Dirt and Trail May 2020

Retro banger: Mash
X-Ride Classic 650
In South Africa Mash is imported
by V-Custom cycles under the
name: Crosby
Fancy classic ’70s Yamaha XT500 or even retro
Ducati Scrambler style but at a fraction of the
price? Say hello to the Mash X-Ride Classic 650
- the latest from the retro bike specialists, and a
funkily-fashioned single-cylinder trailster.
Although best known for their simple, affordable
air-cooled 125 and 250 singles, larger versions
including 400cc singles and now this latest –
Mash’s second – 650 are becoming popular.
And after the fairly conventional Dirt Track 650,
this new X-Ride is the firm’s most ambitious
model yet.
It’s based around the same 647cc, air-cooled,
single, producing a claimed 40bhp at 6000rpm
but this time with longer travel, monoshock rear
suspension (Mash’s first) and conventional but
equally long, front forks. Wheels are 17in wires,
there’s a twin silencer exhaust, dual seat and
neat touches like a Monza fuel cap.
Cycle parts are improving, too: along with the
alloy-rimmed wheels there’s a beefy front disc
and radially-mounted four-piston brake caliper
and the swingarm looks impressively beefy.
But the biggest talking point, surely, is the
X-Ride’s XT-alike styling, from its gold anodised
rims to blacked-out engine and red/white livery.
We can’t blame them – the ‘70s scrambler-style
is hugely fashionable right now. Price has yet to
be confirmed but it ure looks cool.
Mash X-Ride Classic 650 at a glance
• Engine: 647cc 4v single is basically a copy of
the old Honda Dominator unit producing 40bhp
at 6000rpm and with a five-speed gearbox.
• Suspension: X-Ride is the first Mash with
monoshock rear and a beefy, box-section
swingarm. Front is conventional telescopics.
• Styling: White/red livery with black engine and
gold rims is a modern take on 1976 Yamaha
XT500 – as is that of Ducati’s Desert Sled.
• Brakes: Front stopper is a 320mm disc
grasped by a radially-mounted four-piston
caliper. There’s a 240mm disc at the rear.
• Show not go? Despite style, off-road ability will
be hampered by fairly high weight (169kg) and
17-inch wheels – still be a laugh, though.
10 DIRT & TRAIL MAGAZINE MAY 2020