1500 Miles on a 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC: Electric Stealth Fun!

[@brock1732]

I've got 3hrs on my 2022. The stock tires def are not great in the mud. Switching them out to dunlops mx33 soft/intermediate terrain tires. This thing is SO much fun to ride. Can't wait to add more hours and explore more.

[@mxengineer1]

I would like to ride the 22 Freeride E-XC and see if the new brakes are better! Everyone I have let test ride my Freeride E-XC always come back talking about how much fun the bike is to ride. Enjoy your '22 Freeride E-XC....charge and go!

[@techustle1]

Awesome review and update. Got my 22 a few weeks ago and love it. As you stated just wish the 220v charging requirement wasn't there. Here not much new homes so four prong dryer plugs are rare and far. Going to re-wire to a four prong in a few months when the electrician is available. The 22 brakes feel good and have no complaints yet. Planning to change levers to foldable ASV ones when they come in.

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks! Good to hear you are enjoying your Freeride E-XC! I am curious if the ASV levers are adjustable - I would like to have the levers a bit closer the the bars.

[@cossiedrifter]

Really tempted to buy one. Good thing 230v is minimum in Sweden 😁

[@mxengineer1]

@@cossiedrifter Yes you are good to go for the Freeride charger in Sweden! Very fun bike and the stealth (quiet) riding factor provides a whole new off road riding experience!

[@cossiedrifter]

@@mxengineer1 The stealth factor is the whole selling point.

[@drewelling4441]

Great review, thanks! I really wish they had higher top end and more range. Maybe someday. Looks mint, and I love that it's quiet though! Just curious how fast and what's the range if you road it in speed 1?

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks! More power, longer range - that would be great! Stealth riding in the woods is one of the cool things about electric dirt bikes. I can usually get 1.5~2 hours of woods riding in with some battery remaining. I've ridden the bike on roads at 48~50 mph (top speed) for 25~30 miles and still have between 10~20% battery remaining (cannot tell exactly as the (3) rows of green battery level lights represent the remaining battery in a range of percent (like 80~100% or 50~80% etc).

[@strangehighways3]

This thing is perfect for the quick ride after work when time is limited.

[@mxengineer1]

Yes it is and I've done it many times...just hope on and go!

[@stupidmoto]

Really want to get a 22 but the fact that it's a KTM is scaring me off a bit. And there's no dealer close to me in Ohio that carries the Freeride. Closest I could find is 5 hours away in PA

[@mxengineer1]

Yes dealer support is limited (I have heard there are fewer than 20 KTM dealers authorized to sell Freeride E-XC's. I have spoken with a few dealers that sell them and there really have been very few issues with the Freerides. Mine has 1500 trouble free miles to date.

[@kurtgranlund496]

Definitely the most fun you can have off road.

[@mxengineer1]

The stealth factor opens up more riding areas too!

[@happygnome4620]

I'm demoing the freeride next week. Very excited! On paper, it has more torque than my 2015 yz250f, which is cool. Although the range is bugging me, I'm riding slow, technical terrain (Northern B.C). Essentially rocks and roots with some dirt here and there. If it can get over 30mi on a single charge; I'm all in. Anything under that I'm gonna get cold feet. Is that a realistic number?

[@mxengineer1]

Really depends on the rider and terrain. I've taken mine to Bike Night which is a 45mph on road 28 mile round trip and it still had 2-bar segments of battery charge remaining light up meaning 30~50% of charge remaining so that would mean I could have gone 30 miles. Now riding in those crazy tight and technical trails of BC....30 miles might be pushing it. Best to run Map 1 as much as possible (only 50% torque so won't climb much steep stuff) and Map 2 (80% torque). I think it will be close and I also think it is a totally different off road riding experience that is worth trying. Have fun!

[@mnmz6934]

Anymore updates? I just purchased a 2023, hopefully it'll last a while since it requires less maintenance. Any issues?

[@mxengineer1]

Congratulations on your new Freeride! One issue I have had on mine is the small battery that runs the ECU going dead if I don't run the Freeride for a while (like about a month or two). KTM upgraded the small ECU battery to a much better one in 2021 so your 2023 model should be good to go! It is a very fun bike and different riding experience. Enjoy your new Freeride!

[@mnmz6934]

@@mxengineer1 Thanks for the response!

[@mnmz6934]

@@mxengineer1 forgot to add, how do you transport this bike? I'm debating if I should use a trailer or a hitch rack. Either way, I need to probably get a hitch extension since I drive a Jeep Wrangler with a 35' spare

[@mxengineer1]

@@mnmz6934 I use a hitch mounted rail and we tried it on my buddy's Jeep Wrangler and even very close clearance but we made it work with no extensions (he has similar big spare tire). Depends on the hitch carrier.

[@mnmz6934]

@@mxengineer1 nice! May I ask which brand? Thanks

[@metalted6128]

Great information! Great video! Not a fan , but don’t hate it either. Good job!

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks for watching!

[@motorbikemiketv365]

What mic set up are you using with your GoPro? Excellent sound quality!

