2023 Mash X-Trail 650 Review - First Ride!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

The spammers are back! If you get any replies that appear to be from me saying you've won a prize please accept my apologies and ignore.....these scam merchants seem to appear on pretty much all my videos these days. I always ban and report them to KZbin but they always pop up again under a slightly different guise.....continual game of cat and mouse I'm afraid....

[@Alien937]

😂 Bastards! Thought I'd won a prize

[@Badlander87X]

Dam I was looking forward to my free prostate check

[@martynfordham1]

I hate these people, however they could earn far more money being honest… so in reality they are just dorks.

[@jefflambert8603]

Mabe you should Mention this in your Next U Tube Vlog Its no Fault on your Part Andy

[@peteeldridge1783]

….darn it, I thought I was up for a loan of the Panigale 🤣🤣

[@RickHodge-ps8yq]

Took the plunge and bought the X-Ride 650 Trail a few weeks ago. So far so good, rides well, brakes are good and general for and finish is also good. The front wheel is 21 inch, the rear is 18 inch. The first 500 mile service is free (labour) - there after I will maintain myself, is a simple lump and oil changes quick and easy. As for valve clearance, it's just a basic check, again covered in owners manual and straight forward (same as Honda XR) and I suspect unlikely to need adjusting so frequently. I have received plenty of interest from on lookers, nothing else out there that offers such value for money and classic scrambler retro style. Good video TMF!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the real world feedback Rick!

[@DanTube2010]

Have you ridden any trails on it? Looks ideal for that.

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

Same wheel sizes as my 1993 XT350. Similar vibe, but even more retro.

[@RickHodge-ps8yq]

Not yet, still carefully running in the engine.

[@nicholasknibbs8162]

Is it tappets or shims do you know?

[@bonesworld7178]

Love that they are bringing this style back. Love it.

[@rickparkinmoto]

The XT500 is a classic for people of a certain age, so I was excited to see the Mash being produced. The engine will be easy peasy to service if it's the old Dominator model. Good to see an 'everyman' review at last. Shame they couldn't have made it a couple of inches lower, but I look forward to seeing one in the flesh and hopefully getting a test ride. Maybe other manufacturers will take note if it's a success.

[@sd3457]

XT500 homage, and that's a compliment.

[@PhilC184]

But it starts on the button 😊

[@lestersmyth692]

Tremendous, old school and back to basics in these times of silly priced, high tech, stupendous behemoths. I have a spot in my Garage for such an affordable beauty. Thanks for the review 👍

[@muckle8]

@Les Smith couldn’t agree more , I still think this is overpriced though , £3495 would make it a bestseller

[@muckle8]

Abs not needed either , this could have knocked £500- £1000 off

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@muckle8 ABS is mandatory in the EU.

[@muckle8]

@Mr Silbo MASH could have circumvented those rules by selling it as an off- road bike from the showroom

[@dave8204]

@@muckle8 Why would they want to do that?

[@dave8204]

I love that, I bought one of the last XT600s brand new and have since had a DR650 and an SLR650 Honda,which was lovely as it didn't have the ott seat height of the full on trailies and had old school Honda build quality. Enfield could do a lot worse than a classic-looking traily , not everyone is in love with the looks of the Himalayan .

[@JanDeeKat]

Love that! Oil-in-frame, old school thumper. Nice. An off-road sidecar sled, lurches into mind.

[@jamesmoros1274]

Looks great and the quality is improving, hopefully the work hours and conditions for the people who work on these are improving too.

[@alchapman1052]

A great looking retro bike ,surprised at the service intervals you mentioned 2500 k including valve clearances . Good review as always 👍

[@maxw576]

I REALLY like the looks of the Mash. They did a nice job on it.

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

I have liked the look of this machine since it was first released, a approve of the similarities between it and the old XT500. Oil in frame is quite old school too. I had a Honda FMX650, and can vouch for the engine, the only issue I had was that the single skinned exhaust would glow in the dark 😂, obviously not a problem for the Mash. I have heard one of these, with a fruity can, does sound well, as did my FMX with twin Leo Vinvci’s 😉. Nice first impression review.

