Extended test: KTM Freeride 350

When we decided to do an extended test, one of the key arguments was that it is a friendly, versatile and cute motorcycle that can replace a mid-sized scooter for the city and the surrounding area. We already knew enduro was fun after our tests last year.

Our Primoz Jurman, who is most familiar with motorcycles on the pavement, went with him to the Harley Davidson drivers meeting in the Austrian Faaker See via Lubel, and I took him to Postojna on the regional road when he tested the KTM in September. Kidney is the factory team for the Dakar. We both came to the same conclusion: you can drive a lot of people on it, even on an asphalt road, but it makes no sense to do it all the time. The single-cylinder four-stroke engine develops a speed of up to 110 km / h, and it is best to go up to 90 km / h, since at this speed the vibrations become disturbing. Something else is moving through the city, which can be a small area for "freeride". With a little practice, you can do real pranks with it in parking lots or, for example, on BMX and ice skating ramps.

You can think of this KTM as a second bike at home that a student rides to college, mom to do chores, and dad to pump adrenaline into the field. Better yet, for a support vehicle when you go on a motorhome trip.

Otherwise, there are areas where the KTM Freeride shines and no competition at the moment: trails, mountain bikes, and off-road trails. In an abandoned quarry, you can take a break and jump over obstacles in the style of trialists, and in the middle of the Istrian peninsula in the style of Indiana Jones, you can find abandoned villages and mulattoes. Because it is so light and has a lower seat than enduro racing bikes, obstacles are much easier to overcome.

I like that it is quiet and, due to the trial tires, is gentle to the ground. Even if I had stacked a bunch of stones and logs in the yard and chased them all day long, I’m sure it wouldn’t bother anyone. Low fuel consumption and moderate driving: with a full tank you can drive at a leisurely pace for three hours, while puffing the gas on the road or off-road, the fuel tank dries up after 80 kilometers.

And one more thing: this is the bike for the ultimate off-road learning experience. It's great for going from, say, the road to an off-road motorcycle. It forgives mistakes and is not cruel, as it helps the driver quickly learn the laws of overcoming obstacles and muddy terrain.

However, it also has a competitive side, as it is not least "ready to race". How fast you can be with it, it became clear to me when I rode the technically winding and rugged enduro track at the speed of an enduro racing bike. However, freeride only loses the battle when the track gets fast and full of long jumps. There, the torque can no longer overcome the brutal power and the suspension can no longer handle hard landings after long jumps.

But for more serious adventures, KTM already has a new weapon – the Freerida with a 250cc two-stroke engine. But about him in one of the nearest magazines.

Face to face

Primoж манrman

I first tested the Tegale Freerida on a not-so-home field, a motocross track. The motorcycle surprised me then; how easy it was to fly, and hey, I even flew through the air with it. Pleasure! It is also agile and agile on the road, although it has been known to want to get off the pavement. So if I had a choice, freeriding would be my two-wheeled antidote to everyday stress.

Uros Jakopic

As an aspiring motorcyclist, when I looked at the Freerid I thought: real cross country! However, now that I have tried it, I think it is much more than just a croissant, as the usability is really great. Anyone can operate it, even a beginner. Of course, you have to be careful, because this is a serious motorcycle, but it is quite easy to win on it. Its power is sufficient for any terrain, even the most difficult. At first glance, including the lower seat, the Freeride 350 felt very controllable, and it can also make you very quick to correct a foot error when driving over difficult terrain and climbing. In short: with Freerid you can easily brighten up your day in good or bad weather, as it is made to enjoy nature.

Text: Petr Kavcic, photo: Primozh Jurman, Petr Kavcic

• Basic data

  Test model cost: 7.390 €

• Technical information

  engine: single cylinder, four stroke, liquid cooled, 349,7 cc, direct fuel injection, Keihin EFI 3 mm.

  Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.

  Frame: chrome-molybdenum tubular, aluminum subframe.

  brakes: front disc Ø 240 mm, rear disc Ø 210 mm.

  Suspension: WP front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, WP PDS rear adjustable single deflector.

  Tires: 90/90-21, 140/80-18.

  Growth: 895 mm.

  Fuel tank: 5, 5 l.

  Wheelbase: 1.418 mm.

  Weight: 99,5 kg.

We praise and reproach

ease of driving

brakes

workmanship

quality components

versatility

quiet engine operation

great bike for beginners and for training

too soft suspension for long jumps

the price is quite high