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KTM Freeride E-XC | When Is It Available in Australia?

So when is KTM’s electric dirt bike (Freeride E-XC) available to buy in Australia? We’re curious as well since electric dirt bikes are the future.

As of April 7th 2020, there is no formal announcement from KTM Australia as to when they will release it locally. However, as shown on their website, they are recommending that you contact dealers.

A bit strange, isn’t it? Especially when their marketing overseas is so powerful:

We’re really keen and excited to see how this changes the local market.

Overview of the KTM E-XC Australia

The future belongs to those who innovate. As the world progressively runs out of fossil fuels, it’s time to move on to electric consumption.

KTM is leading the way here. While Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki are trying to launch electric dirt bikes in Australia, it’s KTM who’s ahead of the pack.

Overview of the KTM E-XC Australia
Image source: KTM Europe

The KTM Freeride E-XC is now available in Europe and North America. Clearly the demand in those markets is very strong compared to that locally.

In fact, KTM is now on to their second generation of electric dirt bikes. So it’s quite unfortunate that these aren’t available locally because places to ride dirt bikes in Australia are hard to come across.

Reasons to own an electric dirt bike

We really see the gas guzzlers or what we like to call “steam engines” eventually being overtaken by these electric-driven machines in terms of sales. They already overtake petrol bikes in drag races based on the high torque and lack of gears.

And there happens to be many more reasons to own an electric dirt bike:

  • No neighbours to annoy because the engine is quiet
  • The maintenance and servicing for the bike is a lot less
  • You won’t need to worry about refuelling on the track
  • Riders can have basic conversions when riding side by side
  • The weight of an electric dirt bike is almost half of an electric bike
  • Easier for beginners as there is no clutch and gears to worry about

With many councils restricting riding areas in the past due to noise complaints, we do look forward to these previously banned areas opening up again.

Current alternatives to KTM E-Ride

Did you know that you don’t have to wait until the launch of the KTM E-XC in Australia. There are good alternatives already available in the market.

One such example is the Stealth Bomber. This is the most popular version with the price the equivalent of a KTM 250cc 4-stroke.

We’ve actually written a guide showing all the electric dirt bikes available in Australia. It’s worth a read especially as you can find new bikes for less than $5,000 including a road-registered model.

Essentially, it’s a great way to tie yourself over until the bike is available locally, since this is still some time away.

Australian KTM E-XC launch date

This is our opinion only as we’re closely following industry news:

We foresee the launch of the KTM E-XC happening in Australia towards late 2020 or early 2021. It takes time for the following reasons:

  • KTM is still doing R&D testing in Europe
  • They need to meet local emissions testing
  • ADR compliance takes time to get approval
  • Their development team is likely looking for road-registration approval
  • Dealerships across the country need to re-train their mechanics and sales team on the characteristics of this electric dirt bike
  • And finally…the anticipation will likely drive up interest and sales.

Let’s hope that Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki don’t beat them to the market. There are approximate 30 KTM dealers in Australia patiently waiting for the arrival of the Freeride E-XC and we’re sure they want the first-mover advantage in the market.

The waiting game

While you’re waiting, have a look at some of the incredible power and response that the KTM Freeride E-XC bike has. It seems that once you go electric, you never go back!

As they are already used in motocross, you can expect this electric banger to change the face of the industry as well, not just trail riders.

From there, it’s assumed that KTM will take into the adventure riding market with replacing the 690R with an electric equilavent. For now though, that’s a few years away.

We would just love to see the Freeride E-XC, with such fanfare internationally, available locally first. It’s been 3 years now.

Bring it on KTM Australia. We’re ready when you are.

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