First Ride/Impression: 2015 KTM Freeride 250 R

What is it? Who is it for?

Dirt Bike Test got our hands on the new KTM Freeride 250 R and hit the trails to figure out what in the world this KTM is for. It isn’t a trials bike, it isn’t a typical dirt bike either, and for sure it isn’t some foo-foo motorhome bumper bike. So where does it fit? Well after a couple of days of testing it in about every off-road condition, we’re still trying to figure it out. Not because we are confused, but because this KTM does a lot of things really well.

The electric-start-only, case-reed, non-powervalved two-stroke needs the choke to get running when cold before popping to to life with an old-school bing-bing-bing that will bring back memories to riders over 40.  This thing has massive flywheel feel and throttle response takes a long time compared to anything modern. Is this a problem? Well maybe for riders who expect instantaneous bark from a 250cc two-stroke, yet place a novice on this ride and they are not intimidated. Experts will soon find getting on the throttle earlier than needed works and any snap out of the motor needs to be added with the clutch. The useable range of power runs from 2000-5000 RPM where the pull just falls flat on top. Just riding away on flat ground you could bang through the six-speed tranny in about 50-feet, it likes the upshift and chugs right along. And that is the key to the freeride, upshift and let it pull you at ridiculously low rpms. Pop the clutch and the front wheel will loft in a split second. It is all about torque and this 250cc has it, is that simple.

The bike feels very light in dirt bike terms and heavy when compared to a strict trials machine. It is shorter than normal dirt bikes and feels long and tall compared to a trials bike. You can easily flatfoot on the Freeride (36-in. seat height) where normal dirt bikes it may be a challenge. You can sit on the nice seat (did we say that about a KTM?) which is not possible on a true trials bike. So the best way to describe the Freeride is by calling it a small, light and nimble dirt bike since it feels a lot more like a dirt bike than it does a trials machine.  It likes to be ridden faster in the standing position where the layout is very open for such a small bike and then if you are put-putting sitting down, is still very comfortable. The footpegs are about an inch lower than a standard dirt bike yet the ground clearance is the same or better. The seat to footpeg distance is shorter so taller riders can get folded up while sitting.

Handling on the KTM is unique to say the least. It has a very aggressive turning radius and quick steering, yet without being too light through the handlebar. It will push easier than we’d like but we’re also not used to the trail-type front tire and plan on trying a normal knobby as well. The other cool thing about the Freeride is that the suspension offers ample travel and is valued and sprung appropriately. If you’ve ever ridden a trials bike off-road, the constant bottoming and springy feeling that is great for cleaning sections is not fun for just riding around. The KTM is not like that. It absorbs bumps and has comfort for a medium trail speed. You can bottom it but you have to try.

We had the bike along with the Yamaha WR on trail rides and the KTM kept up easily and even pulled away in the really nasty stuff. It isn’t best suited for the high speed trail riding riding (not open desert) but it handles it fine. So the more technical the trail, the more the Freeride shined at making the trail easier. And it begs riders to try stuff they ordinarily wouldn’t because it is so confidence inspiring. With the exception of sandy hill climbs where more high-RPM pulling power is needed. The riders that were most interested in this bike and the ones we have out riding it now are seasoned veterans. Guys who want a high-quality trail-only bike and can’t find that in the market, or at least one that is small enough and light enough to get them back deep in the trails they use to ride.

A complete and more in-depth test is coming soon.