Test: The KTM Macina Kapoho 27,5+ is a powerful E-MTB with extra-wide plus tires. We were able to test the bike in different areas and were won over by the fun, good-natured character of the €4.899 bike.
The KTM Macina Kapoho 27,5+ is always an impressive sight: Of course, the extra-wide plus-size Schwalbe tires catch the eye at first glance: the tires are 3″ wide at the front and rear – the trend towards tires with these dimensions is on the horizon Especially in the e-bike sector, where plus tires can fully exploit their great strengths such as very good damping and increased traction, without the rider suffering too much from the disadvantage of increased rolling resistance. But it's not just the tires that make for the striking look: the massive head tube and last but not least the bottom bracket area, in which the Bosch Performance CX drive is hidden, do the rest.
On paper, the KTM Macina Kapoho 27,5+ is a potent off-road all-rounder: the 125mm of spring travel at the rear and 130mm at the front, in combination with the plus tires, should provide enormous reserves off-road, even when things get really wild at times . The chassis itself comes from FOX - the Float DPS Performance damper in the rear triangle offers the three damping positions known from the US manufacturer, with which the characteristics of the rear triangle can be adapted to riding style and terrain. In addition to the open position and the now obligatory lockout, an intermediate position can also be selected with a quick flick of the lever, which results in a tighter response. The FOX 34 Float Performance fork at the front offers the same adjustment options: The fork and rear end can be specifically harmonized depending on the terrain.
An XT rear derailleur from Shimano was installed on our test bike, but KTM uses an X1 drive from SRAM as standard, which scores with its 10-42 cassette with a very wide range and small gear steps. Braking is done with the new Shimano XT M8000 stoppers, which are combined with 180mm Icetech discs at the front and rear. Here we might have wished for a 203mm disc at the front - especially in view of the orientation of the bike and the high weight of almost 21kg.
We find the choice of wheels to be convincing: the wide aluminum rims from KTM ensure that the plus tires sit securely and the DT Swiss 350 hubs come with the patented toothed disk freewheel, which not only reduces free travel but is also superior to conventional ratchet freewheels in terms of durability. We were a bit surprised that they apparently decided against installing a dropper post: Even if the Macina Kapoho is not a proven shooter bike, for us an adjustable seat post now belongs on every fully that you dare to use for trips on the single trails would like.
The e-bike specialists from Bosch provide the right drive for the KTM Macina Kapoho: The high-torque Performance CX version of the motor ensures plenty of power on the trail, which, in combination with the 500Wh battery, also has the necessary endurance for longer tours in rough terrain . The control center on the handlebars is the tried-and-tested Intuvia display, which scored well with us for its good readability and intuitive operation: The easily accessible thumb remote control allows the drive to be quickly adapted to the circumstances, and both control elements – display and remote control – proved to be extremely robust during the test .
On our several-hour ride with the KTM Macina Kapoho 27,5+ in the Bavarian Forest, we had a lot of fun with the Plus E-MTB after a short period of getting used to it. At first glance, however, you have to get used to the handling: the thick tires and long chainstays certainly don't make the bike a marvel of agility, but they still weigh less than we thought when looking at the technical data. The harmoniously powerful Bosch Performance CX drive, which can be regulated in four stages (Turbo, Sport, Tour and Eco), also undoubtedly plays a role. Off the trail, we were mostly in the energy-saving Eco mode, which provides pleasant support without creating the feeling of "pushing". If it got steeper and more impassable, tour and sport mode were also used. We almost completely dispensed with the Turbo mode, which lives up to its name.
The plus tires convinced us after just a few meters on the trail: Enormous traction and pleasant cushioning made for a real aha experience and put us in a great mood. The FOX suspension was also extremely good: the interaction of fork, shock absorber and rear triangle provided pleasant feedback from the ground – especially in medium trail mode – but always offered enough reserves for rough sections on root fields or scree passages.
However, the KTM E-MTB doesn’t feel quite as comfortable going down steep slopes: The steering angle of 69°, which is very steep for a bike in this class, and the short reach (408mm in size L) keep the bike pleasantly compact, but it does come up against steep inclines unpleasant feelings of rolling over very quickly. The missing dropper post, which we really missed almost every moment, also contributes to this. Anyone who is toying with the idea of getting the KTM Macina Kapoho 27,5+ and planning regular trips on the single trail with it, should at best plan the purchase of a dropper post directly. To our surprise, the high weight of the bike was hardly noticeable on the descent. The chassis worked sensitively and the brakes also gripped reliably at all times: In such moments you really forget that you are sitting on an e-bike.
If it goes in the other direction - namely uphill - then the KTM bike really shows its strengths. Thanks to the plus tires, the power of the high-torque drive lands directly on the trail and pushes the bike and rider up even the steepest slope - not even roots or stones impress the Macina in the slightest. In any case, we were able to climb trails that in some cases presented us with major problems on the descent. Really impressive.
Conclusion
We had great fun on our trip with the KTM Macina Kapoho 27,5+. The E-MTB from KTM is an excellent touring all-rounder with large reserves. The driving behavior is probably best described with the word 'good-natured': The Macina irons out many bumps with ease, but also cuts a fine figure as an endurance tourer and does not shy away from excursions on technical trails. The somewhat conservative geometry and the lack of a dropper post spoil the fun on the trail a little, but in view of the otherwise successful overall package, you can get over it.
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