i want this bike i have ripped tympanic membrane as got slapped by a person at school year ago and i cant even use power tools or ride a loud bike again because of sound vibrations ive started saving up 2k in Rand's to afford bike like this ive just started working cant afford to but o your site but your videos on this bike has inspired me not to let my ear problem hold me back
#5 the chassis is sweet in the tight stuff. I prefer it to the big bikes for anything under 40mph. #4 hand brake makes sense on a bike without a clutch. It will also roll backward on steep hills like a Rekluse. This is why Rekluse riders riding “Enduro” install a LHRB. You also don’t have to use your foot to control a brake in nasty stuff. Watch my rock video rear brake pedal sucks in that stuff. I’ve had my 350 in there too. I should have the brake pedal mod video up next week. #3 clutch masks poor technique for most riders. Learn to ride without it and you’re twice as good with it. Lots of top pros practice without clutches. I rarely, basically never miss it and riding without it has made me better. #2 yes it’s a pain to charge until set up, but it charges twice as fast. Love/Hate. There are 20 diff kinds of 240 cables as there is no US standard, so KTM would have to give you a bag of cables. They could have made the charger 120/240, but outside of the 120 plug, the problem would still exist. This bike is still kind of testing the US market so it probably didn’t make sense financially to create a new charger. #1 the ride time is basically equivalent to 1.5g of fuel, which basically the same time as a regular Freeride or a non-fuel injected bike. Ride it like you only have 1.5 gallons of gas and you will have a different mindset while you ride. The bike is designed for small spaces... not the Colorado desert unless you are just going out to play on rocks. I’d love a longer battery life myself, but it’s sufficient for what it’s designed for, just like the gas version. Basically your whole list is because you’re trying to ride it the same as a gas bike. Toss that discriminatory mindset out and there’s really no hate 🤣 Haha
We were just talking about this today. It really isn't a gas bike, it is different and so fun in its own unique way. It almost is a totally different experience. Love your thoughts!
Agreed on range but KTM does call it an E-XC. "XC" means Cross Country. It just doesn't cross much country. It is awesome if it had more range it would be my only bike. Excited to get the Varg but I doubt their 6 hr woods range claim is true maybe on a power setting that wouldn't even be fun to ride.
@@lboughto XC basically means “off-road” and that doesn’t specify range. E (lectric) is a play off Enduro which means a street legal model, which it is in most of Europe. In general people are so confused my KTM’s lettering (which is absurd because Euro brands are only ones that actually make it mean something) I think they were just trying to keep some consistency. Unless you’re the most timid guy on a bunny trail, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment if you’re expecting more than four hours moving/40-45 miles out of the Varg. Anything beyond that will be a cherry on top.
@@JohnHowerton137 I would be ecstatic if I could get 4hrs in a rideable mode in our Colorado Single Track Trail Systems! If I could get 3hrs on Mode Two on the E-XC I would be happy too. Dang I want to get my hands on the Varg!
I think number one was the “PRICE”....here in Quebec, Canada, only one dealer, carry this model, cost 14000$ can, plus 15% sale taxes, that a lot of money. I think ktm have to adjust the price like the rest of the lineup. That bike is unique, and if they want to increase the sale here, they have to match the price. That bike is for ALL FAMILLY, beginner to expert. Great job guys👍
I think issues like no rear brake pedal and no clutch are only issues for dirt riders with tons of experience riding gasoline-powered bikes. Often it's tougher to unlearn and relearn than learn something from scratch. As a street rider who has only recently started getting into dirt bikes, I actually like that it has the brake lever in place of the clutch. That makes things like pivot turns and stopping on a hill much easier (especially for short riders like me) cause we have more freedom in how we can cover the rear brake while having to shift our asses across the seat. I have not ridden an electric bike yet (although I'd love to! :D) and from every review that I've read, having no clutch does not seem to be an issue because the power is linear. I guess that's a matter of unlearning decades of riding gas powered bikes and getting into an 'electric' mentality.
Thanks for your input. Yeah dirt bike riders will miss the rear brake and no clutch. While the power is very linear there are times you need to control that power better. Getting up and over obstacles are difficult with no clutch. Also the power tends to cause you to spin out more when your climbing or trying to get over something and if you had a clutch you can help control that. With that it really is just a different riding style but that’s fun and a new challenge
For me: range is the most important over all. I can live with the frame size, but a full size frame would give them more room for larger amp battery. They could offer two battery sizes; Smaller, lighter for those that are on tracks or that ride smaller areas and don't need the range or can swap battery easy. Bigger, heavier battery for those that value range over light weight. Charger should have both 120v and 240v capability in one charger. Or come with a 120v charger and a 240v fastcharger as an option or accessory. I'm fine rear brake on bars and no clutch, though having a clutch would be handy in a few situations. Electric trials bikes have them since they need explosive power. Price is what it is and I think it's worth it. I'd pay more for a full size with bigger battery. Alta were $15,000 and worth it.
MrChadx1 I basically agree with everything you say, but the capacity is appropriate for the chassis size & intent. This isn’t the end all be all electric for KTM, it was just the first and they have a TON of them in Europe where the chassis is more wildly accepted. This bike was not designed with the US market in mind. It’s barely even imported here. We like big stuff in America, Euope doesn’t. I suspect we’ll see KTM’s full size version in 2-3 years max. I think the next target bike is a 65-85 class bike.
@@JohnHowerton137 Hi John. Yep, All that was already understood. Was just answering the question of "what would we change". I get why it is what it is. Just is not yet quite what I personally need. Getting very close so I try to encourage KTM or any other brand to come out with what I want/need. Until then, I'll have to be patient and satisfied with my Surron X 25 - 30 mile range (when I need 50) and my ICE dirtbikes.
I disagree, the range doesn’t matter if I can’t ride over 3hrs on my own energy. I hate my gas bike and and every gas, for that matter. I just don’t understand why I have to suffer with a bike that could easily last 5+hrs when I can’t physically do that. I’m trading my 250 for one of these.
