(March 25, 2010) - KTM showed the first prototype of a "zero emission" motorcycle in October 2008, a project that was the result of the company's cooperation with the Vienna Development Institute "Arsenal Research". Now, 18 months later, the sports motorcycle manufacturer from Mattighofen in Austria is right on target for the release of the first series-ready KTM electric sports motorcycle. Under the title "Freeride" KTM will present two near-series prototypes at the 2010 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, which in one year's time will transfer the sporting spirit of the brand that is always "Ready to Race" into a series model fit for the 21st century.
With its first zero emission motorcycle, the world's leading producer of offroad motorcycles has developed an electrically driven sports motorcycle that proves that riding fun and environmental sustainability need not be in conflict with one another. The cornerstone of this development is the clear commitment to offroad motorcycle sports and the obvious intention to go on the offensive by further expanding the strongest part of the company's business activities with a unique product that, as yet, does not exist in this format. This revolutionary development embodies completely new perspectives: Freeride also stands for the end of motorcycles fleeing the city and the accepted return of sporting motorcycle events in urban areas.
The following information is enclosed:
1.) A New Chance for Offroad Sport
2.) A Decisive Step into the Future
3.) Competitive Price Levels
4.) A Long Journey for the Development Process
5.) Completely New Patented Technology
6.) Focus on Series Ready Machines
7.) Technical Data Sheet
8.) Questions and Answers on KTM Freeride
9.) About the KTM Power Sports AG
1.) A New Chance for Offroad Sport Due to the restrictions that exist today, many riders of offroad motorcycles are confronted with great difficulty if they want to practice their sport. Ideal basic conditions are very seldom found, even on closed tracks or special purpose parks. Regulatory requirements and demands from residents and general objections are leading to the closure of Enduro and motocross tracks. The decisive criterion against the use of competitive bikes in heavily populated areas is almost always a question of an excessive level of noise.
In order to give the sport more room and create new possibilities, there is no better solution than the zero emission motorcycle from KTM. It equates 100 percent to the sporting spirit and the race-oriented philosophy of the brand. It slips seamlessly into the product portfolio and at the same time brings with it a motor technology for sports motorcycles that until today has been very difficult to make feasible. This is a motorcycle that is extremely light, sporty and powerful, and with its electric motor, it is now also an emission- and noise-free form of mobility.
With this development it is possible to bring offroad sport close to densely populated areas, to establish new parks and riding opportunities, where until now it has been unthinkable. The use of this sport machine closer to home may generate interest in the activities of new target groups.
2.) A Decisive Step into the Future Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG: "With the electric drive system of the zero emission motorcycle, KTM has succeeded in taking a decisive step forward in the future of the motorcycle industry and two-wheel motorsports. Above all, emission-free mobility with a motorcycle brings new impulses in the short-term and opens up completely fresh perspectives. KTM remains answerable on two counts. On the one hand we are "Ready to Race" and we want to do that with the latest technology, and on the other, as the worldwide number one in offroad sport, we must take care that the sport remains intact, and indeed, further develops!"
Contrary to the belief that e-mobility is not sport-oriented, this technology is directly and immediately an advantage to the enthusiast consumer. Now, with this zero-emission, noise-free motorcycle, a consumer may be able to practice their sport in areas that were previously off limits due to noise restrictions. Furthermore, KTM's aim is to offer "Freeride" at a comparable price to that of a similar combustion engine machine.
3.) Competitive Price Levels
Often with new technology, it is the high price that hinders the success of a product - not the least because of the significant expenditure in research and development. With electro vehicles, it is still a problem that the high cost of batteries continues to inhibit the broad-based deployment of emission and noise-free mobility. KTM has been able to solve this problem and will offer a competitive price structuring for its zero emission motorcycle right from the outset.
Mag. Hubert Trunkenpolz, Sales Director of KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG: "We can already say that the price of our Freeride motorcycles will be under ? 10,000. With this we have a product on the market that is more than competitive right from outset. So apart from the fact that this positioning is on a par with a current combustion-driven Enduro of the type used in the World Championships, KTM is, in addition, setting completely new standards in matters of technology."