2020 KTM Freeride E-XC [You got it all WRONG!]

[@JohnHowerton137]

Well said guys. Just to expand on what it is/isn’t capable of... The MX track needs to be short straights. The power is going flat after like 35mph, so on big tracks (ie.. Glen Helen or whatever) it would be totally worthless for anyone more advanced than a green Beginner class rider. It goes faster, but not useable. Pinned at the A class motocross level, the battery lasts 30-35 minutes depending how many long pinned sections of track there are. Any time the throttle is off you use basically no juice, so sustained ✊ eats it fast. The suspension... while totally fine for the put-put trails/single track it was designed for, on the track it’s horrible. The limitations are more the XPLOR suspension than the 43mm diameter which is what everyone is obsessed with and crying about. The XPLOR forks lack the valving needed for MX. With one fork doing most of the work, there’s a lot of cavitation and it loses damping. Also, the stock valving is more like trials suspension and it’s under-sprung for the track too. My suspension is at my tuner right now. The shock is getting revalved for MX, and the fork is getting new guts. Both forks will now have compression & rebound damping. I have not seen anyone else who’s done this to a Freeride. None of the major MX tuners have done it to my knowledge. I can’t comment on how well it works yet obviously, so VIDEO TO COME, but the spring rate will be 52 in the front and a straight rate 6.9 on the rear. I’ll give my tuners info out when we get it dialed. I’m only avg 1 sec lap off the fastest A riders (no AA class here). I can hang for a short time, but it’s too much work. All the time lost is due to two 70+ foot jumps I don’t jump because the stock suspension would blow my wheels out. In the real world that puts me close to a 1/2 lap back of the leaders over a moto. These bikes bend shock bolts ($24, #3 for me) when you mash them and I didn’t want to also destroy my wheels for ego. I should be a front runner on a FREERIDE! When the suspension is dialed. It turns heads 🤣 What the bike lacks in top end, it can make up in corner entry speed if you don’t get too far behind. It corners exceptionally and is extremely smooth all the way though. The weight and power distribution settles into the ground awesomely. You can pick ANY line! I’ve never had a problem with the brakes lacking power or fading, even in a 20min moto. Clean the pads, fluid, and make sure the pistons move freely and the brakes are just fine (2018+). The Freeride E has faster lap times that my 350EXC and my 250SX smoker. I just bought a 250F and will have it on the track this weekend. I can probably rip a faster lap on it, but I have my doubts in a 20 min moto... probably a 10min... we’ll see within the next month when I get them both on the track. Stay tuned! Battery Life times Motocross: 30-50min XC & similar speed play riding: 55min to 1.5 hrs Trail riding & backyard jumps 2-4 hours. 19-27 miles Slow singletrack closer to the 4hr mark Battery life perspective = roughly 1.5 gallons of fuel in a carbureted 250cc bike. Insanely fun bike! ZERO REGRETS purchasing it. Possibly my favorite bike I’ve ever owned... and I’ve owned a lot! 6 in the last 20 months alone. Best pit/play bike EVER! It’s smaller, but even 6-6ft 2” riders are not cramped. Pit bikes are like humping a football to us and tiny wheels are sketchy 😜 Thanks again for the shout out! Folks seem to like my videos as long as they don’t mind low production value! 🤣🙈

[@BackcountryLife]

Solid information. I am interested to see how the suspension turns out when you get back from the tuner. I agree cornering on the Freeride is what dreams are made of. It makes me feel like a pro haha. It really is an insanely fun bike. You are welcome on the shoutout. We feel like you are providing some real world value around the KTM Freeride that is needed.

[@JohnHowerton137]

Backcountry Life Thanks. I’m trying. Wish I had more time. So far behind on all the videos and info I’ve wanted to get out. I haven’t even ridden in two weeks I’ve been so busy 😭 He’s a good tuner. I’m crazy excited to get it back. Fork will take another 2 weeks. Probably be back on the Freeride again July 26th (hopefully the track runs) and the video somewhere around the turn of the month. This will open the door to metal ramps this summer too 😋 If you guys are going to keep a Freeride in your possession, get the throttle mod I worked on with the Ducati Spacers guy. There’s less throw (zero slop) and it make the throttle way better!

