Free and easy
By TMX Archives on 4th Oct 13
KTM created a mini revolution when it launched the 350cc four-stroke Freeride in 2012. It was sort of half a trials bike and half an enduro bike.Early press tests saw riders clearly confused as to what they were riding with some saying it was simply an under-powered enduro model and couldnt really see where KTM was coming from or going to! KTM had created a hybrid that was really a high spec trail bike
A LOT of thought had clearly gone into the model, based around an interesting all-new chassis that was half aluminium casting and half steel tubing. KTM already had their lightweight (for a four-stroke) 350 motor so there was no major expense on that development front apart from taming the power output for more gentle useage.
As it isnt a comp bike the truth is we have no real idea who has been buying the Freeride or what they have been doing with them but KTM have obviously been sufficiently impressed to come up with a variation an all-new 250 two-stroke.
Again, they had their tried and tested state of the art two-stroke enduro motor as a base. KTMs engineers came up with an all-new barrel to sit on the crankcases which does away with the complex exhaust power valve, deemed unnecessary for a relatively low (25bhp) but torquey power output.
This cylinder is cheaper to produce, theres less to go wong and should extend cylinder life into the bargain.
Six-speed gear ratios are common to both models. The smoker sports a carburettor a 28mm Keihin rather than the efi of the 350 four-stroke.
Where the stroker really gains is in the weight department, the 250 clocks in at a slender 92.5kg against the 99.5kg of the 350. This is quite a lump in anyones book and youd certainly notice it when the going gets tough.
Our guess is that people looking to do most of their riding on tarmac and gentle trails will take the 350, while those seeking more adventure will opt for the stroker.
As in all walks of life, you pays your money and you takes your choice.
KTM have just given you your choice of Freeride...
Its been a while since I attended an enduro test and its been a very long while since Ive done a trials bike test, so I thought why not mix the two together! Hail the KTM Freeride the unique model that takes its cues from both enduro and trial.
As per usual the KTM hierarchy turned up the wick (in looking after test riders!) another notch and flew us out for the worlds first launch of the new two-stroke 250R to Il Ciocco, Italy, famous for one of the hardest extreme endures in the world, Hells Gate.
Having competed in the event previously I knew we were in for a FANTASTIC test for both man and machine.
When KTM launches a new model it is always ready to race and although the Freeride isnt a true dedicated competition bike, It immediately rode into the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere, and KTM managed to define a completely new segment.
The Freeride is a lot more than a trials bike with a seat and also a lot more than an enduro bike with a low seat. What it is is an extremely easy to ride bike and the word extreme is very apt where the Freeride is concerned.
The 350 four-stroke has now been with us for over 12 months and for 2014 gains from that experience in the marketplace. But where KTM really pulled a surprise was by launching the all-new single cylinder 250 two-stroke version with which to further expand their well-spotted niche market.
When the 350 four-stroke Freeride was first launched back in March 2012 nobody really knew what to do with it. The bike was a bit big for trials and it was a bit small for enduros.
But theres the rub it isnt intended for either.
For MY (model year) 2014 the 350 has had a bit of a revamp to say the least. Its slightly lighter than last year and has increased horse power. Not a bad start!
Also KTM claims to have placed its development focus on even more practicality and versatility. For example, a taller sixth gear makes for lower revs at a given speed on road or trail which also assists fuel consumption. However, it still retains shorter gears from one to three trials style which enables you to attack any hill or obstacle you wish in exactly the right gear.
It is actually incredible where the Freeride will go, not necessarily on brute power but on manoeuvrability which, along with super sticky built for purpose Maxxis tyres and short seat height it balances itself between the two. And the lack of brute punch from the cleverly detuned competition engine simply installs rider confidence.
You havent got that mass of uncontrollable power half way up a steep hill when you have lost control and have nowhere to dab. Believe me, its no fun on a 300 EXC arm-wrencher when, three quarters of the way into a full loop-out you are desperately searching for the tallest rock to stick your toe end on!
Oddly enough its the lack of power that gives you the confidence to attempt such extreme obstacles that you wouldnt dream of riding on anything else. The 350 has that lovely velvety feel of the four-stroke as you weave in and out of the trees, using that great linear power it produces to roll over most rocks and logs.
Talking of rocks and logs and other rough stuff...moving on to the suspension, helping the cause here is a new pair of 43mm WP USD front forks with a full 250mm of travel and which worked incredibly well all day. For a big guy like myself they were plush and planted with virtually no discernible flex whatsoever.
These forks, I was told, are due to be used on the latest KTM 85 Big-wheel models so the kids are in for a real treat.
Rear suspension is courtesy of KTMs own WP PDS system which is of course a linkless single shock. KTM have used this for years on their enduro models and it is well fine tuned and way more than capable of handling the Freeride.
So, after a couple of hours of sun-kissed riding through the Tuscan hills we stopped for lunch at a lovely outdoor barbeque picnic area by the forest and right on cue the heavens opened. ...
So, with all of us huddled under various trees, clutching our soggy burgers and trying to keep dry during the downpour we had time to ponder on what each other thought on the four-stroke versus two-stroke saga. Having not been on the two-stroke at that point I was hearing ramblings of greatness from various test riders, and thinking to myself,
What are they on about, it cant be as good as this 350! I mean, the thing just goes anywhere, I loved my morning ride!
That was until rainwater started bubbling out the top of my boots whilst trying to eat a not-so-well-done bit of beef wedged between two soggy baps (insert your own joke here).
But, it was my turn next for the afternoon session on the sweet looking two-stroke. My dampened mood changed totally for the better when a KTM dude whispered to me that the next 60km was to be pure Hells Gate. And boy was he not wrong!
And boy was I wrong about the two-stroke!
No joking, it is incredible. There was nothing on the mountain to stop it, even on monster extreme hillclimbs the 250 just kept climbing. Theres no clutch snatching, no whisky throttle, it just keeps going!
With no power valve it kinda feels like an automatic car but with six gears to play with. I dont really know what to say except trust me, its awesome!
It sounds and rides like a super fast old-school trail bike but with a comfy seat.
As Im effectively racing through the forest I am trying to compare it to previous events on my 300 EXC and I have ridden plenty of extreme enduros and after nearly 60km of stunning off-roading I couldnt think of anywhere on the route where I would have preferred the EXC over the Freeride.
Even on a ridiculous hill climb which, after half an hour of zig zagging and plotting my line on various ways, I thought to myself no way would the 300 EXC get up here like this! It would have been too much of a handful.
As usual KTM have built the bikes around a ready to race spec. I can only speak for myself here but I rode the bike hard for a full six hours over a 100 miles of hard and fast extreme going, and believe me we werent hanging about.
Nothing faulted, the brakes were good, the suspension was awesome and the one thing if anything that could have failed in these conditions was the clutch. But no, the new undamped CSS (coil spring steel) clutch with wear-free basket and clutch package specially tuned for the Freeride worked like a dream.
I hadnt really known what to expect when setting out as I hadnt previously even ridden the 350. Frankly I was blown away.
Also, I was riding on terrain that I imagine KTMs target Freeride customer wouldnt even consider attempting. As a trail bike, which is what it is really, the Freeride will only be using 10 percent of its potential. And as we didnt bust anything or bring either model to a standstill,
both the two-stroke and four-stroke models should be absolutely unburstable in everyday conditions.
It is absolutely truthful to say there isnt anything I didnt like about the two Freerides. It really was one of the best days riding I have ever had!
Choose your weapon and get out there on the trail...
