DirtFirst brings electric KTM into Supermini class

A new electric dirt bike aimed at teenagers has been released by a US firm using a KTM production model.

If you are familiar with electric dirt bikes, then by now you will be acutely aware of bikes like the Stark Varg. Even if you were not reached by the numerous press reports when the Spanish manufacturer invited various media out to ride the Varg, its recent trial by Ken Roczen on a supercross track has surely made its way in front of your eyes, as well as the varying opinions that have resulted. 

Like the Alta of the late-2010s, the Stark Varg has welcomed significant praise from those who have ridden it. Certainly, from the outside it is slightly unnerving to hear the impact of the tyres on the ground after every jump, and the shock that sends through the rest of the bike.

But the praise for the Varg came also from Roczen - a one-time motocross world champion, and two-time AMA 450MX champion - whose general comment seemed to be that electric power will definitely be a part of motocross’ future. 

There has not yet been an electric ‘big bike’ from any of the established manufacturers. KTM partner with Stacyc to make electric balance bikes, and all three of the Pierer Mobility Group Brands - KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas - have their own range of electric off-road minibikes which has expanded for 2023. Additionally, Honda released their CRF-E2 earlier this year, and Kawasaki also has their Electrode electric balance bike. 

DirtFirst has brought electric racing ‘big bikes’ a step closer, though, with their latest creation. It takes a KTM Freeride E-XC as a base, and race-tunes it for competition in the ‘Supermini’ class in AMA motocross racing, to create the DirtFirst KTM Freeride Supermini.

Supermini is the final category a young US-based motocross racer will pass through before jumping on a 125cc two-stroke machine. 

As a result, the DirtFirst KTM Freeride Supermini will create a maximum power output of 18kW, or 24 horsepower, and 42Nm of torque. The bike also features water cooling, a lithium-ion battery with 3.9kWh, Dunlop MX33 tyres, and WP suspension (XACT forks, XPLOR shock). 

Unfortunately for us over here on the eastern side of the Atlantic, the DirtFirst KTM Freeride Supermini will only be available in the US, where it will cost $17,995 (which equates to around £15,000, or around €17,400). But, it does show the progression of electric technology that it can now compete in national-level competition with motorcycles that are part of a customer programme.

The Freeride Supermini’s full specifications can be found below. 

DirtFirst KTM Freeride Supermini specs

• Engine - Permanent magnet synchronous motor
• Maximum electric power - 18kW(24hp)
• Maximum torque - 42Nm(31lb ft)
• Maximum motor speed - 7000rpm
• Battery - Powerpack HV Lithium Ion
• Battery voltage - 260V nominal
• Battery capacity - 3.9kWh
• Cooling system - Water cooled, electric water pump
• Frame - Perimeter, steel/aluminum composite
• Fork - WP XACT 43mm AER, 10.95in (278mm) of travel
• Fork offset - 20mm
• Rear shock - WP XPLOR 5746, 10.24in (260mm) of travel
• Rear wheel - Excel 16” x 1.85” rim
• Front wheel - Excel 19” x 1.40” rim
• Tires - Dunlop MX33
• Front brake disc - Galfer 260mm floating
• Rear brake disc - Galfer 220mm
• Primary transmission ratio - 1:2.4
• Final drive ratio - 13:46, Renthal sprockets
• Chain - DID 520 ERT
• Wheelbase - 55.44in (1408mm)
• Seat height - 33.75in (857mm)
• Ground clearance - 12.50in (317mm)
• Overall weight with battery and fluids - 232lbs (105kg)
• Battery weight - 64lb (29kg)

Lead image and bottom in-text image courtesy of DirtFirst Racing.

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