Montana Experience 2025: The adventure starts in the Pyrenees
Last May I had the privilege of attending a truly special event: La Montana Experience 2025, a Macbor invitation to test the renewed Montana XR5 510.
After knowing how well Pipe had happened to him in the previous edition, and having heard epic anecdotes and cartoons, in each presentation of motorcycles Bordoy to which he had gone since I work for SoyMotero; I wanted to go to this event that more than a product test, it is a celebration of the trail and the biker philosophy of the Boardoy family.
Thus predisposed, I immersed myself in the third edition of this journey throughout the perspirraic, a tour that was familiar to me since I usually do it several times a year as a group guide; And as you imagine, combine mountain roads with tracks of different levels.
The objective was clear: to explore the potential of the Montana XR5 510 in a demanding scenario and demonstrate how this modest motorcycle, flagship of the brand in the Adventure A2 segment, are managed to conquer the heart of the trail lovers.
La Montana Experience 2025: an epic test scenario
The Montana Experience is a reflection of Macbor’s philosophy and the Motos Bordoy group: living motorcycles with soul and adventure. This 2025 edition recovered the original essence of the First Montana Experience of 2018, which also entered the Pyrenees with the XR3, seeking to cross the mountain range from this to west by tracks and roads of all fur.
The route was undoubtedly epic:
- A total of 726 kilometers along the Pyrenees, from Puigcerdà to Donosti.
- Divided into three intense stages:
- ◦ Stage 1: Puigcerdà – Aínsa (287 km).
- ◦ Stage 2: Aínsa – Otxagabía (227 km).
- ◦ Stage 3: Otxagabía – Donosti (212 km).
- The itinerary combined 74% of asphalted sections with 26% offroad tracks, designed to exhibit the motorcycle balance.
What really tested the Montana XR5 510 (and a little too) were the weather conditions, which were as varied as it is intense. We face persistent rain, hail, dense fog and muddy lands.
As we could see, there were practically uninterrupted rainy days, where we enjoy taking our feet soaked for hours and a changing grip on the tracks. These conditions were, however, the perfect combination to test dynamic behavior, versatility, lightness and stability of the motorcycle in a trail more than fun and very real; with great successes such as “sliding herb”, “pedregoso wadeing” or “Barrizal on the edge of the ravine itself.”
Macbor’s involvement was commendable; The product managers were present on the route, collecting impressions, solving doubts and listening to journalists, which demonstrates their commitment and the desire to validate their work in real situations.
The protagonist: Macbor Montana XR5 510 2025, a leap forward
The Macbor Montana XR5 510 is presented as Macbor’s main argument for the Adventure A2 segment, and after this experience, I can confirm that it has taken a leap forward in technology and confidence in driving for spicy trail. It is a motorcycle that has been renewed to be more versatile and better equipped and of course results.
During the route, I reached a very clear conclusion about its philosophy: if you are going to buy this motorcycle, it is to do trail. To enjoy by mountain tracks, tracks of all kinds and stirred roads, mousetracks and with many curves. In my opinion, I would discard it for long trips, as a couple or with a lot of luggage, since its essence is in another type of enjoyment.
New Zongshen engine
La Montana XR5 510 premieres a bicylindrical engine of 498.4 CC (compared to the previous 471 cc), which delivers 46.94 hp (47 hp) to 8,500 rpm and 45 nm torque to 7,000 rpm and complies with the Euro5+regulations.
My first impressions about the engine were cautious, since the units were recently shot (mine was just 700 km), but I noticed a general improvement when the motorcycle approached 1,000 km. On the road you have to wear the motorcycle very top to get the juice, which makes sense in revyted sections. However, off-road, the delivery is very sweet and soft, which makes it very difficult for us to lose traction.
This sweetness is an advantage that surely any rookie would appreciate, and that myself, with my limited experience in offroad, I value deeply. It is a fine engine with few vibrations and offers two driving modes, Eco and Sport, although the variation is minimal and I took the Sport mode all the time.
