10 Interesting Topics Learned From KTM's Recent Global Presentation

Ryan Adams
by Ryan Adams

The Austrian marque offers its view on the future of E-mobility and motorcycling

KTM North America decided to let us know they would be live streaming the global launch of the 2018 KTM Freeride E-XC and the company’s vision of E-Mobility as a whole from Austria at about the same time I was searching for a topic for this week’s Top 10 list. Thankfully, the presentation was full of interesting information that I shall now parse out for you in 10 easy-to-read slides. Grab yourself a cold Steigl and enjoy.

1. 2018 Freeride E-XC

For the 2018 model year, KTM has tried to address some of customers biggest apprehensions when considering electric motorcycles while also opting to not to rest on their laurels and continue to advance the Freeride E platform we have seen previously.

For 2018 the KTM Freeride E-XC’s PowerPack has been upgraded with an increase in capacity from last year’s 2.6kWh to a new max of 3.9kWh. KTM’s Product Marketing Manager from Austria mentioned that the new battery, which will fit into previous generations of Electric Freerides, extended his ride time near his home in the woods from one hour to 90 minutes. Also interesting is the motorcycle’s ability to regenerate charging while coasting in the least aggressive (Eco) ride mode to allow the user more time on the trail. A reworked, lightweight chassis fitted with new, higher performing WP Xplor suspension front and rear has been added to give the Freeride more performance-oriented usability. We also see an increase in peak power from 16kW to 18kW, which translates to 24.5 hp; the near-instantaneous 31 lb-ft of torque remains the same.

2017 KTM Freeride E-XC First Ride Review

Customers now have an option of leasing the battery and charging system for 50 euro ($58.98) per month, which seems to be a great idea given the rapid technological advancement in battery technologies. The 2018 Freeride E-XC is priced at 7,500 euro which puts the motorcycle on par with its I.C.E. Freeride 250. However, that price doesn’t include the cost of the battery and charger, which retails for 4000 euro. KTM’s main goal is to remove all of the negatives traditionally associated with electric motorcycles and level the playing field as much as possible in terms of price, weight, and practicality.

While the new Freeride E-XC is nearing production, no official announcement has been made about its availability in the U.S.

2. Global Interest

KTM has reported 3,000 Electric Freeride units sold world-wide, which gives the Austrian company an 80% market share, according to Chief Sales Officer, Hubert Trunkenpolz. Which also makes the Freeride E-XC the top-selling electric off-road motorcycle in the world.

3. A record year for KTM

2017 is lining up to be another record year for the Austrian firm, with sales projected of 1.5-billion euro and estimated unit sales over 230,000. Due to positive growth over the last several years, KTM plans to reach 400,000 units sold by 2022 and is said to currently have the infrastructure in place to do so, according to KTM CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of KTM AG, Stefan Pierer, pictured above.

4. Looking for a new job?

Along with KTM’s growth over the last few years, CEO Stefan Pierer announced that the company has recently added 500 jobs to bring KTM’s global workforce to 5600 employees. Some 4200 of those are based in Austria. I hear Mattighofen is beautiful this time of year.

5. Double-digit growth expected in almost every market

KTM is forecasting double-digit sales increases in nearly every market in which they are present. The company says it is seeing sustainable growth in Europe, North America, and Latin America, with forecasted 11%, 14%, and 20% growth, respectively. Surprisingly, or maybe not so much to some, KTM is projecting 32% growth in Asia and expects the Asian market to be its biggest growth opportunity moving into the future.

6. KTM E-Bikes

Here’s a little known fact in the USA: KTM has been making bicycles at the Mattighofen facilities since 1964, and it currently cranks out about 300,000 of them annually. KTM has more recently made a push to into the North American market. Check them out here.

7. KTM’s vision of E-mobility

“E-mobility will change the landscape of travel in the future,” proclaims Stefan Pierer. This is only the beginning. KTM’s vision of E-mobility began with electric mountain bikes and electric offroad motorcycles in 2007. With issues finding suppliers, KTM would make nearly everything itself, causing the development process to take longer than normal. Pierer has stated that its investment into these technologies at the time was approximately 20 million euro. A large sum for the somewhat smaller company back then.

“The electric mobility, in the future, takes place in the powered two-wheel world,” says Pierer. “More than two-thirds of new bike sales are done in electric bikes.” This is where we will see KTM focusing its electric technology development in the future. Also to note from the presentation on Wednesday, KTM will likely be doing away with smaller 50cc youth I.C.E. motorcycles and replace them with full electric models, which may be called E-mini or E-SX.

8. Bridging the gap

KTM sees E-bikes becoming a major part of future in E-mobility. While it has made clear KTM will be focusing efforts on electric mountain bikes and electric offroad motorcycles, its overall goal is to bridge the gap between the two. Stefan Pierer mentions KTM plans to do this within the next decade. While the picture above was created by our own photoshop wizards, we could imagine a similar mash-up of E-Bike and E-Freeride.

9. Reinventing the distribution model in regard to E-mobility

Chief Sales Officer, Hubert Trunkenpolz, made some comments that may be undoubtedly true but also may make some current dealers wary.

“The channels have to change. The distribution channels have to change,” says Trunkenpolz. “I am 100% sure that the classic dealership, the point of sale, will change into a point of experience. The classic style of dealership will look different in the future.”

When speaking of Tesla, Trunkenpolz continues to explain his expectations of the future.

“The way of distribution is an interesting one and I can absolutely imagine that we will have these few electric mobility dealers having the full range 250w to 11kW, the lightweight E-mobility range and nothing else so they are specialized on that and cover the needs of the market. This is something that will come and I expect to happen.”

10. What is to become of the internal combustion engine?

CEO Stefan Pierer doesn’t think the combustion engine will disappear in the next 20-30 years, but rather, we will see a hybrid in motorcycling of combustion and electric.

“In my opinion, the bridge technology over the next decade will be the hybrid,” says Pierer, acknowledging that KTM understands the trend will be consumer-driven.

“I think, for sure, the road is not black or white,” says CSO Hubert Trunkenpolz. “It will depend on the user, it will depend on his or her priorities, and I think the market will steer it by itself, but I fully agree the kind of hybrid engine will be the solution for longer distance traveling. Emissions are a matter and we have to bring emissions down, this is our job to do, but as I said, this is not black or white.”

Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams

Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.

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  • Ricky Lepre Ricky Lepre on Oct 20, 2017

    KTM has certainly been making progress in Australia. But were just plebs down here. Most European companies treat us as an afterthought. We barley raise a percentage point in sales to most European makes. May be a good opportunity to check out their share prices and do a little homework. I like their arrogance however.I suppose the big four Japanese brands are just going to sit by and let them take the lead? I don't think so.

  • Swiss25 Swiss25 on Feb 24, 2018

    "KTM sees E-bikes becoming a major part of future in E-mobility. While it has made clear KTM will be focusing efforts on electric mountain bikes and electric offroad motorcycles, its overall goal..". When exactly will they start to work on a true EV that looks like one of their Naked or Supersport bikes?? I saw a picture a few years ago I believe with a KTM employee test riding a EV that looked similar to the 125 or 390 Naked KTM lineup. I do wish that there was more discussion on a true EV moto' lineup, but based on the above quote that doesn't look to be happening within the next five years which is too bad. Good article though.

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