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2014 KTM Freeride 250R

2014 KTM Freeride 250R

2014 KTM Freeride 250R

2014 KTM Freeride 250R Review

2014 KTM Freeride 250R on Totalmotorcycle.com

THE LIVELY ONE…

The decision to add, of all things, a completely new two-stroke model to the brand new Freeride segment may seem strange – but only at first glance. And mostly to those who have not yet had the chance to enjoy the punch of a burly two-stroke within a light and agile off-road chassis. However, those who have had that pleasure know: Such an engine epitomises the kind of response you want from a FREERIDE, because after all, the hot, burning gases hit the piston twice as often. This means that even KTM’s two-stroke enduros, designed for maximum power, churn out gut-wrenching torque from the low rev range in an absolutely glorious manner. And as the FREERIDE 250 R’s engine, true to the Freeriding ideal, is designed not for maximum power, but for a pleasant torque response and optimum rideability, this is where the concept of enjoyable off-roading comes to full fruition.

2014 KTM Freeride 250R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Design 1-cylinder 2-stroke engine

Displacement 249 cm³

Starting aid Electric starter

Weight without fuel approx.

 

2014 KTM Freeride 250R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

GEAR BOX

Developed specially for the FREERIDE models, the new 6-speed gear box has shorter gear ratios than that of the 250 EXC in the lower five gears, while the extra-tall sixth gear basically works as an overdrive. A short final gearing of 46:12 (FREERIDE 350: 48:12) ensures powerful traction especially in difficult terrain, as well as a holeshot acceleration.

RADIATOR

The engine’s excess heat is dissipated by a single-piece radiator integrated deeply behind the frame spars for protection. A fan with a newly developed thermostat ensures stable operating temperatures even at the slowest pace in the most difficult terrain.

EXHAUST

The FREERIDE 250 R employs a brand new, low-noise exhaust system with an aluminium silencer and a sleek resonance chamber that contributes to the engine’s great torque response. Compared to the FREERIDE 350’s downpipe routed below the engine, the KTM engineers managed to route the FREERIDE 250 R’s resonance chamber to the side of the engine and integrate it perfectly into the vehicle. Similar to the competition enduros, the two-stroke FREERIDE is homologated with a special power restriction kit and is even streetlegal on public roads in this version.

ENGINE

As a powerplant for the FREERIDE 250 R, the KTM engineers started out from the two-stroke engine of the competition enduro 250 EXC, developing it comprehensively further, lowering its weight by another two kilograms despite using an electric starter, and tuning it for optimum rideability. The FREERIDE 250 R’s engine has a brand new cylinder with ports and timings adjusted to the intended torque response, as well as a matching new piston. Similar to trials bikes, the 250 EXC’s complex exhaust control valve is dropped, which benefits not only the response characteristics but also piston durability. This makes the engine even less complex and even more rugged.

CLUTCH

Both the FREERIDE 250 R and the FREERIDE 350 use a new, undampened CSS clutch (coil spring steel) with a wear-free steel basket and a clutch package specially tuned to the FREERIDE models with seven plates on steel carriers in model year 2014. Not the least thanks to the newly developed plates and softer clutch springs, the new clutch is distinguished by enhanced separation, while a revised master cylinder by Formula ensures a consistently light and precise action.

SEAT

The long, slender seat ensures unrestricted freedom of movement and a very good level of seating comfort. It can be tipped up easily via the intelligent seat locking system for easy access to the fuel tank filler, air filter and wiring. Compared to a competition enduro bike, seat height is moderate at only 915mm. Those who like to sit even lower find a reduced-height accessory seat in the KTM PowerParts range.

HANDLEBARS

Like the new callipers, the brake and clutch levers and their master cylinders have sand blasted outer surfaces and black covers. Inside, they feature revised piston systems for an optimised lever feel and consistent brake and clutch action even under the heaviest duty.

COMBINATION INSTRUMENT

The FREERIDE models of model year 2014 are the first to use a new, digital combination instrument made by Trail Tech with integral control lights. It is distinguished by a multitude of functions as well as an especially intuitive operation.

BODYWORK AND GRAPHICS

Due to the extremely slim seat and spoiler lines, the FREERIDE 250 R bodywork offers the rider unrestricted mobility and especially ergonomic contact patches. Most of the new R-Type graphics are directly integrated into the polymer parts as inmould graphics, a contemporary, very rugged and lightweight solution.

AIR FILTER

The air filter is located well protected and easily accessible at the rear of the fuel tank. A lot larger than that of the four-stroke version, the air filter cartridge is less susceptible to clogging due to its larger filtration area while providing a higher flow rate.

BRAKES

The Formula braking system is fully up to the demanding KTM spec and has been developed significantly further yet again for the latest generation. A revised piston system in the front master cylinder ensures a consistent action and even greater durability. The radial callipers with four pistons front and two pistons rear work perfectly with the lightweight wave brake discs (260/210mm), ensuring optimum braking performance combined with an outstanding brake feel. Matching the hand controls, the new callipers now also have sand blasted surfaces.

