Don't be fooled by the looks alone. The Scarp in the name is the decisive hint as to the character of the new KTM e-bike with Bosch's lightweight SX drive is. Even with 140 millimetres of travel, the Macina Scarp SX has the DNA of KTM's Scarp race bikes without a motor.
Not only the very sporty riding position with a low front, but also the fast tyres and the carbon handlebar stem unit on the top model match this. The elegant full carbon frame also focusses on low weight and fast tours. To ensure that suitability for everyday use does not suffer, KTM relies on a removable battery that is secured against theft with a key. Despite this, the top model of the Macina Scarp should only weigh 16.5 kilograms.
The facts about the KTM Macina Scarp SX
- Motor: Bosch Performance SX ( 40 Nm / 400 watts continuous load, briefly up to 55 Nm / 600 watts)
- Battery: Bosch 400 watt hours, removable
- Suspension travel: 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Carbon frame
- Sizes: M, L, XL
- From 16.5 kilos (manufacturer's specification)
- Permissible total weight: 118 to 120 kilograms
- Three models for 6299, 8399 and 11099 euros
Racing and lightweight construction have long been a top priority for KTM's non-motorised bikes. E-bikes have so far been dominated by heavy and long-travel bikes such as the Macina Prowler. With the Scarp SX, KTM is now filling a gap and is also entering the performance segment for e-bikes with less suspension travel. The key to this is the new Bosch Performance Line SX light motor with the compact and lightweight 400 battery, which the Austrians are installing in a whole range of mountain bikes.
As with the previous e-bikes, KTM is taking inspiration from the non-motorised sector. The race bike Scarp is the inspiration for the new E-Fully with lightweight Bosch drive. Accordingly, the KTM Macina Scarp SX inherits a sporty design and riding position. More of a racer with suspension reserves than a classic trail bike, even though it has 140 millimetres of travel. 29er wheels at the front and rear ensure efficient propulsion for the Macina Scarp e-bike.
KTM Macina Scarp SX: Race DNA and touring-orientated geometry for the Light-E-MTB
With its moderate geometry, KTM has designed the Macina Scarp SX for fast tours. The reach of 472 millimetres in size L and a seat angle of 76.5 degrees are modern, but the steering angle of 66 degrees is steep and the chainstays are long at 451 millimetres. In practice, this should translate into balanced riding characteristics as long as the trails don't get too wild. The steep steering angle in combination with a wheelbase of only 1231 millimetres suggests neutral steering behaviour, but KTM obviously didn't want to create a hyper-agile light eMTB.
Somewhat surprisingly, when it comes to equipment, KTM reaches for slightly different shelves, at least on the top model. The XC tyres from Schwalbe in the hardest rubber compound are trimmed for maximum speed and lightweight construction, but the suspension offers a relatively high level of comfort with 140 millimetres of travel and the fork even features the extensively adjustable Grip2 enduro cartridge from Fox. This provides a bit of a target: trail bikers won't find the right riding position and tyres, racers would certainly like the lighter Fox 34 Factory Fit4 with lockout. Speaking of lockout: the KTM Macina Scarp SX does not have a remote control for the suspension, which can be used to tighten the suspension at the touch of a button.
Equipment and battery removal of the KTM Macina Scarp SX
The top model Exonic costs 11,099 euros - but is also said to weigh only 16.5 kilos. And that with an easily removable Bosch CompactTube 400 battery. As known from other KTM E-MTBs, the battery is located under a cover in the down tube. This allows it to be conveniently lifted upwards. The KTM Macina Scarp SX is also prepared for the use of the Bosch PowerMore 250 additional battery. However, the appropriate holder must be retrofitted by a specialist dealer.
In addition to the exclusive top model, there are also two more affordable variants. The KTM Macina Scarp SX Master costs 6299 euros and still weighs a good 18.1 kilos. The equipment is also pretty fair: Fox performance suspension, XT gears with SLX cassette, Magura brakes and wheels produced by DT-Swiss under licence for KTM - you can't complain about that. The Scarp SX Prime for 8399 euros offers the same Fox Factory suspension as the top model and comes with XTR gears, XT brakes and carbon wheels. It is said to weigh 17.3 kilograms. Both cheaper Macina Scarp SX models come with Rekon tyres from Maxxis, which are slightly better suited to the suspension travel than the Schwalbe lightweight tyres on the top model.
KTM's light e-MTB fleet with Bosch SX motor: from trekking bikes to kids' bikes and gravel bikes
We were quite flabbergasted: While most manufacturers only use the new Bosch Performance Line SX motor in sporty mountain bikesKTM shoots from all guns blazing and introduced at the Eurobike 2023 presents a whole fleet of bikes with the new drive. From the Macina Minime kids' model to the Macina Race MTB hardtail, of which there is also a fully equipped trekking version, through to the sporty Revelator and Gravelator models with racing handlebars for use on the road and on gravel. The Macina Cross fitness bike sits between these categories. This means that KTM has adapted its entire product family to the light concept. Classic power bikes with Bosch's CX drive will, of course, still be available from KTM.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
