2020 KTM SX-E 5

Electric motocross technology is not anything new. It has been in the off-road world for quite sometime, but getting one of the major five manufacturers to get on board with it has been somewhat difficult. Until now… My son’s first two wheeled motorcycle was an Oset electric trials bike and that proved to be the best decision Heather and I could have ever made. It taught him technique, balance, and he could ride it in the backyard everyday after school. It gave him something to work hard for at an early age as well as something that was accessible to him everyday similar to an after school sport. This is why I think electric technology is important for the growth of our sport! Not hurt it! We let a couple youngsters spend some quality time on the KTM SX-E 5 and here is what we found out…

The 2020 KTM SX-E 5 is not just cool because it’s electrically powered, it also has a ton of ergonomic adjustability. We will get to the electric portion in a minute, but the big news is how adaptable the KTM SX-E 5 is to different sized riders There are two seat-height positions, but that’s just the start of the adjustability. The standard seat height is 26.1 inches. From there, the seat and surrounding bodywork can be lowered to 25.2 inches. The next step is changing the upper mount for the shock and raising the fork legs in the triple clamp. That drops the seat to 24.2 inches. A KTM PowerParts kit can lower the suspension, moving the seat height down to 22.0 inches, giving the 2020 KTM SX-E 5 a seat height range of over four inches. Furthermore, KTM offers a handlebar mount kit with five different heights, so the ergonomics are fully customizable to your little one. Finally, the tapered aluminum handlebar is narrower at the grips, making it easier for kids to hold on with their little hands.

The downside to having too much fun? Waiting for the KTM SX-E 5 to re-charge.

The adjustability of the 2020 KTM SX-E 5 is important because the motorcycle is designed for the long-haul. Rather than having it for one year and then selling it because it’s too small for your little one, you can keep it and have it grow with your child. Two-stroke motors and clutches are expensive and I know this first hand. They also require constant attention, especially if you have an aggressive racer on your hands. The SX-E 5 is virtually maintenance-free. The only scheduled maintenance is the replacement of a bearing on the output shaft. Not only does this save you money, it also means that dad doesn’t have to be a great mechanic for his kid to go racing.

 The 2020 KTM SX-E 5 retails at a costly $5049 and we know that’s a lot of dough for a little machine. KTM tells us that they anticipate that a year of riding and racing an SX-E 5 will be less expensive, including the purchase price, than the $4349 KTM 50 SX two-stroke. While KTM didn’t give me exact numbers, they did make a valid point on maintenance costs. Engine and clutch rebuilds are a thing of the past, as are race gas, two-stroke oil, transmission oil, as well as replacing smashed pipes. The SX-E 5 also has the high-quality disc brakes, tires, pegs, and other features of the 50 SX.

 The electric motor is as adaptive as the ergonomics for different young riders. KTM gave the 2020 SX-E 5 six different power modes. The least powerful mode—1—barely lets the SX-E 5 roll much above a slow walking speed and is extremely docile. From there, it steps up until mode 6, which is definitely very fast. A dongle allows the parent to control mode levels adjustments, though doesn’t function as a key to make sure the motorcycle isn’t ridden outside of prescribed times.

 There is a noticeable difference between each ride mode. Our young girl tester didn't need any more power than what mode 3 offered, but our more experienced younger boy test rider liked mode 4-5 the best. Get two experienced kids together on SX-E 5s, and they will be constantly begging their parents to move up the mode to a faster setting, but it’s up to you to tell them “take it easy”. Let them master each mode. I like to let the kids “graduate” from each mode like they are in school. Pass that grade, move up to a stronger engine setting. Give them a goal!  

The customizable chassis features high-end WP XACT suspension units. This is a racing motorcycle, so the suspension is fully adjustable at both ends. The fork legs have air springs, and the shock gets a piggyback reservoir. Watching the kids tear around the test track, it was clear that the long-travel units—8.1 inches in the front and 7.3 in the rear—seem good enough. We didn’t have a chance to adjust them to see how plush they can be made to hard core racers, but it seems like what is there is good enough for most.