[@BackcountryLife]

We are going to give the Freeride away and try to get our hands on a new one

[@shredmas]

@@JohnHowerton137 Not sure if you've seen this. He has his suspension modified. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maKngJV5q7qlY8U

[@JohnHowerton137]

Neal Peters I have. I talk to him from time to time and probably even take him riding in Sept. My suspension is going a step further than that. The Dal Soggio system he's using is a huge improvement, but it's still one sided. Mine will be have all that and both legs.

[@LammensB]

Great video. I never use mode 1. It doesn’t accelerate enough to have fun or do technical stuff and limited to 50kph. Mode 2: 80% of my riding. Great for technical stuff or wheelies. Mode 1: great for racing some backcountry little asphalt roads. You can even get a small powerslide out of it.

[@BackcountryLife]

You nailed it. Could not have said it better. Thanks for your input.

[@D1ARBO]

Great video guys. I'm in Munich, Germany and the main reason I would buy this is because it's quiet. Making noise is frowned upon and there are amazing wooded areas and endless trails ...and with this, you can do it. So for me, it would be having this bike or no bike.

[@BackcountryLife]

Thanks for sharing. You are the exact person we are referring to. I would prefer more people out riding and if they are in a place that has issues with sound the KTM Freeride is perfect!

[@amundalfredsen3479]

I bought one for the exact same reason. In Norway, driving in the forest is mostly forbidden. But with this bike no one seem to care, as long as you drive sensibly around other people. I really recommend it!

[@BackcountryLife]

@@amundalfredsen3479 Good to hear you are enjoying yours!!

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

noise has always been a thorn in the side for us off roaders. Its music to my ears when I hear the neighborhood kids riding their 80cc around the neighborhood but I know it ticks off the non-riding people.

[@BackcountryLife]

I love the sound of any well tuned motor for sure.

[@mixalis6168]

A mate owns one in Europe, bought it to shut people complaining about noise near his home, yet the morons still do !!

[@BackcountryLife]

@@mixalis6168 Lame!

[@dexteria01]

I've had mine since 2016 and I still love it. Upgraded to the higher capacity battery recently. I'm always done before the battery is. I'm nearly 50 and don't have any gas bikes now. I tried the 250f but always ended back up the E. So happy to see them in the USA now. Bring on the upgrades. It still draws lots of attention and wows after having a go. Never seen another in all this time tho.

[@BackcountryLife]

Its a really fun bike to ride. We had the same experience whenever someone would swing a leg over it. Thanks for your input.

[@marioalvarezvilla2464]

I know people don't want hear it but electric bikes are more reliable than gas combustion bikes. Less things to go wrong. The weakness are the batteries and software. Batteries can be replaced as well as having more than one fully charged. Software can have updates.

[@cmlahue1]

Its a fact electric is more reliable. Still more maintenance than I thought.

[@mrrrrr1rob590]

I'm biased. If you are watching youtube dirtbike videos, you probably are too. I love dirt bikes. Have for a long time. So it is music to my ears to hear them. However, I've been around long enough to realize that not everyone (the majority in fact) shares that sentiment. I've seen the reduction of riding areas as I'm sure many others have. This is an unavoidable transition. Eventually the technology will be to the point that electric will be the only choice. My thoughts. That being said, hold on to your 2 strokes! Someday they will be worth a small fortune!

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah, nothing like the sound of a well-tuned motor!! I also feel rather we like it or not we are going to be forced into e bikes. I will hold onto 2T as long as I can.

[@cmlahue1]

I bought this bike because it is so fast on single track. I am expert skill level. They did not mention it but the transition of the clutch being replaced by the rear brake was the single largest thing to get used to by FAR! Hearing the tires grip the rocks is thrilling and helps understand the terrain. It does not replace my 2 stroke but wow does it compliment it. Wife loves it too.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yes that was weird to get used to. It really is such a fun bike.

