Mash's X-Ride 650 gets an off-road makeover

French firm Mash Motors have released a Trail version of their single-cylinder X-Ride 650 called the Trail offering off-road credentials and retro styling at a bargain basement cost.

Appearing back in 2020, the X-Ride 650 Classic was Mash’s second foray into large-capacity machines following the release of the Dirt Track 650 model. As you might expect, the 650 Trail model is powered by the same 647cc, air-cooled single taken from the Classic and produces a claimed 40bhp at 6000rpm.

First used by Honda in the NX650 Dominator and XR650 dirt bike, it’s A2 licence friendly with power delivered via a five-speed gearbox. The main difference from the Trail lies in the wheels – sporting 21in front and 18in rear spoked rims, compared to the sister model’s road-focused 17 inchers.

Despite the bigger wheels, the front disc brake reduces in size from 320mm to 280mm while the rear disc remains 240mm. ABS prevents unwanted lock-ups with a four-piston front calliper supplying the stopping power.

This is all suspended via Fast Ace 43mm forks with adjustable rebound and compression, and a monoshock rear with remote adjustment.

The chassis remains a steel tube cradle set-up. Moving back, the Trail features a reinforced aluminium swingarm with a progressive linkage and a lightweight exhaust that now ends in a single can, as opposed to the dual set-up seen on the Classic.

Overall, the Trail shaves two kilos off the Classic, coming in at 161kg. Other differences include the front mudguard, which has been slightly modified, and a USB port to supply power to your electronic devices while on the move.

One of the criticisms of the Classic X-Ride was the low seat height of 830mm. The X-Ride Trail’s perch has been elevated by 60mm to 890mm which should, combined with the large diameter wheels, prove a useful increase for more adventurous off-road riders.

The retro styling remains largely unchanged, with its white livery, blacked-out engine and gold anodised wheels giving it a look of quality far beyond the expected £5599 price, and more than a hint of seventies charm.

Significantly cheaper than similar retro models available, such as Ducati’s £8995 Scrambler Icon, and priced competitively against Royal Enfield’s £4599 Scram 411, Mash’s Trail represents a back-to-basics motorcycle that shuns the trend for bigger, heavier off-road machines.

That said, it will require a valve clearance check every 2500 miles! The Mash Trail will be available in dealers from October.