One of the most visited stands at the 2012 Motor Bike Expo in Verona is the one of Austrian manufacturer KTM, which showed up at the event with its three brand new models: the 690 Duke, the 350 Freeride and the ground-braking, all-electric Freeride-E. All three bikes seem to have met the taste of old and new fans alike, and it is pretty easy to predict a successful fate for all three of them. However, the orange army never disappointed its loyal custom base, which will probably grow even further thanks to its streak of victories in the Motocross World Championship.

View the full KTM Live @ Motor Bike Expo 2012 photo gallery

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French urban trial and freestyle legend Julien Dupont has been showing us many jaw-dropping stunts throughout the years, and he is quite a popular character among extreme motorsports enthusiast around the world. This time time around he decided to give the brand new all-electric KTM Freeride E a go, and here is a bunch of pictures showing us what he has been capable of doing on this ambitious motocross bike in Barcelona’s surroundings.

KTM Freeride E is powered by a brushless synchronous motor with 300V of batteries, produceing 30bhp (22kW) at 6,000 rpm and 42 hp (31 ft-lb) of torque at just 500rpm. We just hope that some video evidence of the Dupont/Freeride E odd couple will surface soon as well.

View the full Julien Dupont and KTM Freeride E photo gallery

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Austrian manufacturer KTM is at the 2011 EICMA with its range of models for the year 2012. Initially KTM made a name for itself by making succesful off-road motorcycles (see their unprecedented success in both MX1 and MX2 World Championships this year) and in recent years they begun building motorcycles for road use as well: their 2012 line-up includes motorcycles for all surfaces, a fact that further underlines the commitment and passion of this brand for high performing sporty bikes.

Following the unveiling of the 125 Duke last year (yet another outstanding success, by the way) KTM returns to the EICMA to launch the renewed 690 Duke, powered by a single cylinder engine delivering 70 hp and 96 Nm (51 lbs/ft) of torque and featuring a new ABS system. Then there is the new 200 Duke, a small 26 hp model that maintains the typical user friendliness of the 125cc version. Then we have the Freeride E, a new zero emission and super silent motorcycle developed by KTM. However, there is also a version of the Freeride with a 350 cc version, super light and off-road ready.

Apart from these 4 new models, the old ones are also in Milan with some revamped version: 690 SMC R and 690 Enduro R have been completely revised in order to increase power delivery. The 990 SMR as well has been updated with a new ABS system, while the 990 Super Duke R received a new saddle for a passenger and - consequently - the road legal licensing for that.

View the full KTM line-up at the 2011 EICMA photo gallery

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In a leaked pic from a KTM North American dealership presentation, we get a good look at the next three years of the KTM lineup in the US. In fact, HFL has given us a complete rundown of KTM models for 2012, 2013 and 2014 and there are some exciting things among them for the US.

2013 will see new models introduced, including the KTM 350 Duke (following the 125 Duke) and the KTM Super Duke R which will get some blood rushing. Meanwhile in 2014 it looks like a brand new KTM Moto3-based 350cc bike will appear, alongside the KTM Adventure 1290. The Moto3 bike would appear after KTM re-enters GP racing in 2012, giving it time to test and then build a production version.

In the pic above we can also see a series of KTM Freeride models for 2013, including what we assume are two electric versions - the KTM Freeride E SX and Freeride E EXC. We’re hoping for more on the Freeride project as at previously it was rumoured that we’d see the production version at the 2011 EICMA show, ready for a 2012 market launch. With the US getting it in 2013, that would seem to fit. For the rest of the models, we’re guessing Europe will get them first and we’d be especially keen to see more of the Moto3 mystery.

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The first KTM Freeride offroad model could appear as a 2012 production model, to debut at the 2011 EICMA show in November. Visor Down is saying the model will cost less than €10,000, which makes it quite a competitor in its segment. The Freeride offroad is set to appear alongside another two models - a street-going model and a supermoto.

The debut will mark a definitive achievement for KTM after a long project that first saw the Freeride revealed at Tokyo and again at EICMA last year. With the economic downturn and developmental costs clearly high, the KTM Freeride electric project has taken longer than expected. Still, the model has been received very well on presentation and KTM’s project to develop a sports electric platform is one that will stand it in good stead as an innovator and as the first in providing such models.

The KTM Freeride electric motor produces the same kind of performance that a two-stroke, 125cc powertrain can achieve. Powered by a 2kW lithium ion battery, the Freeride has 30 hp and 44 Nm of torque. If the reports prove true, we can’t wait to see the production version, especially at this price.

KTM Freeride Motocross

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Here are more pics of the KTM Freeride electric urban trial bikes, and a very funky video after the jump to prove just where this bike is headed. If you had any doubts on the niche market KTM is creating for yourself, you’ve got to check out the Freeride website, and gallery pics. While KTM is, and always has been, committed to offroad motorcycles and sport, it says of its new Freeride bikes:

Freeride also stands for the end of motorcycles fleeing the city and the accepted return of sporting motorcycle events in urban areas.

What’s more the zero emissions factor is essential in this new bike. KTM says:

In order to give the sport more room and create new possibilities, there is no better solution than the zero emission motorcycle from KTM…. 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 even possible to bring offroad sport very close to densely populated areas, to establish new parks and riding opportunities in areas where until now it has been unthinkable. And when the use of this sports machine moves closer to home, this can also be through the activities of a new target group.

Continue reading: More KTM Freeride pics and video from Freeride website

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After being leaked earlier this week, KTM has released details of its electric Freeride bike, although without any fanfare, which we can only put down to the sensible style of the Dutch company. The KTM Freeride models are two supermotard and cross/enduro bikes which produce 30 hp and 43 Nm off 2.5 kW lithium ion batteries.

Battery recharge time is 1.5 hrs and the bike weighs 90 kg. Other features include 21-inch trial wheels, Drive by Wire technology, clutch-less transmission and chain and a hand operated hydraulic brake system with energy recuperation. The Freeride bikes should be on sale by spring 2011 at a price of less than 10,000 euros.

While we might not be seeing a revolution as such in electric motorcycles, KTM is doing its best to create its own niche of urban freestyle electric bikes. It will be very interesting to see how the market reacts to this, and where/how the KTM Freeride bikes will be used. Keep your eyes open because this could get to be fun… Press release from HFL after the jump.

KTM Freeride electric official pics

Continue reading: KTM Freeride electric bike price and details

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