Macina Lycan 2024

The KTM Macina Lycan 2024 is an Austrian-built aluminium trail eMTB that pairs Yamaha's PW-X3 drive with a removable 720 Wh battery, on a Straight-Line-Link rear end and 27.5-inch wheels. Travel runs 170 mm at the fork and 140 mm rear, the chassis weighs 25.7 kg system, and headline numbers include 85 Nm of torque, 500 W peak power, a 66 to 67 degree size-specific head angle and a 397 to 468 mm reach range across four sizes. £4,859 for the base trim. Community verdict: an honest, well-priced KTM trail tool that delivers a Yamaha-flavoured ride feel for buyers who want an alternative to the Bosch CX hegemony.

Drive system and range. The Yamaha PW-X3 is one of the lightest full-power motors at 2.75 kg, with 85 Nm of torque and 500 W of peak power. It is known for a responsive natural feel at high cadence and a satisfying click off the line. The Yamaha unit benefits from a robust factory warranty and worldwide Yamaha service network. The removable 720 Wh battery on the Lycan delivers strong all-day range, with mixed trail use typically reaching 50 to 80 km depending on terrain and rider weight. KTM's Power Tube Top Loader (PTTL) battery access system speeds removal compared to side-loading or downtube-door designs.

Geometry and handling. A 66 degree head angle on size S and 67 degrees on M to XL is steeper than the modern trail norm, which keeps the Lycan playful and responsive on tight, technical singletrack but limits aggressive descending compared to a 64 degree all-mountain rival. Reach grows from 397 mm in S to 468 mm in XL. The 450 mm chainstay is identical across sizes, which keeps the bike agile on size M and L. Wheelbases run 1151 to 1218 mm, which is notably shorter than modern 29er trail bikes thanks to the 27.5-inch wheel choice. That short wheelbase suits tight trail riding and bike-park playfulness, but limits high-speed stability.

Build and value. One trim, £4,859. Build runs an SR Suntour XCR34 Air fork at 140 mm, RockShox Deluxe Select+ rear shock, Tektro HD-M750 four-piston brakes with 203 mm front and 180 mm rear rotors, and Shimano CUES Di2 11-speed or Deore 11-speed depending on configuration. The standout strength is the 720 Wh battery on an entry-level trim, where most rivals at this price step buyers down to 500 to 625 Wh. The questionable note is the SR Suntour fork on a 170 mm front-travel chassis, plus the 11-speed drivetrain that sits a generation behind modern 1x12 builds.

Community-verified strengths. Owners praise Yamaha PW-X3 reliability and the Lycan's stout aluminium chassis. The PTTL top-loading battery design is repeatedly highlighted as easier than side-door systems, especially in cold or muddy conditions. KTM's broader dealer network across Europe gives buyers genuine option for warranty and motor service compared to the smaller boutique Austrian brands.

Caveats and known gripes. The Lycan has been called nose-heavy by owners who have progressed through later-generation eMTBs from Specialized, Orbea and Amflow, which makes drops and steep terrain feel less confident than newer carbon flagships with better weight distribution. The SR Suntour fork is functional but a long way from the RockShox Lyrik or FOX 38 you would get on a £5,500+ rival. 27.5-inch wheels limit speed and roll-over compared to 29ers, and short wheelbases on bigger sizes (XL at only 1218 mm) feel cramped for taller riders. The 11-speed CUES or Deore drivetrain is dependable but offers limited gear range compared to modern 1x12.

Verdict. The Macina Lycan 2024 suits the value-led trail rider who wants Yamaha PW-X3 reliability on a removable 720 Wh battery in a sub-£5,000 alloy chassis, particularly if they favour 27.5-inch wheels for playful trail riding. Riders chasing modern geometry, 29-inch stability or higher-end suspension should look at the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140, the Cannondale Moterra Neo or the Mondraker Crafty. Production status: current.