​KTM Macina Lycan Elite CX-R Race – Review: Premium at its core, practical all round

Our assessment:

​The main selling point of the KTM Macina Lycan Elite CX-R Race is its value for money: if you’re looking for a Bosch Performance Line CX-R with a carbon frame and an XT rear derailleur, you’ll struggle to find a better deal on the market at the moment. The compromises lie in the suspension and the brakes. For gravel and moderate trails, the bike is well-positioned and offers a future-proof drivetrain with long-term software support. The Race mode should under no circumstances be misinterpreted as a selling point – it is a specialised feature that requires riding skill.

KTM Macina Lycan Elite: New carbon frame

With the latest model, KTM has taken a significant step forward with the Lycan: whilst last year’s model was only available with an aluminium frame and 27.5-inch wheels, KTM is introducing a new carbon frame for the 2027 model year. The 27.5-inch (650B) wheels are being replaced by 29-inch wheels.

The Macina Lycan still offers 140 millimetres of suspension travel and is therefore clearly positioned as an even lighter, sportier touring full-suspension bike for demanding rides over gravel, forest tracks and moderate singletrack – rather than as a pure-bred enduro bike.

If you regularly ride technically demanding trails with big drops and aggressive lines, this isn’t really the bike for you – there are better options out there. The suspension travel is well suited to the riding conditions described; the larger wheels also improve rolling performance and make it easier to clear obstacles on long rides.

The motor: Bosch Performance Line CX-R

The centrepiece and strongest selling point of the Macina Lycan Elite is the Bosch Performance Line CX-R. It differs from the classic Performance CX in that it features a magnesium casing, a titanium crankshaft and ceramic ball bearings – this reduces the motor’s weight to 2.7 kilograms, around 100 grams less than the standard CX.

On paper, the CX-R delivers 750 watts of peak power and 100 Newton-metres of torque with up to 400 per cent assistance – offering the same basic performance as the standard CX, but with higher-quality internal components.

With the free Performance Upgrade 2.0, available from May 2026, the torque can be configured to up to 120 Nm and the assistance to 600 per cent, depending on the situation – provided, however, that KTM, as the manufacturer, approves these values. We’re assuming, however, that this will be the case. Also coming via an update is the so-called Drivetrain Tensioner, which is designed to reduce pedal play and make power delivery more direct – expected from mid-2026.

Race mode is exclusive to the CX-R, and a clear warning is in order here: this mode is expressly not suitable for average riders. It engages without any noticeable delay, accelerates very aggressively and features a pronounced Extended Boost – the motor continues to provide power well beyond the pedalling impulse.

On technical terrain or in tight hairpin bends, this can quickly become a challenge. For experienced riders tackling steep, rocky climbs, however, it is an effective tool. The new E-MTB+ mode is more dynamic than the classic E-MTB mode, yet is significantly more controllable than Race mode, and is likely to offer most users the best compromise between power and controllability.

Suspension: Suntour instead of Premium

This is where the cost-saving approach becomes apparent. Both the fork – a Suntour XCR36X Air with 140 mm of travel and a 15x110 mm axle – and the rear shock – a Suntour EDGE-X R (230x65 mm) – come from the lower price bracket. However, Suntour has caught up in terms of quality in recent years, even if its products do not yet match the responsiveness and adjustability of RockShox or Fox products.

So the low price had Zeron 36 All-Mountain Fork surprises with solid performance and at least some basic adjustment options. The XCR model fitted to the KTM can now at least boast the same damping specifications: 2CR/R. This stands for 2-stage adjustable compression damping (open, closed) and adjustable rebound damping (rebound speed).

The suspension is air-sprung, so it’s possible to adjust the fork to suit riders of different weights. The setup is adequate for smooth gravel paths and moderate trails; for fast, rocky trails, Suntour offers significantly better forks.

Drive and brakes

The Shimano Deore XT M8100 derailleur (12-speed, Shadow+, Hyperglide) is the lighter XT version for sporty riders who prioritise performance. On an e-bike in particular, you should treat it with care, otherwise it will make a noise and wear out quickly. The Linkglide version with the model number M8130 (reviewed here) it would have been the e-bike gear system, which, whilst heavier, is slightly more durable.

Costs are kept down consistently by combining it with the Shimano Deore M6200 shifter, which is two grades lower. Functionally, this is acceptable, but the difference in feel and precision is noticeable.

The brakes – Shimano MT401/MT420 non-groupset models with 4-piston calipers – also do the job, but are rather at the lower end of what one would expect from an e-MTB weighing almost 25 kilograms. They are sufficient for the intended uses; however, on longer, steep descents, you should keep an eye on heat build-up.

Tyres: Schwalbe Wicked Will Performance

The bike is fitted with 29-inch Schwalbe Wicked Will Performance tyres. Schwalbe positions the Wicked Will between the fast-rolling cross-country tyres and the more downhill-oriented Nobby Nic: an all-rounder for trail bikers and touring cyclists, which rolls smoothly thanks to its Speedgrip rubber compound and, thanks to its tread pattern – stable, slightly lower centre knobs and taller side knobs – provides decent grip even in corners and in wet conditions. This makes it a good match for the Lycan’s intended use.

Weight and system weight

24.8 kilograms is an acceptable weight for an e-MTB with a carbon frame and a CX-R motor. The stated system weight of 135 kilograms is in line with the industry standard.

Verdict on the KTM Macina Lycan Elite: The price-to-performance ratio is compelling

​The main selling point of the KTM Macina Lycan Elite CX-R Race is its value for money: if you’re looking for a Bosch Performance Line CX-R with a carbon frame and an XT rear derailleur, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal on the market at the moment. The compromises lie in the details, in the suspension and, to some extent, in the brakes.

The bike’s positioning is clear: it is a well-equipped touring full-suspension bike for gravel and moderate trails, not an all-round enduro bike. Anyone who is aware of this and has realistic expectations will get a future-proof drivetrain with long-term software support thanks to Bosch’s update roadmap. The Race mode should not be misinterpreted as a selling point – it is a specialised feature that requires riding skill.

Technical Specifications: KTM Macina Lycan Elite CX-R Race