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2014 KTM Freeride 350

2014 KTM Freeride 350

2014 KTM Freeride 350

2014 KTM Freeride 350 Review

2014 KTM Freeride 350 on Totalmotorcycle.com

THE HIGH FLYER…

Freedom has a name: With the FREERIDE 350, the rider alone decides where to ride. In its first year on the market, it got a lot of people very excited who always fancied doing a little off-road riding without any pressure. For the upcoming model year, KTM places a clear development focus on even more practicality and versatility for the FREERIDE 350. For example, a taller sixth gear and final gearing lower the revs and fuel consumption on back roads stages, while the shortened five lower gears still ensure optimum off-road traction. Numerous optimised details serve to make the new FREERIDE 350 even more durable and reliable or contributeto reducing its astonishingly low weight still further.

2014 KTM Freeride 350 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Design Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, liquid-cooled

Displacement 349.7 cm³

Starting aid Electric starter

Weight without fuel approx.

 

2014 KTM Freeride 350 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

ENGINE

Based on the successful engine of the 350 EXC-F, the FREERIDE 350’s drive unit was optimized for a pleasant torque response instead of maximum power and has been developed still further by KTM for model year 2014. The crankshaft drives a geared intermediate shaft mounted on the side, which in turn drives both the camshafts and the coolant pump while doubling as a balancer shaft. The compact design receives a modified exhaust camshaft with an optimised automatic decompression for even better starting. The four steel valves, now with reinforced spring retainers, are actuated by two overhead camshafts and DLC coated finger followers. Combined with a new gasket, a redesigned coolant pump cover ensures an easier assembly for an improved seal even at extreme temperatures. Placed well protected behind the cylinder, the electric starter receives a reinforced freewheel assembly for the new model year. With a state-of-the-art closed loop lambda control, the Keihin engine management system with electronic fuel injection and 42mm throttle body ensures an efficient exhaust gas treatment by the two catalytic converters, as well as very high fuel efficiency for an off-road bike. Using the optional map select switch from the PowerParts range of accessories, the rider may select additional engine response characteristics.

GEARBOX

Specially designed for the FREERIDE models, the new 6-speed transmission is distinguished by shorter gear ratios in the lower five gears while the sixth gear, now geared some ten per cent taller, ensures more relaxed engine speed levels on back roads. To match the new transmission, the final gearing has been made a little taller by replacing the 11-tooth chain sprocket with a 12-tooth one.

CSS CLUTCH

The new, undampened CSS clutch and the revised Formula hydraulic system deliver convincing durability as well as optimum separation and a precise action while at the same time saving weight.

FRAME, REAR SUBFRAME AND SWING ARM

A lightweight composite frame made of stainless steel sections and bolt-on, forged aluminium components gives the FREERIDE 350 the stability needed for off-road duty at minimum weight. The light, rigid polymer rear subframe with well protected recessed grips also houses the engine management electronics. A reworked chain guide on the lightweight aluminium swing arm provides more stability and keeps the chain safely in postion.

MASTER CYLINDERS & SPEEDOMETER

Like the new callipers, the brake and clutch levers and mastercylinders have sand blasted outer surfaces and black covers. Inside, they feature revised piston systems for an optimised lever feel and consistent brake and clutch action even under heaviest duty. The new Trail Tech digital combination instrument with integral control lights is distinguished by plenty of practical functions and an especially intuitive operation.

RIMS, TYRES AND BRAKES

Like the two-stroke sister model, the FREERIDE 350 receives new laced wheels with anodized GIANT aluminium rims, CNC machined hubs and aluminium spoke nipples for the upcoming model year. Specially developed by Maxxis, the new Trial-Maxx tires make the four-stroke bike noticeably more agile. In addition they are more reliable and provide better traction especially in the wet. In addition, thanks to the standard Enduro tire dimensions of 2.75-21 front and 4.00-18 rear, the versatile off-road bike is able to use a wide choice of tire alternatives for special purposes. For 2014, the FREERIDE 350 also receives the new Formula braking system with lightweight wave brake discs and radial, sand blasted callipers with four pistons in front and two pistons in the rear.

FRONT FORKS AND REAR MONOSHOCK

A new setting of the 43mm WP upside-down front forks (250mm of travel) and top quality, CNC machined triple clamps enhance the riding stability of the new FREERIDE 350 even further. In the rear, a newly developed WP PDS monoshock with a progressive spring and with 260mm of travel ensures a comfortable ride and much more reserves. Damping is separately adjustable for compression and rebound, while the monoshock even has separate low and high speed controls for the compression stage. For the FREERIDE 350 there is also a suspension travel reduction kit in the KTM PowerParts accessory range to lower the seat height by another 25mm.

EXHAUST SYTEM

In designing the exhaust system, the engineers focused on low noise and emissions as well as great rideability with heaps of smoothly delivered torque. Well protected by the frame and a solid skid plate,the central header pipe guides the exhaust beneath the engine to the twin rear aluminium silencers. With a catalytic converter each, the silencers ensure an efficient exhaust treatment while lowering the noise to environmentally friendly levels.

BODYWORK AND GRAPHICS

Due to the extremely slim seat and spoiler lines, the FREERIDE 350 bodywork offers the rider unrestricted mobility and especially ergonomic contact patches. Most of the new graphics are directly integrated into the polymer parts as inmould graphics, a contemporary, very rugged and lightweight solution.

 

 

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2014 KTM Freeride 350 – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details
European MSRP Price: £6.449,00 GBP/EUR*

ENGINE
Design Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, liquid-cooled
Displacement 349.7 cm³
Bore 88 mm
Stroke 57.5 mm
Starting aid Electric starter
Transmission 6-speed, claw shifted
Engine lubrication Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps
Primary ratio 24:73
Secondary gear ratio 12:48
Cooling system Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch / Formula hydraulics
Ignition system Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
CHASSIS
Frame Perimeter steel-aluminium composite frame
Fork WP Suspension4357 MXMA
Shock absorber WP Suspension 4618 PDS DCC
Suspension travel Front 250 mm
Suspension travel Rear 280 mm
Brake system front Disc brake with radially mounted four-piston brake caliper
Brake system rear Disc brake with radially mounted dual-piston brake caliper
Brake discs – diameter front 260 mm
Brake discs – diameter rear 210 mm
Chain 5/8 x 1/4″ X Ring
Steering head angle 67°
Wheelbase 1,418±10 mm
Ground clearance (unloaded) 325 mm
Seat height (unloaded) 915 mm
Total fuel tank capacity approx. 5.5 l
Unleaded premium fuel (95 RON)
Weight without fuel approx. 99.5 kg

 

* Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), the actual sale prices can vary.

 

 

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2014 KTM Freeride 350 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $NA USD

Model not available at press time

 

 

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2014 KTM Freeride 350 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $NA CDN

Model not available at press time

Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.