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I would say upgrading brakes is 1st priority if they aren't sufficient for stock performance definitely wouldn't trust them after smoothing out the suspension and better rubber typically allowing you to be more aggressive in your riding so having proper stopping power is essential.
I really don’t have an issue with the rear brake. My brake pedal has been on backorder for so long (ships in July) that I kind of fell in love with the hand brake 🤣 It works really well for holding traction in slick corners. I put 25hrs on it last month. I rode my 2-smoker twice last weekend and missed the hand brake the whole time. Even accidentally looped it off a vert jump because I pulled in the clutch instead of hitting the rear bake pedal. LMFAO!
@John Howerton Haha! That's pretty funny to hear about the 2-stroke loop. I feel like I've had a couple of those moments too. Thanks for posting your thoughts as you're also skilled and knowledgeable with this bike. Nice to get your input with the hand brake. It is somewhat subjective and I do go back and forth. I like it on the other bikes I mentioned, I'm just not finding it to be my cup of tea on the Freeride.
Electric Cycle Rider probably because it feels more like a motorcycle and you expect it to be down there. It was a total mind screw for me for a while. The Honda Ruckus that I commute on every day I have no issues with and my bicycles are converted to LHRB... but every time I got on the Freeride for a while it just didn’t click. It click when I started jumping doubles on it. It’s really precision in the air when brake tapping. Two weeks ago when I was riding MX with Ryno my foot was kicking the case and missing the pedal completely when coming off bigger jumps under gas on my 250SX. It was like I was trying to stomp a moving cockroach 🤣 Just don’t expect your brake pedal to come soon. And the brake line doesn’t fit right either. I’ll let you know which length I got so you DON’T order than one.
Thanks Martin! Always appreciate your insight on the Storm Bee. The bikes could be different but there is definitely dead space off the crack of the throttle on this bike, especially when compared to bikes like the KTM, Stark VARG, or Alta Redshift.
Nice work again, I'm curious to know if any of these mods had a noticeable effect range.I know just making it easier to ride these bikes harder shortens the run time by default.I'm in the crowd of hand brake fans but i spent a lot of time riding and racing MTB's. How many hard miles are you getting out of the 2020 on your test circuit?
I get 15-18 miles when I wring it pretty hard. Usually 18 is a little more common. Run Mode 2 a lot more than Tucker, so that might buy me some distance? Up for debate since it may actually be causing me to use more steady throttle vs. burst/coast. Coasting uses very little battery... you're only powering the water pump. Long sustained throttle is what drains it fast. Stuff like backyard jumping or trials stuff with just throttle bursts you can ride all damn day. It's fun to play around on on, so I basically never run just motos until it's dead. 21-25 miles is pretty common for a battery.
@@JohnHowerton137 sounds about right,i get 10-11 hard miles out of my 17 can get 16 miles average if i just casually ride from obstacle to obstacle.Yes riding style has the biggest impact on range for sure
@ElectricityMX Thanks for your input here! I'm consistently getting approximately 19 miles in Mode 3 on my test track so it hasn't really affected the range. Regarding the hand brake, I ride mountain bikes even more than I ride moto, very used to the concept but still just don't like it on the Freeride!
Interesting to hear that the suspension is still a problem on this bike. I have a 2012 Freeride 350 and it had the same issues - bucking and front not soaking up the bumps. At first I thought that the valving is just too soft - but turned out it was the valving. I have not had it done yet but I run a lower viscosity fork oil and suits me fine. The back brake - now there are other options for it too - Moto Master is offering a full replacement and even KTM started offering bigger brakes - front and back as part of the PowerParts.
Wow !! the bike looks bigger in size, did you achieve this just by putting on this suspension kit? Because I wanted to buy it but it seemed too small for my height but now I find it perfect (I'm impatiently awaiting your answer because in France the modifications are rare but you gave me hope because all the faults are corrected ..)
I plan to try that, but I think the fluid is going to find the path of least resistance back to a master cylinder. Still another month before the lever comes off backorder, but I may try and modify an old KTM 2T pedal to it. I'd already have that done if I hadn't gone back to work 3 weeks ago. No time now.