[@longnetter]

We need more retro trail bikes. The 70's & 80's had the best basic bikes the prices of some of them now reflect this so i hope the big manufacturer's soon cotton on to this.

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

Love your reviews and tours etc . I’ve had a couple of brain operations so no riding for me at the moment. Keep up the good work and safe riding

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hope you get back on a bike in due course Garry....

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

@@TheMissendenFlyer thankyou I've got fingers crossed

[@biker_dale]

It does remind me of ther XT500 one of my favorite bikes I've owned. It's got the old school looks with modern touches, nice to see bikes like this coming out, hopefully they won't start cutting corners on it and keep that Honda herritage and quality. All bikes should have a fuel guage these days. Great review.

[@dennisthorhalvorsen7168]

Hi M8, I finally managed to pause a video of yours so I could read your disclaimer, and I must say, it is absolutely spot on and brillant and describes our generation perfectly!! Well done! 👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it! ...and congrats on those pausing skills!

[@dennisthorhalvorsen7168]

@@TheMissendenFlyer thnx m8 😁

[@robertmarsh3588]

Nice idea. There seems to be a gap in the market for such bikes these days. Only thing I have reservations about is that short service interval.

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

Omg, took me straight back to when i was 16, a long time ago, absolutely love it 😍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool looking bike isn’t it….

[@PlattLaneEnd]

I'm glad it exists. I'm a fan of a thumper - having had a few DRZs. It looks absolutely fantastic. Would I buy one? No. I've seen a few reviews of these, and most have mentioned check engine and/or sensor issues. Dealer access will be limited, and eventual resale may be tricky. For what I need (not comparing apples and apples I know) an SV650 remains a better option. Fair play to the mavericks that buy one though !

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

i've got an sv650, which i think is great, but to me you get a japanese or euro bike as bike number 1, and then this mash or a cl700 cfmoto are for pure tinkering

[@johnburgess5534]

I’ve got a thing about front mudguards (fenders if you’re American) that are so short as to allow all the crud to be fling onto the engine fins, radiators, oil coolers and electrics. I fit extenders to all my bikes but no clearance on the Mash to fit one. I loved my XT500 and this is nearly a copy so should sell reasonably well to lanky riders. J.

[@ryoder]

Totally agree about mudguards. That oil cooler is sitting right behind the tire with no protection whatsoever. I keep saying all the companies should subcontract fender design to Royal Enfield, since they are the only ones who understand the purpose of them.

[@cp4512]

I’d rather have an original XT500 and avoid road tax and yearly MoT….. but a decent one is silly money now and this Mash actually looks like good value. Both look great 😊

[@chrishart8548]

I've got a few bikes that are tax and mot exempt. A honda cbx550 1982 a royal enfield 700 constellation. 1956 A cb175 1975 a cd175 1976 a xr250r 1982 and 1983 cb125rs not old enough yet but only £20 road tax. Mot is only £29.65 anyway. Tax is getting rather a lot on bigger bikes. But it sure is a compromise having carbs and 40 year old handing.

[@therealunclevanya]

You could also spend 20 minutes trying to start the bugger, then give up and take the bus. Yes, I know from experience back when they were new.

[@muckle8]

@uncle vanya. Cable snapped on your de-compression lever? They were a bitch to start otherwise , wouldn’t bump either unless you had a ski jump to run down! 🤔

[@therealunclevanya]

@clark kent if it didn't start after the first few attempts, it rarely started or it tried to throw me over the handlebars 😄

[@muckle8]

@Uncle vanya I remember it well! The kickstart was simply a trampoline to the stars!

[@chrishart8548]

The xt500 had a 8.8 litre tank and the xt660 had a 15 litre tank. 11 litres for a 650cc is a little on the small side but it does fit within the air cooled style of this bike.

