KTM
Freeride
Electric
motorcycles are far from mainstream, however there are now several well known,
or at least well-funded, companies dabbling in the field. KTM are probably one
of the biggest players in the motorcycle sector to throw themselves in at the
deep end and produce a production ready, over-the-counter electric motorbike.
This isn't just concept or prototype stuff anymore.
The
KTM Freeride as its called, has been in the works for several years. The
company showed off the initial concept back in 2008, and at the 2010 Tokyo
Motor Show the nearly production ready prototypes displayed.
The
Freeride is offered in two different forms. A knobbly-tired off-roader, and a
road-tired supermoto styled street machine. Both bikes are based around a
lightweight delta box frame with forged aluminium components. Mounted where the
engine is normally found is a compact 30 horsepower electric motor which offers
43 Nm of torque - and that's available from zero rpm. The motor is supplied
electricity by a rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery pack which
can be juiced up in just 1.5 hours. Runtime on a full charge is around an hour.
Top speed of the Freeride is a none too amazing 43 mph. But then the bike is
designed for doing tricks, stunts and beating city traffic. Not cruising down
the open highway.