Haha, I agree HappyGnome. Most people scoffing at the range typically don’t last that long riding hard on a bike. You don’t realize how often you stop, talk and rest.
I suspect most of us who own one do not use it as their only bike. I would never take my E to Colorado or even North Georgia to ride. However back here at my place with a five mile tight and technical course I often think the guys in Austria designed this thing especially for me. It's small size is a benefit here where my AA rider son who holds the record for the course on a YZ250 at 16:06 only hit 37MPH as his top speed. It will complete four laps with no problems. Most of the guys who ride here can't make four laps before they are toast. Most of the local stuff has loops of around 20 miles in tight Southern woods and it's perfect for those trails. You have to develop different riding styles. It's not for everybody. Yeah, I still reach for the brake pedal occasionally in panic stops, but the lack of pedals and thin lower frame make it excellent in ruts. Also I can ride on the balls of my feet and not diddle with pedals. The trials influence makes standing the preferred riding style. Yes, drop offs are a problem unless you are standing and keep the bike level with body English. Pick it up and throttle it by mistake and it's in the next time zone. I didn't find the plug to be a problem. I just went to Lowes and bought the correct socket. I'll probably buy the adapter to fit a dryer plug. I would like to do some riding at TTC at the Tennessee Knock Out (if it happens this year) and will try to bum some 220V from my buddy who runs the place. ;) One thing you didn't mention (probably because you don't have much thick brush) is that I've had brush turn the key off before and sat there while the guys I had passed rode back by me as I tried to figure why it just quit!!! ;) P.S, it needs a horn to let people know you want by.
I agree its not going to replace your current bike but really that is ok. Its such a fun dirt bike to ride and to be honest because its quiet I typically end up riding it more then my ICE bikes. Yeah the key is in a bad place and I do worry that one day it will get ripped off while riding or falling. Thank you for your input!!
You are so right. Electric bikes are the future, but this one is definitely not the present. Electric sounds awesome. Who likes to deal with gas and change oil, clean an air filter? But who wants a bike that can only run for an hour and a half, has no clutch, no pedal rear brake and the chasis of an 85? If KTM is trying to bring mountain bikers into the sport, it might make some sense. I’m not trading my Husky TE for this bike.
It is true, we all know there is no perfect bike that covers all situations. We all dream of a support team with a trailer full of bikes so we can switch instantly based on terrain. In one day riding out west on a rented ttr230, I wished I had a trials bike, a yz450f, ktm 300, a tenere 700, and a goldwing/street glide, etc.. and I also found the ttr230 great in certain areas. This bike fits a great niche, like many comments point out. I'm gonna buy something electric soon..Stark, Zero, electric motion, ktm?? We really have to think hard, how are we most going to use it and enjoy it? Or we just buy one and play for awhile...and repeat. I love the mx and jumping with my yz450f but it has its costs and I need to move on and get my thrills in the slow technical stuff where the costs aren't quite as high. This bike looks fun if I can find a nice used one. At the moment, I think the EM Escape might be what I'll use most in the trails near me, and I love the lighter weight.
I have had the KTM E bike since 2015 i Europe , love the bike... yes batteri time Can be better, and maby a clutch. But foodbreak no, love it with out...
I would agree with the number one issue, particularly if you ride in an area where there is a lot of space, of it not having enough range. Here in the NE, the simple fact that this thing is quiet allows you the ability to ride in way more areas without pissing people off. And that quality supersedes any and all of the negatives presented in the video, IMHO of course.
@@BackcountryLife yep. If I had the wide open spaces of some Western areas, clearly petrol is the way to go. But moving to those regions isn't an option for a lot of people. People love to ride. E-bikes will allow more people into the sport, which needs more involvement, IMHO. It's a win for everybody. But my goodness, some people feel so threatened by them. It's weird.
@@easternyellowjacket276 Yeah people don't like change. Yes it is a different experience then a petrol engine bike and yes it has its limitations as it stands right now but I did enjoy being able to be more quiet
I had the same complaint about the "bonus complaint". I added an LED headlight that has a fan. Pretty good reminder that the bike is on and draws less power.
I understand that these dirt bikes will get better. We must crawl before we can walk. Your feedback is priceless. Im hoping with time the price will come down. Till then I will have to watch...
@@BackcountryLife, Im looking forward to open class racing, E bikes in there with the 2 & 4 stroke. That will be so interesting & fun to watch. Why dont you guys organize the first such race?
Can't believe this was 2 years ago, lol Times have changed a little, Gas almost hit $5 a gal just due to politics, I haven't found a good used Efreeride to buy :( A surron isn't enough for me in the dirt, although I'm looking for a talaria currently to ride around town. and in 2023 the stormBee is said to launch(I'd love to buy one Feb23, I hope it's not pushed back) Yost desert race Oct 2022, I talked to a sweeper on a E-xc, loop 1 was 30 miles, he had planned to take it easy, 30 miles was his limit in those conditions. Lots of silt and up and down single track, 30 miles... I was impressed, after loop 1, his quick charge was to jump onto his ktm300 at the pits, lol. Doesn't look like KTM has released a big update on this bike yet.
Yeah still not all that much out there for having a full size electric dirtbike that can last 4-5 hours out on the trail. We had hoped the stark varg would be the ticket and we put money down but they just keep pushing back the production timeline. We really liked the EXC but the battery life is realistic for us out here in the west
To me the dumbest thing is having to remove the subframe to adjust the compression!! True, there is no air box or exhaust pipe, but just put a hole in the frame to stick a tool through!!!
It really is a unique bike and we feel like it isn't comparing apples to apples.....but if you can only have one bike and you ride a lot then for sure this doesn't work right for that.
Ive been riding this 2015 bike now a few days and I have the feeing Im using the rear brake (gently) pretty much like a clutch on the gas bike. I think it works great. So far I havent missed the clutch at all. What do you guys think ? Great bike btw, love it. Thanks for you vids👍🏁
(for purely selfish reasons...) KTM u.s. needs to step-up the homologation process, it's A-1 street legal through out the EU. I'v got a 15 minute commute to work on slow surface streets. SM covertion and I'd be happy AF. alta is gone, and zero still has a "tech start up" stink.
