The Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 is a bike that stands out long before you even turn a pedal. The Dutch boutique brand relies on a Pinion C1.12 gearbox that promises low maintenance, a clean look and improved suspension performance. With 160 millimetres of travel up front and 150 millimetres at the rear, the KODIAK MX steps into the ring as an unusual but intriguing enduro all-rounder. At 16.3 kilograms in size L, the mullet bike remains light despite the gearbox and sits right in line with classic enduro weights. Instinctiv are targeting riders who want something off the beaten track. Whether that is worth the € 8,265 is the real question.
For an overview of the test field head to the comparison test: The best enduro bike of 2026
Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150: Specs and details
The Instinctiv KODIAK is available in three suspension travel options – 130, 140 and 150 mm. The 150 mm version is clearly aimed at riders who love pointing downhill and is available either as a full 29er or, like our test bike, as an MX variant. Beyond that, you can further customise your Kodiak through the online bike configurator.
The frame design of the Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 immediately grabs your attention. The carbon front triangle looks clean and modern, defined by flowing lines, a large opening behind the head tube and an overall futuristic silhouette. At its core sits the PUMA suspension design, a multi-link rear end with a compact, low-slung linkage. This frees up plenty of space inside the main triangle, making good use of the tool mount on the top tube and the bottle cage mounts. The chainstay is well protected, but the Kodiak lacks a small fender between the main pivot and the swingarm. That omission is all the more painful given that the paintwork proved sensitive to rock strikes during our testing sessions. The cockpit also stands out for the wrong reasons. With three levers, four clamps and five cables running into the frame through threaded cable ports, it’s the messiest-looking cockpit in the entire test field.
Instinctiv rely on a FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 36 Factory fork with the older GRIP2 damper, and a matching FLOAT X Factory shock. Both deliver solid on-trail performance, even if some of the other bikes in this test field benefit from the latest damper cartridges.
However, the real centrepiece of the Kodiak is the Pinion C1.12 gearbox, which was paired with mechanical trigger shifters on our test bike– though you can also opt for the electronic Smart Shift version. It delivers a huge 600% gear range and the ability to shift while stationary for added practicality. You also lose the exposed rear derailleur and the heavy cassette on the rear wheel. Our test bike still came with a chain, although the Kodiak can be equipped with a Gates carbon belt if you prefer.
The Instinctiv configurator gives you plenty of room to tailor the bike to your taste, without bogging you down in unnecessary options
MAGURA MT7 Pro brakes with 203 and 180 millimetre rotors do stopping duties. Compared with the other brakes in this test, their trail performance is weaker and they reach their limits more quickly, especially in bike park scenarios. The FOX Transfer Factory dropper on our test bike has just 150 mm of travel, which is far too little for a modern enduro bike, especially in frame size L. Even in the configurator you can only go up to 180 mm.
Race Face supply the Turbine aluminium cockpit. The wheels are Crankbrothers Synthesis E Alloy, paired with MAXXIS Assegai and Dissector tires in the MaxxTerra compound and EXO casings. While EXO is light, it’s clearly too flimsy for an enduro-focused bike, something the Kodiak proved on the very first descent. To keep the test fair, we replaced the tires with more robust Doubledown casings afterwards.
Specifications
Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory GRIP2 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Factory 150 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 150 mm
Brakes MAGURA MT7 Pro 203/180 mm
Drivetrain Pinion C1.12 trigger shift 30; 30
Stem 77designz ONE PIECE STEM 35 mm
Handlebar RaceFace Turbine 800 mm
Wheelset Crankbrothers Synthesis E Alloy MX
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO/MAXXIS Dissector, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO 2.5/ 2.4
Technical Data
Size MD, LG, XL
Tuning tip: Make sure you fit tires with a sturdier casing.
Fit a larger rear brake rotor.
The Geometry of the Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150
The Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 comes in three frame sizes – MD, LG and XL – and is designed to suit riders from 165 to 205 centimetres tall. This gives Instinctiv a wide overall size range, even if the jumps between sizes are quite big at times. Reach values span from 446 millimetres in MD to 513 millimetres in XL, with a sizeable 35-millimetre increment between MD and LG. The head angle sits at 64.0 degrees, which makes the KODIAK a touch steeper than many of the more downhill-focused bikes in this test field. At 430 mm, Instinctiv use the shortest chainstays of all the bikes on test, which clearly nudges the KODIAK MX 150 towards agility and a playful ride feel.
| Size | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 606 mm | 644 mm | 680 mm |
| Seat tube | 430 mm | 460 mm | 460 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm |
| Head angle | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.1° |
| Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.4° |
| Chainstay | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| BB Drop | 19.7 mm | 19.6 mm | 19.5 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,211 mm | 1,250 mm | 1,288 mm |
| Reach | 446 mm | 481 mm | 513 mm |
| Stack | 618 mm | 627 mm | 641 mm |
The Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 on the trail
Riding uphill, the Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 pedals pleasantly efficiently. The rear end remains relatively neutral under power, even when you get out of the saddle. The wide gear range of the Pinion gearbox is another clear asset on the way up. The only real drawback is the high shifting force, although you can ease this a little by briefly reducing pressure on the pedals. The short-travel dropper, however, restricts freedom of movement noticeably and becomes particularly annoying on longer climbs.
In flowing, twisty sections the KODIAK really comes alive and makes full use of its plush rear end.
Pointing downhill, the first thing that stands out is the deep, integrated riding position, which inspires confidence from the get go. The balance is nicely composed and the bike feels distinctly agile. The front end is relatively low, partly because the cockpit has almost no rise. This asks for a more active stance on steep terrain, but it also boosts agility and encourages you to attack corners. Handling is one of the KODIAK’s real strengths. The rear end feels very composed and delivers tons of traction, yet the bike still feels playful and loves to pop off features. It dives eagerly into corners, responds instantly to direction changes and clearly benefits from the reduced unsprung mass at the back. The pop is pleasantly predictable, giving the bike a lively feel on the trail.
The suspension feels like it has more travel than the numbers suggest. It tracks the ground well and offers a balanced mix of traction and support. The overall tune is on the firmer side without ever feeling harsh. In rougher sections, the KODIAK shows both strengths and weaknesses. Composure is limited and you can feel brake bumps quite clearly, which means the bike will shake you around a fair bit. It stays in control, though, and translates rider input accurately.
All things considered, the Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 is an agile, quiet and surprisingly versatile bike with an excellent rear suspension, plenty of pop and well-rounded performance. It feels most at home in flowing, twisty terrain, but it will handle rough tracks without complaint as long as you ride it actively.
Who should take a closer look at the Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150?
The Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 is ideal for anyone who wants to ride off the beaten track and appreciates the appeal of a gearbox-driven bike. If you are after a versatile, agile enduro all-rounder that stands out from the crowd with its Pinion drivetrain, distinctive design and lively handling, this one is right up your street.
Conclusions about the Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150
The Instinctiv KODIAK MX 150 is a bike for individualists. It’s technically distinctive, visually unique and surprisingly versatile on the trail. The Pinion drivetrain keeps things quiet, reduces maintenance and gives the rear suspension a planted, composed feel, while the agile handling and deep, integrated riding position make the KODIAK come alive on twisty, flowing trails. It lacks a bit of composure in rough terrain and the short dropper is limiting both uphill and down, but the suspension delivers a well-judged blend of traction, support and playful character.
Tops
- Agile handling
- Strong rear-end traction
- Good all-round character
- Quiet on the descents
Flops
- Underbuilt tyres
- Dropper post too short
- Heavy-action shifters
- Paint finish quality
For more information, visit Instinctiv.
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Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker