KTM FREERIDE EXC vs. SURRON STORM BEE | Electric Dirt Bike Test + Full Review
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Published 2022-11-20
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The KTM Freeride EXC has a nominal power output of 9kW and a peak output of 18kW. It’s got a removable, 3.9kWh battery and it’s suspended by a WP XPLOR 43mm fork and WP PDS shock. The KTM Freeride weighs 245 pounds and recently had a price increase from $10,499 to $11,299
The Surron Storm Bee has a nominal power of 10kW and a peak output of 22.5kW. It’s got a removable, 5.7kWh battery and it’s suspended by a FastAce fork and shock. The Storm tested here weighs 291 pounds, with the F version weighing 280 pounds. The Storm Bee F will MSRP at $8,499.
The Surron Storm is the more affordable option by about $2,800. It’s got a higher top speed of approximately 70mph and it’s more comfortable if you’re looking for a mellow riding experience. It feels more relaxed than it does sporty. The suspension is plush and soft. Which is why I keep comparing it to a Suzuki DRZ or Honda XR Internal Combustion bike. Out of the 2 bikes, the Surron is heavier by about 45 pounds and that, paired with the softer suspension can be noticeable if you start pushing the bike hard. Surron claims a seat height of 37 inches but my test bike was sitting much lower than that thanks to its super low cut seat. This is great for standover height but it feels a little awkward when you’re sitting down.
According to my tape measure, the Surron Storm has a ground clearance of roughly 11.75", which comes in approximately 3.5" lower than the KTM Freeride EXC. The Storm has a better LCD display and a lot more programmable features than the KTM. The Surron utilizes a 110v charger which is more convenient for charging options but it means that recharging the battery takes significantly longer.
The battery on the Storm Bee is easily removable by removing the seat, disconnecting the connection points, releasing these clasps, and pulling the battery out.
Oh yeah, and it’s got reverse and turbo mode.
The KTM Freeride is more expensive, with a current MSRP of $11,299. It’s got a lower top speed than the Storm, coming in at approximately about 48mph.
What it lacks in comfort when compared to the Storm, it makes up for with a more sporty and nimble feel. A quick translation is that it feels like you’re riding on top the bike rather than in the bike. Although the WP suspension is smaller in size than the FastAce equipment found on the Surron, it has superior performance off road.
The throttle mapping and power delivery on the KTM feels more refined and has better rear wheel connection than the Storm. It utilizes a 220v charger which can make recharging somewhat inconvenient but the upside is that battery charges significantly quicker when you have access to 220 power.
The KTM Freeride battery is easily removable by releasing the seat latch, loosening the four, 10mm bolts that keep the battery in place and pulling the battery out.
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(0:00) Intro
(1:10) KTM Specs
(1:43) Surron Specs
(2:15) Comparison Summary
(5:38) Surron Storm Bee Review
(25:48) KTM Freeride EXC Review
(34:00) Battery Swap
(34:32) WHO WINS?
All Comments (21)
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I always appreciate your real-world hands on reviews-Thanks Tucker!
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Based on this video. I reckon the storm bee would be my pick. Bigger battery, more power, more speed, more range, cheaper. Plus the way you describe the plush storm b vs nimble freeride characteristics, I think the storm be a better match for me. I also like the more flexible user settings in the storm B. I think that is important to help tune the bike to your own preferences and terrain.
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Thx for the early thoughts/breakdown..really appreciated that.
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You're the man Tucker! I'm still obsessed with my Alta Redshift. I can't bring myself to get another electric MX bike yet. The Alta is just so good, IMO.
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Excellent review on both bikes. Thank you so much for sharing. Very helpful 🤙
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The comparison ive been looking for. Thankyouu
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Exceptionally done.. Very impressive review mate! Thanks for sharing this👍
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That was an excellent review and what amazing trails you have there.
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Great review! 🤙🏼 Both bike look amazing, can't wait to try that new Surron tho 👀
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Great review!
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Unreal review! So much depth. Also.. you can ride man!
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Another great review, thank you! And yes, please get your hands on an Ultra Bee and let us all know what the deal is! I would buy an Ultra Bee today if it was available in the US and lived up to claimed specs (while I wait for my Stark Varg to be delivered later in 2023).
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Fantastic video, mate! I chose the Surron Storm Bee because it was the only choice. And there was just one in the whole country (Mongolia). The local KTM dealer didn't have any KTM Freeride's for sale. I also tried the smaller Surron Light Bee but I'm a tall guy and it just didn't fit. The Storm Bee works well for me, it fits me perfectly I'm 187cm and 90kg (6'2" and 200lbs) and I'm not an aggressive rider (I'm 59 years old). I find the Storm Bee very fast and has a very responsive throttle. I don't experience the "lag and delay" you describe. I actually wish there was some lag and delay. Sport mode is insane and I only use it on roads. Never used "Turbo" but do use reverse a lot. Eco and rain are better for me and give more range. Traction control is brilliant for hill climbs. I concur that you need handguards/barkbusters. I bought KTM full wrap around handguards. They fit with minor modifications. I got a 220v charger with mine and can recharge in 2-3 hours from dead. But I hardly ever run it even close to dead. Most rides are 30-60 minutes and I'll use 10-50% of my charge. I paid $7200 for my prototype / pre-production model just over 1 year ago. I could get a Ultra Bee and a Storm Bee for the price of the KTM.
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Love how indepth and honest this review was. Was going to get a KTM Freeride, but now I think I'll go with the Storm for the street-legal scrambler build I've been wanting to make for some time now. Definitely fits my all-in-one bike role that I need.
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Ready for the KTM Freeride vs the Surron Ultra Bee review now please !
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Thanks for the awesome review. I would be really keen to hear what your base chassis settings are on the Storm Bee. E.g. compression, rebound, sag and tyre pressures. I have only had my Storm Bee a few weeks now, and it's my first dirtbike...some base settings from a more experienced rider would be great to see.
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Surron drivetrain, custom frame, custom suspension. Got it.
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Great review…as always. Thank you. Our next move is to try our stick free ride forks on one of our electric motion bikes….definitely like the electric with the manual clutch. A bigger fork let’s you push through trails faster. I am sure we will have several hybrid bikes until we get our Stark delivered….the funny part is I have a new KTM 450 xcf 2023 that I haven’t even ridden yet….we have so much fun on the electric.
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Already have a Freeride and I am sure the suspension and build quality stock are far better. I did however just order a set of cone valve forks for mine and the shock is being re valved. We are riding fast east coast single track.
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That tracks a beast ..nice riding pal.👍
