free-sy rider
By TMX Archives on 19th Apr 12
"People are getting off this bike and telling us, this bike makes me a better rider."This statement from KTM about the Freeride 350 caught me by surprise. Its nothing new for PR teams to big their bikes up, tell you how much fun they are, or how their latest technological invention makes it the best thing since sliced bread.
But to say that it is going to make me a better rider is taking the biscuit. As I looked at this small, soft, detuned, slightly weird-looking 350 that KTM were claiming was going to make me a better rider, I was definitely baffled. Mostly because the purpose of the bike eluded me, I didn't understand who this bike was for, what KTM wanted it to be or how it would fit into the real world. Then they gave us a test ride...
I felt genuinely puzzled by KTM's Freeride 350.
There were a number of points that really didn't make any sense.
KTM started with one of the best engines in their arsenal – then took all the power away and put it into a small chassis, with soft, short suspension.
They threw on big mountain bike brakes, TWO catalytic converters, and an under-slung exhaust.
Then on top this ‘half-baked' enduro bike they put a REAL price tag of £6,000 and to add insult to injury slapped some trials tyres on it.
The child in me was expecting the bike to be a giggle but I couldn't see anyone but those awash with spare cash buying one.
The first thing that struck me about the Freeride is just how far removed it is from KTM's range.
Swinging a leg over the bike, the first thing you notice is its size, sitting somewhere between a BW85 and a full-size bike.
The seat is soft and plush and the suspension sinks down in the stroke.
As the bike fired into life it sounded odd, restricted and very ‘trail bike'.
FOR FULL REPORT AND PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS APRIL 20
FREERIDE 350: THE HIGH FLYER ENGINE
