The Austrian brand KTM is presenting two versions of an electrically-driven sport motorcycle for the first time. Both a sports-oriented offroad machine and a dynamic on-road bike are on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle show under the label "KTM Freeride".
Mattighofen/Tokyo, March 26, 2010.
One and a half years after it's commitment to developing an electrically-driven bike, KTM, the sports motorcycle company headquartered in Mattighofen, Austria is now determinedly on the way towards the production of a series-ready zero emission motorcycle. Under the label "Freeride", KTM is simultaneously presenting two series-ready versions of the electrically-driven motorcycle that truly express the sporting spirit of the brand, bikes that transport the company motto "Ready to Race" right into the 21st century. The KTM zero emission motorcycles are being shown at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show on 26-28 March, 2010.
The foundation stone for this development is KTM's clear commitment to offroad motorcycle sport and it's intention to further offensively expand the strongest pillar of the company business - and with a unique product for which there is, to date, no real comparison. Thanks to the positive conditions to the design concept (no noise pollution and zero emission) this revolutionary development opens up perspectives for completely new applications. The Freeride creations carry the promise of an acceptable return for the use of motorcycle sporting activities, also in urban areas.
Hubert Trunkenpolz, Head of Sales at KTM Sportmotorcyle AG, comments on the philosophy and focus of the revolutionary motorcycles at the press conference at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show: "The KTM Freeride project is extremely important for the brand KTM. As the world's leading manufacturer of offroad sports motorcycles, it is part of our responsibility to do everything possible to ensure the ongoing vitality of offroad sport. One consequence for us is to realize a new drive solution via a pure electric motor. This means that we, as an extremely sports-oriented brand, can stay true to our "Ready to Race" philosophy..."
Hubert Trunkenpolz adds: We would like to prove our competitive power, not only with the technology but also with the prices we offer. We can already say that the first Freeride motorcycle from KTM will be under € 10,000 - which is on a similar level with an Enduro motorcycle with a combustion engine currently being deployed in the world championship.
Also from a technical standpoint, the first Freeride motorcycle is revolutionary from a drive perspective, comments Harald Plöckinger, COO and Board Member of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG: "It is not only that the performance capability of the 100 kg light machine is comparable to that of a 125 cc 2-stroke machine with a combustion engine. It is also factors like abrasion resistance, dirt and water resistance, life span, handling and above all safety that have been solved in an impressive way for the maximum 22 KW strong motor. This is thanks to the battery drive unit, which has been patented worldwide by KTM," he adds.
"The Freeride project motorcycle also profits from the competence and experience of all of KTM's past activities in motorcycle racing. This and the high quality components, which to a large extent have been developed and produced in Mattighofen, characterize how determinedly we are introducing the KTM zero emission products that exceed the demands of the sport's strict regulations," Harald Plöckinger concludes.
The series production of the new KTM Freeride sports Enduro will probably begin in the coming year. On the other hand, the Supermoto-oriented Freeride variant shall, from today's perspective, serve to illustrate other future applications for KTM's zero emission concept.
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Some Q&A with KTM
When will the first KTM electro motorcycle be available for sale?
KTM will begin with the transition of this project into the pre-series phase in the summer of 2010.
A comprehensive test program will be carried out at the same time. According to current planning, the delivery of the first in the finished “Freeride” series will follow in late spring of 2011.
What will the KTM “Freeride” motorcycles cost?
The price has not yet been finalised however the aim is to stay under € 10,000 and with this to settle on a price comparable to a conventional, high quality sport Enduro for the first phase..
Will there be other variants or models?
The topic „electro-driven“ certainly offers more areas of application than classic offroad sport.
In the first step it will only involve the Enduro because here KTM wants to gather experience and to push the sport. After that and because there are numerous possible applications, there is plenty of scope for variants.
Is the KTM Freeride homologized for on-street riding?
Yes. The machine will be homologised for use on the open road.
What does it look like for the range of the Freeride?
In principle it must be said that in the area of emotors, reach is largely dependant on the profile of the user. The range is significantly less with a motocross professional at the handlebars than with a hobby Endurist. The development goal is to be equitable with the requirements in the area of Enduro.
In other words, with mixed offroad deployment,
approximately one hour of riding should be possible.
How long does it take to recharge the battery?
The battery can again be used at 100% performance after 90 minutes. It is possible to recharge the battery while still installed in the bike, but it can also be simply and quickly removed and replaced with another.
How many times is it possible to recharge the battery?
The final specification of the battery has not been specified. The ones that are presently being used are sufficient for approximately 500 recharges, which is also almost exactly the equivalent of the normal life cycle of an Enduro motorcycle. Generally it must be said that the development of batteries in this sector is still in the first stage and significant advances in development are expected in the coming years.
Dos the “Freeride” mark the end of the classic Enduro with a combustion motor?
Absolutely not. From KTM’s point of view the new drive technology represents a big chance to open up a third stream of application in the area of motorcycles.
Highly developed four-stroke motors will continue to be used in the future, just as will be the case with two-stroke motors. The latter are especially ideal for hobby riders and beginners because of their unbeatable costs/usage efficiency. Above all, motorcycles with an electro-motor will contribute to bringing the sport into the urban areas and at the same
time speak to an entirely new target group.