Test: With the KTM Macina Tour LTD, the Austrians have - exclusively for Zweirad Stadler - a versatile e-trekking bike in their range. Thanks to high-quality equipment and the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor, it promises a lot of driving fun at a reasonable price.
The portfolio of the Austrian manufacturer KTM is broad. It ranges from children's e-bikes to powerful e-MTBs. The traditional manufacturer can refer to more than 25 years of e-bike experience. KTM has now launched a special model of the popular Macina Tour series for Zweirad Stadler: the KTM Macina Tour LTD. We tested the trekking e-bike, which was fairly priced at 2.898 euros.
KTM Macina Tour LTD – In a nutshell
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Frame variants: Men, trapeze, women
- wheel size: 28 inch
- Engine: Bosch Performance Line CX, 85 Nm
- Battery pack: Bosch Power Tube 500
- Display: Bosch Intuvia
- Price: EUR 2.898
KTM Macina Tour LTD – Three frame variants with stylish details
The Macina Tour LTD is available in three frame variants: step-through (red or blue), trapeze (blue) and men's variant (blue). What they all have in common is the very nice processing quality and the chic paintwork. The weld seams are cleanly processed and can only be recognized as such on closer inspection. Also positive: the trains run inside the frame. This should reliably protect them from the weather and extend the maintenance intervals.
Technically, the frames (step-through, trapeze, men) are equipped with all the features you would expect from a modern e-trekking bike. Bottle holder eyelets, mounting points for mudguards or luggage racks and mounting points for a chain guard are available. Conveniently, KTM also thought of retrofitting a frame lock and prepared the seatstay accordingly.
The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is hidden in the down tube on all frame variants. While it is removed from above on step-through frames, it can be accessed from below on men's and trapeze frames. It is protected against theft by a lock and is also secured against accidentally falling out by means of a small slide – should you accidentally not engage the lock correctly. Well thought out!
KTM Macina Tour LTD – powerful engine with 85 Nm
The heart of the MTM Macina Tour LTD is the Bosch Performance Line CX engine the fourth generation. This fits elegantly into the overall picture of the e-trekking bike via the motor bracket. With a maximum torque of 85 Nm, it is one of the most powerful mid-engines on the market.
The Bosch Intuvia display, located in the middle of the stem, not only shows the speed, remaining range, daily kilometers etc., but also intuitively selects the support level (Eco, Tour, eMTB, Turbo). The so-called eMTB mode deserves special mention here. Depending on the pedal pressure, the motor selects its support almost automatically. Similar to an automatic in the car, switching or changing modes is more or less overdue. This is not only intuitive, but also ensures considerable ranges.
KTM Macina Tour LTD – High quality equipment
As is usual for an e-trekking bike with all-round properties, the KTM Macina Tour LTD is equipped with useful features for touring and everyday use: Long mudguards promise reliable protection against moisture and the practical luggage rack offers space for baskets, panniers, etc. A chain guard not only holds them trouser legs clean, but also keeps the maintenance effort and wear on the drive components low.
If the tour is a bit longer, there is a sufficiently bright LED lighting system on board. Conveniently, it is powered by the large Bosch battery and can be easily switched on and off from the cockpit. By the way: If the Bosch battery is completely empty and no longer provides support, the power supply for the light and the safe way home (but then purely with muscle power) is still guaranteed. This energy reserve is more or less reserved in the battery.
The contact points and the suspension fork ensure comfortable “travelling” on longer trips. The voluminous and comfortable saddle becomes a true guarantee of comfort with the spring-loaded seat post. Ergonomically shaped handles and a handlebar that is comfortably cranked backwards round off the comfortable seating position. The SR Suntour NCX suspension fork relies on easy-to-maintain steel spring elements and can be blocked using a lever on the crown (lockout) if necessary.
Gear and brake components all come from Shimano. The 10-speed Deore derailleur promises crisp gear changes with a wide range. Hydraulic disc brakes with Shimano-typical ergonomic brake levers should safely decelerate the Macina Tour LTD. Schwalbe Mondial tires provide contact with the road or gravel path. With their light profile, they offer a pleasant mix of smooth running and grip.
The KTM Macina Tour LTD in test and video
From a purely visual point of view, the KTM Macina Tour LTD knew how to please right away. But how does it fare in practice? In the autumnal Bavarian Forest we were able to put the e-trekking bike to the test as a men's version and step-through bike.
After getting on for the first time, it quickly became clear that the KTM Macina Tour LTD is a very comfortable e-trekking bike. The comfortable saddle in combination with the spring-loaded seat post and the comfortable handles convinced us even on long rides. The adjustable stem also gives you the choice of sporty and comfortable or upright.
In our opinion, the choice of equipment makes perfect sense. Gear changes are snappy and crisp and the hydraulic disc brake system does its job inconspicuously and always confidently. The driving characteristics are very balanced and intuitive. The Macina Tour LTD runs smoothly without appearing sluggish. Even the step-through is pleasantly stiff and cannot be rocked up. Fine!
The excellent Bosch Performance CX motor also convinced us. With its 85 Nm, the e-bike is almost "overpowered"! But it always gives a good feeling to always have enough power available for the steepest climbs in "Turbo mode". Our favorite mode, on the other hand, was the "eMTB mode": The motor always provides the required power depending on the situation and makes changing the support levels virtually unnecessary. The only small point of criticism: It is clearly audible under load.
The 500 Wh Bosch PowerTube battery enables extended day tours of up to 100 kilometers with a sensibly selected support level. If you move in mountainous terrain or are traveling with a lot of luggage, some would like a little more capacity.
All in all, the KTM Macina Tour LTD is a rock-solid and universally usable trekking e-bike at an extremely attractive price of 2.898 euros. The quality of workmanship, the useful and durable equipment, and last but not least the powerful yet efficient Bosch Performance CX convinced us. And thanks to the three different frame variants (step-through, trapeze and men's), everyone should be able to find the model that suits them.
