After our extensive and highly insightful interview with KTM Bikes at the beginning of the year, we seized the opportunity and took a test bike home for a story.
This bike turned out to be KTM's Macina Kapoho specced with Shimano's Cues drivetrain. On one hand because it is packed with exciting technology and the groupset is new even to us; on the other because Bosch and Shimano will expand the innovative eShift concept to further Di2 groups in autumn, including the Cues fitted here. Also, a performance upgrade for the motor is coming soon (up to 100 Nm torque, 750 W maximum output, 400 % maximum support).
The Macina Kapoho looks impressive - with corresponding weight and handling, that bring both advantages and disadvantages. You'll read more about these after the technical info.
This bike is not nimble and delicate, but a down-to-earth bike with lots of traction and range.
the KTM Macina Kapoho railjet on rails
Technical info
One special feature of the KTM Macina Kapoho, besides the mullet setup (29″ tire front and 27.5″ rear), is that the battery is inserted into the downtube from above. KTM named this system Power Tube Top Loader – and makes battery handling easy, because first, the battery cannot accidentally fall off, and second, it is much simpler to install and remove.
There is still enough space on the battery for a water bottle. Another plus: Bosch no longer covers the charging port with a rubber cap but installed a proper mechanical flap on the KTM bike.
As I mentioned at the beginning, with regard to parts, I’ve not had any experience with Shimano’s Cues Di2 yet. What’s quite surprising: the groupset, designed primarily for urban use, also looks good on hardcore MTBs like KTM’s Macina Kapoho.
Above all, the ergonomics of the shift lever are great, and this modern groupset does generally go well with the Bosch ecosystem, which is among the industry leading electric drive units after the latest updates in my opinion.
Tech Specs
| Frame | Macina Kapoho Dimmix Al 6061 SLL 160 UDH Bosch BDU38/M5260 | Cassette | Shimano LG400-11 / 11-50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | M/L/XL | Chain | KMC e11 Sport EPT e-bike |
| Engine | Bosch Performance CX BDU3840 - 25 km/h / 85 Nm | Wheels | KTM Line - Shimano TC500B CL 32H 110-15TA, Ambrosio E30 Trail 32H 622x30TC, DT Champion 2.0 black KTM Line - Shimano TC600B CL 32H 148-12TA, Ambrosio E30 Trail 32H 584x30TC, DT Alpine II 2.34 black |
| Battery | Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh horizontal | Tires front and rear | Maxxis Minion DHF 3C-MaxxTerra / EXO+/TR 63-622, Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C-MaxxTerra / EXO+/ TR 65-584 |
| Display | Bosch Mini Remote Flatbar / Bosch Purion 400 Display | Headset | Acros AICR internal 1.1/8"-1.5" angle limit |
| Front Suspension | Fox 36 Float 29" Rhythm e-bike 160mm 15x110 | Stem | KTM Team II Trail35 |
| Rear Suspension | Fox Float X Performance 2Pos 250x70 | Grips | Ergon GE10 |
| Crankset | KTM E-Trail2 ISIS 160 mm Q12 | Saddle | Selle San Marco Ground Short Open Fit Narrow |
| Handlebar | KTM Team II Trail 35 Rizer 25, 800 mm | Seatpost | KTM Comp II dropper internal 34.9 T:125 |
| Brakes | Shimano Deore M6100 / M6120 4-Kolben | Discs | Shimano RT64 CL 203 / RT64 CL 180 |
| Trigger | Shimano Di2 EN605 wireless | Weight | 27,53 kg |
| Derailleur | Shimano Cues Di2 U8050-11 SGS shadow | Price | € 5,999.- RRP |
I’d place the new Bosch Smart System and the Performance Line CX among the best in today’s motor market. Bosch has, in fact, abstained from the race for maximum power and highest possible torque and has for years been working on solid, reliable and maintenance-friendly drive units instead. Other manufacturers may boast highlights in certain areas, but Bosch in my view currently offers the best overall package – including support and spare‑parts supply after purchase.
With the Mini-Remote and new displays – from the small Purion 400 mounted on the handlebar, to the Kiox 400C Mini for top-tube mounting and the Controller that is smoothly integrated into the frame – there is now an option for every taste and looks are considered too.
The other specs are a solid mix of KTM’s in-house parts like crankset, dropper post and the wheels with Shimano hubs and Ambrosio rims, and those of established suppliers like the Fox suspension consisting of a 36 Float fork and a Float X Performance shock with size‑specific piggy‑back reservoir.
Maxxis’ DHR and DHF tires are a solid choice for a bike like this. The MaxxTerra compound offer decent rolling characteristics compared to MaxxGrip and the extended Exo+ puncture protection makes sense on this kind of bike.
The wheels mounted on our Macina Kapoho setup probably offer the biggest tuning potential in terms of weight and thus also have an impact on how lightfooted the ride feels.
Geometry
| Size | MD | LA | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube (mm) | 430 | 450 | 480 |
| Head tube (mm) | 100 | 110 | 125 |
| Top tube (mm) | 600 | 620 | 645 |
| Chain stays (mm) | 448 | 448 | 448 |
| Head angle | 65° | 65° | 65° |
| Seat angle | 76,5° | 76,5° | 76,5° |
| Stack (mm) | 611 | 620 | 634 |
| Reach (mm) | 453 | 471 | 493 |
The four‑piston Shimano XT braking system with a 203 mm rotor at the front and 180 mm at the rear is very solid and, in our experience, trouble‑free and easy to use – even when maintenance or weather are bad. Hardly any brake system is as forgiving when it comes to initial setup and ongoing maintenance as Shimano’s XT.
