Hello and welcome to 1000PS-TV. We are here in the offroad paradise of Il Ciocco (Tuscany) and today we had the opportunity
to ride the new KTM Freeride. Iím standing here with KTM offroad department chief Bernhard Plazotta.
Bernie, the Freeride 350ccm was released one year ago, tell me more about the updates for the new model.
First of all, we tried to improve the brakes. The technology used in the new brakes is almost the same as in the
Brembos featured on the EXC. This upgrade has proven extremely well. Then we developed tyres especially for the new Freeride.
The previous model was equipped with standard trial tyres, which brought some disadvantages on this particular bike.
The new tyre is similar to a trial tyre ñ itís the same construction and same rubber mixture ñ but the knobs are bigger
and the spacing between them is wider. The new tyres can be found on the front as well as on the rear and they are also
compatible with older Freeride models.
Furthermore the gearbox stages are closer together from the first to the fifth gear. The sixth gear (overdrive) is longer
transmitted now because of the feedback we got. Finally, all the control lights are built in into the tachometer which makes
the unit significantly smaller and more compact. It gives a more tidied up look.
My compliments to the new tyres ñ today we were a group of 25-30 riders and nobody experienced any problems even on this
extremely stony surface. Thatís stunning.
During offroad-presentations we usually have to change tubes relatively often but today nobody had a flat tyre.
So, we donít want to put our viewers on the rack for any longer. There have been updates on the 350ccm model but
this motorcycle over here, the Freeride 250ccm is completely new.
So, can we think of the bike as a regular Freeride
with the engine of a 250ccm EXC or is there much more going technically?
Well, we developed a special engine which characteristics are between the engine of an EXC and a trial engine.
This engine features all the advantages of a trial engine. We dropped the kickstarter to reduce the weight by one kilogram.
Looking at the entire bike, we almost reduced its weight by two kilograms. We implemented a new, more powerful
electric starter so the bike starts up more easily.
The exhaust system was developed to deliver its performance at
low- and mid-range rotational speed ranges because we donít wanted a 2-stroke engine that goes up to 10-12000rpm.
In its current state, the engine goes up to nearly 9000rpm which is more than enough. Because of the new engine
we were able to mount the exhaust on the side. This construction enabled us to move the frame up for six centimeters.
Having that much more ground clearance is great in difficult terrain like here. Last but not least, the low weight of a
2-stroke is significantly lower ñ the bike weighs 92kg without turning signals and the number plate mount.
I think another advantage of the 2-stroke engine is that the cylinder head is shorter so you could equip the
bike with a larger gas tank.
Thatís right. On the one hand itís the height of the cyclinder head and on the other hand itís the position of the
throttle valve body housing.
The carburetor sits lower and so we were able to pull the gas tank down. That increased
the volume of the tank and the size of the filter. The air filter is almost twice the size as on the 4-stroke.
Bernie, tell me, when do these mtorcycles hit the stores?
Serial production and delivery are going to start in septmeber and at that time they will be able at your dealer.
I think the price isnít yet clear but could you tell us something about the price difference between 250ccm and 350cm.
The price difference is going to be approximately 500Ä. The 2-stroke will definately sell for less than 7000Ä.
Thank you for this detailed interview.
Youíre welcome.