My #1 is price, Thanks for the content, and if you do more vids as the tech changes, this will be a fun progression. Electric is coming, auto, motorcycles , and mtn bike tech will produce a whole line of bikes we wish we had. For now, dump $10 of gas in a tank, and go fits many of our objectives, in 5 to 10 years, gas bikes might be collectables, lol. Go KTM, 1 ebike now, maybe in the future they will have a full range like they have for the gas bikes if the market is there.
Yeah its too expensive, Really we think the KTM Freeride E-XC is a really fun bike to ride. The things we mentioned can be improved. I agree with you it will be a fun progression to see what other electric dirt bikes come out in the future.
Ooh no clutch, no hand brake, and 220 charging yikes...and run time. Not worth the price range at all yet. More like a novelty right now. Still super cool.
We have timed it and our battery lasts 1.5 hours every time when we leave it in mode 3. It might be less if we were to take it to a round track and have the throttle pinned in mode 3 the whole time. But we haven't tested that.
michael day they don’t. Just like gas riders don’t get 4 hours “riding hard’ out of a 2 galIon MX tank 🤣 “Riding hard!” Is subjective. Kurt Russell hard requires pit stops 😋 When on the E-main-jet, it’s no different than Keihin PWK main-jet. Flat out/WFO is the same. Energy is energy. I can get longer rides in Mode3 than Mode1 when trail riding, because the re-gen braking in Mode1 requires you to get on the gas even more. It doesn’t coast/have momentum like the more powerful modes. Mode 3 you can pin it for 2 seconds and coast for the next 150m using no juice. I haven’t gotten as short as 35mins, but I also haven’t ridden in WFO on a flatter MX track with tacky dirt. I got 50mins but there were good sized ups and downs and the downs don’t use any juice except to run the water pump.
The run time is not going to improve unless a major improvements in batteries happens. To get the same performance as ICE you need 3 times the energy density as current batteries. It will happen but not in the next 5 years.
The rear brake was a big thing for me but as far as range, I’m from Vancouver and ride at areas like Mcnutt and vedder that are pretty gnarly and typically speeds are quite a bit slower than the stuff you guys seem to ride. I’ve been out on rides well over 3 hours and still had plenty of run time left
Nice! I’m sure the slower you go the longer it lasts. It’s true here in Utah we tend to have more open terrain to ride. Either way it’s such a fun bike to ride
Hunter Doucette the epure race is still 100% auto and single gear. Being able to spin up and use the inertia of the already wound up motor and flywheel has real advantages that EXPERIENCED riders have been literally begging manufacturers for since they’ve come out. EM is just the first to really get it right.
I’ve ridden both. The ONLY EM model with the clutch is the “Race”. That thing has so much torque-to-weight ratio you practically wouldn’t need it. Only well experienced trials riders need it. The EMs are nice, but I knew I wouldn’t be playing trials the majority of time so I went KTM for the suspension. eBikes don’t need clutches, but when they become mainstream it’s probably not reaching to think there will be a plug in e-clutch from some aftermarkets if the MFGs don’t offer one.
1. I hate the soft Suspension, i am heavy and i've put in the hardest springs, still to soft. This thing isnt made for jumping, would have liked it more in a big bike too. 2. I hate the tires, they are no good in wet to muddy dirt, dry is fine but we havent that to often here. 3. I hate the numberplate, i have to dismount it everytime going offroad and its Not designed to be dismounted quickly. I helped myself Drilling holes and Do a wingscrew through it, but its not very nice. 4. I hate the Price 5. I hate the Mudprotection for the chain. If you can stop for a fuelstop why cant you have a Battery there to change? You aren't carring the fuel around are you? I have no problems with it but i mainly dont do bigger offroadtrips like you guys. I have limited space to play around and after 1.5 hours of racespeed i need a brake nevertheless xD cheers Edit: oh forgot one thing...why no reverse drivemode? Its elektric So that should be no problem. Would make an new world of possibilities so...
Yes the suspension is pretty soft, too soft for our liking as well. The stock tires aren't great and when we put some new gummy tires with tubliss on it it made a big difference. Hopefully the price will come down the more popular these things get. Thanks for the input.
@@BackcountryLife added weight? Just reverse Phases would spin the Motor in the other direction, Just a programming thing so. Just the Button for this Option would be added weight, but thats just gramms
I never considered how this would totally screw with my riding style, not having a clutch. I rely on the clutch for power control in the same way a 2-stroke rider would (so I've been told), so your throttle hand has to have some good-ass control. Personally I have some minor wrist issues on my right arm so the clutch lever is much easier to pull to control my speed exiting corners, rather than rolling off and back onto the throttle. Also, why the hell couldn't they just put a back brake pedal, I have no idea.
Yeah it’s really messes with your head and skills. I have spent way to much time with a clutch. Having no way to modulate and control the power makes it tough for me to ride gnarly stuff. I agree about the brake....that’s a big deal to me as well but not nearly as much as the no clutch.
I understand that electric bikes are a thing of the future and it’s probably what dirt bikes will turn into eventually, but they’re just not far enough along yet. It’s just the issue of it being the early stages of it still.
you compare things that are not comparable and above all it is a motorcycle and not just an electric bicycle, for guys who do not know how to measure their gas, it is normal that they regret that there is no clutch..
#2 On the list is a America problem. It's not the bikes fault. In Sweden normal wall outlets are 230V. Or 400V for like welders and some washer/driers.
@@BackcountryLife I guess it's mission impossible to start upgrading the entire electrical grid now... The whole country is built around half power 😅 I really want a E-XC. But I think I'll wait until the longer range is down at less than half price like the first version is now.