Cycle and suspensions
The motorcycle is very light and easy to change direction. With 199 kg in marching order (178 kg empty), it is one of the lightest motorcycles in its category, and also the weight is very well distributed.
The multi-adjustable Kyb suspensions were a pleasant surprise; They have adequate progressivity and filter very well potholes and stones. They are firm on the road, but they have a first foamy layer, which is very good for the field, without losing firmness, which gives a lot of confidence.
They offer a generous tour for their segment: 195 mm the front and 210 mm the rear, and have a sensation of flotation that forgives many errors. I practically did not stop with them, despite my weight (100 kg). The chassis, made of steel, is robust and light.
Nissin brakes and disconnectable ABS
Nissin brake touch is fantastic and I like that it does not have an exaggerated or too aggressive bite. They are very dosing, ideal for the field and stirred roads. The ABS is disconnectable on both wheels or only in the rear wheel, offering three modes. I opted to carry the rear ABS disconnected for more fun and control, while keeping the striker connected for safety.
Ergonomics and comfort:
For me 1.86 m tall, I was surprised to find the Macbor Montana XR5 very spacious and very comfortable. The handlebar is wide and the pleasant posture. A small adjustment that I did shortly after starting to roll, was to throw it a graduate forward. This solves the feeling of having it too close to the knees when you are standing.
It is an accessible motorcycle with an 841 mm seat (with an option at 820 mm), and is narrow, which helps in complicated steps. It is a motorcycle with which you can supply the lack of technique in complicated steps, if we need to turn the ground to make some support. The strokes, it is enough to remove the tires so that they become great offroad strokes, well positioned and that allow an optimal grip with the legs.
Other outstanding equipment:
Incorporates a new 5 -inch TFT screen with mirroring connectivity, useful for navigation, and backlit pineapples. It has antirrebote clutch, Full LED lighting, Bosch electronic injection, standard and lateral easel protections, and USB and 12V shots.
Serial tires are Metzeler Turance (19 ″ front, rear 17 ″), which although they are more asphalt, behave very well on dry clues and have always seemed like a very good commitment.
Performance and driving sensations
The Montana XR5 510 is distinguished by its usability and the ease with which it faces any land, it is simply a very easy motorcycle.
On the road it is more fun to drive the more rich they are, which is precisely what it does best. It is easy to put in curve and change direction without inertia. The motorcycle goes exactly where you want me to go and is very stable and precise in the turns. On tracks it is superdivertida.
In complicated land, such as those we face, it is practically impossible to lose control; The suspensions filter everything and give us a feeling of “flying carpet” in which we are floating. It allows to overcome obstacles at low speed thanks to its soft engine response and good ability to keep traction in the rear wheel. In summary, it is a motorcycle that makes things easy on difficult terrain and is controllable and fun.
The XR5 forgives many mistakes and is one of the best motorcycles I have tried to bring this type of adventure to anyone who wants to start the trail. She is a good companion who develops as a means of transport to move every day to the city; as to get out the weekend and travel land in good condition; as even getting entangled in a slightly more intense off.
While other motorcycles, such as my F900 GS, they can have more performance, I find it hard to think about a motorcycle that makes you easier than this Macbor XR5.
Montana XR5: A deserved success
The price of Montana XR5 510 is a key factor in its attractiveness. Its recommended price is € 6,100, but currently has a launch promotion of € 5,399, valid until 07/31/2025. In addition, Macbor offers the 3 aluminum suitcases kit with a 50% discount (for € 650, valued at € 1,300).
The motorcycle is good for equipment, and the event showed that Macbor Montana XR5 510 perfectly embodies the brand’s philosophy. Macbor has paid attention to such important aspects as ergonomics and suspensions to achieve good behavior on track, rather than fill it with unnecessary chuches.
Considering its performance, equipment and price, I have no doubt that the Montana XR5 510 will be an iteration more than a great sales success, and also with all the merit.
