KTM reveals trio of 2018 off-road machines

KTM’S surprise reveal of the 790 Adventure R prototype at EICMA somewhat overshadowed the rest of its 2018 range.

But while the middleweight adventure machine had everyone’s attention, the Austrian manufacturer revealed next year’s off-road bikes.

And with the 790 Adventure R not due to debut until 2019, these are your best chance to get muddy on orange in the New Year.

First up, and the closest you’re going to get to the Adventure R is the 450 Rally Replica. Fared and sharing much technology with KTM’s extensively developed Dakar machine, this 450cc model will debut next year, boasting more power, a new engine management system, a new frame and swingarm, new fuel tank and revised rear suspension. 

The brand new KTM Freeride 250 F, meanwhile, leans more towards the trials side of things, with a newly developed 250cc DOHC 4-stroke engine derived from that of the 250 EXC-F. A short wheelbase, minimal weight of 98.5kg and a low seat height promise agility, while new WP suspension with 250 mm at the front and 260mm at the rear also features.

Finally, we first saw the new A1-compliant KTM Freeride E-XC last month at its launch in Austria. For 2018, the model has been treated to a new chassis and suspension, while its power output has been hiked up to just over 24bhp. The 3.9 kWh lithium-ion battery offers 50% more range than the first generation model, allowing for up to one-and-a-half hours of riding time.