By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Electric Off-Road
Zero FX (MY2016) vs KTM Freeride E-XC (MY2014)
Zero FX vs KTM Freeride E-XC: which one to buy for the riding you do.
Halfway up a loose climb, the Zero FX's motor reads every twist of the throttle and doesn't guess at what you meant. On that same twist, the KTM Freeride E-XC parks its rear tire right at the edge of grip and won't step out. Small corrections nudge it, and it stays there.
So which one do you buy?
The FX has the edge if…
Real off-road capability
By a nose: FX
For dirt roads and trails, the FX makes slightly more sense. The difference is modest at best.
Which one's the smarter buy
Value's a wash
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
FX
There's almost no noise from the FX's drivetrain, and it's easy to forget what you're sitting on. Ride it really hard and a small warning light starts blinking, then motor power and torque get pulled back so the drivetrain and battery can cool off. Casual dirt doesn't trouble the budget fork. Rough ground finds it out, brakes included. The throttle answers without any slack.
Nils rode the FX in Austria in 2016 (NastyNils Testride).
Freeride E-XC
There's no clutch lever on the Freeride E-XC to juggle, and it won't stall in dense woods at walking pace. Corner entry stays simple. The light chassis drops into the turn like a compact enduro. Neighbors don't even look up when it leaves the driveway.
Nils rode the Freeride E-XC in Austria in 2014, and in 2015 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The FX has the lower seat: 34.7 in (881 mm) vs 35.4 in (900 mm).
- The FX makes more peak power: 43 hp (32 kW) vs 22 hp (16 kW).
- The FX makes more peak torque: 70 lb-ft (95 Nm) vs 31 lb-ft (42 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
FX
Strengths
- Silence opens doors
- Unplug and go
- One gear, clean pull
- Instantly familiar throttle
- Instant, abundant torque and seamless power delivery
Trade-offs
- Brakes run out early
- Optimistic battery gauge
- Limited range and long charging times
- Expensive for its performance envelope
Freeride E-XC
Strengths
- Pinned To The Grip Limit
- No Clutch, No Stalls
- Matched A Full Gas Enduro
- Nimble, confidence‑inspiring handling
- Smooth, silent electric power delivery
Trade-offs
- Brutal Off The Line
- Long Straights Go Flat
- 12V Battery Drains Fast
Known problems to check before you buy
FX
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Freeride E-XC
- 12V auxiliary battery drain The low-voltage auxiliary battery that powers the control electronics, contactor, and instrument display can discharge rapidly during periods of inactivity due to parasitic draw. When drained, the motorcycle fails to initialize the main power system.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 7-year-old FX with a 7-year-old Freeride E-XC.
- FX
- about $5,100
- Freeride E-XC
- about $5,600
What they share
- Engine
- Electric
- Gearbox
- 1-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 90/90-21
Where the spec sheets split
| FX | Freeride E-XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 34.7 in (881 mm) | 35.4 in (900 mm) |
| FX | Freeride E-XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 43 hp (32 kW) | 22 hp (16 kW) |
| Torque | 70 lb-ft (95 Nm) | 31 lb-ft (42 Nm) |
| FX | Freeride E-XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 240 mm | 260 mm |
| Rear tire | 120/80-18 | 120/90-18 |
| Wheelbase | 55.9 in (1420 mm) | 55.8 in (1418 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 10.6 in (269 mm) | 13.4 in (340 mm) |
| Front travel | 8.6 in (218 mm) | 9.8 in (250 mm) |
| Rear travel | 8.9 in (227 mm) | 10.2 in (260 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| FX | Freeride E-XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
