Macbor Montana XR1 EVO, the small Spanish trail gets an update and a price cut!

Macbor is no longer an unknown name to anyone. In just a few years since it entered the light motorcycle market, the Spanish manufacturer has carved out a place for itself thanks to its great products, offering high quality and equipment at a moderate price that is very much worth considering today. Much of this success is due to the Montana XR1, a 125 cc trail that is being updated and, mind you, against the global trend it is cutting its price, which makes it even more interesting.

In the middle of the summer of 2023 Macbor announced a major update for the Montana XR1, and since then it has remained unchanged, but the time has come: almost two years later, important news is announced in technology, design and engine, all of which results in the new Montana XR1 EVO, much better equipped and with a price well worth considering for anyone looking for a small trail that offers a lot for little.

Let’s start with its engine, which pushes its figures to the limit of legality for this displacement. Although it remains a four-stroke single-cylinder block of 125 cc, its power now rises to 15 CV compared with the 12.64 CV of the previous version, while torque also increases to 11 Nm at 7,500 rpm compared with the 9.6 Nm of the previous version. The gearbox linked to this engine remains fully manual with six speeds.

The chassis of the Macbor Montana XR1 EVO remains practically the same. In this regard it keeps the 37 mm front inverted fork with 120 mm of travel, while the rear axle uses a hydraulic monoshock adjustable for preload. The 265 mm front disc with double-piston floating caliper and the 240 mm rear disc with single-piston caliper are also retained, both with ABS system with three adjustment modes (ABS ON, ABS OFF, and rear wheel OFF), not forgetting the switchable TCS traction control. Where there are novelties is in its spoked wheels, which now become 18 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear, fitted with tubeless tyres.

The novelties in the new Macbor Montana XR1 EVO continue in its design. Although it remains practically unchanged, it does receive a new side panel on its fairing that gives it a more refined and polished look, plus new grips engraved with the brand name that enhance the sense of quality. In addition, its instrument panel has been updated and, although it is still 5 inches in size, it is now a full-colour TFT with mirroring connectivity, something exclusive to this segment.

Furthermore, the Macbor Montana XR1 EVO remains very well equipped as standard, with items such as a sump guard and side protectors, very necessary for not getting into too much trouble on off-road routes despite having a minimum ground clearance of 170 mm. It also comes as standard with a three-case luggage kit (35 L top case, 15 L right case and 20 L left case), along with a centre stand that comes in very handy on certain occasions, and even a USB socket to connect and charge our devices.

Despite increasing its quality and technology, the Macbor Montana XR1 EVO will also continue to be characterised by a moderate price, even despite the increase, with a price for Spain announced at 3,499 euros with the Adventure equipment as standard.