@@BackcountryLife Id use it for more places where noise would normally be an issue, there are places I used to love ride that I no longer can due to noise complaints, even though my yz 250x is not that loud at all really. On an electric bike im sure they would not know what to do! LOL
I bought my E bike mainly to ride at my own trail. It's roughly 5.5 miles of tight, eastern woods. It usually won't make four laps but comes close. That's OK. Most riders, including me, are run down themselves after three laps. Here we are on our third lap. Bill on his Husky 300 is camera guy, me in front of him on my E bike, and Dudley leading us on his KTM200 EXC. ua-cam.com/video/4MHIjg6UD9E/v-deo.html
@@BackcountryLife I'm 72 and it's my "go to" dirt bike these days. I spent a week in Colorado last August and didn't take the little KTM. Everything has it's purpose, but for just plain riding fun, the KTM is a hoot!!!
@@BackcountryLife I saw it. Just pointing out that your dislikes are everything that are typical for ICE based bias. The latest Freeride is a huge improvement over what existed just a few years ago. Gas power has been around since the late 1800's and seen about 200 years of development. Electric power has seen serious development in only the past 20 years. This has created light years of improvement over what electric drive was the 1990's. Gas power development is pretty stagnant while electric power is constantly seeing development and improvements. Electric drive is going to make gas power look antiquated in 1/5th the time it took gas power to get to where it is now.
@@BackcountryLife Battery prices need to go down dramatically! You can buy a second battery for your Freeride, but it's far from inexpensive. Electrics are getting priced much more reasonably as mass production improves this, but spare battery prices are a show stopper for most people. A spare battery is cheaper than the long term cost of a gas bike, but that cost can be spread out across the life span of the gas bike. The cost of a second battery can not. Battery prices will continue to drop and that will make electrics attainable by more people. Until then...I love electrics, but unfortunately gas power still rules. I'm not biased for gas power or against electric, just acknowledging that electric power still has some hurdles to overcome. *** Electrics are seeing dramatic improvements in every aspect. Look at the original Freeride battery compared to what you get now. This is a dramatic improvement that can't be said for a similar gas bike...which are nearly unchanged in the same time frame. I think in another 10 years, you'll see dirt bike races are much quieter than they are today. It will soon become unusual to see gas bikes and new gas bikes will become lower demand items than electrics.
![2020 KTM Freeride E-XC [You got it all WRONG!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/f6A6zohuGr0/mqdefault.jpg)
![2020 KTM Freeride E-XC [You got it all WRONG!]](/img/tr.png)
Did we get it right? What do you no like about this dirt bike, comment below.
Backcountry Life where’s the link to the charger on amazon
Drew Giordano amzn.to/3dddVxo
Thanks, I want to try one of these so bad
i want this bike i have ripped tympanic membrane as got slapped by a person at school year ago and i cant even use power tools or ride a loud bike again because of sound vibrations ive started saving up 2k in Rand's to afford bike like this ive just started working cant afford to but o your site but your videos on this bike has inspired me not to let my ear problem hold me back
Man that sounds super frustrating! Glad to hear you aren’t giving up on what you love doing!!!!
I hate that i cant afford it. Because I freaking want one!!!! For my wife of course...
Exactly for the wife....hahah the KTM Freeride E-XC is such a fun bike!!
#5 the chassis is sweet in the tight stuff. I prefer it to the big bikes for anything under 40mph.
#4 hand brake makes sense on a bike without a clutch. It will also roll backward on steep hills like a Rekluse. This is why Rekluse riders riding “Enduro” install a LHRB. You also don’t have to use your foot to control a brake in nasty stuff. Watch my rock video rear brake pedal sucks in that stuff. I’ve had my 350 in there too. I should have the brake pedal mod video up next week.
#3 clutch masks poor technique for most riders. Learn to ride without it and you’re twice as good with it. Lots of top pros practice without clutches. I rarely, basically never miss it and riding without it has made me better.
#2 yes it’s a pain to charge until set up, but it charges twice as fast. Love/Hate. There are 20 diff kinds of 240 cables as there is no US standard, so KTM would have to give you a bag of cables. They could have made the charger 120/240, but outside of the 120 plug, the problem would still exist. This bike is still kind of testing the US market so it probably didn’t make sense financially to create a new charger.
#1 the ride time is basically equivalent to 1.5g of fuel, which basically the same time as a regular Freeride or a non-fuel injected bike. Ride it like you only have 1.5 gallons of gas and you will have a different mindset while you ride. The bike is designed for small spaces... not the Colorado desert unless you are just going out to play on rocks. I’d love a longer battery life myself, but it’s sufficient for what it’s designed for, just like the gas version.
Basically your whole list is because you’re trying to ride it the same as a gas bike. Toss that discriminatory mindset out and there’s really no hate 🤣 Haha
We were just talking about this today. It really isn't a gas bike, it is different and so fun in its own unique way. It almost is a totally different experience. Love your thoughts!
Agreed on range but KTM does call it an E-XC. "XC" means Cross Country. It just doesn't cross much country. It is awesome if it had more range it would be my only bike. Excited to get the Varg but I doubt their 6 hr woods range claim is true maybe on a power setting that wouldn't even be fun to ride.
@@lboughto XC basically means “off-road” and that doesn’t specify range. E (lectric) is a play off Enduro which means a street legal model, which it is in most of Europe. In general people are so confused my KTM’s lettering (which is absurd because Euro brands are only ones that actually make it mean something) I think they were just trying to keep some consistency.
Unless you’re the most timid guy on a bunny trail, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment if you’re expecting more than four hours moving/40-45 miles out of the Varg. Anything beyond that will be a cherry on top.
@@JohnHowerton137 I would be ecstatic if I could get 4hrs in a rideable mode in our Colorado Single Track Trail Systems! If I could get 3hrs on Mode Two on the E-XC I would be happy too. Dang I want to get my hands on the Varg!
@@JohnHowerton137 Couldn't agree more, that '6 hour' claim was total bullshit.
