2020 Freeride E-XC vs 2021 KTM 350 Kailub Russell Edition vs Husky TX300!
   • Gas vs Electric RD 3: '21 KTM 350XCF ...  

Here are my first ride impressions on my 2020 Freeride E-XC    • First Ride on 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC ...  

I now have about 1700 miles and 110 hours on my 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC. Here is what stands out for me on the Freeride E-XC:

1. Stealth: quiet riding is a new experience
2. Quickness: deceptively fast from 0~30 mph
3. Agility: feels light in motion and changes directions quickly and easily.

In 1700 miles of riding I replaced the chain, tires, and and changed the reduction gear oil one time (200cc's of oil that is recommended to be changed every 40~50 hours).

My Freeride E-XC is not going to replace the gas bikes in my garage. However the electric Freeride is a totally different off road riding experience. And most importantly it is simply fun to ride and isn't that why we got into motorcycles in the first place!

Here are my detailed thoughts from my 450 mile Freeride E-XC summary video and they really have not changed:

I have ridden this bike in a variety of off road locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Here are my observations to date both Good and Not so Good. Lets get the negatives out of the way first:

The Freeride E-XC Negative List:
1. Range: For my off road riding (like you see in this video) I get 1~2 hours ride time and 20~25 miles ride distance. I have gone as far as 2.5 hours (about 38 miles) but that was riding easy on level ground in Map 1 (50% power). The battery can be swapped out quickly so a spare could extend the ride time but the cost is very high for an extra battery.
2. 220V Charger: Needed to wire up a special socket into my garage and also limits portable charging as many small generators do not have a 220V capability.
3. Brakes: The Formula brakes have average stopping power and require a lot of effort at the brake levers. The 2021 Freeride brakes are supposed to be improved.
4. Tires: The Maxxis trials tires are a decent compromise and work well in the dry and hard pack dirt (just drop the pressures). Not so good in mud.

The Freeride E-XC Good List!
1. Stealth: Quiet riding is a new experience. Fun to quietly ride in the woods or even around the neighborhood. Stealth riding could open up more places to ride
2. Instant Torque: The Freeride is amazingly quick from 0~30 mph. Trails (and wheelies) are fun with this kind of instant throttle response
3. Agility: The Freeride has few rotating parts (no piston/cams/crankshaft/clutch etc) so it feels light in motion and changes directions quickly and easily. Feels much lighter than its 238 lbs would indicate. Even though Freeride is about 7/8 size (which helps agility) the ergonomics feel good for me (I am 6' 2" tall). The steering angle is steeper than a regular dirt bike and that helps with quick turning on the trails.

Some other observations:
There is no clutch. This makes extreme off road riding more difficult. A clutch would also add more weight and cost. I've adapted and like the simplicity of just throttle and brakes.
The suspension is soft with a plush woods focused setting that absorbs the rocks and roots with little deflection. Fast guys will say it's way too soft. I think the spring and damping rates KTM selected match the fun off road character of the bike well.
The Freeride is more capable than I expected. I've done back to back lap time comparisons with my gas bikes and the Freeride is always close ( Here is one with my 300XCW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juCAu... )
The Freeride has (3) Maps that can really change the character of the bike. Map 1 is 50% power and great for beginning riders or simply letting an inexperienced off road rider try out the Freeride. Map 1 power is soft and even if the rider goes to WOT the bike is still controllable and top speed it limited ( about 33 mph). Map 3 is full power and the bike is much more responsive to throttle inputs, feels more capable, and is quick off the line. I ride Map 3 all the time.
Maintenance is simple: lube the chain and charge the battery. No gas, oil, or air cleaners to mess with or pistons/rings to change out after so many hours of run time.
Couple of things mentioned in the video: no vibration - totally smooth at the grips and footpegs so less fatiguing to ride. Nothing gets hot so no worries about hot exhausts or engines. Easy to clean up (no burnt on mud).

I don't see the Freeride replacing my 300XCW gas bike but is it a great 2nd bike in the garage. My Freeride actually has more miles on it than my 300XCW - that shows how much I like riding the Freeride. If you can live with the Freeride run time/range and 220V charging requirements it offers a totally different off road riding experience. The electric Freeride is quiet, quick, and agile. And most importantly it is simply fun to ride and isn't that why we got into motorcycles in the first place!

Ready to Race...quietly!