[@darkiee69]

Reminds me of an XT500.

[@davidbesant]

I think that's no accident.

[@jrnmller1551]

Honda still produce this engine, sells in the US as Honda XT-650, has been in production since 1985 first as 500 then 600 and since 1987 as 650, Honda cant sell this in EU because off Euro-6 norm, but apperently Mash can get away with because they are small company, have a 1992 Domi and servicing is the same on that one, also the oil in frame, fun bike to ride!

[@mrsmith697]

Had an dominator 650. A black one..yes it goes well indid.

[@tommeyer6033]

XT-650 in the states? That’s news to me. We have an XR650. Typo maybe? Interesting bike. I haven’t heard of it in the USA. Too bad. I wish Suzuki would update the DR with some of these features. EFI, ABS, 18” rear, and a fuel gauge? What’s that?😂

[@gzk6nk]

This bike reminds me very much of the Suzuki Freewind I had some years ago, a rare bike in UK. That was a 650 single and sounded just like the X-Trail. I really liked the Freewind and only sold it because it was too tall for my short legs. I was on tippy-toes when 'feet down' and what decided me it had to go was when I was on it outside a friend's house , came to a stop, put my foot down - into a pot hole! Over the bike went! No damage thankfully but I decided it had to go; pity, it was a cracking and characterful bike.

[@gerry5134]

When I first saw the thumbnail I thought it was a concours XT 500 ! It's cool looking !

[@maskedavenger2578]

It’s about time we got something old school style that wasn’t just another 1950 ‘- 1960’s style scrambler type . This reminds me of the style of trial bikes of around 4O years ago . The Chinese appear to have got the old school Honda twin exhaust port single copy engines down to a fine art . The bike should be reliable ,the only problems I can see is maybe the seat height ,I am 5ft 11 inches with a 30 inch inside leg & the availability of nearby dealers for after service . I remember when I owned a Honda RSA 250 with a 4 valve SOHC twin port ,the valves were easy to adjust with basic tools ,so if this engine is similar ,servicing them every couple of thousand miles should be no big deal & a doddle . 👍

[@debenhamdave4314]

Looks a cracking bike for reasonable cash. Cheers Andy.

[@MrTeriyakiman]

It looks like it may have some decent off-road capability - in the same way a CRF300 does. Pity they didn’t put a decent bash plate on and extend the front mudguard lower down so it protects the oil cooler and exhaust.

[@pw3591]

Yep first impression reminded me of my Dad's old XT500 from 1977. Happy days !!

[@fsusmozas4]

Hahahaha, just managed to pause the video in the "The Small Print" frame... hilarious! Love your honest revises, keep It up "kid" ;-)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Well done on the pausing skills....

[@johnhanlon6061]

Nice retro looking trailie, I wish they would produce 175/200cc 2 stroke trail bikes again. They were great fun to run around on.

[@juliandone15]

I've been waiting for this ride for ages. Nice looker. I had that motor in the XBR.... 30 years ago Best watch it on the BIG telly with the volume up!

[@RickHodge-ps8yq]

I think most owners will service themselves - if you are a trail rider it's common practice to conduct regular oil and filter changes. Hi Flo filters are less than £2.50, so not expensive and oil is semi 10-40, again cheap if bulk purchased. Finally, depreciation of bike maybe more than other bikes, but it was only £5,995 to start with, the Ducati Dessert Sled is nearly double that for example. Thus, I suspect the depreciation will be no worse given how cheap the bike is to start with, the Ducati will drop by the same amount in the first few years of ownership. Finally, biking is about having fun, this in my opinion is a real world bike, affordable, easy to maintain and uses the bullet proof Honda XR engine.

[@garyhope0103]

Looks like a real fun bike to ride, and quite a decent price.

