KTM FREERIDE: electric supermoto and enduro coming to Tokyo
KTM is planning to show both supermoto and enduro versions of its new electric bikes at the 2010 Tokyo Motorcycle Show next week and thanks to some tricky work in Photoshop from Grant, we’re able to bring you exclusive details and images. The KTM FREERIDE twins are an evolution of the KTM Zero Emissions Motorcycle that was shown in prototype from in October, 2008, but unlike that bike, these use a twin-spar aluminum frame, beefy WP forks and full-size motorcycle wheels.
Update: KTM describes these two bikes as, “Near-series prototypes which in one year’s time will transfer the “Ready to Race” sporting spirit of the brand into a series model fit for the 21st century.” Which means these are slightly blingier versions of production bikes coming for 2011.
My hat’s off to KTM for having the balls to step up to the electric MC plate before the big 4 get there. It’s an impressive move considering KTM is a company who’s infrastructure and outreach is dwarfed by that of Honda or Yamaha.
There’s something to be said about having a brand that is small and mobile instead of a hulking, unchanging aircraft carrier. I’m pretty excited about the supermoto model, though 40 minutes of running time is still a big problem for a practical road going bike.
