KTM Machina Kapoho Di2 with Bosch Performance Update: review

It doesn't get any better, at least not in the KTM Macina Kapoho universe — which brings us to the core topic. The version with Shimano's Di2 and the electronic FOX Live Valve Neo suspension offers a veritable fireworks display for tech nerds. The Bosch Performance Upgrade 2.0, with a bit more torque and plenty of cool electronic functions, does its part to ensure there are hardly any limits to the gimmicks, tinkering and optimizations. That makes the KTM Macina Kapoho Exonic Di2 certainly not a bike for everyone, but a hallelujah for all who are open to these technical innovations and who like to optimize their lap times and suspensions by computer like the young wild ones of Formula 1.

With the shock mount and the distinctive rear triangle of the frame, but above all with the orange paint job, the KTM is, in any case, a bike that really stands out visually. I like these Californian sunsets on bike frames, those countless facets that hide in the glittering paint, the speckles that remind me of my first GT Karkoram from 1992 — what a wonderful change from all the black and grey frames! Those may be more timeless, but orange always works, I think.

Uphill, the bike makes use of many of the well-known strengths of its geometry. The long wheelbase, balanced riding position and high traction mean that even steep and loose climbs become surprisingly uneventful. The new Fox Live Valve Neo suspension already performs reliably. While conventional suspensions always have to compromise between pedaling neutrality and sensitivity, the electronic system works with a bit more support on the uphill. The rear stays higher in its travel while pedaling, bobbing is minimized and yet the damper opens practically without delay over roots or rock edges. The result is a very efficient riding feel, without having to constantly reach for the lockout or sacrifice traction. Especially in technical uphills the system conveys a lot of calm and confidence, because the rear wheel follows the ground cleanly even on loose terrain while at the same time providing enough support for active riding maneuvers.

The Bosch update is also really successful, allowing a little extra flexibility with 120 Nm of maximum torque when things get really steep or when, as usual, you were too lazy to shift down in time. That extra bit of torque then acts like a lifesaver, allowing you in many cases to still make it up even with a low cadence. If you do stall, Bosch's walk-assist has by now become one of my favorite features - with it you can relatively calmly get going again even in steep terrain on loose ground.

The Shimano Di2 shifting can be used in the Bosch ecosystem in three modes. On the one hand there's the manual mode, which works as we've known bike shifting so far.

The second mode is the M+ mode, in which the drivetrain shifts whenever you're not pedaling. The motor then simply continues to turn the chain and when you pedal again you're automatically in the right gear. This works both ways: if you brake into an uphill during a fast downhill you'll immediately be in the right gear when pedaling, or if you roll away from a standstill and then, for example, want to pedal again at 40 km/h.

The automatic mode then handles all shifting operations and, in my view, is a good companion on flat stretches, in urban environments, or on relaxed rides. Off-road it repeatedly needs to be 'overruled' by manual inputs, because the automatic system of course can't guess what's coming next and it is too slow, especially when changing from fast to steep.

Downhill the bike stays true to its line and conveys enormous composure and confidence from the first meter. The long wheelbase and balanced geometry ensure that the bike is hardly unsettled even in fast, rough sections. New is the way the Fox Live Valve Neo suspension supports this character. While the system provides noticeably more support on flatter sections and during an active riding style, the shock opens on impacts within milliseconds and makes the full travel available. As a result the bike sits higher in its travel in berms, braking bumps and compressions, without sacrificing comfort on root carpets or rocky sections. That way the Valve Neo offers a good combination of a plush ride feel and precise feedback from the ground. The Macina Kapoho Exonic Di2 therefore feels a bit livelier and more defined than the sister model I had the chance to test last year without active suspension; nevertheless, even with active suspension the bike remains a railjet on two wheels — an active-suspension-grounded bike with lots of traction and travel and not a bouncy toy.

On trail duty it quickly becomes clear that Live Valve Neo actually provides more support in the suspension without needlessly sacrificing comfort on rough terrain. The bike sits higher in the travel, feels more defined when accelerating and pumping, and offers noticeably more support in corners, while the responsiveness to roots and impacts remains surprisingly sensitive.

I have to admit: Bosch's new Trick Check is pretty funny. The gyro sensors built into the motor detect certain maneuvers with an accuracy of +/- 10%. Whether I'd trust that +/-10% figure 100% or only 90%, I don't know; in practical use it has at least shown that the results fairly well reflect the perceived differences between the stunts. As soon as, after a really brutal maneuver, the tires touch back down on the ground, a beep — like the applause of an enthusiastic crowd — celebrates what was just done. It happens instantly, and it feels significantly more accurate than, for example, what Garmin records, especially in the three variations Jump, Wheelie (= Manual) and Stoppie. A jump is counted from 0.5 m distance and a minimum duration of 0.15 seconds. A wheelie or manual must cover at least 2 m — with a tilt angle of 15° and a minimum speed of 5 km/h. A stoppie must last at least 0.3 s; the minimum tilt angle depends on speed. These are thresholds that even make me — a rider who usually keeps it close to the ground — occasionally get a Trick Check little beep and a grin.

The KTM Macina Kapoho in all its variants is already a cool eMTB. The Exonic Di2 variant as the flagship is the highlight and is impressive both in price and technical terms. If you've already had your eye on the KTM Macina Kapoho and are into innovative tech and electronic tuning, you'll enjoy this even more. Less tech‑savvy riders would benefit from the suspension's auto modes, but it still requires a proper baseline setup that then suits most riding profiles.

I was positively impressed by the new Bosch Performance Upgrade, which is available for all Gen. 5 motors — the 120 Nm of torque is especially noticeable in offering greater flexibility on steep climbs, where cadence can quickly fall below a critical value and it may already be too late to shift down. Bosch's Trick Check is really fun and, even if it's not always accurate to the centimeter, it works noticeably more responsively and feels much more precise than, for example, the solutions integrated by Garmin.

Overall, the KTM Macina Kapoho Exonic Di2 is an extremely competent machine both uphill and downhill. The 800 Wh battery guarantees solid range. The motor provides strong momentum uphill on steep slopes; downhill the mullet geometry and suspension do the rest when it comes to forgiving handling, stable, railjet-like composure and confidence‑inspiring performance.