[@shanebrown2963]

I think that bike would be a ton of fun to have but I just can’t pull the plug for that much coin and the battery needs to last longer.

[@BackcountryLife]

I agree. its such a fun cool bike, way better than I thought it would be but the battery life and price kills the deal.

[@ManuelLopez-ej9ub]

My battery doesnt last more than 25 miles!!

[@terrencepryce3977]

I don't know how to do it but I subscribe to his page my birthday's tomorrow

[@devenfoxx3647]

The EV OHRV world will be changed, I like to ride ATV's out for days on end, averaging about 70 miles a day. Do you think there will always be a place for the gas OHRV's?

[@BackcountryLife]

I do as long as we have wide open spaces to ride

[@devenfoxx3647]

@@BackcountryLife For the gas ATV's?

[@danwesson2485]

I’m TELLING y’all, the NO noise is SIGNIFICANT!!! I’ve said this since the 90’s- wait until they make: electric road/off road bikes. AND snow machines! Think about the possibilities y’all 😉

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah it’s a totally different experience and I like it

[@jeffwilliams409]

Spot on video. Good job guys. It's almost 2022 been riding and racing my whole life. This bike is for me.

[@BackcountryLife]

Thanks Jeff. The Freeride is such a fun bike to ride.

[@BillyBoblovesthedirt]

Old video I know however they will replace our piston engines, not for a few more years yet but they will. Legislation will make sure of it and the big manufacturers are well onto it now. Battery density will evolve quickly and we will enjoy good freedom due to increased range and fast charging. Think of the positives, faster bikes and basically zero maintenance on the engine. How good is that. I can’t wait.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah it will be interesting to see what they come up with.

[@rm25088]

I thought he said "alright bitch" during the intro.

[@mrrrrr1rob590]

Good video, guys. Gave me some new perspective. Some really good points, even one I disagreed with (at first). You had a point about using this to fine tune technique going back to the gasser. I thought that part was bs honestly, but let me elaborate. I ride multiple bikes (2 stroke 150, 2 stroke 500, 4 stroke 250, 4 stroke 450, 4 stroke 500, 1000cc sport road bike, supermoto, dirt...) What I've found, for me, is the differences between them changes how I ride them, and I feel like I'm constantly in this window of adapting me to the bikes. The suspension, the power delivery, the traction characteristics are always changing. This hurts my forward progression, bouncing back and forth inside this bubble. I end up not better on any of them. So last year, I kept it down to just a couple primary bikes, specifically only one in mx and saw some improvement. I think much to your point about using this to focus on technique is the reason I ordered a auto clutch for my mx bike. Sure nearly everyone says it's a bad idea and they could be right. I feel I'm plenty adept at using a clutch, if anything I overuse it. I'm just looking to remove one piece of the puzzle to free me up to focus on other areas. Don't think about clutch, focus on braking, focus on corner speed, focus on line choice, focus on smoothness and body position. If I can make some progress in other areas, I want to put the normal clutch back in before I get reliant on it. But I digress finally. I now agree with your statement about using a bike like this to build your technique in other areas, because that's the same reason I bought the auto clutch.

[@BackcountryLife]

Thanks for your input. Really its just about getting out and riding and sure there is a level that if you want to progress to you need to remove variables and get 1 bike setup and figured out if you want your best performance however us average joes do not ride enough which usually means we do not work on skills rather are just riding. I do think there are basic riding skills that will translate on any dirt bike you ride regardless of what kind it is. Also, using a bike like this to get into better riding shape is nice. Just my two cents :)

[@danvalley6524]

I know it as a great (..insert number here..) bike. If someone REALLY likes riding, they will own several bikes. Each having a personal flavor. E-ride will be a 2nd bike for me. A feather light sister to my 500lbs BMW boxer. I'v always wanted to learn to do rolling stoppies & slow turn wheelies. (Showing off, no. Knowing I can, f-yea.) Learned a few basics on a drz-sm but, heat, spent gas and noise sensitive neighbors kept practice limited. KTM for the win!