[@johnlenart597]

I just Googled the history of John Penton and found it to be a very, very interesting read. As previously stated my friend used to race them in hare scrambles. I learned a lot today. NEVER too late. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

[@max.fleming1045]

In this age of modern retros it year in year out amazes me Yamaha hasn't brought back they're legendary XT 500. This bike has nailed the look and proves Yamaha is asleep in the saddle. It'll be interesting to see if Mash can develop into a confidence inspiring brand ?. As a french company manufacturing in China they've got a big hill to climb 😬.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Very true - especially here in blighty!!!

[@dave8204]

It's always amazed me that Yamaha have never made an XS650 lookalike retro. While people here oddly seemed to prefer the unreliable and antiquated Bonneville this XS was a massive seller in America and Downunder.

[@colindeans5972]

Looks great in that colour scheme but 890mm seat height sounds a bit lofty. Nicely done TMF, cheers.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it was a bit too high for me if the truth be known....certainly too tall to try off road with any confidence.

[@seaninness334]

I had an XT250 and loved it way back when. I was wondering if you took a moment to stand up on the pegs. Granted, challenging off road riding is not where scramblers shine, but in a pinch... it would be good to know if the peg placement was easily found in the mid. It is an intriguing ride and I actually prefer the height. It's sort of nostalgia back when I was riding as a kid. Bikes with low seats can turn me off.

[@Karl3642]

Great to see you review this Andy, and I do like the look of it. My overriding thought is that they are a grand over on the pricing to worry the likes of Royal Enfield’s Himalayans and Scrams, and too close to Honda CRF money to steal a significant place in the off road capable market. Still, a nice looking niche bike though. 👍

[@jamessteadman1064]

My good sir, your audio is the best in the game.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you! ....not everyone would agree!!

[@martiniv8924]

Looks a solid bike, as someone said XT500 homage 👌🏻😎

[@Smudge64]

Another great honest and informative review.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I appreciate that!

[@koshtie]

Hi Andy looked at these for a while now, needs 10+ hp more & and yearly oil change, then it would have been a consideration ? thanks for the review, ATB Wayne.......

[@thebikegeekandmore2448]

Many thanks for onother good review. Andy, I am also a shorty. Please, whenever you do a review, please show us how you are sitting on the bike at standstill so we can see the legangle etc. Regarding the maintanence, it is normal for old air cooled engine. The bikes I have had fom early eighties hat between 3000-6000 km. Checking the valve is a fairly easy thing to do. If I without any mecanical knowledge could do the valve check then everybody can do it :-)

[@matteomori4330]

Little confession time here: I am new to Bucks and I am studying your videos to learn some nice roads to drive my motorbike around. In fact, I was in great Missenden yesterday! Love the channel content by the way!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you! See you on the road sometime....

[@motosnape]

If you're looking for routes and itineraries, take a look at Simon Weir. Sadly, most of the South-East seems to reside under 6 feet of litter these days. For the most enjoyable rides, you'll need to look further afield.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

...what makes you think I haven't!!

[@motosnape]

@@TheMissendenFlyer. Sorry, Andy. I was replying to Matteo.

[@leepearson113]

Love it, takes me back to early 80s trailers

[@wattie1050]

Great review TMF , I love the look of this bike in these colours , defo a bit of a xt 500 look to it . For the price can't beat it 👍

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for a fun review. Riding off road, seat height doesn’t matter because you should be standing up most of the time and only putting a foot down when stopping. Thanks again.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fair point! Trouble is I tend to stop a lot when I’m off roading!!

[@willgarrod9907]

That is so cool especially the supermoto model. Should be a real nice everything that has presence but shouldn't get you into trouble. I had2 previous bike with that same motor (Domi and a Vigor) and Lord them both.

[@whereswaldo5740]

I have 2009 Kawasaki Super Sherpa. Like it a lot. Great 250. Put a high motocross front fender on it like this bike. So like that look. Like the retro Yamaha looking tank and seat on the X trail. And the Ossa looking side panels. The rear rack looks beefy and always liked that in a bike from the factory. Gives you place to strap. But also grab and scoot the reared around. Frame oil reserve is a shout back to the Honda XR350. Always wanted one of those. But I got my retirement bike a KLR 650. And like it a lot.