@@ElectricCycleRider The new Full Factory Suspension nails it ! I finally got it out a few days ago up in Ned. It's so much better than stock and actually better IMO than my modified 300XC suspension. I'm really amazed by this bike now with the suspension done and some good knobby tires. I'm much faster on this bike than my 300xc on most terrain and it's just more fun and easier to ride. We did about 25 miles and 3 hrs of riding so the range was good too. I'm going for the Mako 360 next. I like my Fasst Flex bars but I think these Mako's will be better. Good tips. BTW-The Shinko "fat" front with the 525 rear is amazing. Hard pack feels like hero dirt
@TACP For sure! Thanks for your insight. Between this model and the 2017 I had, I put quite a few hours on these bikes and it's still not getting better for me. John Howerton is getting along with the setup fine and I feel that it is somewhat subjective, some people may prefer it over others. I do find the brake setup to be advantageous on the Sur-Ron, Segway, Stealth, CAKE, etc. but I don't have the same feelings on the Freeride. Hope you're enjoying the bike otherwise!
If you swap bikes back and forth on alternating weekends or whatever it's kind of an issue. Once I basically stopped riding the gas bikes, I had the reverse problem. I told Tucker the switch for me was jumping it. Using the rear hand brake in the air consistently made it all click. Hands rarely leave the bars in the air without intention. Feet are all over the place. Since the rear brake and clutch are used in harmony so much in slow enduro type stuff, my brain sees it as like a combo lever now on the E. Not on the street, but when I ride dirt I have to re-adapt to using the foot pedal which I honestly like less now. It's pretty crazy, because I tow my Freeride to where I'm riding with my foot-braked gas bike... which I use the pedal 100% instinctively. Hoping on my 250SX in the dirt is the only place I get messed up now. When my brake pedal finally comes this summer I'll reluctantly put it on and shed a tear for the hand brake until the moto world is 100% electric and it goes to hand brakes again. The future will look at foot brake pedals like those goofy hand shifters on old Harleys 🤣
can you compare the KTM to the Zero version... would like see what you think is a better buy for a newbie between the two... cheers on the dope videos...
I'm surprised that you're satisfied with the front brake. I think it's the same Formula branded brake I had on my 250r Freeride. It always felt vague and underpowered to me. I ended up using a fork lower from an older EXC 43mm fork, and milling it. That allowed me to run full size Brembo's up front, along with the Nihilo adapter and a full size Brembo in the rear. But the rear question here since this video is a bit older, bit I see that you also have a 300 KTM (I do as well). The price on a Freeride E isn't that far off of the new Stark Varg. Are you considering swapping the Freeride for the Stark? Two different machines...but just curious. I'm looking at keeping my XC-W but adding some E-power to the stable and I'm torn on going cheap (Surron, etc), or spending bigger money on the Freeride or Stark.
Hey. I can´t find the info anywhere, so I´ll ask you. Is the newer 3,9kWh battery compatible with the older Freerides that came with the 2,6kWh batteries? Can I put a newer, "bigger", battery in to the older Freeride?
I thought the only reason dirtbikes didn't use handbrakes was because having a clutch and handbrake on the same hand is unsafe otherwise you want handbrakes. But please correct me if I'm wrong because I'm building a bike and might switch my foot brake to two hand brakes.
@Henry Chang It's subjective and I think it's smart for everyone to try it out on their own and make their own judgements, this is simply my opinion! I don't find it to be unsafe until it's high speed, steep downhill or an "oh shoot" moment. I don't mind the rear brake on the bars for the other bikes I mentioned (Sur-Ron, Segway, Stealth, CAKE) but I prefer a foot brake on a bike of this size and weight. It's the same reason Alta did not have the rear brake up on the bars. The reason I say it's not safe is I have experienced both myself and friends that are pro racers (not saying that for any other reason but to validate their skill level) completely blow off corners for lack of consistent stopping power in the rear. It has proven to be inconsistent within my circle of riders. Could it be rider error? Sure. On the flip side, I've put enough hours on this 2020 model and the 2017 Freeride to conclude that I personally prefer a foot brake on this bike.
@@ElectricCycleRiderif we are being completely fair you are comparing two different braking systems in that situation and not how how they are activated. And before I clarify I also completely agree that in the end most riders setups come down to trial and error which is the best way. But the surron/segway, cake and stealth all use mountain bike brakes. While I think if they had hand brakes extended to a dirtbike brake it'd be a different story.
Got my Freeride E finally. I only ride hard enduro. I'm curious if you've looked into the possibility of a clutch or lever actuated throttle reducer, if that makes sense?
I rode one of those babies about three years ago in the Netherlands. My takeaway was somewhat similar in that I felt that the whole bike was dialed for light weight and/or entry level riders. It would be nice if KTM were to make an R version that had brake and suspension components from the XC two stroke line. While they are at it they could make a more aggressive ride mode. I found the ramp rate for the power to be annoyingly slow, particularly in sand. I bought a Sur-Ron basically because you get something that comes dialed in for about the same rider at much less cost and weight. Were KTM to make an R version of the Freeride E, I would probably buy one. You can see in the video above that the suspension and brakes can be fixed to a certain extent. Hacking the motor controller is not something as easily accomplished.
