KIWI RIDER 09 2019 VOL1 | Page 111

WHO’S THE FREERIDE FOR? Overall the KTM Freeride 250 four-stroke is an excellent, versatile and very capable low intensity trail bike. It is well appointed; is electric start, has reasonable lights that’ll get you home in the dark, a multi-function dash and excellent build quality. It is probably the most effortless trail bike to ride even on some quite challenging single track, as long as you don’t try to go at race pace. The Freeride is a bike which would enable learner riders to tackle increasingly tricky terrain without punishing their small mistakes. For riders who don’t ride regularly, or aren’t hard-core types, but still want a confidence-inspiring mount that isn’t too extreme, the Freeride is for them. The only down side is the quite tall 915mm seat height, which could be tricky for shorter less competent riders. The bike will happily take on modest trials work, but also leave you with a decent seated position for trail riding. In a former life I was a hill country farmer and it would have been perfect for getting to, and mustering in, those sheep which thought they were mountain goats. Even a Pro MX rider would enjoy the Freeride as a fun way to log hop and brush up on their balance skills after their moto practice. Really, there is no down side to having one of these in your shed. KIWI RIDER 109