2015 KTM FREERIDE 250 R
FIRST RIDE
P54
Bodywork is unique to the Fre-
eride and most of the graphics
are in-mould, meaning they are
integrated directly into the plastic
parts.
For now, only 500 of the KTM
Freerides will be produced for
the U.S. market and will carry a
$7899 price tag.
RIDING THE FREERIDE
Just like the brochure says, the
Freeride is definitely a fun ride.
KTM gave us a chance to swing a
leg over the all-new Freeride and
cut us loose in an area of San
Diego County that provided a
little bit of everything so we could
test the Freeride's versatility. We
climbed mountains, navigated
through narrow rocky goat trails,
rode up and over large rocks,
and even tried a little Enduro-
Cross, and the Freeride handled
it all without wincing, from both
slow to moderate paces.
The power delivery is more
trials-like than a traditional en-
duro bike and takes a little getting
used to. I was forced to re-train
my throttle hand. But after a short
time on the bike, I was able to fig-
ure the bike out, and that's when
the real fun started. Slow and
steady is the name of the game
here. The bike really shines when
the trail gets technical. Like a trails
bike, the Freeride has tons of bot-
tom-end power and torque and is
nearly impossible to stall. Throttle
response is quick and exciting.
It's not much of a revver or a go-
fast-type bike, but that doesn't
mean that it's any less fun.
The Freeride is extremely easy
to maneuver, thanks to its slim
build, light weight and somewhat
low seat height. The bike's de-
sign allows the rider to go places
that you might not even consider
on a standard enduro bike. Its
small size, torquey motor and
agile handling gives you tons of
confidence and the courage to
try anything, like steep hills, tight
trails, long drop-offs and even
boulder hopping. Throw in a sol-
id suspension package and ultra
grippy tires and you really do get
the feeling that you can conquer
Light, snappy and agile. The
Freeride likes to be challenged.