[@BackcountryLife]

On point! It’s all about having fun!

[@ninja1970fin]

Hey guys, Im at 50 and have street riding background (I own a zx6r) but also interested in riding on mx track with my son and his Husky 350. Ive tried the Husky and crashed once already, now would this be a perfect bike for me in 2021 to learn riding and having fun ? I think so. I agree its expensive and thats mainly my concern. Thanks for the vid👍🏁

[@BackcountryLife]

It's the perfect bike to learn on because it has the different power settings. It's not built for the MX track but we jumped it a bunch and it did fine.

[@headwinded1948]

For the price, it needs to be a replacement, that's the whole thing. When these things get faster and are able to go as far as a typical offroad bike can between refills now, it will be a different discussion. Don't get me wrong, I actually find the premise of an off road e-bike incredibly appealing, they just aren't where they need to be yet.

[@BackcountryLife]

I agree

[@lotsad1234]

Love my freeride 350, hope to try the electric one some day...

[@BackcountryLife]

They are a ton of fun you won’t regret it

[@kevstervandam1179]

Can ktm e xc upgrade battery for last longer

[@BackcountryLife]

I am sure as the upgrades to the battery it will last longer for sure.

[@JohnHowerton137]

Retro Sound probably another year or two for the battery to upgrade. The last update was 2018. The rumor that the 2021 got a high capacity battery and more power is BS. That was bad press release combined with Magazines knowing nothing about the Freeride. The battery is the same 3.88 that it has been and the power is still 18kw. The only thing updated for 2021 was the brakes. That was just KTM streamlining parts production because the 85SX updated. The brakes are still Formula, but share pads with the big bikes. Rear rotor is a little bigger too.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah from the sounds of it’s pretty much the same as the 2020.

[@zacherymoore3757]

I know I'm late seeing this but like you guys said it'd be a great first bike for the wife. I'd love to see a longer battery life in the future before I pull the trigger on one.

[@BackcountryLife]

Yes, I would bet they can get more battery life with newer versions.

[@timking2822]

Great video.

[@BackcountryLife]

Thanks

[@grindlex9]

Good stuff, thanks! I hope to win it, will be a silent terror around Tacoma!

[@BackcountryLife]

lol, yeah, it is a super fun bike.

[@barrasin1]

cool bike mate i have never done dirt bike on a trials but i wood like to im 46 of age i got a 1500w ebike top speed is 55pmh i know it dos it i got gps on my phone

[@BackcountryLife]

Which E Bike do you have?

[@nobby145]

yeah imma wait for the sx version, it's gonna come one day 😄"Right" 😅

[@BackcountryLife]

Yeah let’s hope they make one soon

[@gaderrtyboi]

Did you guys ever see how long the bike lasts strictly on mode 2?

[@BackcountryLife]

No not yet.

[@amundalfredsen3479]

My experience is that it has way more to do with your throttle control than the drive mode. You get the same power in mode 2 and 3, but it is mapped different. Mode 2 has a more linear power curve, opposed to 3 that is much steeper. So if you ride a trail in mode 3, you just have to use a lighter touch when controlling the power. Hope this makes sense.

[@BackcountryLife]

@@amundalfredsen3479 Thanks for your feedback. I am sure with time I will get better with the throttle control.

[@jhonasarcamo9173]

Luv this KTM free ride....I wannnnna ride...🤟🏼🤘🏽👌💋💋💋💋

[@BackcountryLife]

We love riding it ourselves. Hopefully you will get a chance to try it out soon. Thanks for the support!

[@ridinezze6617]

Yea if you. Got 19 grand

[@BackcountryLife]

$11k :)

[@samgreer7497]

Great video guys! I would love to try one of these. Can’t seem to find a demo day local to me that has this bike in the stable. At the price, I’m most likely holding out for a street legal dual purpose version. Maybe it will replace my ‘17 Beta RR-S.