SWING ARM

Weighing in at only 3.2kg, the cast aluminium swing arm has been designed to support the suspension system of frame and suspension components with a well-defined flexibility in the direction of swing. At the same time, it contributes significantly to the FREERIDE 250 R’s stability with its high torsional rigidity. The progressive rear PDS monoshock is linked directly to the swing arm.

FORKS AND MONOSHOCK

Combined with top quality, CNC machined triple clamps, the beefy upside-down front forks by WP Suspension with 43mm down tubes ensure a great response and damping, as well as providing the FREERIDE 250 R with outstanding stability. Their stiffer basic set-up perfectly matches the re-tuned rear WP monoshock which receives a new, progressive spring. While preserving the excellent ride comfort, front and rear suspension of the FREERIDE 250 R are markedly well balanced and very well protected from bottoming out – an advantage especially in quicker sections in demanding terrain. Damping is separately adjustable for compression and rebound, while the monoshock even has separate low and high speed controls for the compression stage. For those who would like a still lower seat height than the FREERIDE 250 R’s comparatively low 915mm, the KTM PowerParts range offers a lowering kit, reducing suspension travel by 25mm.

FOOT PEGS

Lightweight, extra wide, precision cast foot pegs ensure a safe contact to the bike and a secure stand. Thanks to their eccentric brackets, their position can be moved by 8mm to the rear simply by reversing them. Besides the ergonomic fine-tuning, this allows the rider to significantly influence the traction and cornering behaviour of the bike with a corresponding riding technique.

WHEELS AND TIRES

The FREERIDE 250 R rides on extremely lightweight newly developed laced wheels with anodized aluminium rims by GIANT, CNC machined hubs and aluminium spoke nipples. Derived from motorcycle trials, the Trial-Maxx tires in the dimensions 2.75-21 and 4.00-18 are also new and have been specially developed by Maxxis for the KTM FREERIDE. They are distinguished by a soft, high-traction rubber compound and a greatly increased void ratio, compared to pure trials tires. This increases the tread’s self-cleaning in muddy terrain without the tires breaking up the ground too much. In addition, the new Maxxis tires noticeably increase the FREERIDE 250 R’s agility and last much longer than pure trials tires.

TANK

Made of light weight polythene, the engineers managed to increase the fuel tank volume to 7 litres thanks to the more compact twostroke engine. The tank is well protected between the upper frame sections beneath the seat, which is opened for refuelling. Thanks to the translucent polymer, the rider can see at a glance how much fuel is left.

FRAME

With the FREERIDE 250 R frame, the KTM developers pulled all the stops to utilise the advantages of the more compact two-stroke engine to the fullest. As with the FREERIDE 350, the frame is a composite design made of top quality stainless steel sections and bolt-on forged aluminium components. Compared to the FREERIDE 350’s frame though, the engineers managed to raise the lower cradle by 60mm thanks to the two-stroke engine with the side exhaust. This ensures a lot more ground clearance – an advantage all the more beneficial the more difficult the terrain becomes, especially combined with the large amount of steering lock. In trial sections, the FREERIDE 250 R will beach itself even later.

REAR SUBFRAME

Made of highly resilient polymer, the bolt-on rear subframe is distinguished by high dimensional stability, contributing significantly to the lightweight FREERIDE 250 R concept. Well protected from dirt, recessed grips integrated into the plastic subframe provide an effective hold should the rear wheel ever become stuck in the mud.

 

 

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2014 KTM Freeride 250R – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
European MSRP Price: £5.999,00 GBP/EUR*

ENGINE
Design 1-cylinder 2-stroke engine
Displacement 249 cm³
Bore 66.4 mm
Stroke 72 mm
Starting aid Electric starter
Transmission 6 gear, claw shifted
Engine lubrication Mixture oil lubrication
Primary ratio 26:72
Secondary gear ratio 14:46 (12:46)
Cooling Liquid cooling system
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch CSS / Formula Hydraulik
Ignition system Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment, type Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame Perimeter steel-aluminium composite frame
Fork WP Suspension4357 MXMA
Shock absorber WP Suspension 4618 PDS DCC
Suspension travel Front 250 mm
Suspension travel Rear 280 mm
Brake system front Disc brake with radially mounted four-piston brake caliper
Brake system rear Disc brake with radially mounted dual-piston brake caliper
Brake discs – diameter front 260 mm
Brake discs – diameter rear 210 mm
Chain 5/8 x 1/4″ X Ring
Steering head angle 67°
Wheelbase 1,418±10 mm
Ground clearance (unloaded) 380 mm
Seat height (unloaded) 915 mm
Total fuel tank capacity approx. 7 l
Unleaded premium fuel (95 octane), mixed with 2-stroke engine oil (1:80)
Weight without fuel approx. 92.5 kg

 

* Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), the actual sale prices can vary.

 

 

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2014 KTM Freeride 250R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $NA USD

Model not available at press time

 

 

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2014 KTM Freeride 250R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $NA CDN

Model not available at press time

Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.