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks! Just started using a new mic a recent videos. I run a Hero 7 Black with a GoPro 3.5mm mic adaptor and TNE 3.5mm gaming microphone which comes with a foam cover which works great even at speed on the street bikes. When you get your update microphone I want to hear that 1996 CR250 run the the gears along and the 1975 CR125 too!;)

[@motorbikemiketv365]

Thank you for the information 👍

[@motorbikemiketv365]

BTW, just bought the 22 KTM XC Factory Edition and was curious about the tuning app you use?

[@mxengineer1]

@@motorbikemiketv365 I was able to get a myKTM connectivity unit and install it on my 21 KTM 350 Kailub Russell Edition (now called the 350 Factory Edition). It can dial up a little more engine response but much better at dialing back the power and also minimizing engine braking which helps make the bike feel a little lighter - just frees up the suspension a little off throttle into corners. My last 350 FE review here.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmjXfpiveLWceKs Here is the review where I focused more in the myKTM tuning kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnjNqaKbp5xpn9U

[@joshua7999]

I’m 5’4. I was hoping with the lack of a transmission, a compact motor, that the seat height could be lower than a gasser. Looks like that seat height is still 35”.

[@mxengineer1]

The Freeride is like a 7/8 size bike - compact. The seat is narrow so it feels fairly close to the ground (lower than the 35" seat height would indicate). Plus you can get the forks and shock shortened if needed. Test ride one first if you can.

[@alisonm5270]

I want one how much money is it

[@mxengineer1]

Per KTM US website a 2022 Freeride E-XC MSRP is $11,099 + $485 freight + dealer set and what ever document fees and taxes that apply.

[@Raggesvenne]

How many hours before the suspension needs service/oil change if you only ride trails?

[@mxengineer1]

A lot of riders simply refresh fork oil every season and shock every other season. The shock takes some special tools but simple enough to drain and install fresh fork oil. My Freeride E-XC is 2-years old and had about 100 hours of use and I have no plans to change the suspension fluid yet.

[@swedish_sadhguru3854]

is the 2015 e-xc a lot worse than this model? Thinking about buying one for cheap but not sure.

[@mxengineer1]

I have not ridden a 2015 Freeride E-XC. I believe KTM did an update around 2018 or 2019 with bigger battery and more power out of the motor. The 2015 E-XC at a reasonable price might be a good way to try out a Freeride E-XC and see what you think about how the bike works for your riding. I really enjoy my 20 Freeride E-XC. Let me know if you get it!

[@swedish_sadhguru3854]

@@mxengineer1 Thank you sir!

[@treaser2]

What have you done with the mirror? looks smart

[@mxengineer1]

That is a small plastic mirror made by Acerbis and fold easily out of the way on the trail.

[@treaser2]

@@mxengineer1 Nice! Best upgrade i have done to mine so far is getting the tubliss system. If there was a way to make a "clutch" no track would be safe=)

[@minalobudeshte]

How the battery after 1500 milles still performs?

[@mxengineer1]

I have not noticed any performance loss. Still sensitive to cold temperatures and will cut power if the battery pack gets below about 38F

[@minalobudeshte]

@@mxengineer1 thank you for the information. I am considering buying one soon.

[@happygnome4620]

@@minalobudeshte The batteries are bulletproof. Sony did good!

[@sumokid]

So if u go on rides that last all day it’s a no go lol

[@mxengineer1]

Yes current battery technology is not good for day long rides. Only option is to have a spare battery to change out (kind of like re-fueling on a gas bike)

[@mikemoralesofficial]

So nice

[@unknownflyer90]

Very cool. Wish I had that cash to blow!

[@scottbrand6894]

Really fun video to watch. I'm looking to buy a Freeride but the dealer says they have a adapter that will fit the 230volt charger and plug into my 240 volt outlet. That's great, but when I asked him if putting more voltage into the charger and battery would cause any problems, he couldn't answer me. If anyone knows please comment.

[@mxengineer1]

The Freeride comes with an adaptor pigtail that converts the charger Euro plug to a L6-20P 3-prong plug. The pigtail that came with my 2020 Freeride E-XC has a sticker that states 16A 250VAC 4000W (I assume a rating). The Freeride charger draws 10amps in normal charge mode and I think about 12 amps in the faster charge mode. I had a 240V L6-20P plug wired into my garage for charging and it has worked fine for almost 2-years.

[@metalted6128]

No clutch, no gear changing! Witch is motorcycles to most people. Very cool bike, Just not as exciting!! My two cents.

[@mxengineer1]

Yes for many the experience of throttle/clutch/shifting and the engine noise is all part of the experience. Electric is a really different experience - stealth is a big part of it and the simplicity of throttle and brakes (all on the handlebars on this Freeride) makes for a unique ride. I won't be giving up my gas bikes but the electric bikes do offer a different riding experience.

[@johnfryman4428]

90 min ride time - can't go too far from an outlet. Battery tech isn't there yet. I'll stick to my 05' 450 EXC and ride all day. - Keep your Rich dude toy with limits

[@mxengineer1]

Yes battery power/weight/tech is a limiting factor for now but the Freeride E-XC still offers a unique riding experience (instant torque, stealth) for about 90 minutes of fun! As far as rich dude toy the '22 Freeride E-XC MSRP is $1100 less than a '22 500EXC;)