The idea of a 350cc dirt bike weighing only 218 pounds is intriguing to say the least. More accurately, the idea is salivating! However, KTM claims the single-cylinder engine will produce only 24 horsepower. By comparison, the KTM 350 SX-F (246 pounds curb weight) put out 45.2 hp on the dyno during our 2011 450 Motocross Shootout. KTM is positioning the Freeride as an entry machine, calling it “an invitation to all those who have until now had no contact with this fascinating sport.”
Despite the company slogan, Ready to Race, this machine is targeted at off-road fun, not winning races. The Freeride 350 uses a composite frame with aluminum and steel components which look similar to the electric Freeride chassis. An inverted WP fork and monoshock handle suspension. Judging from photos, spoked wheels with Excel A60 rims will be shod in tires with tightly spaced, small-block treads, likely a dual sport tread or non-competition trials tire such as the Pirelli MT43 trials tire. The Freeride 350 has a headlight and license plate holder, but we cannot see any turn signals and the available info says nothing about on-road licensing.
The swingarm is aluminum, but it’s difficult to tell if the rear shock employs a linkage or not. The electric version does not. Many of the components look similar to full-size KTM dirt bikes with wave rotor, dual-piston caliper front brake, electric start, hydraulic clutch (indicating a manual transmission), angular bodywork (white), Domino hand grips and oversized, crossbar-less aluminum handlebars.
KTM is fairly adamant about this bike not being intended as a serious trophy collector. It’s “a playful and feather light Enduro to really enjoy and no extreme competition machine.” Regardless, this could be a big step for KTM. If the bike does make it to production for 2012 (and hopefully into America), it has implications of potential future machines such as motard and dual sport versions.
2012 New KTM Freeride 350 Unveiled
Reviewed by Dening Nyess
on
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