I think number one was the “PRICE”....here in Quebec, Canada, only one dealer, carry this model, cost 14000$ can, plus 15% sale taxes, that a lot of money. I think ktm have to adjust the price like the rest of the lineup. That bike is unique, and if they want to increase the sale here, they have to match the price. That bike is for ALL FAMILLY, beginner to expert. Great job guys👍
Dang that really is crazy expensive. I agree Pat its even too expensive for here in the USA. Thanks for your input.
Pat auger, You just answered a million questions I had about this bike. Thanks...
Pat 15434 chez sm plus taxe LOL 😂
Yupp... these things cost allot
I think issues like no rear brake pedal and no clutch are only issues for dirt riders with tons of experience riding gasoline-powered bikes. Often it's tougher to unlearn and relearn than learn something from scratch. As a street rider who has only recently started getting into dirt bikes, I actually like that it has the brake lever in place of the clutch. That makes things like pivot turns and stopping on a hill much easier (especially for short riders like me) cause we have more freedom in how we can cover the rear brake while having to shift our asses across the seat.
I have not ridden an electric bike yet (although I'd love to! :D) and from every review that I've read, having no clutch does not seem to be an issue because the power is linear. I guess that's a matter of unlearning decades of riding gas powered bikes and getting into an 'electric' mentality.
Thanks for your input. Yeah dirt bike riders will miss the rear brake and no clutch. While the power is very linear there are times you need to control that power better. Getting up and over obstacles are difficult with no clutch. Also the power tends to cause you to spin out more when your climbing or trying to get over something and if you had a clutch you can help control that. With that it really is just a different riding style but that’s fun and a new challenge
xibilfc21 nailed it.
BCL, you can use the brake for traction control. Just pretend it’s a clutch. It “slips” all the same 😉
For me: range is the most important over all. I can live with the frame size, but a full size frame would give them more room for larger amp battery. They could offer two battery sizes; Smaller, lighter for those that are on tracks or that ride smaller areas and don't need the range or can swap battery easy. Bigger, heavier battery for those that value range over light weight. Charger should have both 120v and 240v capability in one charger. Or come with a 120v charger and a 240v fastcharger as an option or accessory. I'm fine rear brake on bars and no clutch, though having a clutch would be handy in a few situations. Electric trials bikes have them since they need explosive power. Price is what it is and I think it's worth it. I'd pay more for a full size with bigger battery. Alta were $15,000 and worth it.
Having no clutch and the rear brake is just a technique problem for me. The range needs to improved for sure. Hopefully it will.
MrChadx1 I basically agree with everything you say, but the capacity is appropriate for the chassis size & intent. This isn’t the end all be all electric for KTM, it was just the first and they have a TON of them in Europe where the chassis is more wildly accepted. This bike was not designed with the US market in mind. It’s barely even imported here. We like big stuff in America, Euope doesn’t. I suspect we’ll see KTM’s full size version in 2-3 years max. I think the next target bike is a 65-85 class bike.
@@JohnHowerton137 Hi John. Yep, All that was already understood. Was just answering the question of "what would we change". I get why it is what it is. Just is not yet quite what I personally need. Getting very close so I try to encourage KTM or any other brand to come out with what I want/need. Until then, I'll have to be patient and satisfied with my Surron X 25 - 30 mile range (when I need 50) and my ICE dirtbikes.
I disagree, the range doesn’t matter if I can’t ride over 3hrs on my own energy. I hate my gas bike and and every gas, for that matter. I just don’t understand why I have to suffer with a bike that could easily last 5+hrs when I can’t physically do that. I’m trading my 250 for one of these.
Haha, I agree HappyGnome. Most people scoffing at the range typically don’t last that long riding hard on a bike. You don’t realize how often you stop, talk and rest.
I suspect most of us who own one do not use it as their only bike. I would never take my E to Colorado or even North Georgia to ride. However back here at my place with a five mile tight and technical course I often think the guys in Austria designed this thing especially for me. It's small size is a benefit here where my AA rider son who holds the record for the course on a YZ250 at 16:06 only hit 37MPH as his top speed. It will complete four laps with no problems. Most of the guys who ride here can't make four laps before they are toast. Most of the local stuff has loops of around 20 miles in tight Southern woods and it's perfect for those trails. You have to develop different riding styles. It's not for everybody. Yeah, I still reach for the brake pedal occasionally in panic stops, but the lack of pedals and thin lower frame make it excellent in ruts. Also I can ride on the balls of my feet and not diddle with pedals. The trials influence makes standing the preferred riding style. Yes, drop offs are a problem unless you are standing and keep the bike level with body English. Pick it up and throttle it by mistake and it's in the next time zone. I didn't find the plug to be a problem. I just went to Lowes and bought the correct socket. I'll probably buy the adapter to fit a dryer plug. I would like to do some riding at TTC at the Tennessee Knock Out (if it happens this year) and will try to bum some 220V from my buddy who runs the place. ;) One thing you didn't mention (probably because you don't have much thick brush) is that I've had brush turn the key off before and sat there while the guys I had passed rode back by me as I tried to figure why it just quit!!! ;) P.S, it needs a horn to let people know you want by.
I agree its not going to replace your current bike but really that is ok. Its such a fun dirt bike to ride and to be honest because its quiet I typically end up riding it more then my ICE bikes. Yeah the key is in a bad place and I do worry that one day it will get ripped off while riding or falling. Thank you for your input!!
as a mountain biker i appreciate the handle bar breaking and leaving your feet free to put body english on the bike.
If you aren't used to a foot brake already then hand brakes are much nicer.
@@BackcountryLife whats the advantage of a foot brake?
@@deankruse2891 Nothing, gas bikes have too many controls, so some things like shifter and rear brake got relegated to leg duty.
You are so right. Electric bikes are the future, but this one is definitely not the present. Electric sounds awesome. Who likes to deal with gas and change oil, clean an air filter? But who wants a bike that can only run for an hour and a half, has no clutch, no pedal rear brake and the chasis of an 85? If KTM is trying to bring mountain bikers into the sport, it might make some sense. I’m not trading my Husky TE for this bike.
