Cycle News Staff | August 5, 2020
In July 2020, Yamaha released its first class 3 e-bike, the Civante, to the U.S. market. A Class-3 electric-bicycle provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that assistance up to 28 miles per hour. The next evolution for Yamaha is the release of two new full-suspension e-MTB, the YDX- Moro ($4,499) and YDX- Moro Pro ($5,499).
The YDX- Moro models are Class 1 e-Bikes, delivering pedal assist up to 20 mph. The new Moro trail bikes feature a new motor, a quad sensor system, new auto and walk modes and a dual twin frame. Here is the Yamaha Bicycles YDX-Moro First Look:
VIDEO | Yamaha Bicycles YDX-Moro Introduction
“This is the bike that Yamaha fans have been asking for, a full-suspension e-Bike crafted through a collaboration of Yamaha designers and engineers to create the best handling, best assist-feeling all-mountain e-Bike on the market, hands down,” said Drew Engelmann, Yamaha’s Power Assist Bicycle group sales and marketing manager. “Yamaha has designed a frame like no one else before, developed a new drive unit with all-new features, and, true to Yamaha’s engineering legacy, put together a total package that works so well together, it’s going to raise the bar for the all-mountain e-Bike segment from here forward. Yamaha just redefined the ‘all-mountain’ category – to ‘every mountain.’”
Below is the full release from Yamaha:
Cypress, CA (August 5, 2020) – Yamaha Bicycles has announced full details on the quality components, superior handling characteristics, and form fitting geometry for the highly-anticipated YDX-Moro and YDX-Moro Pro models on YamahaBicycles.com.
Yamaha recently unveiled the all-new e-Bikes’ key features, including a new PW-X2 drive unit with a new proprietary Quad Sensor System with an angle sensor, along with new Automatic, MTB and Walk Assist modes; an all-new patent pending Dual Twin™ frame design that delivers a superior combination of handling performance and durability; and Yamaha’s first-ever full-suspension e-MTB setup with Horst link design.
While the two models feature the same high-performing frame, drive unit and battery from Yamaha, the YDX-Moro Pro features an enhanced components package to meet the demands of the most experienced MTB riders. While a full list of specifications can be found at YamahaBicycles.com, key differentiators include the following:
- Front and Rear RockShox Suspension: The YDX-Moro features the highly tunable RockShox Revelation RC fork and Deluxe Select+ rear shock suspension components, while the YDX-Moro Pro includes the strong and buttery smooth YARI RC fork and Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock. Both incorporate RockShox’s updated DebonAir air spring and proven Motion Control damper with a total of 160mm of travel. This combination maintains a higher ride height and smooth performance for ultimate confidence when riding steep and rough terrain.
- Drive Train Package: The YDX-Moro model comes with a Shimano SLX 11-speed package, along with a KMC e11 Turbo chain. The YDX-Moro Pro model is equipped with the performance Shimano setup, including an XT shifter, long-cage derailleur, and 11-speed 11/46T cassette, driven by a KMC e11 Turbo EPT chain.
- Brakes Package: For optimal braking in extreme off-road conditions, both the Moro and Moro Pro models are equipped with high-performance Magura MT30 brakes and 203mm Storm CL Rotors. The YDX-Moro features four-piston brakes in the front, and two-piston in the rear, while the YDX-Moro Pro model features four-piston brakes all around.
- Tubeless Compatible 27.5+ Wheelset, and Plus-sized Tires: Boasting an internal rim width of 40mm, both models feature a Yamaha-designed 27.5+ alloy wheelset built with Boost hub spacing for a more direct chain line in the rear wheel and wider hub flange for increase spoke strength to the rim. The YDX-Moro Pro is equipped with Maxxis High Roller II 27.5 x 2.8-inch tires in both the front and rear. The YDX-Moro is equipped with a CST BFT 27.5 x 2.8-inch tire in the front and a CST Patrol 27.5 x 2.8-inch tire in the rear. Both models feature tubeless compatible rims and rim strips.
“We couldn’t be more excited for people to experience how our new drive unit and new frame design work as-one. We’ve created a never-felt-before level of rider control and balance with our Dual-Twin frame design in perfect alignment with the powerful and easy functionality of the new PW-X2 drive unit,” said Drew Engelmann, Yamaha’s Power Assist Bicycle group sales and marketing manager. “Yamaha has designed this bike to deliver on its promise to bring a new level of unified power and performance to all types of e-MTB trails, and with these quality components, we’re rounding out the package to make these YDX-Moro models an absolutely phenomenal ride.”
Other features not previously announced that are equipped on the all-new YDX-Moro models include the following:
- New PW-X2 Control Switch: A sleek and newly designed PW-X2 control switch maintains the ergonomic and tactile feel benefit found on other Yamaha bicycles while adding a push-assist feature button. Holding the up button for one second activates Automatic Mode, automatically measuring performance and adjusting assist levels accordingly.
- Integrated Dropper Post: Push lever control adjusts saddle height from the handlebar. A quick push of the lever lowers the rider’s center of gravity for descents, corners and jumps.
- Speed Sensor Rear Hub: Exclusive to Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles is a speed sensor engineered into the rear hub, which recognizes the slightest change in bicycle speed and adjusts motor input to deliver a smooth and natural power assist feel for the ultimate ride experience.
The YDX-Moro is scheduled to begin arriving at bicycle retailers as early as September. The YDX-Moro will be available in Desert Yellow with an MSRP of $4,499, and the YDX-Moro Pro will be available in Podium Blue/Nickel with an MSRP of $5,499.
For more information about Yamaha, visit www.yamahabicycles.com
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