KTM Freeride E-SM in the driving report

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KTM Freeride E-SM in the driving report

First street electric bike from KTM

Electric motorcycle first, second, third. After the already available Freeride E-SX and E-XC, KTM has announced the KTM Freeride E-SM, an electric street car based on them. Alan Cathcart rode the pre-production electric motorcycle.

KTM is serious about electric: “We are convinced that electric drives complement conventional combustion engines perfectly”, says KTM boss Stefan Pierer, “especially on short trips, in the great outdoors and in densely populated areas.” With the KTM F.The Mattighofen-based company are therefore working on their first street electric bike, an important step in KTM’s future strategy. Although production will not start until April next year, Alan Cathcart was the first journalist in the world to drive a pre-production model for MOTORRAD.

KTM Freeride E-SM in the driving report

First street electric bike from KTM

KTM Freeride E-SM is extremely compact. Its dimensions correspond to those of an 85 cubic crosser, because the vehicle weight could be reduced to a sensational 110 kilos (factory specification) despite the heavy batteries. Nevertheless, the seating position is upright and comfortable (870 mm seat height) and gives beginners a confidence-inspiring feeling of maximum control.

Battery range depends on the pilot’s driving style

The start procedure follows: flip the kill switch, turn the ignition key, boot the system, press the start button and off you go! No noise, no emissions, neither clutch nor gearbox – just turn the right handlebar end and the KTM Freeride E-SM rolls, pulls or dashes away silently, depending on the selected mapping. A central information module is located behind the steering head, which shows the remaining battery capacity and the selected driving mode. Level 3 offers a very gentle, progressive response and significantly reduced peak performance – only 50 km / h are possible here. Level 2 offers good propulsion in the city and releases maximum torque from 500 rpm. At level 1, the sportiest mode, 22 hp are available and the maximum torque of at least 42 Nm from the first revolution. This corresponds roughly to the peak value of a Honda CB 500 and is easily enough for wheelies despite the longer secondary gear ratio compared to the E-XC and E-SX.

As with all electric vehicles, the battery range is extremely dependent on the driving style of the pilot. During the test drive, the yellow warning light reported 20 percent remaining capacity after a fun hour. The 2600 watt hours should be enough for the daily commute or a quick lap around the block. If the juice is all, the KTM Freeride E-SM can be charged to 90 percent in 60 minutes at a 13 ampere house connection. Alternatively, the pack of lithium-ion batteries can be easily replaced in just two minutes. However, an additional battery costs a hefty 3200 euros – rather uninteresting for private drivers.

Sustainability can be really fun

The driving behavior? As uncomplicated as it is addicting in sports mode! The water-cooled motor offers powerful, immediate punch from a standing start. At low speeds, the Freeride is extremely handy thanks to its compact dimensions and low weight. In connection with the high torque, it is child’s play to bustle through the city traffic. The brakes from the supplier Formula, which has made a name for itself in the mountain bike sector, do their job excellently, with the rear brake being operated via the left end of the handlebar. The fully adjustable WP chassis also deserves praise. It dampens abundantly and offers large travel reserves. The KTM Freeride E-SM would probably be the perfect tool for rushing urban courier trips, if it weren’t for the targeted retail price of around 11,500 euros

A lot of money, even if the running costs are very low. Worth mentioning: The E-SM cleverly uses the EU regulations for the homologation of electric vehicles. Because the rated power is only 15 HP, owners of the A1 driver’s license are allowed to ride the Freeride legally despite its maximum output of 22 HP – sweet! For several years now, electric motorcycles have been said to be the “next big thing”. With the KTM Freeride E-SM, one of the established manufacturers is finally showing that sustainability can also be really fun.

All articles about the KTM Freeride E-SM

Technical data KTM Freeride E-SM

Cathcart

The production of the KTM Freeride E-SM will not start before April next year.

KTM Freeride E-SM

Engine: Water-cooled, permanent magnet synchronous motor without automatic recuperation function, 3 kW charger, lithium-ion battery, maximum battery capacity 2.6 kWh, 1 module, 360 cells, 10 Ah, battery voltage 260 V, clutch-free drive with chain.
Maximum output: 16 kW (22 hp) at 4500 rpm
Rated output: 11 kW (15 PS) at 5500 rpm
Max. Torque: 42 Nm, from 1 / min to 6600 / min

Landing gear: Composite frame made of steel and aluminum, upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm, adjustable spring base, rebound and compression damping, two-arm swing arm made of aluminum, central spring strut directly hinged, adjustable spring base, rebound and compression damping, front disc brake, Ø 260 mm, double-piston floating caliper, Rear disc brake, Ø 230 mm, single-piston floating caliper.
Aluminum spoked wheels: 2.50 x 17; 3.50 x 17
Tire: 100 / 80-17; 120 / 70-17

Dimensions + weights: Wheelbase 1418 mm, steering head angle 67 degrees, caster 102 mm, spring travel f / h 250/260 mm, seat height 870 mm, weight 110 kg, payload 170 kg.
Warranty (vehicle / battery): two / five years
Colors: orange / white
Price: 11,595 euros
Additional costs: 250 euros

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