Thanks for your input
It is true, we all know there is no perfect bike that covers all situations. We all dream of a support team with a trailer full of bikes so we can switch instantly based on terrain. In one day riding out west on a rented ttr230, I wished I had a trials bike, a yz450f, ktm 300, a tenere 700, and a goldwing/street glide, etc.. and I also found the ttr230 great in certain areas. This bike fits a great niche, like many comments point out. I'm gonna buy something electric soon..Stark, Zero, electric motion, ktm?? We really have to think hard, how are we most going to use it and enjoy it? Or we just buy one and play for awhile...and repeat. I love the mx and jumping with my yz450f but it has its costs and I need to move on and get my thrills in the slow technical stuff where the costs aren't quite as high. This bike looks fun if I can find a nice used one. At the moment, I think the EM Escape might be what I'll use most in the trails near me, and I love the lighter weight.
Overall it is a great bike and we wish we still had it. But it isn’t our primary bike, yet……..
Admitjet Armor dirt version 2023 has a foot brake and linkage rear suspension.
I have had the KTM E bike since 2015 i Europe , love the bike... yes batteri time Can be better, and maby a clutch. But foodbreak no, love it with out...
It really is such a fun bike. Thanks for your input.
I would agree with the number one issue, particularly if you ride in an area where there is a lot of space, of it not having enough range. Here in the NE, the simple fact that this thing is quiet allows you the ability to ride in way more areas without pissing people off. And that quality supersedes any and all of the negatives presented in the video, IMHO of course.
Yeah being quiet is a huge benefit is a big deal when there aren’t lots of open places to ride
@@BackcountryLife yep. If I had the wide open spaces of some Western areas, clearly petrol is the way to go. But moving to those regions isn't an option for a lot of people. People love to ride. E-bikes will allow more people into the sport, which needs more involvement, IMHO. It's a win for everybody. But my goodness, some people feel so threatened by them. It's weird.
@@easternyellowjacket276 Yeah people don't like change. Yes it is a different experience then a petrol engine bike and yes it has its limitations as it stands right now but I did enjoy being able to be more quiet
I had the same complaint about the "bonus complaint". I added an LED headlight that has a fan. Pretty good reminder that the bike is on and draws less power.
Thanks for your input
I understand that these dirt bikes will get better. We must crawl before we can walk. Your feedback is priceless. Im hoping with time the price will come down. Till then I will have to watch...
So much potential with these bikes!
@@BackcountryLife, Im looking forward to open class racing, E bikes in there with the 2 & 4 stroke. That will be so interesting & fun to watch. Why dont you guys organize the first such race?
distance traveled would be the most concerning to me
Yeah, that is a big issue for it.
Get a Sur-Ron and upgrade it to 72v battery and bac 8000 controlled, the entire thing will be $7k
Can't believe this was 2 years ago, lol
Times have changed a little, Gas almost hit $5 a gal just due to politics, I haven't found a good used Efreeride to buy :(
A surron isn't enough for me in the dirt, although I'm looking for a talaria currently to ride around town. and in 2023 the stormBee is said to launch(I'd love to buy one Feb23, I hope it's not pushed back)
Yost desert race Oct 2022, I talked to a sweeper on a E-xc, loop 1 was 30 miles, he had planned to take it easy, 30 miles was his limit in those conditions. Lots of silt and up and down single track, 30 miles... I was impressed, after loop 1, his quick charge was to jump onto his ktm300 at the pits, lol.
Doesn't look like KTM has released a big update on this bike yet.
Yeah still not all that much out there for having a full size electric dirtbike that can last 4-5 hours out on the trail. We had hoped the stark varg would be the ticket and we put money down but they just keep pushing back the production timeline. We really liked the EXC but the battery life is realistic for us out here in the west
I have this bike since 3 months and I love this so munch 😁❤️
It is a cool bike. We have another video talking about 5 things we love!!
@@BackcountryLife cool :)
To me the dumbest thing is having to remove the subframe to adjust the compression!! True, there is no air box or exhaust pipe, but just put a hole in the frame to stick a tool through!!!
I hate stupid stuff like that!! So annoying
Agreed!
Sounds like it’s best to go with a traditional gas bike.
They haven’t perfected the electrics yet.
It really is a unique bike and we feel like it isn't comparing apples to apples.....but if you can only have one bike and you ride a lot then for sure this doesn't work right for that.
Ive been riding this 2015 bike now a few days and I have the feeing Im using the rear brake (gently) pretty much like a clutch on the gas bike. I think it works great. So far I havent missed the clutch at all. What do you guys think ? Great bike btw, love it. Thanks for you vids👍🏁
A lot of people say they can work around not having a clutch just fine but for me it really was an issue. That may just be me though :)
So are you saying you would hold the rear break and the throttle at the same time and then release the break and it would get the front end up?
@@BackcountryLife eventually I started missing the clutch too! And the foot brake. I just didnt miss those in the beginning.
It's the charging. It's killing the vibe. i only have 110 and not sure how i can do it.
Yeah, and the adapters they sent us were the wrong ones for what we use in the states. It was an annoying problem.
Its like.... Here is a cool bike! Now you figure it out.
Wait, don't you have to go to camp for gas also?
If there’s no foot brake or clutch can you really call it a dirt bike? I thought it was licensed by razor when it was first introduced.
Hmm....maybe you have a point ;). I haven't heard that about razor.
Have you seen the E-Motion epure race model? It has a clutch and you charge it with 110v
Yes it looks awesome. I want to try one out.
Their 2021 escape model comes with a clutch now too. Already got my order in, so cant wait to see what its about!
Tacita enduro also with clutch and its has gearbox
WHT don't you have to make the size bigger just make 2 models
What’s an ice style dirt bike?
Great question! ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine.
(for purely selfish reasons...) KTM u.s. needs to step-up the homologation process, it's A-1 street legal through out the EU.
I'v got a 15 minute commute to work on slow surface streets. SM covertion and I'd be happy AF. alta is gone, and zero still has a "tech start up" stink.
