The 5 BestMTB
Say “KTM,” and most people think of orange motorcycles. That’s understandable, but it’s a huge disservice to the AustrianMTB lineup. For years, KTM has been building off-road e-bikes with undeniable technical prowess. The problem is the naming convention: Prowler, Kapoho, Scarp SX, Lycan, Team—names that reveal almost nothing about what each model was designed for. I’ll break it all down for you, so you can choose the right one.
Key points to remember
- KTM excels inMTB , offering both the powerful Performance Line CX and the lighter Performance Line SX in its lineup.
- For Belgian and Ardennes roads, the Scarp SX, the Lycan, and the Team are often a better choice than the heavy-duty enduro bikes like the Prowler and the Kapoho.
- The difference between the Bosch CX and SX motors is fundamental: the CX offers more torque and a larger battery, while the SX is lighter and sportier. This shapes the entire riding experience.
Comparison Chart of the Five Models
| Model | Type | Engine | Travel | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macina Prowler Exonic | Enduro | Bosch CX | 180 mm front | Extreme terrain, descents |
| Macina Kapoho Master ABS | All-mountain | Bosch CX | 160 mm | Versatility, Safety |
| Macina Scarp SX | Light trail / XC | Bosch SX | 140 mm | Sporty and Active Driving |
| Macina Lycan | Trail / Full Tour | Bosch CX | 140 mm | Comfort, Leisure |
| Macina Team 891 | Hardtail | Bosch CX | 120 mm front | Leisure, low maintenance |
Prowler and Kapoho: The Heavyweights
The Macina Prowler Exonic is the most powerful model in the lineup: carbon frame, 180 mm front fork, Bosch CX motor, 800 Wh battery, and premium finish. It’s a bike built for rocks, roots, steep descents, and the bike park. Anyone looking for this kind of terrain will find a machine here that can handle anything.
The Kapoho Master ABS is the more versatile model: 160 mm of travel, DiMMiX wheels (29" front, 27.5"+ rear), and Magura brakes with ABS. This ABS system provides invaluable control during hard braking and on slippery terrain. For trail rides, mountain vacations, and technical trails, it’s the more versatile choice of the two.
But be honest with yourself about the terrain you usually ride on. For the relatively flat trails in Belgium or the Netherlands, the Prowler is almost always overkill—heavy, long, expensive, and not very agile on routes without any real elevation gain. It only truly comes into its own in the heart of the Ardennes or in the Alps. The Kapoho is more practical for everyday use, but it, too, requires terrain that most recreational cyclists rarely encounter.
Scarp SX: Lightweight and Sporty
The Macina Scarp SX breaks with the “full-power” philosophy. Instead of the powerful Bosch CX, it features the lighter Bosch Performance Line SX, paired with a 400 Wh CompactTube battery and an optional PowerMore range extender. The result: anMTB rides less like an electric scooter and more like a real bike.
There’s a trade-off, though. The SX motor requires a more active riding style to get the most out of it. If you’re looking to passively let maximum assistance carry you along, this isn’t the bike for you. In my view, this isn’t a flaw—it’s a design choice: the Scarp SX rewards riders who want to keep pedaling for real, and penalizes those who don’t feel like it. On challenging trails and undulating terrain, it’s often more fun than a heavy, full-power bike.
Keep in mind the battery life, though. Without a range extender, 400 Wh is perfect for short, sporty rides, but may not be enough for long days out.
Lycan and Team: The Sensible Choices
The Macina Lycan is the most practical full-suspension bike in the lineup. With 140 mm of travel, an aluminum frame, and a Bosch CX motor, it’s less extreme than the Prowler and the Kapoho, but more comfortable and versatile for recreational trail riding. Some 27.5-inch versions of the Lycan are also particularly maneuverable, which is a plus for riders of smaller stature.
The Macina Team 891 is the hardtail in the lineup. It features a Bosch CX motor, an 800 Wh battery, a 120 mm fork, and a streamlined design without rear suspension. It offers less comfort on rough terrain, but also requires less maintenance and has no pivots that can develop play over time. In my opinion, these are the two most sensible KTM models for the average Belgian cyclist: suited to local trails, with realistic maintenance costs, and a budget that doesn’t need to aim for top-of-the-line carbon models.
What should you look out for when buying a refurbished KTM refurbished
KTM models are technically well-equipped, which means there’s a longer list of items to check. These bikes are often expensive when new especially the top-of-the-line carbon models—which makes refurbished used bikes particularly attractive: you get access to high-end Bosch systems, premium suspension, and sophisticated features for much less. At Upway, every KTM e-bike is inspected by a professional mechanic, but the technical complexity of anMTB special attention:
- Exact model year: KTM makes changes to engines, batteries, displays, and equipment from one year to the next.
- Bosch CX or SX: These factors determine power, battery capacity, and riding feel—make sure you know what you're buying.
- Battery health: 400, 750, and 800 Wh each come with different range expectations; check the remaining capacity. Our article on the lifespan of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor will shed some light on this.
- Frame and suspension: Inspect the carbon thoroughly; check the welds on the aluminum; verify the maintenance history of the Fox/RockShox forks.
- ABS, pivots, and drivetrain: On ABS models, check the sensors and brake components; test the pivot play on full-suspension bikes; check the chain and cassette for wear.
Helpful tip: Want to learn more before you buy? Check out our buying guide for MTB or our comprehensive guide on how to choose anMTB to help you make your decision.
FAQ
What is the bestMTB ?
For extreme terrain, the Macina Prowler Exonic offers the best performance, but for versatile use, the Kapoho Master ABS or the Lycan are often the better choices. For typical Belgian trails, the Scarp SX, the Lycan, and the Team are better suited.
What's the difference between the KTM Prowler and the Kapoho?
The Prowler is an enduro bike with 180 mm of travel, built for the toughest terrain. The Kapoho is a more versatile all-mountain bike with 160 mm of travel and ABS brakes, suitable for a wider variety of trail rides.
Is the Bosch SX less powerful than the Bosch CX?
Yes. The Bosch Performance Line SX delivers less torque and is paired with smaller batteries than the CX, but it’s lighter and feels sportier. It requires an active riding style and is best suited for those who want to keep pedaling hard.
Is the KTM Team 891 a real MTB
Yes, but it's a hardtail. With the Bosch CX motor and an 800 Wh battery, it's sturdy enough for recreational off-road riding, forest trails, and gravel riding. On technical and rough trails, the lack of rear suspension is noticeable compared to a full-suspension bike.
Which KTM is best suited for Belgian terrain?
For most trails in Belgium, the Scarp SX, the Lycan, and the Team are better suited than the bulky Prowler. Lighter or simpler in design, they’re better suited to local trails and keep maintenance costs at a reasonable level. Check out our full selection in our guide to the best MTB .
Written by: Jos Mans | Published on: June 26, 2026 | 5-minute read
About the Author: Jos Mans
Jos is both a writer and a cyclist—and more often than not, he does both at the same time. With thousands of kilometers under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the road and telling stories.