[@blackskunk54]

Its what a scrambler should look like, absolutely spot on

[@daveweatherall7523]

Great review, enjoyed it and exactly the style of bike (xt550) that I am looking for. Thanks very much.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure - thanks for watching!

[@britishbiker]

I have a Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler which is a direct rival for this bike. I've not ridden the Mash but from the reviews I've read, the Fantic is a much sweeter handling bike, certainly on the road at least. Also much prefer the look of the Fantic over the Mash. It's just good to see plenty of good lower capacity retro bikes on the market at the moment. Who needs to spend more than 7k on a bike?!

[@richardho5955]

I’d have this bike in a heartbeat! I hope it comes to the bottom of Africa…XT500 homage indeed, and I have 2 of those legends😊👍🏍️🇿🇦

[@LushmanGB]

Looks really nice, definitely an 80s vibe Honda xl500 or Yamaha xt500

[@richardlawrencesmith]

Great review. I think the more these are seen on the UK roads, the more popular they will become. I wonder if we will see one in a James Bond film like the XT500? Mash accommodate for the younger rider too, they offer a 50cc and a 125cc that looks the same. When I was 16, there were lots of 50cc trail bike about, they seem to prefer scooters for some reason these days. Oh I so want a 650, being out of work I can't afford one. The other problem is I don't have a garage to put it in.... Oh well, I can dream to own one and a lottery win to buy a house with a garage. Anyone want to donate on to me?.

[@deanodrives4966]

In October 2021 I was looking at getting a dual sport to do some light green laning and winter riding. I was torn between these and a crf250l initially but after talking to a few people and looking at a x ride that had only done 400 miles I went for the Honda. I still don't regret my decision because since then I've heard many horror stories about these. The one I looked at was showing signs of rust on the exhaust and a few other components. If you look online, all of the 2nd hand ones are on mega low mileage which is also a bit of a worry.... why are they selling so quickly?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes good question!

[@bradsmith9689]

Pre registered Royal Enfield Scram 411..they are going for just over £4k now. I'd go for one of those over the Mash.

[@robertpearce2244]

As others have said, all I’m seeing here is XT500 / 550 🤩 Looks mint 👍

[@davidgerrard8661]

My old cb250rs had twin exit exhaust same lump as xl250 of course. I had a Gilera Nordwest big single that had 2 carbs!

[@grumpsrides6074]

First spotted one of these, at Weston Bike Night, last year. Absolutely love the looks, very XT500. Sounds like a cracking bike, shame, like many, it's too tall for me.......5'6, 30" inside leg. Great review, as always. You mention it's built in China?! Apparently, I don't have full details, but many of the 'Big', mainstream manufacturers bikes, are now built in China! Or at least, large parts of the bikes are....... So don't let Chinese built put you off. It's quality control that varies..... Same as Chinese after market parts, 'most' are great, a few.......not so much.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed - I think it's the same Chinese manufacturer that makes small capacity KTMs and BMW's....

[@bonniechops1]

Definitely Yamaha Xt here, I had one in 82' it was too slow so I swapped it for Dt lc, great bike 💪🏻👌🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@peterjohn3123]

Very nice & old school. Just like old school Triumph ,oil in the frame.👍👍

[@peterholthoffman]

I'm in the US. My friends and I very much want something exactly like that from one of the Japanese manufacturers. The DR650 Suzuki is a leading contender for us but it's not good-looking, so far as we are concerned (we each started riding in the early 1970s and are stuck in the past).

[@davidbesant]

The trouble with MCN and the like, is that they want any off-road styled bike to be a works motorcrosser. It's not what customer necessarily want or need, but allows hacks to brag about their own off-road prowess. Shame they didn't get the Yamaha XT660 engine (which is used by a lot of companies) as it already looks like a Yamaha.