Yeah I am not sue if any other dirt bike manufacture will step up to the plate and produce a solid electric dirt bike. Time will tell.
My #1 is price,
Thanks for the content, and if you do more vids as the tech changes, this will be a fun progression.
Electric is coming, auto, motorcycles , and mtn bike tech will produce a whole line of bikes we wish we had.
For now, dump $10 of gas in a tank, and go fits many of our objectives, in 5 to 10 years, gas bikes might be collectables, lol.
Go KTM, 1 ebike now, maybe in the future they will have a full range like they have for the gas bikes if the market is there.
Yeah its too expensive, Really we think the KTM Freeride E-XC is a really fun bike to ride. The things we mentioned can be improved. I agree with you it will be a fun progression to see what other electric dirt bikes come out in the future.
Wish KTM would make some dang updates to this bike. It’s old in the tooth already. It has so much potential.
Same here
Ooh no clutch, no hand brake, and 220 charging yikes...and run time. Not worth the price range at all yet. More like a novelty right now. Still super cool.
Yes, the battery needs to get a little better and price needs to come down a bit.
How do you get 1.5 hours running in Map3 flat out?!
I only get 35 minutes.
We have timed it and our battery lasts 1.5 hours every time when we leave it in mode 3. It might be less if we were to take it to a round track and have the throttle pinned in mode 3 the whole time. But we haven't tested that.
michael day they don’t. Just like gas riders don’t get 4 hours “riding hard’ out of a 2 galIon MX tank 🤣 “Riding hard!” Is subjective. Kurt Russell hard requires pit stops 😋
When on the E-main-jet, it’s no different than Keihin PWK main-jet. Flat out/WFO is the same. Energy is energy. I can get longer rides in Mode3 than Mode1 when trail riding, because the re-gen braking in Mode1 requires you to get on the gas even more. It doesn’t coast/have momentum like the more powerful modes. Mode 3 you can pin it for 2 seconds and coast for the next 150m using no juice.
I haven’t gotten as short as 35mins, but I also haven’t ridden in WFO on a flatter MX track with tacky dirt. I got 50mins but there were good sized ups and downs and the downs don’t use any juice except to run the water pump.
The run time is not going to improve unless a major improvements in batteries happens. To get the same performance as ICE you need 3 times the energy density as current batteries. It will happen but not in the next 5 years.
Thanks for the input.
price
$11999 USD
The rear brake was a big thing for me but as far as range, I’m from Vancouver and ride at areas like Mcnutt and vedder that are pretty gnarly and typically speeds are quite a bit slower than the stuff you guys seem to ride. I’ve been out on rides well over 3 hours and still had plenty of run time left
Nice! I’m sure the slower you go the longer it lasts. It’s true here in Utah we tend to have more open terrain to ride. Either way it’s such a fun bike to ride
@@BackcountryLife you should check out some videos of blue mountain aka Mcnutt and vedder. Some amazing gnar and a bit of flow through the PNW forests
If they would add a weighted flywheel/hydraulic clutch like electric motion did on their Epure race model it would be so much nicer!
Thanks. I agree.
Hunter Doucette the epure race is still 100% auto and single gear. Being able to spin up and use the inertia of the already wound up motor and flywheel has real advantages that EXPERIENCED riders have been literally begging manufacturers for since they’ve come out. EM is just the first to really get it right.
I’ve ridden both. The ONLY EM model with the clutch is the “Race”. That thing has so much torque-to-weight ratio you practically wouldn’t need it. Only well experienced trials riders need it. The EMs are nice, but I knew I wouldn’t be playing trials the majority of time so I went KTM for the suspension. eBikes don’t need clutches, but when they become mainstream it’s probably not reaching to think there will be a plug in e-clutch from some aftermarkets if the MFGs don’t offer one.
It was a crappy bike before it went battery powered. I feel your pain. No clutch or rear brake pedal?? that sounds like a FIRST PROTO-TYPE.
The crazy thing is that it is still a pretty fun bike! But lots of room for improvement.
Run time kills it for me. It is exciting to see these things get better though. Hoping I won't have to wait too long.
yeah, the run time is a bummer for sure. Hopefully as tech progresses it will get much better.
My guess would be no clutch to modulate power
Thanks yeah we wish it had a clutch
1. I hate the soft Suspension, i am heavy and i've put in the hardest springs, still to soft. This thing isnt made for jumping, would have liked it more in a big bike too. 2. I hate the tires, they are no good in wet to muddy dirt, dry is fine but we havent that to often here. 3. I hate the numberplate, i have to dismount it everytime going offroad and its Not designed to be dismounted quickly. I helped myself Drilling holes and Do a wingscrew through it, but its not very nice. 4. I hate the Price 5. I hate the Mudprotection for the chain.
If you can stop for a fuelstop why cant you have a Battery there to change? You aren't carring the fuel around are you? I have no problems with it but i mainly dont do bigger offroadtrips like you guys. I have limited space to play around and after 1.5 hours of racespeed i need a brake nevertheless xD cheers
Edit: oh forgot one thing...why no reverse drivemode? Its elektric So that should be no problem. Would make an new world of possibilities so...
Yes the suspension is pretty soft, too soft for our liking as well. The stock tires aren't great and when we put some new gummy tires with tubliss on it it made a big difference. Hopefully the price will come down the more popular these things get. Thanks for the input.
@@BackcountryLife what you guys think of a possible reverse option? would it helped you in some Situations?
I don't know, haven't ever had a reverse option on a dirt bike. Not sure how that would play out with added weight versus benefit.
@@BackcountryLife added weight? Just reverse Phases would spin the Motor in the other direction, Just a programming thing so. Just the Button for this Option would be added weight, but thats just gramms
My reverse is a pivot turn ;)
I'd like both brakes on bars.
me neither but I am sure its someone could get used to it.
2024 here and I just bought one new for $6K. Sorry but who doesn't have 220V in their garage? My air compressor and welder both use 220V.
My 2020 has about 60 miles on it and throws a motor short circuit code and shuts down after about 5 mins.
