Autoesque

That KTM's new 250 EXC TPI and 300 EXC TPI enduro bikes feature fuel injection wouldn't ordinarily be considered a unique selling point. However, because they're both powered by two-stroke engines, it most certainly is.

KTM is adding a third bike to its electric-powered Freeride line-up. The new E-SM, which is a street-legal supermoto, joins the E-SX and E-XC.

A KTM has won the Dakar Rally’s motorcycle class thirteen consecutive times. Now privateers have the opportunity to emulate that success, as the Austrian firm has just introduced the 450 Rally Replica.

Following the unveiling of the KTM RC390 Cup back in July, details of its road-going sibling have now emerged.

Following the appearance of a prototype 1290 Super Duke R at last year’s EICMA show in Milan, KTM has revealed some technical specifications for the production version.

KTM has shown off its RC390 Cup, which will be used in the one-make ‘ADAC Junior Cup powered by KTM’ race series in 2014.

KTM has unveiled the electric-powered E-Speed scooter concept at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

KTM has released the first images of the 1190 Adventure, which borrows its 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) V-twin engine from the RC8 superbike. The new arrival will also feature various rider aids, including anti-lock brakes, traction control and an anti-hop clutch. Due to be unveiled at next month’s Intermot show in Cologne, the Adventure is going to be offered in two guises. A standard model, which will come with electronic suspension adjustment as standard, is designed mainly for street use, while the ‘R’ version should be even more capable off-road thanks to larger wheels and longer-travel suspension. Related posts: 2013 Tiger Explorer XC Triumph Tiger Explorer GS Adventure Triple Black

KTM has revealed a Track version of its 690 Duke. Limited to just 200 examples, the specification is as per the bikes that compete in the European Junior Cup race series, which means more power, less weight and lots of special components. Unfortunately, though, it also means that the 690 Duke Track isn’t street legal. Changes to the single-cylinder engine include a modified airbox, a bespoke fuel map and a replacement camshaft from the KTM PowerParts catalogue. The standard exhaust is ditched in favour of a titanium and carbon fibre system by Akrapovic, while drive to the gearbox is now delivered via a slipper clutch. As a result, output increases from the stock 67 bhp (50 kW / 68 PS) to 78 bhp (58 kW / 79 PS). Chassis upgrades focus on the fitment of fully adjustable WP suspension and circuit-optimised Brembo brakes. The anti-lock braking system meanwhile has been deleted, a move that has undoubtedly contributed to the bike’s overall 10 kg (22 lbs) weight reduction. Comp...

Next month’s EICMA Milan bike show will see the debut of the KTM Freeride 350, a light weight enduro that the company hopes will help expand the appeal of the sport. Features such as a new composite frame mean it tips the scales at just 99 kg (218 lbs), while power is provided by a 350 cc, single cylinder, fuel injected engine with a novice-friendly output of 23 bhp (17 kW / 24 PS). The good news is that it’s road legal, too. KTM is planning to begin sales of the Freeride 350 during spring 2012. Related post: Electric KTM Freeride

When the UK government announced earlier this week it was ring-fencing £43 million for Plug-in Car Grants , there was a mostly positive response from the motor industry. However, the exclusion of electric motorcycles from the scheme has been met with criticism. The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is not too happy, and it has already contacted the Department for Transport demanding an explanation for the omission. Quite rightly, the MCI points out that electric bikes beat congestion better than any car and so reduce journey times. Its stance is that the government should therefore be encouraging them, not ignoring them. There is already a selection of electric motorcycles and scooters available on the market. These include the Econogo Yogo and the Zero range, with more - such as the KTM Freeride - coming soon. In general, these bikes are more expensive than their petrol-powered counterparts, due mainly to the cost of the batteries. Therefore, some cash from the governmen...

Austrian manufacturer KTM has unveiled its Freeride electric bikes at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. Available as either an off-road enduro or a street-orientated supermoto, both versions share the same battery and motor technology. That means a peak 30 horsepower and a top speed of 43 mph (70 km/h). Performance is helped by the two bikes being so diminutive - total all-in weight is only 90 kg, including the battery pack. As with most electric vehicles, it’s the battery that will be so critical to the success of the product. Price, performance, range and recharging time are all directly influenced by it. According to KTM, the Freeride’s 2.5 kWh battery should be good for one hour of off-road riding. After that, it’ll take 90 minutes to fully recharge, although alternatively it can simply be swapped over for another one - assuming the rider can afford the cost of a spare. KTM is planning to commence European Freeride sales in spring 2011, with a price expected to be ‘under €10,0...