No kick start, no gear clutch, no gear shift. Is the new KTM Freeride the answer to a question nobody asked?
Indeed, it will be difficult for many hardened dirt bike riders to digest, but the Austrian company is quietly confident of building a new base of electric motorcycle aficionados with an upcoming range of motorised electric bikes that will go on sale from the first half of 2012.
As the first electric motorcycle from a large mainstream manufacturer -- Zero Motorcycles is widely considered a niche marque at present -- the new KTM Freeride is still undergoing testing but according to new reports is very close to production.
The 2012 KTM Freeride is expected to make its debut in Milan at the 2011 EICMA in November.
The new model will generate a lot of attention simply by virtue of the large KTM lettering on its flanks and all other motorcycle brands, whether European or Asian or American, will be paying very close attention to how the market responds to the new model.
KTM is sinking a lot of capital into its new Freeride dirt bike, whose electrical innards will be used on a number of other upcoming motorcycles from the brand, which is expected to include a supermoto street bike in the not too distant future.
One of the main sticking points for purchasing an electric bike for many motorcyclists is the limited range of electric vehicles, but KTM is hopeful of delivering a pleasant surprise when the Freeride launched, and rumour has it the bike will deliver high levels of torque to suit enduro and motocross pursuits.
Most serious dirt bike riders will want a motorcycle that can be hammered hard for several hours, and if KTM can deliver this it could find itself with a new cash cow.
KTM will package the Freeride with high quality components, from the brakes to the suspension and wheels, which will help convince a few riders who may have been hesitant about entering the electric era. The burning (and perhaps most important) question, is the price tag.
Stay tuned for all the details later in the year, but for now feast your eyes on the images of electric dirt bike and check out the official site at KTMfreeride.com for videos and other details.
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