[@RickHodge-ps8yq]

Agree about MCN - most like me just like the retro look and the stock suspension is just fine for normal use and light trail rides - it's not an Enduro bike!

[@keithwilliams4262]

Ooh and their was me thinking... at last someone's built me a perfect play thing and then you mention the service intervals. Not happening! Lovely looking thing though

[@davidpalin1790]

Looking good 👍

[@nigeltankard6977]

Nice looking bike, with plenty of potential. Shame about the servicing intervals, being so frequent and possibly costly as you have to adjust the valves

[@magaudion]

Looks great. Interesting that you didn’t really mention the suspension being a bit crap,as all the reviews I’ve read such as MCN have really slated it.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I saw some bad reviews - almost like I was riding a different bike....I'm no expert mind so don't pay too much attention to what I say!!

[@stuartosborn4785]

​@@TheMissendenFlyer one of the main reasons I give so much credibility to your reviews is the fact that your just an average dude/rider /punter like 99.9% of us . Some reviews from 'professionals ' have no relevance to a lot of people.

[@RickHodge-ps8yq]

The suspension on the Trail version has been improved compared to the earlier Classic. Front is adjustable and longer travelled. The rear swinging arm is also strengthened to cope with off road adventures.

[@dave8204]

5 Grand is very little money for a new bike these days,let alone a 650 Trail bike,what were MCN expecting,full on motocross suspension? MCN don't seem to understand "Budget" .

[@blueyondermoto]

Like the look but seat height, service intervals and potentially falling off a cliff depreciation, would kick it into the long grass for me! Great video Andy and keep these left field bikes coming and your own distinctive opinions!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you! Will do…

[@martinehulme8743]

Fab review, reminds me of my old DT 50/mt5 bigger of course...I like it 😀

[@Themotograndpa]

Looks good and a good price other reviews not so good though Andy keep up the great vids 👍

[@nikoscoulson]

The bike I could take or leave but I do like your jacket. Seen it plenty of times before but I do fancy one now.

[@neiljackson5801]

Are them fork seals leaking or is it dirt?

[@ruahinesrider]

XT 650 still being made. Mash is a nice bike prefer the modern classic 650 Mash.The twin port head is a old school thing which makes a modern single unique.

[@laikatravels]

Looks good and a bit old school. The front mudguard is useless. Much prefer trail bikes of 50’, 60’s and 70’s with proper mudguards 👍😆

[@johnlenart597]

I was at my BMW/RE dealer yesterday and noticed that all the RE's came with front fender extenders., something most every other manufacturer does NOT have. A 👍👍for RE. I thought the Mash resembled an old Penton. An old friend raced them in Hare Scrambles "years" ago. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

[@veeken777]

Morning mate. I think it's a great value easy to ⛑ and cheap to run repair etc. I'm getting the 87Genesis back on the road this month. 999s is now in restore and upgrading project to a Fila update series like the 96r. Stay sharp buddy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sounds great!

[@ragerider6283]

Interesting review TMF. I know nothing really about Mash or this bike either so a novel video from my perspective. It's got a nice classic kind of 90's Japanese vibe going on which is no bad thing.

[@darrenwindle3592]

Definitely

[@simonlloyd3936]

Love the look, as you say very xt500 looking for those that can remember, think this would be great next to my 1250gsa a a bit of a knock around bike 👍

[@bigdanny2328]

Hey Andy, I'm not here for the Mash XT. I just want to tell you that the Kawasaki Z900RS looked so good on you. It's made for you. I would suggest to sell the Interceptor 650 for garage space and get the Z900RS. I just rode the Z900 RS SE and it is 15 to 20 percent better in brakes and suspension than the standard RS. Just book the SE next year when the bikes get alloted in limited numbers.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

If I had the room I'd defo get one - love the looks of those things!

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

My XT350 Yam from 1993 has 1 cylinder, but 2 inlets and 2 exhaust outlets.