I never considered how this would totally screw with my riding style, not having a clutch. I rely on the clutch for power control in the same way a 2-stroke rider would (so I've been told), so your throttle hand has to have some good-ass control. Personally I have some minor wrist issues on my right arm so the clutch lever is much easier to pull to control my speed exiting corners, rather than rolling off and back onto the throttle.
Also, why the hell couldn't they just put a back brake pedal, I have no idea.
Yeah it’s really messes with your head and skills. I have spent way to much time with a clutch. Having no way to modulate and control the power makes it tough for me to ride gnarly stuff. I agree about the brake....that’s a big deal to me as well but not nearly as much as the no clutch.
Range, a bit undersized, price, no clutch, charging time
Yup, you are pretty spot on.
Bit undersized can be a good thing
I really wanna win.....too bad I’m a year late cause I need an electric bike to chase my kids around!!! Haha.
I understand that electric bikes are a thing of the future and it’s probably what dirt bikes will turn into eventually, but they’re just not far enough along yet. It’s just the issue of it being the early stages of it still.
Yeah the battery life is the issue right now.
There's no foot brake???
Yep
Great video
Thanks Garrett!!
you compare things that are not comparable and above all it is a motorcycle and not just an electric bicycle, for guys who do not know how to measure their gas, it is normal that they regret that there is no clutch..
#2 On the list is a America problem. It's not the bikes fault. In Sweden normal wall outlets are 230V. Or 400V for like welders and some washer/driers.
Yes it is...and like so many other things as well ;)
@@BackcountryLife I guess it's mission impossible to start upgrading the entire electrical grid now... The whole country is built around half power 😅 I really want a E-XC. But I think I'll wait until the longer range is down at less than half price like the first version is now.
Probably battery life would be my only complaint.
Yes, but if you are mindful of the battery life it actually can last a lot longer than you would think. It does need to be a little longer though.
@@BackcountryLife Id use it for more places where noise would normally be an issue, there are places I used to love ride that I no longer can due to noise complaints, even though my yz 250x is not that loud at all really. On an electric bike im sure they would not know what to do! LOL
I do want to find something I want on your site for a chance at winning it though, let me take another look lol.
We just added a hand held chain saw just for you ;)
www.backcountrymtnlife.com/shop-parts-accessories/backcountry-hand-chainsaw
I bought my E bike mainly to ride at my own trail. It's roughly 5.5 miles of tight, eastern woods. It usually won't make four laps but comes close. That's OK. Most riders, including me, are run down themselves after three laps. Here we are on our third lap. Bill on his Husky 300 is camera guy, me in front of him on my E bike, and Dudley leading us on his KTM200 EXC. ua-cam.com/video/4MHIjg6UD9E/v-deo.html
Yeah many people think they need a bike that goes further but never ride a hard 1 hour straight in one go :)
@@BackcountryLife I'm 72 and it's my "go to" dirt bike these days. I spent a week in Colorado last August and didn't take the little KTM. Everything has it's purpose, but for just plain riding fun, the KTM is a hoot!!!
3500$ usd for a battery?? I'l keep my carburated 2017 300xc
Yeah that’s what we were told from the dealer. Maybe it’s cheaper now.
100%
I luv this bike...whooo😋phil can join the raffle.🏍🏍
It is a fun bike and that would be great if you joined the raffle.
Backcountry Life 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Sounds like you need to convert a dirt bike
That’s been on our minds for sure
Good comments, to add to your list. She's a bit porky, heavy!
You know it actually feels lighter when you ride it. Probably the instant torque or something
You should just give it to me my birthday is July 15😁
lol, wish I could man.....Happy birthday tho.
2:55 lol, Americans with their 110v and school shootings
Ill never be able to afford an electric moto if ya got even a broke one laying around ill take it god bless
Only have the freeride :)
So bad, there is no Alta Redshift MXR anymore. It is the better bike!
I’m sad that they closed their doors. I agree that someone needs to make a full-size electric dirt bike
Wearing in India
Nada como un motor a gasolina 👍
Plz I need to win this bike
I hope you do win!!
This thing just a total beginner or women’s bike. That’s it!
No clutch? No zap ? PASS!
Thanks for your input
Thing looks small
It has a smaller frame than a normal diet bike.
Nobody is going to win this bike, you can trust me on that.
www.backcountrymtnlife.com/past-winners
So basically, everything about electrics is what you don't like.
We have another video going over the five things we love. This is just the things we don’t like
@@BackcountryLife I saw it. Just pointing out that your dislikes are everything that are typical for ICE based bias. The latest Freeride is a huge improvement over what existed just a few years ago. Gas power has been around since the late 1800's and seen about 200 years of development. Electric power has seen serious development in only the past 20 years. This has created light years of improvement over what electric drive was the 1990's. Gas power development is pretty stagnant while electric power is constantly seeing development and improvements. Electric drive is going to make gas power look antiquated in 1/5th the time it took gas power to get to where it is now.
I totally agree with you and am excited to see what happens in the next five years with electric bikes. Tons of potential there.
@@BackcountryLife Battery prices need to go down dramatically! You can buy a second battery for your Freeride, but it's far from inexpensive. Electrics are getting priced much more reasonably as mass production improves this, but spare battery prices are a show stopper for most people. A spare battery is cheaper than the long term cost of a gas bike, but that cost can be spread out across the life span of the gas bike. The cost of a second battery can not. Battery prices will continue to drop and that will make electrics attainable by more people. Until then...I love electrics, but unfortunately gas power still rules. I'm not biased for gas power or against electric, just acknowledging that electric power still has some hurdles to overcome.
***
Electrics are seeing dramatic improvements in every aspect. Look at the original Freeride battery compared to what you get now. This is a dramatic improvement that can't be said for a similar gas bike...which are nearly unchanged in the same time frame. I think in another 10 years, you'll see dirt bike races are much quieter than they are today. It will soon become unusual to see gas bikes and new gas bikes will become lower demand items than electrics.