OldDirtGuy while I somewhat agree with the XC part, the Mode 3 ramp rate is far from slow, especially considering a 25HP bike. The older one you rode had less power. Tucker can verify that. Mode 2 does ramp slower... but that’s “Enduro” mode and it’s quite good in the slick stuff. I haven’t ridden one, but I suspect it feels a lot like the new 150 TPI. I still ride Mode 2 most of the time. Insanely forgiving. Learning the throttle characteristics of the electric took me 3-4 batteries to get dialed. There was a little more throttle throw and a hell of a lot of Gov BS slop on the throttle which I fixed. Feels totally normal now. Both Tucker and I both mostly don’t ride these like they were intended... however I have done nasty enduro stuff on it now, and it’s practically magical. Sold/selling all my other bikes. If I could get 35HP out of a Freeride 250R or drop in the XC-W engine I’d probably buy one and send off the suspension for MX valving. I’m 6’ and love that little chassis 🤣🤷🏼♂️
@OldDirtGuy Thanks for the note! I agree that a Freeride R model with upgraded brakes/suspension would be intriguing. I've had some conversations with the KTM higher ups and they just aren't putting a ton of emphasis on this platform right now. That is largely why we're not seeing some of these wish-list items on this model. They'll eventually get there but their electric focus is on the SX-E5 right now. Bringing young riders up on the technology is far more effective than trying to convert us and cannibalize their gas lineup. That will likely evolve and change over time and this is not my opinion, this is directly from the horses mouth. @John Howerton makes some great points here too. The newer model is more powerful, longer range and better suspension than the original Freeride model. I actually really like the chassis and power on this bike for the type of riding I'm doing. I wish it had some more top-end speed but the low end is abundant and always available! Now that the suspension is set up and I have a full size brake on the back, it's really damn good! If only it had some more range...
@@JohnHowerton137 I thought that the bike that I rode had adequate power, particularly for the sort of tight single track that I enjoy. My issue was access to that power. If you drop a wad on an electric motorcycle, you should be able to get fast guy throttle response in fast guy mode. Even if you wack the throttle hard to the stop, you get what is in effect a roll on. I could adjust to it, to a certain extent, but I didn't like it. I'm sure the ramp is seen as a safety feature by KTM. It would just be nice if they had a wire that you could clip somewhere or a little plug in box that you could buy to get rid of it. As it stands, it's kind of a deal breaker for me. I equate it to the typical carburetor as delivered on most two strokes. Most of them come with a rich throttle slide so you get a warning stumble as the main fuel circuit comes on line and the bike starts to make serious power. Few riders ever change the slide, for fear of spending too much money on the wrong one. Many will pay even more money for some of JD's funny needles to try to eradicate the stumble. If you could just get the OEMs to deliver the bikes with the right slide, the bikes would run much better for experienced riders and respond well to standard jets and needles. But the noobs would be looping the bikes all the time, getting hurt and hiring lawyers. So rich slides all around for decades.
OldDirtGuy my 250SX has one of those slides 🤣 Pisses me off. I think the needle is in the first clip and it's still fat. I though the reeds were broken or something! Rich on the bottom with a 42 and lean with a 40... although I probably could pay more attention to the air screw. Doesn't help I ride 90d @ sea level and the next weekend or even day 60d @ 6-7,000 feet. Succumbed to running 50:1, which I know is the norm now, but scared the sheet out of me (32:1 my whole life). It's fine where I ride now though. Very little WFO action. I totally get what you're saying, but on this 2020 you'd have to have a clutch or gearbox to get it to snap harder. No gear or clutch to drop. It delivers the full torque right from the go. There is a traction issue. It either digs a trench, spins out, or loops. If the battery wasn't so far forward it would always be a loop. In fairness they were C class riders, but it snaps hard enough I holeshotted two fuel injected 450s every time. Honestly though it's kind of the beauty of the bike. Just like his SurRon etc.. it really forces you to relax and flow. It's like BMX pump. You have to totally re-time your brain. I already knew I was more or less a "wild rider" (sand & deep mud specialist) clutch dropping, rev limiter, dig the wheel instead roll for traction kind of guy. This thing turned me into a riding monk 🤣 I land on my head a whole lot less. And would you imagine... I don't run over my tongue all the time anymore.