The motor is powered by a KTM Powerpack LV 0.9 battery with 84 lithium-ion cells. We ran the battery down several times and it lasted the kids around 22-25 minutes of ride time. Each track we tested at was on hard pack to intermediate terrain. The slower the rider the longer the lifespan. Our girl tester ran the SX-E 5 for more than 40 minutes, but that was Emerie’s first time on the bike. Charging times are critical, and the Powerpack can be loaded with electricity reasonably quickly. In 52 minutes, the battery can go from no charge to a 75% charge. It will take another 25 minutes to get a full charge. 

Although KTM doesn’t promote the battery to be swappable at the track, we’re told it only takes 10-15 minutes to swap batteries. If the 2020 KTM SX-E 5 is being used for enduro or trail duties, dad could bring a spare battery in a backpack and double the range. The battery isn’t cheap, though, with an MSRP of $850.

A considerable advantage to the 2020 KTM SX-E 5 is the ease of use and less intimidating to youngsters. The 50 SX racer is a kickstart motorcycle, and that can be a hassle, especially in the case of a fall and a resulting flooded carburetor. The SX-E 5 is quiet and doesn't have that obnoxious 50 two-stroke twang. The SX-E 5 is always ready to go. Should the rider go down, the motor shuts off, and there’s a simple reset needed to get going again. A wrist lanyard acts as a kill switch as well.

Our testers liked the power delivery more than the gas powered 50 and relative silence of the KTM SX-E 5. Unlike adults who develop prejudices as they go through life, kids just hop on the SX-E 5 and have a great time. Each tester had huge smiles when they got off the SX-E 5 and told us they felt faster. The 2020 KTM SX-E 5 does everything you expect a motocross machine to do. It jumps well, corners, has good ergonomics,, and has a feeling that gives young riders confidence. Each of our testers loved the lightweight feel, but complained when they had to wait for the SX-E 5 to charge. Shocking that kids are impatient!

Test Rider Opinions:

Name: Emerie Sutherlin

Age: 8 years old

Height: 3’9 

Weight: 63 lbs

Skill Level: Beginner

Emerie started riding at 3 years old on a PW50. Her next bike was the KTM 50 SX Mini and she currently rides the KTM 50 SX. She has raced 6 off-road races and rides regularly with her dad at the local MX races.

Emerie’s first ride on the KTM SX-E 5 was at Glen Helen Raceway. She felt right at home on the bike immediately and improved her lap time in comparison with her gas powered bike. Her immediate feedback was that the bike felt fast and smooth in comparison to her normal bike. She also liked that it was quiet which made it feel less intimidating.

She felt the bars and front end felt more loose and less stable going into the corners. She also commented that the bike would drop into jump faces and holes more than her bike. Little does she know she is already commenting about suspension feel.

She also was commenting that it was a long process to start the bike (this might be referring to waiting for the battery to charge as she got on after another rider). She is grateful for the experience and can’t wait for the next ride.

Myles Abbott: 

Age: 9 years old

Height: 4’3

Weight: 66 lbs.

Skill Level: Novice

First thing he said after riding “omg I love it!!”

Positives:

-He really likes light weight feel

-Said it’s really fast top speed

-Likes how quick it is out of corners

-Mostly rode power 4-6

-Rode in power 6 once used to it, said it’s really aggressive especially out of corners 

-Overall easy to ride and control compared to his old KTM 50SX

-Suspension action / handling 

-Mentioned small feel compared to CRF110F

Negatives:

-Touchy brakes 

-Rear brake pedal too close 

-Wishes the battery lasted more than 30 min 

-Keeps asking if it’s done charging yet lol

SPECS:

MOTOR:

• Type: BLDC w/ outer rotor

• Maximum power: 6.7 horsepower @ 3200 rpm

• Maximum torque: 9.6 ft/lbs @ rpm

• Maximum motor speed: 6000 rpm

• Transmission: Clutchless direct drive

• Final drive: Chain

BATTERY:

• Type: KTM lithium-ion

• Capacity: 907 Wh

• Charger: 900 W

• Charge time to 100%: 70 minutes at 25 A

• Charge time to 80%: 45 minutes at 25 A

• Input: 110 V or 220 V

CHASSIS:

• Chassis: Steel frame w/ aluminum swingarm

• Handlebar: Tapered aluminum

• Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable WP Xact air-sprung 35mm inverted fork; 8.1 inches

• Rear suspension; travel: Fully adjustable WP Xact PDS piggyback-reservoir shock; 7.3 inches

• Rims: Aluminum

• Front wheel: 12 x 1.5

• Rear wheel: 10 x 1.6

• Tires: Maxxis Maxxcross SI

• Front tire: 60/100 x 12

• Rear tire: 2.75 x 10

• Front brake: 160mm disc

• Rear brake: 160mm disc

DIMENSIONS:

• Wheelbase: 40.6 inches

• Rake: 24 degrees (22mm triple clamp offset)

• Seat height: 26.9 inches (adjustable)

• Curb weight: 89 pounds

2020 KTM SX-E 5 Price:

• $5049 MSRP

Living With The 2016 Oset 20.0 Racing Electric Trials Bike

 I purchased a 2016 Oset 20.0 48v electric trials bike two years ago for Aden (my son) to hone his skills on around the house. Little did I know how much fun one of these suckers would be, not only for him, but for me as well. In those two years the Oset 20.0 has been a mainstay in our backyard, at local motocross tracks and the occasional desert trail ride. Plus, haven't you ever just wanted to ride right out of your garage or build a makeshift course in your backyard? Well, Oset bikes has made this possible without getting bitchy, non-friendly dirt bike people in an uproar. The version we have is the 2016 Oset 20.0 48v Racing Electric Trials Bike that was originally  designed for 8-12 year old’s (but that didn't stop me from trying it out, even if I am 25-30 years older). It is powered by 48v battery system (four 12 volt batteries) that has lasted us up to 2.5 hours per ride time, depending on size of rider and how it is ridden. The Oset 20.0 bike comes with a 48v wall charger that takes up to four hours to charge when unit is fully drained. Yes, that is the downside to this machine! The charge times!! 

Our older 2016 model came with three fully adjustable power settings (speed, power, and response). Each setting can be adjusted via a knob near the front of the machine. What I have learned is that “speed” is the overall top speed the Oset 20.0 will go, “power” is much like a torque adjustment similar to bottom end on a gas powered machine and “response” is how quick you want the throttle to hit (or delay) when accelerating (similar to rpm response on a gas powered machine). For those in the target age range, the Oset 20.0 is a machine, which is a lot of fun, provides incredible opportunities for gaining skills and the bike can be ridden in any park or backyard – without upsetting grandma and grandpa next door. The Oset 20.0 machine is configured with front and rear disc brakes controlled by hand levers, like a mountain bike, a twist throttle like a motorcycle and the direct-drive electric motor means there’s no transmission, so no shift lever or clutch.

My now 12 year old son Aden Keefer has been riding an Oset machine since he was six years old. His first was a 12.5 version that lasted him until he was almost nine years old. The only problem we ever had with the 12.5 was when he would crash, break the throttle housing and of course the occasional flat tires. Don't fear though as Oset Bikes has a US office based out of Montrose, Colorado and has plenty of replacement parts in stock and ready to purchase. The highlight of Aden’s childhood has been riding in his backyard after school with his buddies and building obstacles to get over cleanly. Good clean fun!  

