Motorcycle specifications MacborXR5 510 Montana 2024 Catalan trail

The XR5 evolves slightly by becoming the 510. This update is designed with a new 5-inch color TFT screen, an engine with new dimensions and more volume, as well as new colors. With such a name, it is easy to imagine a trail with false Italian accents, produced by an English or Scottish brand.... And yet not at all. The Macbor XR5 500 Montana is a motorcycle intended to ride on Spanish lands. A choice motivated by the parent company Bordoy, the equivalent of SIMA for us.

Let's dive a little into the past. The Catalan importer Bordoy decided to create Macbor in 1999 but it was not until 2017 that its motorcycles arrived on the market. Above all, Macbor is one of the identities of Kove, a Chinese manufacturer with a big appetite. The XR5 therefore has nothing European about it, apart from its Bosch injection and its tires. The motorcycle is produced in Asia before being rebadged with the Spanish brand.

Nothing exceptional and even more and more common. Compatriot Rieju also repatriates its trail, the Aventura 500, from China. It is much faster, cheaper and simpler than developing a new bike. Whether it is called KY500X on the other side of the Earth, 510 X Adventure here or XR5 on the Iberian Peninsula, it is the same machine with a few different shades of color.

This little adventurer arrived at Macbor with a design taken from BMW without restraint. A miniature 1250 GS, but with a much more modest engine. Namely a more accessible block, both for the price and for the target audience. The flagship engine for expatriating around the world from China is the 500 twin-cylinder. From 471 cm3, it goes to 498.4 cm3 on the 510 model. With its 4 valves per cylinder, its double ACT, liquid cooling and a 6-speed gearbox, it still produces 35 kW / 47 horsepower, which is exactly the right amount for the A2 license. The main beneficiary of this increase in displacement is the torque. It goes from 4.5 mkg to 4.7 mkg; this maximum value being obtained 500 rpm earlier. Two driving modes, or rather two ways of delivering power, accompany the engine management.

The XR5 is given for 178 kg dry. Between its dimensions and its mechanical specifications, it is calibrated in the lineage of the Honda CB 500 X (THE technical reference model for the Chinese). Under the bodywork, we find a steel frame associated with recognized elements: Nissin brakes, inverted fork and Kayaba monoshock both adjustable in preload, compression and rebound, ABS at levels + disconnectable, Metzeler tires. The Macbor is only half Chinese it seems.

There are also quite a few elements to confirm the Sino-generous tradition of equipment. The XR5 Montana is equipped as standard with Tubeless spoked rims, high crash bars, an aluminum skid plate, a luggage rack, hand guards, a windshield adjustable in 2 positions, a central stand and a USB port.

The Macbor 500 XR5 Montana is not coming to revolutionize the market. It wants a piece of the A2 trail cake with universal solutions, extensive equipment and a set price. But, like all other motorcycles in the segment from China, it must build legitimacy against Japanese references.

M.B - Photos constructeur