Motorcycle specifications KTMFreeride E-XC 2018 Nature and emission-free studs

The electric Freeride gets its first upgrade. KTM intends to further develop the electron-powered enduro. Featuring reworked WP suspension, a more powerful electric motor with energy recovery, and a new, higher-capacity battery (KTM PowerPack) that's quicker to charge, this bike offers up to an hour and a half of motorcycling fun, without producing the slightest emissions.

engine

the FREERIDE E-XC can be ridden on roads. Headlights, indicators, mirrors, main switch and immobilizer are among the many features that define total freedom. It delivers a maximum output of 18 kW, a continuous output of 9 kW and, as it weighs around 110 kilos, meets A1 driving license requirements and can therefore be ridden on public roads by beginners aged 16 and over.

kTM PowerPack

the new FREERIDE E-XC features a new, higher-capacity battery (KTM PowerPack). Rated at 3.9 kWh, it offers 50% more capacity than the 2.6 kWh of the previous version. As a result, this electric motorcycle offers a maximum range of 1.5 hours (variable according to riding style and terrain). This battery is fully backwards-compatible with previous KTM FREERIDE E electric models. The removable KTM PowerPack is attached directly to the motor by means of four screws. It is thus protected by the frame tubes. Once exhausted, the battery can be changed quickly by lifting the seat and undoing the four bolts. The operation takes just a few seconds. It's quicker than filling up on a combustion engine motorcycle. But you can also use the connector (housed under the seat) to fully recharge the KTM PowerPack without removing it from the bike. In terms of service life, even after 700 charging cycles, the KTM PowerPack continues to deliver 70% of its initial capacity.

drive

the FREERIDE E-XC's new brushless permanent-magnet synchronous motor is managed by a sophisticated control unit.by a sophisticated control unit specially adapted for this type of use. It guarantees immediate power delivery for maximum riding pleasure. The more sinuous and narrow the track, the greater the pleasure. In fact, since all the torque is available from the very first turns of the wheel, there's no need to shift gears or use the clutch. And since the electric motor delivers 18 kW of maximum power instead of 16 kW in Cross 3 mode, the new FREERIDE E-XC can hold its own against many combustion-engined motorcycles. In Economy mode, this new model is even capable of recovering kinetic energy during deceleration phases (downhill or braking) to give the bike an extra boost. When it comes to operational safety, the FREERIDE E-XC makes no compromises. Even in the event of total immersion in water, there's no risk. The drive system and KTM PowerPack battery are completely waterproof.

instrument panel

the FREERIDE E-XC's dashboard features a new digital speedometer by MAE, as well as numerous functions such as blinker and warning lights. For the 2018 model year, the speedo wire is integrated into the braided front brake hose, which has its own cable guide. Easier to access, the main switch is now located on the right-hand side of the headlight plate, just beside the speedometer.

screen

the instrument panel located between the steering column and the seat allows you to choose between three riding modes, each offering a different deployment of power. In addition, a series of LEDs (from green to red) inform the rider about the charge levels of the KTM PowerPack battery. The red LED starts flashing as soon as the charge level drops below 10%. The motorcycle automatically switches to emergency mode. The flashing frequencies of the red LED symbolize different error codes.

riding modes

three different riding modes are available to adapt powertrain behavior to the rider's skill level on a READY TO RACE motorcycle. However, these modes have a further benefit: they optimize energy management according to the rider's current needs and preferences. Mode 1 "Economy" limits speed to 50 km/h, mode 2 "Enduro" restricts power to 16 kW and mode 3 "Cross" exploits the full 18 kW available.

cooling

to ensure constant operating temperatures, heat from the electric motor and control unit is dissipated the electric water pump circulates the coolant.

chassis

the FREERIDE E-XC chassis has been specially developed to meet the demands of an off-road electric motorcycle. Based on the most innovative solutions, it features a steel-aluminium composite frame and a high-strength polyamide buckle. Fun and easy to handle, the FREERIDE E-XC is reassuring thanks to its moderate saddle height (for an enduro), allowing you to put one foot on the ground if you need to. The FREERIDE E-XC also relies on its light weight, heavy-duty frame, powerful brakes and long-travel suspension components to deliver an incomparable off-road riding experience.

