Motorcycle specifications MashX-Ride 650 Classic 2020 The trail of other times

Mash's second excursion into the medium-displacement arena, its new X-Ride 650 Classic vibrates between old Coca-Cola posters and near-by curbs. In this age of ubiquitous crossovers and maxi-trailers with sporty CVs, SIMA brings out the boots and the wink in many places.

Here, the Burgundy firm swims against the tide, reappropriating the trail bike in its simplest form. A big, honking single, big cross handlebars, a country look, spoked wheels and sculpted tires. A revival of the XT 500, XR or DR 600?

Not quite, although first impressions instantly bring to mind Yamaha's famous trail bike. Except for the exhausts. Sheltered in a high position, we can't help but see a strong similarity with those of the late Transalp.
No matter, since the feeling of a playful, all-terrain, trail-riding machine from evening to morning is back. But.... Looks are deceiving, because the rim size is much more urban than the shoes. 17-inch wheels make the bike look like a supermotard. So, city or village? A dung beetle or an asphalt sportsman?

The wind seems to blow more in the leaves than on muscular winding roads. The X-Ride boasts a comfortable ground clearance of 210 mm, halfway between that of a roadster and an off-road machine. The upright riding position is relaxed, the seat is welcoming, with an apparently thick flanged saddle, and practicality is assured with a package holder.
The Mash also thinks in terms of styling effects, with a Monza-style fuel filler cap, LED indicators and headlights, a classy gold finish on the rims, small gills on the sides and number plates. It's just a shame that the rear end is singularly lacking in finesse. You'd think there was an electric motorcycle battery in there.

<img style="float: left;" src="/img/lazy_bike.webp" alt="Mash X-Ride 650 Classic"" class="lazy" data-original="/newsmpb/images/Mash-X-Ride-650-Classic-fiche-11.jpg"> Not at all. The X-Ride 650 Classic is powered by an old-fashioned block: 643.7 cm3 with a single cylinder, lots of fins and a small oil cooler, Delphi injection and 40 horsepower. That's about as much power as this kind of trail bike produced in the '80s - so the Mash plays perfectly into the temporal mimicry that has been the brand's niche since its inception. Torque is a little disappointing, maxing out at 4.6 mkg. The character of this type of engine should compensate for this weakness. What's more, young licence holders will appreciate that, with this level of watts, the machine is well within A2 limits.</p> <p>The 650 X-Ride highlights its front end. The size of the fork is striking, and the braking even more so. Around the 320 mm disc, it's a 4-piston radial-mount caliper that bites. But what's the Hangte clamp worth? A rather unknown name in the sector. The brake lever is adjustable.<br>Minimalistic, the instrument cluster is informative, with needle-type engine speed, gear indicator, fuel gauge, etc.</p> <p>One point stands out in particular: the splash guard. While we don't ask too many questions about the rear, it's more peculiar at the front. It's almost certain that the bike's belly will be more protected by the shoe than by the half-mudguard. In short, the X-Ride may raise a few questions, but certainly less than the level of enthusiasm.</p> <p>With this mock XT 500, the Mash X-Ride 650 Classic ventures to charm the nostalgic. And not only them. How many of them are fed up with ultra-technological, overpowered, expensive-as-abuse or overweight trails (check the right box(es)) and don't much like seeing a clod of dirt?!!! As always, the price - <em>between that of a <a href="/yamaha/8100/MT-03-320-2020/contact.html">Yamaha MT-03</a> and a </em><a href="/kawasaki/8003/Z-400-2020/contact.html"><em>Kawasaki Z 400</em></a> - is a striking argument for this novelty from the Pays de Beaune and beyond.</p> <p style="text-align: right;"><em>M.B - Manufacturer photos</em></p>