[@BackcountryLife]

Thanks. Yeah the price is a bit too steep but it’s such a fun bike to ride. I wonder how hard it is to make the Freeride street legal.

[@JohnHowerton137]

Backcountry Life it's not, if you live in a state that will let you. I'm going to try with mine. Normally my state is a No, but electric.... Our inspections are going again now after being stopped for months die to COVID. Another check on my "To Do" list that I haven't been able to check off.

[@BackcountryLife]

Utah might not be all that hard either. I’ll have to look into that.

[@ShooterMedic1818]

I think electric is the future and an amazing thing!

[@BackcountryLife]

We will see

[@barrasin1]

ho yeah my bike gos like f**k to

[@bacca7824]

There is no hate for the bike I commented on the other video for my birthday it looks amazing thank you for the giveaway

[@BackcountryLife]

Happy belated birthday!

[@bacca7824]

Backcountry Life what does that mean and thank you

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

Electric is the future

[@BackcountryLife]

It sure seems like this is just the beginning

[@paulmcfarland8287]

I would LOVE to have one of these for all the reasons you stated. But it is hard enough to justify 11+ grand ( in Canada) for your "main" ice bike plus another 14 grand( plus taxes) for this bike... I realize it's rare, they ve invested heavily in development and battery tech and have recoup investment, but I just can't pay that as secondary "super fun bike". I m sold on the execution for sure, hopefully they ll come down a bit in price in the future. Great video guys.

[@BackcountryLife]

You are right. Its pretty tough to justify another 11K for a second bike. Hopefully the price will come down for sure. Thank you for your input.

[@mymotorbikeobsessions]

Old comment, but I’m flipping the script. Get this as my main bike for all the reasons you mention in the video. Then pick up a good cheap used older 2-stroke to have for the times that an ICE bike is better. In the end I’m spending the same $15k, but I have a main bike that I can use to play with in my back yard whenever I want without pissing off my neighbors.

[@BWT599]

I'm also in Ontario, Canada. My major gripe with this bike is 240 v charging. Really wish they had 110 v or under 1500 watts charging so I could charge this bike from my hybrid SUV at the track or on long race weekends when I'm primitive camping with the fam.

[@danwesson2485]

When they make a super motard, I’m all in.

[@BackcountryLife]

that would be sweet

[@Krejza82]

They do, although.... Main downside are narrow rims/tyres you can put on.

[@Kevin.OBrien44]

An Alta bike is my dream bike

[@BackcountryLife]

I want to ride one as well

[@Florentin-Parapente]

very nice video :) great job !!

[@BackcountryLife]

Thank you very much!

[@Florentin-Parapente]

@@BackcountryLife come on check my channel for more beautiful pictures :)

[@warrenbarry1562]

I look foward to getting one in probobly 2 years after it improves just a little more. Will ride it in yard and nearby woods i can't ride 4 stroke in due to noise.

[@BackcountryLife]

I hope they come out with a model that is more closer to the bigger motocross and enduro bikes.

[@leporini1]

Autonomy in km?

[@emillindholm2324]

First

[@BackcountryLife]

Second

[@kevincraig8257]

Nice try

[@BackcountryLife]

All we can do is try

[@kevincraig8257]

@@BackcountryLife haha I know electric is out there in almost everything that has an engine or wheels but ill never like it give me an engine or ill pedal it thanks for your reply

[@BackcountryLife]

@@kevincraig8257 I get that its not for everyone fur sure. All I really care is if I can have fun on it or not and to be honest its really fun.

[@Zen-525]

you can get further on gas. battery dont last even 1/4 enough time

[@martinjones7631]

Good show lads

[@BackcountryLife]

Thanks

[@Noone-dy7sh]

Regardless of what YOU think, we don't need more people doing anything! Great, now the trails will be a clusterfuck full of spodes on their E bikes fantastic!