First Impression
Macina Kapoho is the antithesis to my purist MTB hardtail – not only with regard to weight, but also to built-in electronics. Features like configurability via app, one-button shifting, all information readily available on Bosch’s Purion 400 display make an electronics‑lover’s heart beat faster.
KTM’s bike is a massive machine with many amenities and a powerful battery. Although the overall weight is pretty much the same as with most motorized touring bikes including parts and accessories, the Kapoho feels much more adventurous thanks to the tires and suspension travel.
Right from the beginning I feel confident on the bike, very much like a unit. This is important as of course you immediately realize that this bike is a handful and geometry and riding position should not make bike handling even more difficult.
All levers and switches on the cockpit are exactly where you’d expect them, arranged very ergonomically. That is especially true for the Shimano Cues remote, which of all the electric shifters I have ridden to date, is one of the most pleasant.
Rolling resistance on the paved roads to the trails or in the city maze is negligible on a bike like this, as is the weight. What really matters is handling and ride quality – provided the battery still has enough juice, because without motor assistance it becomes a completely different mission.
MET Revo
evileye Trailsense II
Endura Men's Ltd Marble Print L/S Tee - Lime Green
Endura Men's SingleTrack Shorts II - Black
SocksGoing uphill on trails
Off-road is of course another story. On dirt suspension and motor can unfold their full potential. My personal highlight in this context is definitely the new Bosch motor’s walk- or start-assist, which help you get going on steep climbs depending on whether you want to push or pedal.
The latter works so smoothly that oftentimes you may just stay put in the saddle even in steep ascents without having to worry about being thrown off by a bucking bike. There’s no more need for sensitive pedaling and rear-brake use while inching forward on a climb.
I was also positively surprised by the suspension and the overall handling of the bike when riding uphill. As long as you don’t need to lift or push the bike much, its weight even becomes an advantage, creating huge traction in combination with the long wheelbase and grippy tires – and thus a lot of confidence in steep terrain. Even on the steepest sections of my favorite tour, where finding the ideal riding position becomes challenging on some bikes, the KTM stoically keeps on climbing.
The 800 Wh battery provides excellent range depending on system weight and assist mode, and capacity should be plenty for most riders even on longer tours. Shimano’s Cues changes gears crisply and precisely even under load – albeit not quite as smooth as the latest generation of SRAM’s AXS groupsets.
Going downhill on trails
KTM’s Macina Kapoho goes downhill like it’s on rails. It almost feels like skiing, when the KTM rips through corners and it makes very clear that it is neither a nimble dancer, nor a lightfooted featherweight, but rather a long-distance train with all‑inclusive business class.
Once in motion, the KTM is a confident, secure ride even on winding trails that especially accommodates beginners and occasional riders. The suspension rounds off this robust impression, it works reliably and irons out trail chatter, making the smooth, noiseless KTM Macina particularly fun on fast, and technical, trails. The Fox suspension and the great Maxxis tires infuse confidence even on loose and rough terrain.
Railjet vibes at their finest
… but you, dear KTM, stay grounded.
The downside, of course, is that once trails become narrower, more technical, slower and more playful, you’ll need more effort to move the bike properly. The mullet setup is a good choice because the slightly smaller 27.5″ rear wheel makes the bike at least a bit more agile.
Let ibexes climb these rocky trails
… but you, dear KTM, stay grounded.
Wishlist
Aside from lower weight, I’d appreciate the Shimano Cues shifting gears a little bit faster. I strongly suspect that Shimano’s XT and XTR groupsets would work a notch quicker.
Upgrading the rear wheel rotor to 200 mm is certainly sensible for heavier riders, and those who are willing to invest in some tuning measures after purchase, best start with the wheels to lower the weight.
Conclusion
KTM Macina Kapoho 8971
- Model year
- 2025
- Test duration
- 2 months / 400 km
- Price
- € 5,999 SRP
- +solid specs
- +confidence-inspiring suspension
- +large battery
- +Bosch ecosystem
- +start-/walk-assist
- oshifting speed
- -weight
BB verdictTop AM/Enduro for down-to-earth riders
All in all, the KTM is a potent and coherent package: solid suspension, well-chosen parts and equally well manufactured, assembled and quality‑controlled in Austria. The 800 Wh battery guarantees massive range and is easy to swap thanks to its special mounting; Shimano’s Cues Di2 changes gears with minimal hand force; and the Bosch motor at the heart of the system is a real highlight. eShift mode will be added with an update in autumn of this year, allowing gear changes depending on the mode, e.g. without pedaling (Rollshift). Also, as mentioned at the beginning, a performance upgrade for the CX motor is coming soon. Both show how much Bosch cares about customers and dealers even after purchase.
As long as you don’t want to do big air jumps on the KTM or head into winding alpine terrain, you can have plenty of fun with it. The Macina Kapoho is neither nimble nor lightfooted, but a down-to-earth bike and a reliable ride on trails thanks to its rather high weight, top suspension, clever tire choice and geometry.
The Bosch start-/walk-assist is an absolute highlight in steep climbs, and as you’ll quickly become one with the bike, you’ll soon be as confident as your ride on descents.
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