Thursday 8th October 2015

KTM Freeride E-SM: PH2

KTM's electric supermoto tested (briefly)

---

While at a Silverstone track day recently, I couldn't help but spot a large orange KTM tent. Propped up against the tent was KTM's 2015 electric supermoto, the E-SM. Well, it would have been be rude not to take it for a quick spin, right? That should explain the poor action images too...

And the skateboard makes more noise

What's new?
PH2 tested the electric Freeride E-XC off-roader a while ago and the supermoto is essentially the same bike with a few tweaks to make it more suited to road use. The off-roader's knobbly tyres and odd sized wheels make way for 17-inch road wheels, while the gearing is lengthened (11:48 to 12:40 if you care) to make it less revvy. If an electric bike can be called revvy. Is it volty? Whatever the name, it now has a top speed of around 60mph and a slightly lower seat height. I say lower, it is now 880mm from 910mm, which is still pretty high!

Urban warrior
KTM is aiming the SM at the urban rider and as long as your commute is fairly short, it would be a cracking machine for the job. Weighing just 108kg it is very light and nimble; while hardly the most comfortable of bikes due to a typical supermoto off-road inspired seat, it is certainly tolerable for short hops. But just how short? That's the key and KTM claim to have seen the off-roaders last over 45 minutes of use between charges, which should equate to enough miles for city use. Like the SX it takes about an hour and a half to recharge. I only got a very brief burst on the bike, and not enough to test its range, but I did get it to over 60mph, so the speed is certainly there. And so is the fun factor.

Like the SX, the SM has its brakes set like a bicycle with the front brake lever on the left bar and rear on the right one and that, combined with its light weight, means loads of skids and stoppies. OK, there is no practical justification for stoppies, but skidding the rear does help turn the bike into a tight space when filtering through traffic. Well, that's my excuse...

Does this quite well

Is it a practical solution?
As always with electric vehicles it boils down to price and battery range. I would happily commute through a congested area on the E-SM as it is a great laugh, would crash quite well and is very cheap to run. The price is a sticking point - more on that in due course - and it's not a bike for those with range anxiety. My only real moans about the SM though are the key and the steering lock; I reckon both could be easily overcome by a thief. On an off-roader this isn't so much of an issue, but on a dedicated road bike I'd like to see some proper security such as an immobiliser and 'modern' ignition.

Price point
The E-SM has an official RRP of £10,599, however KTM is currently offering the bike on zero per cent finance for two years. And there is potentially some good news. KTM is trying to secure an electric vehicle subsidy, which will chop £1,500 off the asking price. Sadly there is no PCP option as off-road vehicles (the XC is based around the SX and therefore is classed as off-road) are deemed to high risk. If PCP were an option I think it could well swing a few sales. With no petrol costs, minimal servicing, a few pence a week on electricity and a guaranteed value in three years the SM would seem a more viable, but still very expensive, prospect.

---

2015 KTM FREERIDE E-SM
Engine: Brushless permanent magnet synchronous water-cooled motor
Power (hp): 15hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 31
Top speed: 60mph (est)
Weight: 108kg (dry)
MPG: n/a
Price: £10,599

[K666ADM]

Is a motorcycle license required to ride this on the roads? its engine cc is zero and power output is more akin to a scooter. Perhaps more of a mobility device than a vehicle.