Electric Cycle Rider I suspected that was the KTM plan, but good to hear you heard it from inside. I suspect that will change soon. The writing is on the wall. Marvin Musquin posted a IG photo on one. I don't think that was an accident. I also don't think it's an accident that Max Volhand (young superstar) is on one. If we get more news about a Honda release I think KTM will be all over it like stink. I absolutely love the chassis too. Can't wait for my suspension to get done. I think I would be adequately happy with 10 mph & 20-30 mins more at speed, which might translate to about 35 miles. Or endless 🤷♂️🤣
@Mika Rinne The 2015 model feels very similar. The 2020 is slightly faster, slightly better suspension and brakes. The biggest difference is the battery life. It has been increased by almost 50%.
@@ElectricCycleRider thanks. I asked because I have the 2015 and been thinking of getting the latest batt to it. Just wasnt sure if it would make sense, just get the whole new bike later perhaps instead, but the 2021 is so damn expensive and I got the 2015 pretty cheap very little driven (14hrs) and the batt on good shape. Maybe it would make sense just to update the battery to get better run times (with the old batt it is a150% increase).
@CanberraOneWheel Riders It is very competitive in any terrain under 45MPH. A gas bike will pull it in anything higher speed. I'll be doing a head to head with some gas bikes to show those results! Thanks for the note.
does this thing has gears? i know gears make no sense on powerful electric engines but as i understand this would help here a lot with range . i would love to have such bike but the range under heavy load is a bit disappointing . but would definitely buy it if i could do at least 50 miles with full throttle
4 Stück habe ich von diesem Elektrohobel. Leider ist bei Enduro nach max 14km der Akku leer. Vmax ist ca. 70 KM/h Aber es macht jede Menge Spaß! th-cam.com/video/FuBCLekNJYY/w-d-xo.html
Still pedaling GasGas on KTM videos eh? The only people doing what you're saying is the Standing Construct GasGas Team. Peel the stickers off a GasGas and slap them on a KTM and you're ready to go 🤷♂️
@@alexfrankl7861 it's kind of like when that company bought all the old Husky junk and cheapified it all over again. Totally sealed the deal for GasGas becoming KTMs. Look at Husky now 👌 So congrats and welcome to the family... unless you intend to ride the old hand me downs with silly 70's pipe guards and elimination of unnecessary fancy things like powervalves.
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I would say upgrading brakes is 1st priority if they aren't sufficient for stock performance definitely wouldn't trust them after smoothing out the suspension and better rubber typically allowing you to be more aggressive in your riding so having proper stopping power is essential.
This was on my want list, but with the price tag it carries hurt it at the very beginning
@Jay Nix It's no small investment for sure but it's an awesome bike!
I really don’t have an issue with the rear brake. My brake pedal has been on backorder for so long (ships in July) that I kind of fell in love with the hand brake 🤣 It works really well for holding traction in slick corners. I put 25hrs on it last month.
I rode my 2-smoker twice last weekend and missed the hand brake the whole time. Even accidentally looped it off a vert jump because I pulled in the clutch instead of hitting the rear bake pedal. LMFAO!
@John Howerton Haha! That's pretty funny to hear about the 2-stroke loop. I feel like I've had a couple of those moments too.
Thanks for posting your thoughts as you're also skilled and knowledgeable with this bike. Nice to get your input with the hand brake. It is somewhat subjective and I do go back and forth. I like it on the other bikes I mentioned, I'm just not finding it to be my cup of tea on the Freeride.
Electric Cycle Rider probably because it feels more like a motorcycle and you expect it to be down there. It was a total mind screw for me for a while. The Honda Ruckus that I commute on every day I have no issues with and my bicycles are converted to LHRB... but every time I got on the Freeride for a while it just didn’t click. It click when I started jumping doubles on it. It’s really precision in the air when brake tapping.
Two weeks ago when I was riding MX with Ryno my foot was kicking the case and missing the pedal completely when coming off bigger jumps under gas on my 250SX. It was like I was trying to stomp a moving cockroach 🤣
Just don’t expect your brake pedal to come soon. And the brake line doesn’t fit right either. I’ll let you know which length I got so you DON’T order than one.
Thanks for the video, i've been waiting for someone to make these bikes more gooder.
@Aaron L Buchanan For sure! This bike is riding way more gooder than it was thanks to these mods!
@@ElectricCycleRider Right on man, keep it up.
Still think the rear is a habit thing, once lack of absolute brake power is fixed. You can stop a moto gp bike ftom 210mph using two fingers afterall.
