Yamaha is not new to the electric-assisted bicycle (VAE) market. The Japanese, which has been offering a range of engines for a few years, claims to be one of the pioneers in the sector with a model released 30 years ago. The company has now decided to produce its own models and is launching a range of three VAEs. The CrossCore RC adopts a style halfway between urban and touring, the Wabash RT is aimed at gravel enthusiasts, while the Moro 07 is aimed at off-road lovers.
CrossCore RC: urban, but not too much
The Yamaha CrossCore RC could pass for the most urban of the family. It benefits from a closed hydroformed aluminum frame. The latter integrates the 500 Wh battery into the downtube and has a satisfactory integration of the various cables. Surprisingly, Yamaha opts for its PW-ST engine and not its freshly announced replacement, the PW-S2. The chosen version remains cut for both the city and for hiking with its torque of 70 Nm. Enough to overcome most difficulties without difficulty.
Shimano was chosen to supply the drivetrain with a cassette, derailleur and controls from the Alivio range. The CrossCore can count on nine gears, which gives it interesting versatility on paper. Shimano is also in charge for braking with an MT200 hydraulic disc system. In terms of comfort, the CrossCore RC benefits from a Suntour suspension fork (63 mm), but ignores the suspension seatpost. On the other hand, the 28-inch diameter CST tires have a width of 2 inches and provide an interesting volume of air to absorb small shocks.
For an e-bike touted as capable of commuting, Yamaha’s CrossCore RC makes a few mistakes. As standard, the Japanese e-bike does not come with mudguards or a luggage rack. Fortunately, these elements can be chosen as an option. On the other hand, a crutch is well on the program.
Three frame sizes are offered by the Japanese manufacturer, with the CrossCore RC coming in two colorways. For now, the price charged in France is not known, but Yamaha’s electric VTC is marketed for just over $3,000 in the United States.
Wabash RT: gravel for fun
The Wabash is also based on an aluminum frame and a PW-ST engine coupled to a 500 Wh battery. However, the spirit here is much more road-oriented with a rigid fork and a geometry more suited to sporty pedaling. The saddle is also cut to ride and benefits from a suspended and telescopic rod for passages off very smooth roads. Compounds specific to the practice of gravel are also on the menu with the Maxxis Rambler in 28 inches and 45 mm wide.
The rolling spirit of the Yamaha Wabash RT is also found in the use of a typical road handlebar and Shimano GRX400 hydraulic disc brakes. The transmission is provided by Shimano, still in the GRX range with an 11-42 11-speed cassette. For a desired dynamic bike, it will be necessary to deal with a weight of 21.4 kg.
The Wabash RT also does not yet have an officially communicated price in France. Across the Atlantic, Yamaha’s VAE is trading at over $4,000.
Moro 07: an all-mountain with a taste of motocross
Third and last representative of this new range, the Moro 07 plays the VTTAE card. This time, it’s a PW-X3 engine that is at work, with its 85 Nm of torque for only 2.75 kg. The battery used always shows a capacity of 500 Wh. Yamaha offers a Dual Twin frame here that it promises as motorcycle-inspired. This frame has the particularity of splitting the upper and diagonal tubes.
This mountain bike benefits from a RockShox Lyric Select RC suspension fork offering 160 mm of travel and a RockShox Super Deluxe Select rear shock. The 27.5-inch wheels accommodate 2.6-inch Maxxis MaxxTerra tires. A telescopic saddle is also included.
Yamaha always digs into the catalog of its compatriot Shimano for the transmission. The Moro 07 uses a 12-speed derailleur from the Deore XT range, combined with a 10-51 cassette from the same family. Braking is for its part provided by the German Magura which offers its MT5 hydraulic disc brakes with four pistons to bite 203 mm discs.