Cycle News

Cycle News 2014 Issue 47 November 25

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/422367

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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.

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