KTM shows Zero Emission Motorcycle at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show

The Austrian brand KTM is presenting two versions of an electrically-driven sport motorcycle for the first time. Both a sports-oriented offroad machine and a dynamic on-road bike are on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle show under the label "KTM Freeride".

One and a half years after it's commitment to developing an electrically-driven bike, KTM, the sports motorcycle company headquartered in Mattighofen, Austria is now determinedly on the way towards the production of a series-ready zero emission motorcycle. Under the label "Freeride", KTM is simultaneously presenting two series-ready versions of the electrically-driven motorcycle that truly express the sporting spirit of the brand, bikes that transport the company motto "Ready to Race" right into the 21st century. The KTM zero emission motorcycles are being shown at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show on 26-28 March, 2010.

The foundation stone for this development is KTM's clear commitment to offroad motorcycle sport and it's intention to further offensively expand the strongest pillar of the company business - and with a unique product for which there is, to date, no real comparison. Thanks to the positive conditions to the design concept (no noise pollution and zero emission) this revolutionary development opens up perspectives for completely new applications. The Freeride creations carry the promise of an acceptable return for the use of motorcycle sporting activities, also in urban areas.

Hubert Trunkenpolz, Head of Sales at KTM Sportmotorcyle AG, comments on the philosophy and focus of the revolutionary motorcycles at the press conference at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show: "The KTM Freeride project is extremely important for the brand KTM. As the world's leading manufacturer of offroad sports motorcycles, it is part of our responsibility to do everything possible to ensure the ongoing vitality of offroad sport. One consequence for us is to realize a new drive solution via a pure electric motor. This means that we, as an extremely sports-oriented brand, can stay true to our "Ready to Race" philosophy..."

Hubert Trunkenpolz adds: We would like to prove our competitive power, not only with the technology but also with the prices we offer. We can already say that the first Freeride motorcycle from KTM will be under € 10,000 - which is on a similar level with an Enduro motorcycle with a combustion engine currently being deployed in the world championship.

Also from a technical standpoint, the first Freeride motorcycle is revolutionary from a drive perspective, comments Harald Plöckinger, COO and Board Member of KTM Sportmotorcycle AG: "It is not only that the performance capability of the 100 kg light machine is comparable to that of a 125 cc 2-stroke machine with a combustion engine. It is also factors like abrasion resistance, dirt and water resistance, life span, handling and above all safety that have been solved in an impressive way for the maximum 22 KW strong motor. This is thanks to the battery drive unit, which has been patented worldwide by KTM," he adds.

"The Freeride project motorcycle also profits from the competence and experience of all of KTM's past activities in motorcycle racing. This and the high quality components, which to a large extent have been developed and produced in Mattighofen, characterize how determinedly we are introducing the KTM zero emission products that exceed the demands of the sport's strict regulations," Harald Plöckinger concludes.

The series production of the new KTM Freeride sports Enduro will probably begin in the coming year. On the other hand, the Supermoto-oriented Freeride variant shall, from today's perspective, serve to illustrate other future applications for KTM's zero emission concept.