Yamaha YDX-MORO Mountain Bike Preview

Yamaha Power Assist Bicycles (read the Yamaha Introduces A New Line Of Electric-Assist Bicycles article) continues to expand into the two wheel off-road world with its all-new YDX-MORO sport ebike. It builds upon the release of the Tuning Fork brand’s entry-level YDX-TORC ($4,499)—a hardtail-style pedal-assist mountain bike. Yamaha defines its YDX bicycling nomenclature as “Yamaha Dirt Experience” and the “MORO” moniker comes from a Japanese mountain range.

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Available in two models, both MOROs are positioned as all-mountain, full-suspension-equipped Class 1 e-mountain bikes designed to tackle a variety of terrain from steep descents to flat cross-country-style rides. They roll on 27.5-inch-sized wheels, which is ideal for more technical rides boosting maneuverability as compared to larger 29-inch-rim setups.

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Like its motorcycles, Yamaha engineers its own chassis and powertrain in Japan. The MORO uses an all-new aluminum frame and swingarm sprung with air suspension from RockShox (a division of SRAM, a cycling drivetrain manufacturer). The MORO Pro ($5,499) adds higher-specification suspenders with added damping adjustability. It also gets a higher-spec rear brake caliper and Maxxis tires.

“We couldn’t be more excited for people to experience how our new drive unit and new frame design work as-one,” says Drew Engelmann, Yamaha Bicycles' group sales and marketing manager. “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.”

The Pro model also includes more premium XT (mid-grade specification) Shimano drivetrain components versus the SLX (more entry-level) gears/shifters on the standard model. Both bikes are equipped with Magura MT30 hydraulic disc brakes, with a four-piston radial-mount front caliper. The Pro model adds a four-piston rear caliper versus the standard model’s two-piston setup.

Both bicycles are powered by an upgraded version of Yamaha’s PW-X motor. Dubbed PW-X2, the motor pumps out up to 500 watts of power while weighing just over 1 gallon of gasoline (6.8 pounds). The motor is rated for 59 pound-feet torque in its highest power setting (EXPW). Important changes include the addition of a helical gear on the drive gear assembly to reduce drivetrain noise. It also employs an angle sensor to provide more consistent power assist when the vehicle is subjected to pitch (uphill) and roll (lean angle).

The motor is driven off a combination of the rider’s legs and a removable 500Wh battery positioned inside the frame’s bottom tube. Power assist is available from initial pedal stroke all the way to 20 mph. The 6.6-pound power cell is charged via a standard household-compatible 110-volt charger capable of charging the battery in four hours.

Six rider-selectable power modes are offered, including an automatic setting which tailors power output based on cadence and incline (the steeper the terrain, the more power). The MORO is available in three frame sizes (small, medium, and large) and carries a three-year limited warranty.