2017 KTM Freeride 250 R

2017 KTM Freeride 350

All those who have never had the opportunity to enjoy the punch of a powerful two-stroke in a lightweight, agile offroad chassis are in for a surprise with the Freeride 250 R. However, those who have already had this pleasure know: The power of such an engine develops completely differently, the expanding combustion gases effectively pressing down twice as often on the crankshaft as a four-stroke. Consequently, KTM two-stroke enduros, which are designed more for high peak power, still pull away forcefully from the very bottom up and that's a real pleasure. And since the engine on the FREERIDE 250 R is tuned completely in keeping with the Freeride notion - not for maximum power but for harmonious torque progression and optimum rideability - this motorcycle is an all-rounder that feels all the more at home, the tougher the terrain becomes.

• FRAME

During the course of developing the FREERIDE 250 R, KTM design engineers pulled out all the stops to exploit the full potential of the substantially more compact two-stroke engine. As with the FREERIDE 350, the frame is a composite construction comprising high-grade, chrome-molybdenum steel profiles bolted together with forged light-alloy components. However, compared with the FREERIDE 350 frame, the compact two-stroke engine with its laterally routed exhaust has allowed the lower frame tubes to be raised by a whole 60 millimetres. This results in significantly greater ground clearance – in conjunction with the large steering lock, a benefit that becomes all the more apparent, the tougher the terrain: Particularly when negotiating trials sections, the FREERIDE 250 R bottoms out much later.

• SUBFRAME

The bolted subframe made from high-strength plastic impresses with high inherent stability and makes a significant contribution to the lightweight-construction concept of the FREERIDE 250 R. The rider can get a firm hold at the integrated grip recesses well-protected from dirt should the rear wheel ever become stuck in the mud.

• BATTERY

The Freeride 250 R is the first KTM motorcycle to be equipped as standard with a lithium-ion starter battery. This innovative technology not only saves one kilo of weight, it impresses above all with significantly greater efficiency, thereby ensuring higher efficiency of the electric starter system - in other words: the battery doesn't give up the ghost, even when started frequently.

• SWINGARM

Weighing only 3.2 kg, the light-alloy cast swingarm has been designed by KTM chassis experts to support the suspension system comprising frame and suspension components with targeted flexibility in the direction of oscillation. At the same time, it contributes with its high torsional stiffness to the outstanding tracking stability of the FREERIDE 250 R. The progressively functioning acting PDS shock absorber is hinged directly at the swingarm.

• FUEL TANK

Thanks to the more compact two-stroke engine compared with the four-stroke model, KTM engineers managed to design the lightweight, polyethylene fuel tank with a 7-litre capacity. It lies well protected between the upper frame profiles below the seat, which is tipped up for refuelling. Thanks to the transparent plastic, the rider can see the fuel level at a glance.