Great review! Don’t get no rear brake by the rear peg !
Thanks Martin! Always appreciate your insight on the Storm Bee. The bikes could be different but there is definitely dead space off the crack of the throttle on this bike, especially when compared to bikes like the KTM, Stark VARG, or Alta Redshift.
Nice! What camera setup u use. Love the blurry background
Excellent !! Hope to get one really soon !
Do a video "Freeride vs Electric Motion" pretty please?
Nice work again, I'm curious to know if any of these mods had a noticeable effect range.I know just making it easier to ride these bikes harder shortens the run time by default.I'm in the crowd of hand brake fans but i spent a lot of time riding and racing MTB's. How many hard miles are you getting out of the 2020 on your test circuit?
I get 15-18 miles when I wring it pretty hard. Usually 18 is a little more common. Run Mode 2 a lot more than Tucker, so that might buy me some distance? Up for debate since it may actually be causing me to use more steady throttle vs. burst/coast. Coasting uses very little battery... you're only powering the water pump. Long sustained throttle is what drains it fast. Stuff like backyard jumping or trials stuff with just throttle bursts you can ride all damn day.
It's fun to play around on on, so I basically never run just motos until it's dead. 21-25 miles is pretty common for a battery.
@@JohnHowerton137 sounds about right,i get 10-11 hard miles out of my 17 can get 16 miles average if i just casually ride from obstacle to obstacle.Yes riding style has the biggest impact on range for sure
ElectricityMX seems about like Tucker's results as well, and even the 3 year old battery is still at capacity 👍
@@JohnHowerton137 I'm still running the stock 12v battery too!
@ElectricityMX Thanks for your input here! I'm consistently getting approximately 19 miles in Mode 3 on my test track so it hasn't really affected the range. Regarding the hand brake, I ride mountain bikes even more than I ride moto, very used to the concept but still just don't like it on the Freeride!
Interesting to hear that the suspension is still a problem on this bike. I have a 2012 Freeride 350 and it had the same issues - bucking and front not soaking up the bumps. At first I thought that the valving is just too soft - but turned out it was the valving. I have not had it done yet but I run a lower viscosity fork oil and suits me fine. The back brake - now there are other options for it too - Moto Master is offering a full replacement and even KTM started offering bigger brakes - front and back as part of the PowerParts.
@Helavatar For sure! Thanks for putting this info out!
Awesome video. Thanks again.
Hey Tucker. What size tire you running in the back? Just got my 2021! Once I get it plated I'm ditching the trials tires.
Wow !! the bike looks bigger in size, did you achieve this just by putting on this suspension kit?
Because I wanted to buy it but it seemed too small for my height but now I find it perfect
(I'm impatiently awaiting your answer because in France the modifications are rare but you gave me hope because all the faults are corrected ..)
Love my freeride awesome bike
@Brian Branon Super fun bike for sure! 👍
Great info! With the upgraded rear caliper do you still use the stock brake lever/brake pump? thanks!
You make some great points about the brake pedal! I wonder if you could have a rear brake lever and a pedal at the same time?
@Bryan Ratcliffe That's an interesting thought! I think once it's back on the right foot, I'll be totally happy. Haha.
I plan to try that, but I think the fluid is going to find the path of least resistance back to a master cylinder. Still another month before the lever comes off backorder, but I may try and modify an old KTM 2T pedal to it. I'd already have that done if I hadn't gone back to work 3 weeks ago. No time now.
Yep star cross on front, cross competition on rear.
Good suggestions. I've got my bike at Brian's for the suspension upgrade. I'm trying some cheater tires and will do the rear brake upgrade as well.
@Clay DellaCava Thanks Clay! That's awesome to hear. The bike is in good hands! Curious how you like those cheater tires 👍
@@ElectricCycleRider The new Full Factory Suspension nails it ! I finally got it out a few days ago up in Ned. It's so much better than stock and actually better IMO than my modified 300XC suspension. I'm really amazed by this bike now with the suspension done and some good knobby tires. I'm much faster on this bike than my 300xc on most terrain and it's just more fun and easier to ride. We did about 25 miles and 3 hrs of riding so the range was good too. I'm going for the Mako 360 next. I like my Fasst Flex bars but I think these Mako's will be better. Good tips. BTW-The Shinko "fat" front with the 525 rear is amazing. Hard pack feels like hero dirt
Great vid! I can't seem to find a Mako 360 model compatible with the Freeride E-XC?
A lot of important information, tks.! By the way, how much do you spent at this improvements?
@Alberto Proença Thanks! Approximately $1,500 total for all of these modifications.
