KTM Freeride E-XC for 201819th October 2017 WP Xplor | Three rider modes | 1.5hrs ride time ◄PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY► 
One and a half hours in the saddle before the battery croaks might not sound much. But if you're riding this second generation bike the way it's designed to be ridden, you'll be glad when that electric 90 minutes comes to a sputtering end. This is the 2018 Freeride E-XC, or "Electric Cross Country" if you want to see it that way, and KTM has just released the details. Apparently, thanks to a new KTM PowerPack there's a maximum of 10-kW to be screwed from the motor with a claimed 50 percent capacity hike. The bike is fitted with a WP Xplor 43 inverted front fork ("with enhanced sensitivity") coupled to a WP PDS Xplor shock absorber ("with improved progression and adjustment options"). The seat height is "just" 900mm (35.4-inches) which sounds suspiciously like nosebleed territory, but KTM Kowboys are no doubt used to these altitudes and probably even dispense with the oxygen. 
▲ The KTM Freeride E-XC is supplied with a free electric petrol can. One and a half hours of riding time is promised. That can only improve with new developments. But is it enough for now? Three rider modes are available: Economy, Enduro and Cross. And there's a new energy recuperation/recovery system which claws back some volts when coasting or braking (as if you'd want to coast or brake with this between your legs...). And if you need an extra quick boost (and who doesn't?) there's some kind of sophisticated arrangement to hammer the power into the powerpack in superquick time. So economy-wise, how does all this compare to, say, the four-stroke petrol-fuelled KTM FREERIDE 250F? Well KTM reckon this electric shocker is around five times cheaper to run. Additionally, the Austrian firm tells us that this motorcycle, with no clutch or gear-shift lever, is simple to operate. And apparently, even we could do it. There's new bodywork, "racy graphics" new trim, a new dashboard and a repositioned ignition lock. The bike complies with A1 licence requirements and produces zero local emissions. 
▲ Currently the 2017 Freeride range of battery bikes starts at around six grand and ends at £7,500, plus or minus change. Shocked? Stefan Pierer (KTM CEO): "We are proud to present the new KTM FREERIDE E-XC, which marks the next step in development of e-mobility within KTM and is a continuation of our commitment to this segment. We know that e-mobility will change the landscape of travel in the future, and our vision is very clear. Looking ahead to 2025 we expect to have a wider range of models available with a focus in the commuting arena. We also plan crossover machines with our collaboration with PEXCO, as well as using our e-mobility expertise in other applications." There are no prices yet. The bikes are expected early next year. And there you have it. We've made the introduction. It's your opportunity to go and get better acquainted. And who knows where it might lead? www.ktmfreeride-e.com ◄PREVIOUS STORY NEXT STORY► | 
