After three months of daily use, hauling dirtbikes, adventure bikes, and putting the Mazda BT-50 Thunder Pro through a variety of conditions, it’s safe to say that this ute has exceeded all our expectations. Not only has it proven itself as a workhorse, but it’s also been incredibly comfortable and efficient to live with. Let’s dive into what makes this ute such a standout after three months on the road (and off it).
SUSPENSION AND COMFORT: LIKE RIDING ON A CLOUD
One of the most notable things about the BT-50 Thunder Pro after extended use is just how comfortable it is, both in terms of ride quality and driving position. The suspension continues to shine, and whether we’re cruising on the highway or bouncing along on rough dirt roads, it soaks up the bumps like a champ. The Old Man Emu suspension is not just about handling weight— it’s about delivering a smooth, composed ride that keeps everything in place. Even after long days of driving, we’ve felt fresh, which says a lot when you’re carting gear and bikes.
Inside, the driving position remains one of the most comfortable we’ve experienced in a ute. The seats offer excellent support, with just the right amount of cushioning for long-distance driving. Between the heated seats and the adjustability, it’s easy to find the perfect setup for any driver, regardless of height or build. After three months, we’ve had no complaints from the driver or passengers — Mazda’s nailed the ergonomics on this one.
FUEL EFFICIENCY AND SMART BIKE TRANSPORT
One of the most interesting discoveries we’ve made recently is the impact of how we load the bikes on the ute. We tried a new setup using a lowball rack that sits sideways on the back of the ute. This method turned out to be more fuel-efficient than carrying a bike in the tub or towing a trailer. By positioning the bike sideways on the rack, we reduced wind drag significantly, which led to better fuel economy. We managed to achieve even better efficiency than our already impressive 10.0L/100 km average.
Not only did this setup improve fuel efficiency, but it also kept our rearview unobstructed—a huge bonus when we’re reversing into a spot and checking for emergency vehicles that might be following (or heaven forbid, pulling us over). Plus, because the rack sits so low, the bike didn’t hang out of the side, which we were initially concerned about. The best part? We were still able to fit two kid’s bikes in the tub with the tailgate up. So, with the main bike securely fastened on the rack and the kid’s bike in the back, we had a perfect transport setup for both.
And thanks to the suspension, even with this setup, the bike didn’t bounce around dangerously. The combination of the rack and the BT-50’s top-tier suspension made for an incredibly stable and safe way to transport our gear. For those who regularly transport multiple bikes, this is a game-changer.
STAYING FLAWLESS: NO ISSUES, NO WORRIES
Three months in, and we haven’t encountered a single issue with the BT-50 Thunder Pro. It’s been rock solid, whether it’s carting bikes for a weekend of riding or serving as a daily driver. The ute’s reliability is second to none, with not a rattle, squeak, or mechanical hiccup in sight.
FINAL THOUGHTS: THE PERFECT DIRT BIKE COMPANION
After living with the Mazda BT-50 Thunder Pro for three months, we can confidently say that it’s become an essential part of our dirt bike hauling. Whether we’re heading to the track with multiple bikes in tow or just cruising around town, it delivers in every aspect — comfort, performance, efficiency, and practicality.
The suspension has continued to impress, and we’ve found new ways to maximize fuel efficiency and load space with our sideways rack setup. The fact that we can still fit two kid’s bikes in the tub with the tailgate up is just icing on the cake. We’ve yet to encounter any issues, making this ute one of the most reliable vehicles we’ve had the pleasure of driving.
So, for anyone looking for a versatile, powerful, and comfortable ute that can handle everything from daily life to serious dirt bike duties, the BT-50 Thunder Pro continues to be an outstanding choice. We’ll keep pushing it to see what else it’s capable of, but for now, it’s hard to find fault with this impressive machine.
