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.
Jersey, why must this be illegal. (via imperiousrex)
I sold the Ninja, and in its place I bought this, an ‘07 Suzuki DRZ400SM. It will be used for everyday commuter duty (rode today!) plus the possibility of some racing in a few months. It’s definitely one of the more unique bikes I’ve ever ridden and it echos memories of my motocross days.
Sure, it is by no means fast, the seat may be a step away from perching on a 2 x 4, and short jaunts down the highway are a windy, buzzy endeavor. However, did I mention just how bloody fun it is to ride?
Commutes to work are transformed into a trek of obscure law-breaking. Stop signs are turned into nose-wheelie opportunities. Shipping docks are turned into double jumps. Empty parking lots turn into impromptu racetracks. It certainly changes the way you look at the urban landscape.
(via overshadowed)
This RD belongs to the owner of Blacksmith Cycles in Sussex county, about 30 minutes from me. It’s mostly a Harley shop, but they dip into the vintage two stroke scene too. They just started making digital ignition systems for old Yamahas that I may consider at some point.
Oh, and that’s an HD front end. Doesn’t it just feel…wrong.
I got something new the other day. More pics soon!
Steve Jobs, you used to be cool
What happened man? You used to ride old BMWs, wear cool boots and change the world with radical concepts of personal computing. Now you drive a convertible Mercedes, have a bizarre fetish for black turtlenecks and milk your company’s just-different-enough image for all its worth.
Via Hell for Leather, Jalopnik
There’s a lot of nice things going on here. I love the board track racer influences that come through on that front end and the exposed primary. One minor niggle I would change. The oil tank disguised as a leather pouch is a little kitsch. On a motorcycle that is otherwise very sure of itself, an oil tank should be an oil tank. I can forget about that. It’s black, raw and dirty and I can’t stop staring at it.
Thanks for pointing it out, Bill. I’d love to build something like this one day.
"People here in America are as good as the engineers in Japan, and as good as the engineers in Germany … we have this image that Americans are lazy and sloppy. And it’s not true. So I need to prove that, that was my deal."
This may just be the dumbest idea I’ve seen come to motorcycle tires. Metzeler’s new Sportec tires feature a 1-5 range molded into the tire to measure the rider’s chicken strip i.e. how far the rider is leaning the motorcycle in a corner.
This encourages novice riders to deliberately find the edges of their tires and brag to their squidly buddies.
The worst part is Metzeler thoroughly understands what turns a motorcycle safely. However instead of encouraging proper technique and body position, they’d rather encourage dangerous riding as a marketing ploy.
