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Dad Bike
The KTM Freeride E-XC is an electric off-road motorcycle that has contributed tremendous value to my journey as a dad. I bought it new in 2022. The Freeride has also been a great way for me to share time with my son. I remember following him around while he drove his Grave Digger Power Wheels like a boss. But it has been most useful to follow and coach him through each of his three bikes as his riding skills developed. You can read more about his progression on our Young Riders page.
Quiet Has Its Advantages
It is extremely quiet, which makes coaching him easy. I can't imagine doing this on one of my gas bikes or over the sweet but loud sound of a two-stroke. This bike is plenty fast for our private property and has long enough legs that a full battery usually lasts longer than we need. On the occasions when it needs a recharge, I am usually ready for a quick break anyway.
The quietness is also good for keeping the neighbors and wildlife happy. So much so that our wonderful neighbors allow us to ride our bikes on their property as well. Its aleays exciting when we get a text from our neighbor that he just bush-hogged his field out back and that we should bring the bikes over to ride. When I used to ride my two-stroke, we couldn't expect the same freedom. It is also useful when tending to our livestock. When I take my goats on long walks or down trails, it gives me mobility without scaring or distracting them.
Easy to transport
The KTM Freeride E-XC is easy to transport. With the high-voltage battery installed, the bike weighs approximately 245 pounds, with the battery itself accounting for about 64 pounds. Remove the battery and you’re left with roughly 181 pounds of motorcycle. That can make a significant difference when using a hitch-mounted motorcycle carrier, especially when tongue weight is a concern. Since the battery is easily removable with a 10mm socket, it can be strapped down inside the vehicle, reducing the weight sitting on the hitch by about 64 pounds. Just remember that the carrier itself also counts toward tongue weight, so the combined weight of the bike and carrier needs to remain within the vehicle and hitch manufacturer’s rated limits. Take the time to look-up your specific vehicle specs. My 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L HEMI 4x4 with the factory tow package had a maximum tongue weight of 720 pounds, leaving plenty of capacity for the Freeride and a properly rated hitch-mounted carrier. My current SUV with a v6 has a max tongue weight of 500lbs. Thats about 30% less capacity for similar sized vehicle. So you can't just "eye-ball" it and guess it is similar to something else that you're familiar with. Tow specs and Tonguw weight is VIN vehicle specific. Even the same year, make and model have different packages that will increase or decrease your capacities. I own the original heavy steele MaxxHaul motorcycle carrier. This unit is significantly heavier than the modern stele one. But, if I were do it over again I would buy the Aluminum one in the product links above. It is much lighter and is a higher weight capacity than I need.
This One Is Staying
This bike is too much fun and too useful to ever consider getting rid of it. This one is going to be in our garage for a long time.
ATGATT
ATGATT: All The Gear, All The Time - is the only standard that we can encourage for motorcycle safety. While we are guilty of breaking the ATGATT recommendation, we do not encourage others to do so. A properly sized and rated helmet, along with protective clothing and body protection, is always best practice. For more information click here.
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