UPDATE: KTM SX-E5: ELECTRIC MINI BIKE
Said to be landing in Australasia before the end of 2019. HOPEFULLY! the KTM SX-E5 is meant to line up against the SX50 on the track.
The fact of the matter is that electric bikes are coming hard and fast. Not in a way that will see the end of dirt bikes aw we know it, but as you can see all over the world wide web, you will have options sooner than I think you think.
The Alta motorcycle is probably the class leading electric dirt bike in the world today, although after closing shop earlier this year due to funding issues, the Iron Throne is open to whoever want to put their serious electric hand up.
Kids are a great market for the electric sector. The power-to-weight doesn’t need to be as impressive, the components wont take such a beating, and kids are happy to ride around the same paddock or house for hours. So check out what is coming along the pipe line from KTM.
The newly developed KTM SX-E5 is the next step in KTM’s innovative line-up. Combining KTM’s class-leading knowledge in youth motor-cycling with years of development work in the e-sector, the KTM SX-E5 is based on the incredibly popular KTM 50 SX with a high-end chassis powered by an electric motor. The new KTM SX-E5 will be ultra-competitive, yet easy to ride even for pure beginners. It enjoys the advantage of zero emissions, low noise and minimal maintenance, which makes it ideal for youngsters looking to make the first step into the world of motorcycling. The new KTM SX-E5 will set a new benchmark within the electric-minicycle market in terms of performance, rideability, safety and serial standard, and thanks to its dynamic design, it is ideal for the growing rider with its adjustable seat height.
FEATURES
A permanent magnet electric motor with a modern design and excellent reliability produces a peak power of 5 kW powered by a low-voltage battery. The state-of-the-art control unit is perfectly integrated inside the motor, and provides a strong yet easy to control power delivery. With no shifting or clutch, this machine is easy to ride and with no compromise in terms of safety thanks to competence standards being applied from the car industry.
The KTM SX-E5’s Power- Pack can provide more than two hours of riding for a beginner, or 25 minutes for the faster junior racers and is charged with an external worldwide charger with approximately one-hour charging time. A multifunctional instrument between the steering head and seat allows the user to select different ride modes, which is of paramount importance to build confidence into the junior rider, whilst having the option for faster and more powerful modes as they improve in ability. With safety in mind, a roll-over sensor cuts off the power in the case of a crash or falling over, and additionally, a wrist lanyard key cuts the motor in the event of a crash.
This dynamic drivetrain is fitted to a high-end chassis with an innovative, adjustable seat height that’s ideal for the growing youngster. High-quality hydraulic Formula brakes with lightweight Wave brake discs are comparable to those on combustion machines, whilst the wheels and handlebar are also of similar quality. A state-of-the-art WP XACT 35 fork provides outstanding rideability and stability, and is combined with the WP shock absorber that’s linked directly to a newly developed lightweight cast aluminum swingarm, created especially for the KTM SX-E5. The modern, lightweight and nimble frame is based on the KTM 50 SX and adapted for the electric drivetrain and battery, and boasts a polyamide subframe that’s reinforced by fiberglass – another innovative KTM SX-E5 feature.
Finally, the bodywork is shared with the KTM 50 SX, which is similar to its bigger brothers racing at world championship level, and a spacer has been designed in place of the fuel tank to give a true motorcycle feel. This design provides perfect contact points and ergonomics for the rider, whilst looking ultra-cool with its orange polymer powder coated frame and the cool graphic design.
Words: KTM Motorsports
Photos: Mitterbauer H. / KTM Images