Electric Cycle Rider thank you!!
hey man! How do you get access to all these bikes? Do companies send you test bikes?
I agree with the hand break. Want to put a foot break on mine.
@TACP For sure! Thanks for your insight. Between this model and the 2017 I had, I put quite a few hours on these bikes and it's still not getting better for me. John Howerton is getting along with the setup fine and I feel that it is somewhat subjective, some people may prefer it over others. I do find the brake setup to be advantageous on the Sur-Ron, Segway, Stealth, CAKE, etc. but I don't have the same feelings on the Freeride. Hope you're enjoying the bike otherwise!
If you swap bikes back and forth on alternating weekends or whatever it's kind of an issue. Once I basically stopped riding the gas bikes, I had the reverse problem. I told Tucker the switch for me was jumping it. Using the rear hand brake in the air consistently made it all click. Hands rarely leave the bars in the air without intention. Feet are all over the place. Since the rear brake and clutch are used in harmony so much in slow enduro type stuff, my brain sees it as like a combo lever now on the E. Not on the street, but when I ride dirt I have to re-adapt to using the foot pedal which I honestly like less now. It's pretty crazy, because I tow my Freeride to where I'm riding with my foot-braked gas bike... which I use the pedal 100% instinctively. Hoping on my 250SX in the dirt is the only place I get messed up now.
When my brake pedal finally comes this summer I'll reluctantly put it on and shed a tear for the hand brake until the moto world is 100% electric and it goes to hand brakes again. The future will look at foot brake pedals like those goofy hand shifters on old Harleys 🤣
can you compare the KTM to the Zero version... would like see what you think is a better buy for a newbie between the two... cheers on the dope videos...
@bedoy34 I'll have some Zero videos coming soon! Thanks for the support!
I'm surprised that you're satisfied with the front brake. I think it's the same Formula branded brake I had on my 250r Freeride. It always felt vague and underpowered to me. I ended up using a fork lower from an older EXC 43mm fork, and milling it. That allowed me to run full size Brembo's up front, along with the Nihilo adapter and a full size Brembo in the rear.
But the rear question here since this video is a bit older, bit I see that you also have a 300 KTM (I do as well). The price on a Freeride E isn't that far off of the new Stark Varg. Are you considering swapping the Freeride for the Stark? Two different machines...but just curious. I'm looking at keeping my XC-W but adding some E-power to the stable and I'm torn on going cheap (Surron, etc), or spending bigger money on the Freeride or Stark.
Hey. I can´t find the info anywhere, so I´ll ask you. Is the newer 3,9kWh battery compatible with the older Freerides that came with the 2,6kWh batteries? Can I put a newer, "bigger", battery in to the older Freeride?
How many miles can you put on one of these if you are riding in Hilly technical terrain?
why is using rear hand brake not safe? I would think u get better modulation with your hand...
I thought the only reason dirtbikes didn't use handbrakes was because having a clutch and handbrake on the same hand is unsafe otherwise you want handbrakes. But please correct me if I'm wrong because I'm building a bike and might switch my foot brake to two hand brakes.
Henry Chang I raced with a foot brake my whole life. After riding with the hand brake for a month I think I do like it better.
@Henry Chang It's subjective and I think it's smart for everyone to try it out on their own and make their own judgements, this is simply my opinion! I don't find it to be unsafe until it's high speed, steep downhill or an "oh shoot" moment. I don't mind the rear brake on the bars for the other bikes I mentioned (Sur-Ron, Segway, Stealth, CAKE) but I prefer a foot brake on a bike of this size and weight. It's the same reason Alta did not have the rear brake up on the bars. The reason I say it's not safe is I have experienced both myself and friends that are pro racers (not saying that for any other reason but to validate their skill level) completely blow off corners for lack of consistent stopping power in the rear. It has proven to be inconsistent within my circle of riders. Could it be rider error? Sure. On the flip side, I've put enough hours on this 2020 model and the 2017 Freeride to conclude that I personally prefer a foot brake on this bike.
@@ElectricCycleRiderif we are being completely fair you are comparing two different braking systems in that situation and not how how they are activated. And before I clarify I also completely agree that in the end most riders setups come down to trial and error which is the best way. But the surron/segway, cake and stealth all use mountain bike brakes. While I think if they had hand brakes extended to a dirtbike brake it'd be a different story.
@@ElectricCycleRider thanks for the explaination!
Great video
do it have more range then surron storm bee
Any difference from ktm free ride from 2020-2023
Got my Freeride E finally. I only ride hard enduro. I'm curious if you've looked into the possibility of a clutch or lever actuated throttle reducer, if that makes sense?