The cost of a new 2018 Oset 20.0 48v electric machine is $2999.00, but our 2016 version was $2899.00, so the cost has only increased a small amount in a couple years. Without a gas engine to keep supplied with fuel, oil, filters, etc, the Oset is fairly easy and cheap to own. The lifespan of the four batteries is going to vary a lot on usage however, but if the bike is used constantly we would suggest investing in batteries every year or so. We installed a set of lithium batteries on our 2016 unit and it not only lightened the Oset up almost six pounds, but increased lifespan of each ride by almost 30 minutes! Oset will sell you replacement batteries at $41.95 each, which isn’t a lot considering that yearly cost is probably less than the fuel alone for your gas powered-driven machine. However, my suggestion is to invest in some lithium-ion batteries so the kids can have a longer duration of fun. 

Throttle response is awesome when the knob is turned near high and the electric motor makes great torque, so even if a skilled rider (like dad) gets on, he can loft the front wheel easily, which is essential for trials. The riding position is made to stand upwards and the purpose is for the rider not to really sit down, especially on a trials bike, so there’s no seat. Aden from time to time will sit down on the plastic just for the pure fact that his little 12-year-old chicken legs are getting tired, so it can be done. Having your young child’s brain wired into standing up most of the time will teach him or her very good foot placement on the pegs (for weight distributing) and also give them strong legs for when they graduate to a motocross style gas powered machine. All of these fundamentals that are key for riding a dirt bike can all be taught easily on the Oset 20.0 with minimal danger. If you look at any really good technical motocross rider, all of them have had some sort of trials bike or background growing up. The Oset 20.0 can teach anyone (not just 8-12 year old’s) the importance of balance on a motorcycle.

I have played with the “speed” dial a lot over the past year or so and have clocked this sucker going 36mph at full speed. Now this isn't something that is important to this type of bike, but it’s nice to know that you’re able to take your kid trail riding and you’re not going at a snails pace. Now that Aden has become more accustomed to the Oset, the “Power” knob has been set to almost wide open. Damn, kids! The great thing about having all these control setting options is that you can monitor your child’s improvement and it’s easy to see it first hand. Having these control settings can also make it very easy for a parent’s mind to be at ease when watching their child ride on a daily basis. Less risk, more reward.

The fork and chassis remind me more of my mountain bike than a motorcycle, primarily because the Oset 20.0 doesn’t need the size and heavy-duty nature of a typical dirt bike suspension. The fork can be adjusted with air just like your typical mountain bike and also has a rebound adjustment for a slower or faster feeling (almost all of our settings are set to stock). Oset gives the customer an option to go to a heavier rear spring (which we have installed) for my larger frame. With my 170-pound body on the Oset, I felt the heavier rear spring was adequate enough for aggressive trials type obstacles (and Aden didn't notice a thing). If you’re trying to hit jumps with the Oset, I recommend checking the bolts on the plastic because they have and will back out fairly quickly.

We got Aden that 12.5 racing version back in the day so he could learn the technical skills that he needed (in a safe way) before jumping into a pipey, aggressive, somewhat intimidating 65cc pre-mixed burning motocross machine. Over the course of those few years Aden has learned to be smoother, has better technique and doesn't get as much whiskey throttle. All of those important skills has to do with him riding and beating the crap out of the Oset 12.5/20.0 electric trials bikes. Getting your child to learn how to use a clutch is easy compared to getting him or her to learn the proper way to ride. In order to keep our kids safe they must learn the correct way to twist their right hand, know how to use the brakes and weight their pegs (for balance). The Oset has taught my son all of those things and even though he rides his 2018 Kawasaki KX85 more than his Oset now, that doesn't stop him from coming home from school to work on his technique silently in the backyard! Not to mention having an Oset 20.0 in your garage is almost like purchasing a small slice of heaven because it can get your child to get their homework done, chores completed and even say “please” before they ask do it. Boom! Suck it X-Box and Playstation! #KeepKidsOnDirtBikes 

If you have any questions about this test please feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com