Test KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime: KTM's light e-bike with Bosch SX for Tour & Race
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 01.12.2023
Fun and light: The 2024 KTM Machina Scarp SX Prime is a powerful all-rounder with a very good motor and removable battery. KTM pulls out all the stops when it comes to equipment to make the weight impressive: carbon frame, carbon wheels and narrow carbon handlebars. Plus an XTR drivetrain and an XC dropper post with a stroke of just 120 millimetres. In addition to the XC foam grips, this is too much weight saving for us! These parts unnecessarily restrict the bike's usability. The short dropper post is particularly noticeable. Our tallest tester was unable to adjust the saddle height to his leg length. Downhill, the saddle is too high. And this despite the fact that the 440 millimetre seat tube is modernly short for a size large frame. And thus easily offers enough freedom for a longer seat post.
The product managers had a good hand with the suspension elements. The fork in particular is a hit! The Grip2 cartridge has not been in the Fox 34 for that long. It used to be reserved for Enduro and DH forks. It allows you to tune the fork perfectly. It works sensitively, but can also cope with high speeds and rough terrain. The damper also works very well and makes the rear end efficient, but also easy to swallow. All in all, this is a high-quality bike with equipment commensurate with the price.
The facts about the KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
- Motor: Bosch Performance SX
- Battery: 400 Wh (removable)
- Frame: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 mm / 140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Price: 8399 Euro
- Weight²: 17.4 kilos
- Permissible total weight: 118 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1121 (+0)hm / 11.7 km/h
Motor and battery of the KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
The "small" Bosch is a big one among the minimal-assist engines. It has a lot of power and is economical. In direct comparison to the TQ HPR 50, it provides significantly more power and can go quite far with its removable battery. It is usually quiet. It only hums audibly under full load on long climbs. And unfortunately it rattles downhill.
In our standardised range test, the Scarp SX climbed 1121 metres in altitude with an average speed of 11.7 km/h at the highest support level. With moderate rider input, it is therefore about as fast as bikes with the Fazua Ride 60, but at a very high cadence, the Bosch SX can outperform the Fazua in terms of top performance. However, this comes at the expense of range. In our standard test, the Fazua drive with the slightly larger 430 battery can cover an average of around 1300 metres in altitude at a similar average speed.
The geometry of the KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
The Scarp has a balanced geometry. The only noticeable features are the rather long rear triangle and the short head tube. These two values make the bike a very good climber - especially in combination with the long, negative stem, the bike scrambles uphill with the powerful Bosch SX. The riding position is sporty and stretched out.
Features of the KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
- Fork / shock: Fox 34 Factory Grip2 / Float Factory
- Gear system: Shimano XTR, 12-speed
- Brakes: Shimano XT 8120, 180/180 mm
- Wheels: KTM Prima Carbon Trail
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Exo, 29 x 2.4"
- Special features: Telescopic seat post with only 120 mm stroke; carbon handlebars (740 mm) with ESI grips
This is how the KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
At first, we were a little sceptical: the XC foam grips, the low-travel dropper post, the negatively curved stem. It looked like a strenuous test ride on a racing bike. But the KTM surprised us as soon as we got on it: the suspension is very comfortable and the riding position is sporty, but in no way uncomfortable. The Bosch SX hisses away quietly and provides natural but powerful support when required.
The Macina Scarp SX Prime is in its element on the climbs. You have a lot of pressure on the front wheel and the sensitive rear triangle generates a lot of traction. And the KTM is also a very successful bike downhill. The handling is neutral, the steering is very direct without being nervous. The very good fork provides grip and good control. However, the narrow handlebars and low front end do not give you that real trail bike feeling. Unfortunately, our test bike rattled noticeably on rooty trails. In addition to the motor, the battery also makes a lot of noise. The moderately profiled tyres are on the puncture-prone side and slip quite quickly on foliage and in wet conditions. On the other hand, they roll very well. This means you can easily accelerate beyond the support of the motor.
EMTB evaluation of the KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime
Strengths
- Very smooth and comfortable chassis
- Powerful light motor with good range
- Easily removable battery
- Low weight
Weaknesses
- Tele support with short stroke
- Engine rattling downhill
- XC foam grips not very durable
EMTB test rating: 8.4 - very good³
The EMTB conclusion
The KTM Macina Scarp SX Prime is a clever hybrid of race bike and touring fully. Great, fluffy suspension, good, sporty geo and riding position. Why ride with less travel? Coherent, fun and light. A strong all-rounder with a very good motor and removable battery. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Test Manager EMTB
Duel: KTM Machina Scarp SX Prime vs Fantic DC 1.4 Rampage Race
In addition to the KTM Machina Scarp SX Prime, the KTM Machina Fantic DC 1.4 Rampage Race a second new challenger in the niche of lightweight speedsters for (very) fast trail laps. Together, they are taking on the very expensive specialist Scott Lumen and Red Deer R.X275 Competition. For comparison: Both bikes, KTM and Fantic, together cost less than the top-of-the-range Lumen model from Scott.
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
The rating reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