@Kenneth Hitch I wish the bike had a clutch! This bike would benefit greatly from one in hard enduro situations.
I rode one of those babies about three years ago in the Netherlands. My takeaway was somewhat similar in that I felt that the whole bike was dialed for light weight and/or entry level riders. It would be nice if KTM were to make an R version that had brake and suspension components from the XC two stroke line. While they are at it they could make a more aggressive ride mode. I found the ramp rate for the power to be annoyingly slow, particularly in sand. I bought a Sur-Ron basically because you get something that comes dialed in for about the same rider at much less cost and weight. Were KTM to make an R version of the Freeride E, I would probably buy one. You can see in the video above that the suspension and brakes can be fixed to a certain extent. Hacking the motor controller is not something as easily accomplished.
OldDirtGuy while I somewhat agree with the XC part, the Mode 3 ramp rate is far from slow, especially considering a 25HP bike. The older one you rode had less power. Tucker can verify that. Mode 2 does ramp slower... but that’s “Enduro” mode and it’s quite good in the slick stuff. I haven’t ridden one, but I suspect it feels a lot like the new 150 TPI.
I still ride Mode 2 most of the time. Insanely forgiving. Learning the throttle characteristics of the electric took me 3-4 batteries to get dialed. There was a little more throttle throw and a hell of a lot of Gov BS slop on the throttle which I fixed. Feels totally normal now. Both Tucker and I both mostly don’t ride these like they were intended... however I have done nasty enduro stuff on it now, and it’s practically magical. Sold/selling all my other bikes. If I could get 35HP out of a Freeride 250R or drop in the XC-W engine I’d probably buy one and send off the suspension for MX valving. I’m 6’ and love that little chassis 🤣🤷🏼♂️
@OldDirtGuy Thanks for the note! I agree that a Freeride R model with upgraded brakes/suspension would be intriguing. I've had some conversations with the KTM higher ups and they just aren't putting a ton of emphasis on this platform right now. That is largely why we're not seeing some of these wish-list items on this model. They'll eventually get there but their electric focus is on the SX-E5 right now. Bringing young riders up on the technology is far more effective than trying to convert us and cannibalize their gas lineup. That will likely evolve and change over time and this is not my opinion, this is directly from the horses mouth.
@John Howerton makes some great points here too. The newer model is more powerful, longer range and better suspension than the original Freeride model. I actually really like the chassis and power on this bike for the type of riding I'm doing. I wish it had some more top-end speed but the low end is abundant and always available! Now that the suspension is set up and I have a full size brake on the back, it's really damn good! If only it had some more range...
@@JohnHowerton137 I thought that the bike that I rode had adequate power, particularly for the sort of tight single track that I enjoy. My issue was access to that power. If you drop a wad on an electric motorcycle, you should be able to get fast guy throttle response in fast guy mode. Even if you wack the throttle hard to the stop, you get what is in effect a roll on. I could adjust to it, to a certain extent, but I didn't like it. I'm sure the ramp is seen as a safety feature by KTM. It would just be nice if they had a wire that you could clip somewhere or a little plug in box that you could buy to get rid of it. As it stands, it's kind of a deal breaker for me.
I equate it to the typical carburetor as delivered on most two strokes. Most of them come with a rich throttle slide so you get a warning stumble as the main fuel circuit comes on line and the bike starts to make serious power. Few riders ever change the slide, for fear of spending too much money on the wrong one. Many will pay even more money for some of JD's funny needles to try to eradicate the stumble. If you could just get the OEMs to deliver the bikes with the right slide, the bikes would run much better for experienced riders and respond well to standard jets and needles. But the noobs would be looping the bikes all the time, getting hurt and hiring lawyers. So rich slides all around for decades.
OldDirtGuy my 250SX has one of those slides 🤣 Pisses me off. I think the needle is in the first clip and it's still fat. I though the reeds were broken or something! Rich on the bottom with a 42 and lean with a 40... although I probably could pay more attention to the air screw. Doesn't help I ride 90d @ sea level and the next weekend or even day 60d @ 6-7,000 feet. Succumbed to running 50:1, which I know is the norm now, but scared the sheet out of me (32:1 my whole life). It's fine where I ride now though. Very little WFO action.
I totally get what you're saying, but on this 2020 you'd have to have a clutch or gearbox to get it to snap harder. No gear or clutch to drop. It delivers the full torque right from the go. There is a traction issue. It either digs a trench, spins out, or loops. If the battery wasn't so far forward it would always be a loop. In fairness they were C class riders, but it snaps hard enough I holeshotted two fuel injected 450s every time.
