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Actually, we would have liked to test the new Macina Tour with a diamond frame in favour of comparability. However, KTM was only able to provide us with the trapeze model during the test period. Nevertheless, the test revealed clear strengths and weaknesses.
KTM has also built the bike itself for the 2025 model year according to a classic trekking recipe. Narrow Schwalbe Marathon tyres, classic mudguards and a rather long adjustable stem are tried and tested in this area.
The facts about the KTM Macina Tour CX 820
- Price: 4399 Euro >> available here
- Bike categoryE-trekking bike
- EngineBosch Performance CX Gen. 5, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery800 Wh (removable)
- DisplayKiox 300
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapesWave, Trapeze, Diamond
- Weight: 26,7 kg
- Permissible total weight: 145 kg
- Guarantee: 5 years
- Special featuresBattery removal upwards, spring support ex works
Good things made even better: The new Bosch drive
The new Bosch drive with 800-series battery provides an enormous range. Around 100 kilometres is no problem, even with medium support and a varied riding profile. If you economise and only have minimal support from the motor, you can go much further.
New cell technology also makes the batteries lighter. The 800 Wh battery now weighs less than 4 kilograms, which is less than the 750 Wh battery at 4.35 kilograms. The manufacturers are still spoilt for choice when it comes to the display. KTM only uses the slightly smaller Kiox 300 screen, while the app and controls are carried over from the last generation.
More importantly, Bosch has also made further improvements to the riding experience. The previous CX was already one of the top drives on the market, but the new CX is quieter, pushes noticeably smoother and fades out the assistance even more imperceptibly at the 25 km/h limit. Because pedalling resistance has also been reduced beyond 25 km/h, high speeds on gentle downhill gradients are noticeably easier.
The equipment of the KTM Macina Tour CX 820
The Macina has some impressive equipment highlights. The XT Linkglide with eleven gears, together with the expensive Cues, is the perfect derailleur for a trekking bike, so to speak, the groupless Shimano four-piston brakes pack a powerful punch, the good lights from Busch and Müller, with a high beam function that can be operated from the handlebars, make even pitch-black country lanes bright and clear.
KTM treats itself to a dropper post ex works and, in addition to the wing grips from Ergon, the bar ends for comfort on long rides. Unfortunately, the traditional Austrian manufacturer has to make visible savings elsewhere. The simple saddle doesn't really suit any of the testers, and the stand and pannier rack seem remarkably simple in comparison and are less rigid than you'd expect from high-quality trekking bikes.
- Circuit: Shimano XT Linkglide (11-speed)
- Translation: 42 / 11 - 50 teeth
- Brakes: Shimano MT420 (four-piston)
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon Mondial, 47 mm
- Lighting system f. /h.: B & M IQ-XS with high beam, B & M Toplight 2C
- Luggage carrier: Racktime, 25 kg
- Fork: SR-Suntour NCX-D Air
Practical test: How the KTM Macina Tour CX 820 rides
When riding, the compact geometry and narrow tyres of the KTM are noticeable. The Macina Tour rumbles a little more through potholes than other candidates and doesn't feel as confident overall. The simple fork also plays a part in this. The pannier rack and kickstand also twist noticeably when heavily loaded.
On the other hand, the Macina Tour is handy and easy to control without a load, and the suspension support takes the strain off your back. Once you have understood the mechanism, the upward battery removal is easy to use. Tip: Plan a little budget for a more ergonomic saddle.
MYBIKE review of the KTM Macina Tour CX 820
Strengths
- Uncomplicated handling
- Practical battery removal
- Many well-chosen equipment parts
Weaknesses
- Narrow tyres
- Simple saddle
- Luggage rack and stand not designed for high payloads
The MYBIKE conclusion
The new KTM Macina Tour is a great success and relies on many proven trekking virtues. Some of the features of the handy pedelec are of above-average quality, and the simple battery removal of the Bosch drive is well designed. When it comes to riding characteristics, however, many other e-bikes are more superior, and the detailed solutions on some of the competition's bikes are a little more impressive.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
