Let's face it - trials is not popular here and only popular in Europe as a spectator sport. I know trials bikes are great to cross train on and many of us here have one (mine is a GG jtr270) but people aren't going to spend 7-9,000 dollars for a new one unless they compete in trials.
Was the overall objective a more prefect play bike? If so all 4 are way off the mark. First all are way too expensive for a "play bike" and all but the Ktm are way too fragile to be ridden in rough terrain at trail speeds. Yes the ones built on trials frames are about 35 pounds lighter than the Freeride but there is cost in durability to be paid for those weight savings. The "modified" trials bikes also pay a price in fun and usability by using trials gearing. We've all gotten used to our dirt bikes having 5 or 6 gears so only having 2 (or maybe 3) that are usable 90% of the time just won't cut it. Lastly all playbikes are going to electric start so bikes that don't have it will be a sales dud. The KTM Freeride is electric start so is it the perfect play bike? Not quite. Lets look at one more purpose for these bikes. There is a large number of dirt bikers that would spend 7-9,000 dollars for a fully capable woods bike that was scaled down somewhat in size and weight. Now before everyone of you 6 foot 220 pound guys disagree with me go back to your posts on this website complaining about gassers being 15 pounds heavier than a KTM. You weigh as much as your bike and you're complaining. Think how your wife or teenage son feels when they get on a bike that weighs nearly twice what they do and they can't reach the ground flat footed like you can. This is an untapped market. No it's not a huge market that will be bigger than all others but it is much larger market than trials bikes and more importantly it is a market that will kindle brand loyalty at least while that maket is cornered.
Has KTM cornered that market with the new 2014 KTM FreeRide 250R? Not quite. It is 2 inches shorter in wheelbase and seat height, and 18 pounds lighter than the electric start 250exc but the tank holds less than 2 gallons. Biggest draw back I see is the seat height at 36 inches. KTM could have made this bike much lower (it has a ground clearance of 15 inches). Going one inch lower would imo dramatically increase sales.
KTM is 1 inch away from the next holy grail in dirt bike sales. Let's hope GasGas, Sherco, and Beta wake up soon before they get left out in the cold.
Was the overall objective a more prefect play bike? If so all 4 are way off the mark. First all are way too expensive for a "play bike" and all but the Ktm are way too fragile to be ridden in rough terrain at trail speeds. Yes the ones built on trials frames are about 35 pounds lighter than the Freeride but there is cost in durability to be paid for those weight savings. The "modified" trials bikes also pay a price in fun and usability by using trials gearing. We've all gotten used to our dirt bikes having 5 or 6 gears so only having 2 (or maybe 3) that are usable 90% of the time just won't cut it. Lastly all playbikes are going to electric start so bikes that don't have it will be a sales dud. The KTM Freeride is electric start so is it the perfect play bike? Not quite. Lets look at one more purpose for these bikes. There is a large number of dirt bikers that would spend 7-9,000 dollars for a fully capable woods bike that was scaled down somewhat in size and weight. Now before everyone of you 6 foot 220 pound guys disagree with me go back to your posts on this website complaining about gassers being 15 pounds heavier than a KTM. You weigh as much as your bike and you're complaining. Think how your wife or teenage son feels when they get on a bike that weighs nearly twice what they do and they can't reach the ground flat footed like you can. This is an untapped market. No it's not a huge market that will be bigger than all others but it is much larger market than trials bikes and more importantly it is a market that will kindle brand loyalty at least while that maket is cornered.
Has KTM cornered that market with the new 2014 KTM FreeRide 250R? Not quite. It is 2 inches shorter in wheelbase and seat height, and 18 pounds lighter than the electric start 250exc but the tank holds less than 2 gallons. Biggest draw back I see is the seat height at 36 inches. KTM could have made this bike much lower (it has a ground clearance of 15 inches). Going one inch lower would imo dramatically increase sales.
KTM is 1 inch away from the next holy grail in dirt bike sales. Let's hope GasGas, Sherco, and Beta wake up soon before they get left out in the cold.
Also it is street legal