Honestly though it's kind of the beauty of the bike. Just like his SurRon etc.. it really forces you to relax and flow. It's like BMX pump. You have to totally re-time your brain. I already knew I was more or less a "wild rider" (sand & deep mud specialist) clutch dropping, rev limiter, dig the wheel instead roll for traction kind of guy. This thing turned me into a riding monk 🤣 I land on my head a whole lot less. And would you imagine... I don't run over my tongue all the time anymore.
Electric Cycle Rider I suspected that was the KTM plan, but good to hear you heard it from inside. I suspect that will change soon. The writing is on the wall. Marvin Musquin posted a IG photo on one. I don't think that was an accident. I also don't think it's an accident that Max Volhand (young superstar) is on one. If we get more news about a Honda release I think KTM will be all over it like stink.
I absolutely love the chassis too. Can't wait for my suspension to get done. I think I would be adequately happy with 10 mph & 20-30 mins more at speed, which might translate to about 35 miles. Or endless 🤷♂️🤣
is the 2015 version any good comparing to this one ?
@Mika Rinne The 2015 model feels very similar. The 2020 is slightly faster, slightly better suspension and brakes. The biggest difference is the battery life. It has been increased by almost 50%.
@@ElectricCycleRider thanks. I asked because I have the 2015 and been thinking of getting the latest batt to it. Just wasnt sure if it would make sense, just get the whole new bike later perhaps instead, but the 2021 is so damn expensive and I got the 2015 pretty cheap very little driven (14hrs) and the batt on good shape. Maybe it would make sense just to update the battery to get better run times (with the old batt it is a150% increase).
Shot and I thought it was the rider maybe I need a little up grade 350 sx 16
Hi
Just got this bike and wondering if anyone found a skid plate/side motor protection plate for hard enduro? I cant find any.
Yup I got a nice aluminum from a guy who makes them DIRTFIRSTRACING
How much money are you into the freeride in total?
Nah have two one on the bars and one for your foot that’s what’s on my 636
How much did all this "fixing" cost?
I am in the U.K. n trying drop on one
Most of your breaking is with the front. How is that break?
On a dirtbike u use the rear brake the most
@@Freewheelie199 no, only if amateur rider
How does the bike hold up riding with 250 or 450cc bikes
@CanberraOneWheel Riders It is very competitive in any terrain under 45MPH. A gas bike will pull it in anything higher speed. I'll be doing a head to head with some gas bikes to show those results! Thanks for the note.
@@ElectricCycleRider thanks for the response I look forward to seeing the head to head video 👍🏾
does this thing has gears? i know gears make no sense on powerful electric engines but as i understand this would help here a lot with range . i would love to have such bike but the range under heavy load is a bit disappointing . but would definitely buy it if i could do at least 50 miles with full throttle
230 volts? 😳
Amazing what you don't get for 12k ridiculous
Where is your review for the 2022 KTM E-XC?
@Jeff Nothing much has changed since 2020 unfortunately. It's basically the same bike from 2020 👍
@@ElectricCycleRider any update on Honda or Yamaha e-dirt bikes ?
@Jeff Not quite yet but we could be seeing some new bikes emerging pretty soon...
am i the only one who think this bike is huge
But does it leak oil? It aint a real KTM if it doesnt
Why does KTM make this bike with all of these stupid handicaps that you have to fix after buying it?? it's idiotic!
4 Stück habe ich von diesem Elektrohobel.
Leider ist bei Enduro nach max 14km der Akku leer. Vmax ist ca. 70 KM/h
Aber es macht jede Menge Spaß!
th-cam.com/video/FuBCLekNJYY/w-d-xo.html
Remove elctric bits , throw the rest away and slip it into a GasGas , job done .
Still pedaling GasGas on KTM videos eh?
The only people doing what you're saying is the Standing Construct GasGas Team. Peel the stickers off a GasGas and slap them on a KTM and you're ready to go 🤷♂️
@@JohnHowerton137 i suppose its getting to the point where i should start saying Rieju , red pogo sticks will be hitting the floors soon .
@@alexfrankl7861 it's kind of like when that company bought all the old Husky junk and cheapified it all over again. Totally sealed the deal for GasGas becoming KTMs. Look at Husky now 👌
So congrats and welcome to the family... unless you intend to ride the old hand me downs with silly 70's pipe guards and elimination of unnecessary fancy things like powervalves.
way to expensive upgrades