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KTM relies on Bosch Smart System

Adrian Kaether

 · 01.09.2021

KTM relies on Bosch Smart SystemPhoto: Adrian Kaether
KTM relies on Bosch Smart System
KTM integrates the new 750 Wh battery from Bosch 2022 into its E-MTBs. The battery is now inserted from above and protected by a lockable flap that KTM has developed specifically for this purpose.

With an additional length of 68 millimetres compared to the previous 625 Wh battery, the new 750 Wh battery from the Bosch Smart Systems This poses challenges for the designers. How can the new battery be safely integrated into small e-MTB frames without rattling and still be easy to remove despite its weight of 4.5 kilograms?

The new Bosch battery with 750 watt hours is 68 millimetres longer than the battery with 625 watt hours. The new connections are not backwards compatible.Photo: Adrian Kaether The new Bosch battery with 750 watt hours is 68 millimetres longer than the battery with 625 watt hours. The new connections are not backwards compatible.

To solve this problem, the company KTM The new battery, which is used in all of KTM's high-quality E-MTBs, is now removed from the top instead of the bottom as before. The down tube therefore has an opening at the top into which the battery simply has to be inserted. A spring-loaded holder at the lower end prevents rattling and ensures that the contacts close reliably with the connections on the frame. To make it easier to remove the battery, KTM has installed a fold-out handle on the battery, while the open down tube is protected from dirt ingress by a cover that can only be opened and closed with a key.

The KTM battery is hidden in the down tube under a cover that can only be opened and closed with the key.Photo: Adrian Kaether The KTM battery is hidden in the down tube under a cover that can only be opened and closed with the key. The lock for the battery cover is located under a small flap near the bottom bracket, as shown here on the Macina Lycan touring bike.Photo: Adrian Kaether The lock for the battery cover is located under a small flap near the bottom bracket, as shown here on the Macina Lycan touring bike. To make it easier to remove the battery, KTM has installed a handle at the bottom of the battery, which makes it easy to remove the 4.5-kilogram battery.Photo: Adrian Kaether To make it easier to remove the battery, KTM has installed a handle at the bottom of the battery, which makes it easy to remove the 4.5-kilogram battery.

KTM Macina E-MTBs 2022: fine-tuning the frame and geometry

Apart from the integration of the new Bosch Smart System with intelligent control unit and separate display, the KTM E-MTB model range, characterised by the suffix "Macina", will only see minor innovations for 2022. All fullys will receive cosmetic revisions to the frame and a slightly modified shock linkage. In terms of suspension kinematics, however, the touring bikes Macina Chacana (120 millimetres - 29 inches) and Macina Lycan (140 millimetres - 27.5 inches), as well as the all-mountain Macina Kapoho (160 millimetres - 29/27.5 inches) and the enduro Macina Prowler (180/170 millimetres - 29/27.5 inches) will remain true to themselves and are generally more on the comfort-oriented side of the E-MTB spectrum.

This is also reflected in the geometry, which has only been changed slightly on some models. At 64.1 degrees, the Prowler has a steering angle that is a good one degree slacker than before, but with a slightly shorter reach and slightly slacker seat angle. The Macina Prowler and Kapoho retain relatively short chainstays (442 millimetres). The Macina Lycan and Chacana touring models have a slightly steeper seat angle and a reach that is a few millimetres longer. Here, too, the chainstays remain very long on the Chacana (476 millimetres) and moderately long on the Lycan (450 millimetres).

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With 140 millimetres of travel and 27.5-inch tyres, the Macina Lycan touring bike should be easy to ride and comfortable. As with the Macina Chacana, the minimalist damper linkage is new. With the new Bosch system, the bike costs at least 4699 euros, otherwise prices start at 4399 euros.Photo: Adrian Kaether With 140 millimetres of travel and 27.5-inch tyres, the Macina Lycan touring bike should be easy to ride and comfortable. As with the Macina Chacana, the minimalist damper linkage is new. With the new Bosch system, the bike costs at least 4699 euros, otherwise prices start at 4399 euros. The Macina Chacana with 120 millimetres of suspension travel is also available ex works in an SUV version with mudguards, kickstand and pannier rack. It costs 5399 euros. The cheapest Chacana changes hands for 4099 euros, but still relies on the previous Bosch system.Photo: Adrian Kaether The Macina Chacana with 120 millimetres of suspension travel is also available ex works in an SUV version with mudguards, kickstand and pannier rack. It costs 5399 euros. The cheapest Chacana changes hands for 4099 euros, but still relies on the previous Bosch system. With 160 millimetres of suspension travel, the Macina Kapoho is a capable all-mountain bike for long and demanding tours. The e-bike with the new Bosch system costs at least 4999 euros. The entry-level model still comes with the "old" Bosch drive and costs 4699 euros.Photo: Adrian Kaether With 160 millimetres of suspension travel, the Macina Kapoho is a capable all-mountain bike for long and demanding tours. The e-bike with the new Bosch system costs at least 4999 euros. The entry-level model still comes with the "old" Bosch drive and costs 4699 euros. Made for the rough stuff: The Macina Prowler with 180/170 millimetres of suspension travel is designed to take the fear out of demanding descents. It starts at 5799 euros, the cheapest model with the new Bosch system costs 6399 euros.Photo: Adrian Kaether Made for the rough stuff: The Macina Prowler with 180/170 millimetres of suspension travel is designed to take the fear out of demanding descents. It starts at 5799 euros, the cheapest model with the new Bosch system costs 6399 euros.

All information on the new Bosch Smart System can be found >>here<<. Detailed information about the new KTM models on the Website of the manufacturer.

Adrian Kaether

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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