[@reidspeed77]

And brings on many changes...and I can....if I please.....cheers flyer...✌

[@robertroberts8648]

Looks a nice bike. Never been to my taste though to be honest. Might see if there's someone local that might have one so I can test ride. Thanks for the vid👍

[@colmanmurphy963]

Good review. Real drawback for this bike is the service intervals. You could be servicing it every 3 -4 months . Not on!

[@peterroda4181]

Looks like a well made bike.

[@davidhill5878]

As you commented, it's very much looking like the old XT500 from Yamaha during the late 70's early to mid 80's , if the Mash can last like an old XT, it should do well, unfortunately we don't get Mash bikes here in Australia, shame really, I think it would sell well.

[@rob2475]

Probably already mentioned but the twin exhaust outlet on a single isn’t new. For example the old RS 250 Honda had the same set up. Not a bad looking bike the Mash. Shame the front mud guard doesn’t guard the bike from mud though!

[@udxpierre]

So how does it feel and handle off road or at least just on a gravel road. Seeing that it is a scrambler? Old Honda XR 250/600 also had the twin exhaust outlets. Think my old Yamaha XT 550 might have too. Cant remember that was 35 odd years back.

[@simonr1392]

Great looking retro bike 👍🏽

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think so too!

[@OT1200]

Couldn't agree more. The looks are awesome 👌

[@peteeldridge1783]

Looks reasonable and Honda designed engine initially seemed promising but 2500k service intervals including a valve check is shocking nowadays - best to consider your annual mileage before purchase.

[@ian-c.01]

It definitely looks the part but is it actually designed for off road use or just 'off road styled' ? The big problem with these budget bikes is availability of parts, I suspect if you took that off road and dropped it a couple of times the repair bill would exceed it's value !

[@simonthomas5367]

Excellent! Same motor as my old Dominator but with injection? What a laugh!! P.S. try a Fantic Caballero 500 as a comparison?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I have ridden one - I mentioned it in the video I think….

[@simonthomas5367]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Caballero, Mash X Trail, Himalayan, Voge 300 Rally?? So many bikes. So little time...

[@cousinjack2841]

A nice looking bike. Being a few years older than you, I war riding this type of bike when you could buy a new XT500; I had a Yammy DT; Suzuki TS400 and a Maico 490 and my mood dictated which bike was the right one for the day, and good days they were. I like the look of the Mash and your review was favourable but you lost me when China was brought into the picture. I have had too much experience with getting goods manufactured there and few of them have been positive. No thanks. Nice review; subscribed.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching and welcome along!

[@ianwatson3315]

xt 250. brings back memories

[@Alien937]

The Honda dominator always had twin header pipes/exhaust ports, the original Dominator engine made 45bhp though and could hit 100mph

[@svendura1]

Love that bike and have already sat on it at the dealer's shop here in Germany. But there is one drawback and one real dealbreaker for me: 1. It does not have a trip counter. Not even one. 2. Maintenance every 3.000 km. So I can't travel with it. That's a dealbreaker. I'm shaken forth and back to buy one, though. What a nice bike. Thanks a lot for the interesting review.

[@richardsimpson3792]

Service it yourself...it's all pretty simple.

[@svendura1]

@@richardsimpson3792 No. I can't.

[@richardsimpson3792]

@@svendura1 If you can adjust a chain etc, (which you have to do if you are travelling) you can learn to service this bike. Just about every task can be done with a simple toolkit. It's a 1980s Honda design...really easy to work on. Change oil and filter, and spark plug...just need the right-size spanners. Adjust the tappets...just need the right-size spanner and a feeler gauge. You could get a mechanic to teach you how in a couple of hours. I suspect the oil change limit has been calculated using Chinese oil as a basis...you could probably stretch it a bit using high-quality European oil. If you like the bike, buy it and some simple tools and get your hands dirty!

[@roaming-aus]

You need to learn to just put one foot down and move you butt to that side of the seat when you stop (usually left foot). Very stable when you stop on or off road. Think tripod. You can ride any height bike confidently then.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I get the theory for sure!