If you want to improve your off-road riding skills, then trials bike would be the best option.
So, does KTM make trials bike? Yes. KTM have produced trials bike such as the KTM Freeride 250R which combines both enduro and the observed trials riding features.
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KTM Introducing Trials Bike in the US
The trials bike market in the US is small and still growing.
In order to make the whole concept palatable to riders, KTM introduced the Freeride 250R to which they added a 1.9 gallon tank and a seat.
Since KTM did not have a trials bike to kick off the whole Freeride series, the 250R was actually started on a clean sheet of paper.
The exhaust pipe dimensions for the 250R just seems to fit a four stroke. This bike has no kickstarter and no powervalve. Its carb is 28mm.
However, if you are looking for spare parts for the KTM Freeride 250R, you can get them on Amazon by clicking here.
Examples of KTM Trials Bikes
At the time of writing this post, KTM was only producing their Freeride 250R as a hybrid of enduro and trials bike.
Of course, I’ll keep you posted if KTM decides to venture into this untapped market.
But how was this KTM trials bike received in the market? And how does it compete with the brands like Beta, GasGas, Mecatecno, Oset, and Electric Motion?
KTM Freeride 250R Review
While most of the KTM Freeride series trial bikes aren’t ready for the US market, KTM Freeride 250R has already made its debut.
At first, there was confusion all over because there is a similar model being sold in Europe.
If you are to understand how this model works, then it’s wise to get some facts right at this stage.
Here we go!
- The Freeride is not electric. However, there are three other versions that are electric but only sold in Europe. Those electric versions are not ready for the U.S.
- The 250R is not street-legal. Since it is a two-stroke, I don’t think if it can ever be street legal. There are those whose motor is 350cc but still, not ready for the US market.
How Much Does KTM Freeride 250R Weigh?
KTM Freeride 250R weighs approximately 204 pounds, an almost exact figure for how much a dirt bike weighs.
What’s even more surprising is that KTM managed to cut the weight of the motor by more than four pounds!
The Design of KTM Freeride 250R
When it comes to design, the Freeride is the real deal. This beast has a number of very elegant and stylish design features.
Its bodywork and seat can lift up like the hood of your car. Once they are all up, reveal an interesting airbox and the gas cap.
Clutch actuation in this model is hydraulic while the clutch – just like most KTMs has a DDS hub. However, the coil springs resemble those of 250SX-F.
Formula designed the 250R brakes and they are almost the same to those found on KTM minibikes.
The pull on the lever is easy.
There is no linkage on the rear of the Freeride 250R. On the other hand, the position of the adjusters is normal.
How Does it Feel Riding a KTM Freeride 250R?
How does it feel like riding a Freeride? In case you are into riding trials bike, then the answer is simple: it feels like riding a big trials bike but one with a seat.
This comes in handy especially when you decide to go for longer rides. This is exactly what KTM thought will be appealing to trail bike riders in U.S.
This model was made to attract dirt bike riders to join trials bike riding. The KTM Freeride 250R would not be attractive to someone who is into trials bike.
The tank as well as the seat will be a huge turn off to a purebred trials rider.
Actually, the seat is not that important when you hit the rougher and more technical sections.
In fact, sitting will only get you in trouble. So, for you to really enjoy the KTM Freeride 250R, you have to pretend there are no trials bikes.
Is KTM Freeride 250R Suitable for Beginners?
The Freeride has is a narrow bike and light-weight. It has low-end power and you can easily let out the cutch and still be on your way without adding throttle.
As if that is not enough, the 250R has a wide lock-to-lock steering range to enable you make sharp turns.
All these features add up to make KTM Freeride 250R one of the best bikes for beginners.
You really can’t compare the ease of riding this trial bike to any other. It is very easy to get a hod of this one.
The bike is also not that fast to scare you off. With fear out of the way, imagine all that you can accomplish while behind the wheel.
Is KTM Freeride 250R Suitable for Experienced Off-Road Riders?
For seasoned enduro riders, this bike opens up riding areas that would, in most cases, go unnoticed.
In fact, that pile of stones that you used to avoid can be a source of hours of fun.
A good thing about this machine is that, you will get to push it to the limits and test how much it can handle.
While at it, make sure you don’t get stranded by getting the right Freeride accessories from Amazon. Just click here.
What Are Some of the Disadvantages of KTM Freeride 250R?
What are the downfalls of the Freeride? Well, first Freerides don’t mix well with dirt bikes. Therefore, for you to enjoy you need to get another person with a Freeride.
Second, you won’t get to enjoy exploring every part you want since these beasts go fast.
Finally, the Freeride comes with a 6-speed gearbox which has a tall top gear making it race with the 450S, this made it lose the fun that comes with speeding.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that if the Freeride shows huge success, then we might start seeing more of trials bikes from KTM.
For now, let’s just have fun with the KTM Freeride 250R.
Since you are now here, I think these articles I wrote will help you in your journey of trying to ride like a pro and conquer the trails.