frame

the FREERIDE E-XC's chassis is a lightweight composite frame combining a chromium-molybdenum steel main section with bolted, forged aluminum sections. Compared with the KTM FREERIDE 250 F, the frame of the electric model is designed to open out at the rear. The electric motor and aluminum protection shoe therefore act as load-bearing elements. This ensures optimum rigidity and perfect stability, even on big jumps. For the 2018 model year, the tried-and-tested frame has been redesigned to support a longer steering column, designed to enhance front-end balance and optimize the bike's directional stability.

wheels

the new FREERIDE E-XC features top-of-the-range wheels with CNC-machined hubs, aluminum spoke nipples and new GIANT anodized aluminum rims. In terms of lightness and stability, you can hardly do better.

tires

the new FREERIDE E-XC is fitted with Trialmaxx front and rear tires developed especially by Maxxis for the KTM FREERIDE range. Thanks to their high land-sea ratio, these tires are less likely to plough the ground than conventional Enduro competition tires, while guaranteeing excellent traction. Their high casing, designed to support the action of the suspension, is a real plus in terms of comfort.

front suspension

the FREERIDE E-XC uses the new WP XPlor 43 upside-down fork with 43 mm tube diameter and 250 mm travel. The ultimate in responsiveness and damping, the WP XPlor 43 fork is not only more responsive, but also more effective against bottoming. Each fork arm is equipped with a spring and has a different function: the left arm handles compression, while the right arm handles rebound. To set the parameters, simply turn the notched knobs at the top of each fork arm.

rear suspension

offering 260 mm of rear-wheel travel, the new PDS WP XPlor shock absorber is perfectly matched to the new WP XPlor 43 fork, while weighing 430 grams less than the previous model. As usual on KTM enduro competition bikes, the PDS shock has the advantage of being anchored directly to the swingarm. It is therefore mounted without a linkage system, for greater simplicity and lightness. The new WP PDS XPlor shock absorber's progressive start-up and excellent resistance to bottoming are due to the presence of a second piston, combined with a cup-shaped end-stop. Adjustable for rebound, this device also features separate adjustment of low- and high-speed compression damping. The seat height can be lowered by a further 25 mm with a custom kit offered in the KTM PowerParts accessory range.

brakes

as this electric motorcycle requires no clutch, it was logical to mount both master cylinders on the handlebars, rather than opting for the configuration used on conventional motorcycles. In other words, no need to use your foot to drift. The radial brake calipers (with four pistons at the front and two at the rear) of the latest Formula brake system work in perfect harmony with the Wave brake discs (260 mm at the front and 230 mm at the rear). To optimize brake feel and proportioning, engineers have fitted new brake pads, reduced rear piston diameter by 2 mm and increased front disc diameter by 1 mm. The new braided front brake hose has an additional sheath and a cable guide to protect the speedo wire.

handlebars

the FREERIDE E-XC features a new, tapered Neken handlebar in high-strength aluminum, with the same curvature as the EXC handlebar for improved ergonomics and handling. The handlebars feature new ODI grips, including a practical ODI lock-on grip on the left-hand side, thanks to its glue- and wire-free mounting system.

saddle

the long, narrow saddle on the new FREERIDE E-XC guarantees unrivalled freedom of movement and maximum comfort. It can be easily unlocked and tilted to access the KTM PowerPack. With a seat height of just over 900 mm, the bike inspires confidence in riders, especially beginners, as it allows them to venture onto the most difficult terrain in complete safety. The catalog of high-quality KTM PowerParts accessories even includes a saddle model with an even lower height.

footrests

as light as ever, the wide, molded footrests provide an excellent point of contact on the new FREERIDE E-XC. Thanks to their 180-degree rotating eccentric supports, they can be moved back 8 mm. This simple rebalancing allows you to favor traction (backward position) or cornering (forward position).

charger

the external battery charger can be plugged into any 230 V socket and operates with a minimum fuse rating of 10 or 13 amps. Simply lift the saddle to connect it to the KTM PowerPack connector. It takes around 110 minutes for a 100% charge, or 75 minutes for an 80% charge.

not only does the FREERIDE E-XC offer major environmental benefits, but the cost of running this fun motorcycle is considerably reduced compared with an equivalent combustion motorcycle. To fully charge the FREERIDE E-XC's KTM PowerPack, the cost is less than 0.8 EUR (20 cents/kW x 3.9 kW), and compared with the KTM FREERIDE 250 F, the fuel cost would be around four or five times higher.

Credits and images: KTM