Motorcycle specifications MashSide Force 445 2023 Rambo in Soviet land

From the English promenade, the Mash side takes the American offensive. After a very pleasant foray into this now atypical category, the Beaune-based manufacturer is redirecting its offering towards a more adventurous domain, in search of the steppes and far from step courses. It's a fusion of the retro 400 Force roadster and the Family Side, with a slice of technical evolution and a few cinematic highlights.

World War II Yank but Ural physique. With its outrigger forks, protective covers, T-34 color scheme, knobby tires and spare wheel on the basket, the machine bears a striking resemblance to the Ranger from the famous Russian manufacturer. Where does it want to go? To the tundra or the banks of the Seine? Along some of the roads of Normandy or through the forest, avoiding the road? He seems very determined indeed! With what capabilities?

Mash' s new sidearm is an evolution of its 400 mono. Increased to 445 cm3, the block develops slightly more power. From 27.6 bhp, it now produces 28.5 bhp - it passes Euro5 and will certainly deliver a little extra torque.

Too bad Mash didn't install its recent 650 cm3 mono - No choice, it didn't fit in the frame. The 400 was fun, but too small for road use. A lot more watts wouldn't go amiss, especially as the Side Force is considerably heavier than the Family Side. More than a quintal difference between the two versions. 113 kilos to be exact. That's a lot of rowing. But how on earth did the Force take on all that biass? The parent company claims a top speed of 110 kph. But to be honest, we're realistically aiming for 90 km/h.

It 's simple: the balance fork is much heavier than a standard model. On the other hand, it makes riding easier and more comfortable. Then there's a package holder at the front and another at the rear of the basket. Plus a spare wheel, a bumper, a footboard, a support on the side wheel, jacks to help lift the trunk... Loaded the body, especially since it's a metal one. Now we understand the 343 kilos. And we expect a higher level of resistance.

The Side Force is practically the 4th episode of the 7th Company. Neither strategic nor tactical, it's a charmer through and through, with the details that give it its personality. The double-decker saddle in early 20th-century style, the protective grille over the headlight, the false license plate on the front fender, the round lights, the cartridge belts on each side of the basket (waterproof) and the equipment to get out of the rough roads. You quickly grasp the beneficial use of reverse gear, then think you can get out of any situation with the studded tires and interchangeable wheels; the spare can replace any wheel in the basket.

The manufacturer has retained the roadster's small digital speedometer. You can think what you like, but... It doesn't fit in with the Command & Conquer atmosphere.
As before, the Mash is equipped with a 5-speed gearbox, 3 brake discs, a basic tubular steel frame and a pair of rear shock absorbers. On the other hand, the reverse control has been improved, moving to the front brake control. Handling will be easier than with the old system in the middle of the handlebars. An oil cooler has been installed in front of the engine, an improvement introduced with the Chrome & Black special series.

Above, the Mash 400 Side Force / below, the ural 750 Ranger, clearly THE source of inspiration.

The Mash Side 445 Force now exceeds 11,000 euros, but remains well below the prices of Russian competitors. All that's left is to head off to a forest near Irbit to have a chat with the local reference.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos