Yamaha are know for making reliable motorbikes
But since recent times they are dipping their toes into the adventure cycling world
The Y-01W AWD concept model has to be one of the most innovative adventure focused eBikes I’ve seen.
A center-mounted electric motor and a hub motor at the front for two-wheel drive
While coordinated electronic control of the two motors and twin batteries are said to enable long-distance rides
With wide tires, four front headlights, integrated racks and aero bars, dropper post and an inverted fork.
All speaking to this bikes excellent off-road adventure performance potential!
In this video I dive deep into this new bike concept and see what it means for the future of adventure cycling!
Pioneering the first e-Bike back in 1993, recently celebrating their 30th anniversary
Yamaha Motors started with an e-Bike Prototype back in the late 1970s
In addressing societal challenges in Japan, ranging from energy sector issues and environmental concerns to traffic congestion, a declining birthrate, and an aging population.
Yamaha focused on the bicycle for its potential in enhancing personal mobility.
Recognizing the limitations of traditional bicycles, such as the challenge of riding uphill, against the wind, or with heavy luggage.
Yamaha developed a prototype electric commuter vehicle.
This innovation enhances the ease and convenience of cycling by using an electric motor that augments the rider’s pedaling force, making it accessible and enjoyable for a broader range of users.
The World’s First Production e-Bike in 1993
The original Power Assist System (PAS) included a torque sensor to measure how hard the pedals were pushed, a speed sensor to track the bike’s speed, a computerized controller connected to an electric motor to create additional power, a drive unit to send this power to the back wheel, and a battery to run the whole system.
Once the model was released to the market, it marked the birth of the world’s first e-Bike.
Early 90’s At the same time Yamaha and Ohlins suspension teamed up to develop a motorcycle 2WD system.
Where the front wheel was driven hydraulically by a high-speed pump above the gearbox.
This 2WD system made very limited production in 2004, with the 250 WR450 2-Trac dirt bikes
Improvements in traction and control, especially in challenging off-road conditions is the main reason such systems are appealing.
But costs were high on such a short run and it wasn’t a commercial success.
Then in 2008 The Brace Debuted and One Million Unit Mark Reached
Designed specifically for fun and high performance. This model boasts features like an 8-speed internal-gear hub, a sturdy diamond frame, front suspension, Shimano V-brakes on both ends, semi-slick tires, and a handlebar stem that can be adjusted for comfort.
At this time Yamha also celebrate a significant milestone – reaching the production of one million e-Bike drive units by 2008.
2015 The YPJ-R Series of Sport e-Bikes Hits the Road
Offering an entirely new way to enjoy recreational cycling by combining a high-performance road bike with e-Bike power.
The YPJ-R used the compact and lightweight PW Series drive unit from the e-Bike system kit for light weight, high performance and fun.
2018 YDX-TORC e-MTB Debuts and Yamaha e-Bikes Launch in USA
Yamaha Motor launched the YDX-TORC e-MTB model, which featured the top-end PW-X drive unit developed specifically for mountain bike duties. It achieved a level of performance that enabled users to get maximum fun out of the e-MTB riding experience.
Yamaha Motor also made an exciting entry into the rapidly growing e-Bike market in the US by introducing four new models – the aforementioned YDX-TORC, the Urban Rush drop handle road bike, the CrossCore fitness bike, and the CrossConnect city bike for everyday recreation and utility.
2022 Yamaha launches three new complete models on the global stage – the YDX-Moro 07, Wabash RT, and CrossCore RC.
The YDX-Moro 07 uses our Dual Twin® frame design, this All-Mountain weapon also comes with compact control switches, a minimalist display, and top-shelf e-MTB components to improve ride performance
The Wabash RT is a gravel e-Bike that offers the comfort of a road bike with off-road performance for heading off the beaten path
The CrossCore RC is do-it-all urban e-Bike model that is equally capable of handling commuting duties as well as embarking on longer rides through suburbia
First they have the Y-00Z MTB Yamaha Motor Off-Road DNA concept, this is a technical showcase of what is possible with eMTB technologies
But the reason why you are here today is because of this…..
The Y-01W AWD Adventure eBike
A hard-tail gravel tourer drop bar mountain eBike with a rear rack, semi-fat tires, an aero bar at the front with forearm rests. Not to mention other features. It truely looks like the ultimate do-it all bike.
It incredible to see what a dirt bike rider can do with a single driven wheel
The fact that AWD concept has never caught on in the motorcycle world is astounding
When this is what off road 4-wheel driving is all about
When traction is limited, there’s a huge benefit in sending some drive through the front wheel as well
2WD bikes go faster and they offer better traction
A dual engine system, with one mounted in the middle of the frame, driving the rear wheel, and a second hub motor on the front wheel. According to Yamaha, the engines’ output is coordinated electronically, and twin 500Wh batteries provide a more extended assistance range.
Tats the key to an AWD bike’s functionality in how power is distributed between the front and rear wheels.
AWD bikes excel in providing better traction, especially in challenging terrains like mud, sand, or snow. The front wheel drive can pull the bike forward while the rear wheel pushes, offering a more stable and controlled ride
Having that said AWD systems add complexity and weight to a bike. The additional components required for powering and controlling both wheels mean these bikes can be heavier and require more maintenance than standard bikes.
This bikes is said to be around 20 kg! And without any gear that’s getting heavy.
Every aspect of this bike is purpose built for adventure!
It has wide Pirelli Scorpion Enduro tires to provide grip on various terrains
The teaser images also show a KYB suspension system which is an inverted fork design, 4 LED lights, two-frame colorways and multiple handlebar options, including the Renthal Fatbar and “triathlon” aero bars.
There is still so much to discover about this bike.
Many people have mentioned the absence of mudguards, which you would expect to see on this type of model. But ideally I don’t think they’re really needed as they can often be more hassle when adventure cycling with mud build up especially on such wide tires.
Plus, the e-bike does not appear to have a display to show journey statistics or toggle assistance on and off. Further details, such as the combined motor output, assistance range and the model’s weight, are yet to be announced. It also needs to be made clear when the device could launch or how much it will cost.
But Yamaha say it’s a “concept model that points to the many potential spheres of riding open to ebikes” and hopefully one day we can see it come into production.
It’s a bike the adventure cycling world is missing!
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