Ebike KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025: test review, pros, cons, problems, opinions, everything you (really) need to know
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Ebike: Review, Test, Features, Flaws, Performance, Range - Everything You Need to Know
The KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 is positioned in the ultra-high-end segment of Light Full-Suspension E-MTBs, representing KTM's ultimate fusion of the agility of a traditional mountain bike with the support of light electric assistance. This Ebike is specifically designed for sporty riders who favor Trail/Downcountry routes and seek a dynamic riding experience where low weight and efficiency prevail over maximum power.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Build Quality
The Exonic trim is the top-of-the-line option and reflects an uncompromising build quality, focused on lightness and integration. The bike is built around a full carbon frame designed to perfectly integrate the Bosch Performance Line SX system. This choice of materials is instrumental in keeping the overall weight extremely low, coming in at around 16.0 - 16.6 kg (depending on size and exact configuration)—an exceptional value for a 140mm electric full-suspension bike. Components like the integrated FSA KFX SIC Carbon cockpit (handlebar and stem) not only offer a clean aesthetic line but actively contribute to the stiffness and reduction of unsprung weight.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Frame
The core of the Macina SCARP SX Exonic is its Premium Carbon frame (dubbed Macina Scarp 29″ Premium Carbon SLL-E), which features a rear suspension system with 140 mm of travel. This is matched by 140 mm of travel at the front, defining a versatile Trail character.
The design is optimized for the Bosch SX unit and includes functional details like the Powertube Top Loader for simplified extraction of the Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh battery and the integrated rocker link design of the swingarm. The frame's geometry is designed to balance stability on descents and traction on climbs, making it agile and reactive, more akin to a modern XC/Trail MTB than a heavy E-Enduro.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Component Specification
The Exonic specification is defined by the adoption of cutting-edge components in every sector:
Propulsion: The motor is the Bosch Performance Line SX Smart System, offering 55Nm of torque and a peak power output of up to 600W, powered by the Bosch CompactTube 400Wh battery.
Drivetrain: Shifting is handled by the SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS T-Type wireless 12-speed group, SRAM's top-tier electronic transmission, chosen for its precision and lightness.
Suspension: Shock absorption is delegated to Fox Factory components with Kashima coating: the fork is a Fox 34 Float Factory (140mm) with a Grip2 damper, and the rear shock is a Fox Float Factory.
Wheels and Brakes: The wheels are DT Swiss XRC 1501 Spline 30 Carbon, ensuring lightness and stiffness. The braking system is the Shimano XTR M9100 / M9120 4-piston setup, paired with 180mm rotors (front and rear), providing braking power appropriate for the bike's low weight.
Cockpit: The dropper post is the RockShox Reverb AXS (wireless), completing the high-level electronic integration.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Comfort
Despite its performance orientation, the Macina SCARP SX Exonic offers a good level of dynamic comfort. The 140mm Fox Factory suspension, with its extensive adjustment capabilities, allows for effective absorption of trail chatter. The presence of the Reverb AXS dropper seatpost is essential for quickly adapting riding position to the terrain, enhancing safety and maneuverability. The riding position is sporty, suited to those who favor active pedaling and long rides. However, it should be noted that the 2.35" section tires (Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph) are chosen for rolling efficiency and offer less air volume than wider sections, potentially reducing pure comfort on very rough terrain.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Handling and Performance
The handling of the SCARP SX Exonic is its defining characteristic. The sub-17kg weight makes it extremely agile and maneuverable, allowing for a riding experience that closely resembles a non-electric (muscle) mountain bike.
Uphill: The Bosch Performance Line SX motor (55Nm) provides support that integrates naturally with the rider's effort. To get the maximum assistance (600W peak), a high cadence must be maintained, rewarding riders with good physical fitness. The SRAM XX SL AXS electronic drivetrain guarantees quick and precise gear changes even under load.
Downhill: The bike is fast and responsive. The 140mm of travel, combined with the Fox 34 fork with Grip2 damper, offers adequate reserves for most technical Trail sections. Its lightness requires active rider involvement but rewards with an ease in lifting the front wheel and changing direction that Full-Power E-MTBs cannot match.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Range
Range is the main compromise in the Light E-MTB segment in favor of low weight. The integrated Bosch CompactTube 400Wh battery is optimal for intermediate-length rides or for riders who primarily use Eco or Tour assistance modes.
For riders tackling longer tours or those with significant elevation gain, the Bosch Smart System allows for the installation of the Bosch PowerMore 250Wh Range Extender. This additional accessory brings the total capacity to 650Wh, significantly extending the range with a weight increase of about 1.6kg, while still keeping the bike weight-competitive against Full-Power E-MTBs.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
The most notable aspect is the exceptionally low weight (around 16.5kg), which makes it agile and fun to ride, feeling very close to a muscle MTB.
The Exonic specification is professional-level, featuring SRAM XX SL AXS T-Type drivetrain, Fox Factory suspension, and DT Swiss carbon wheels, ensuring top-tier performance.
The Bosch SX motor is ideal for a natural and sporty pedaling feel, and the 400Wh battery is removable.
Cons
The Bosch SX motor (55Nm) requires a high pedaling cadence to deliver maximum boost; this can feel less immediate and less effective on very steep, technical climbs for less-trained riders.
The range of the base 400Wh battery is limiting for long days in the mountains, making the purchase of the Range Extender almost mandatory for full Trail use.
The premium component level translates into a very high purchase cost.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Advice
Maximize the Motor: Focus on pedaling cadence (around 75-85 RPM) to unlock the full power of the Bosch SX; don't expect the immediate, brute torque response of Full-Power motors.
Utilize Adjustments: The Fox Factory suspension, especially the fork with the Grip2 damper, allows for advanced customization. It is crucial to dedicate time to fine-tuning to optimize the 140mm of travel for your style and the terrain.
Consider the Range Extender: To tackle significant elevation changes or tours lasting over three hours, the purchase and use of the Bosch PowerMore 250Wh is highly recommended to alleviate range anxiety.
Weight Limits: As a Light E-MTB, it is important to be aware of the system's maximum permissible weight limit of 110kg.
KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic 2025 Review: Alternatives
In the full-suspension Light E-MTB market, the KTM Macina SCARP SX Exonic is positioned as one of the lightest and best-equipped options. Its main alternatives compete on motor, travel, and range:
Orbea Rise (Carbon): Offers two versions, the Rise LT (160/150mm) and the Rise SL (140/140mm). It uses the Shimano EP8-RS motor (60Nm) and offers battery options up to 630Wh, often resulting in an alternative with greater base range.
Scott Lumen eRIDE: If the priority is weight and silence, the Scott model is a direct competitor. It is often lighter (up to 15.5kg) and uses the TQ HPR50 motor (50Nm), known for its subtle power delivery and extremely quiet operation.
Cube AMS Hybrid ONE44 C:68X: This bike is very similar to the KTM in concept, using the same Bosch Performance Line SX motor and 400Wh battery on a full carbon frame with 140mm of travel. It differs mainly in specific geometry and component specification.
The SCARP SX Exonic is the ideal choice for the rider seeking extreme lightness combined with the Bosch system, while models like the Orbea Rise offer a different compromise in terms of motor torque and base range options.
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NDR: the photo does not refer to the specific bike being tested