Are Yamaha E-Bike Motors Good?
Founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha, Yamaha began its history as a reed organ and piano manufacturer. In 1953, the 4th generation President Genichi Kawakami decided to branch out into motorcycles and small engines – which would eventually lead to them making electric bike motors.
As one would expect from a company over 130 years old, Yamaha has a long and storied history. Here is a timeline of the significant events in the history of Yamaha Motor Company:
1955- Yamaha has immediate success with its first motorcycle release, the YA-1. Yamaha forms the Yamaha Motor Company and splits from the main company (though Yamaha Company remains a major shareholder). It is headquartered in Iwata, Shizuoka, Japan.
1964- First international subsidiary in Thailand.
1968- Expands into Europe and sets up the first subsidiary in the Netherlands.
The 1970s- Yamaha introduces the first off-road and direct bikes. They were innovators in both.
1989- Yamaha creates the first electric-powered bicycle prototype.
1993- The first Yamaha PAS bike sold in Japan.
2003- A compact and lightweight center-mounted drive unit with a productive direct-to-chain assist was developed. To lighten pedaling when the battery is empty, a non-contact torque was developed.

2013- The Triple Sensor System was introduced to the all-new PW e-bike series, affording a smooth and steady ride. The increased precision of the assist control results in “natural and organic” pedaling.
Today Yamaha Motor Company motorcycles’ sales are the second largest in the world. The company also manufactures boats, personal watercraft, go-karts, golf carts, snowmobiles, generators, automobile engines, unmanned helicopters, wheelchairs, and of course, electric bikes.
PW Series SE
All-New Smooth and Powerful Design
Yamaha’s PWSeries SE is based on the first-generation of the PW motor and brings all the features which made it so popular. This upgraded version brings an even faster speed sensor within the rear hub, making the motor response even quicker. A quicker response means a more natural feel with the assist.
Bluetooth connectivity allows users to add their aftermarket cyclometer. The cadence support has also been increased from 100 rpm to 110 rpm.
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
- Rated Nominal Power: 250 W
- Max Torque: 70 Nm
- Max Support Speed: 20 MPH
- Max Support Mode %: High-280%, Standard-190%, ECO-100%, ECO/50%
PWSeries ST
The PW ST takes everything you enjoyed with the PW SE up a few notches while keeping it simple enough for anyone to use. Yamaha’s Quad Sensor System delivers just the right amount of assist to suit the conditions. Not only that, this drive unit brings an even broader range of assistance to help with that high-cadence pedaling.
Tuned as an all-around motor, this unit is ready for anything. The ST will accommodate the newest of riders while still giving veterans the performance they enjoy.
A big bonus with the ST is the Automatic Support Mode, which adds speed, adjusts seat height, and changes ride modes for you as the conditions change. No matter where you are in your ride, you can leave those variables to your Smart bike and concentrate on shifting, braking, and staying on the trail.
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 3.4 Kg
- Rated Output Power: 250 W
- Max Torque: 70 Nm
- Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
- Support Modes: High, Standard, ECO, ECO
PWSeries TE
Yamaha had comfort in mind when they designed the PWSeries TE drive unit. Primarily geared toward commuting or riding around the neighborhood, you’ll feel consistent assistance when needed as you cruise or tackle steep hills or stiff winds.
Sensors are everything when you’re looking for a natural ride, and the TE’s Quad Sensor Technology does just that. The system will automatically detect riding conditions and assist you accordingly.
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 3.4 Kg
- Rated Output Power: 250 W
- Max Torque: 60 Nm
- Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
- Support Modes: High, Standard, ECO, ECO
PWSeries CE
With the PWSeries CE, Yamaha focused their efforts on ensuring a natural, fun ride. They kept the weight down, reduced noise, and added the walk assist and Automatic Support Mode.
Amazingly lightweight at 2.9kg, the CE beefs up the natural assist setting to make your ride even smoother. So whether you’re riding or pushing the bike, the assist will make things easier.
Not only is this drive system quiet, but it’s Smart too. When conditions on the trail change, your bike can follow suit with the Automatic Support Mode. Same performance as with the ST. This feature adds speed, adjusts seat height, and changes ride modes for you as the conditions change. You can just concentrate on shifting, braking, and staying on the trail.
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 3.0. Kg
- Rated Power Output: 250 W
- Max Torque: 50 Nm
- Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
- Support Modes: High, Standard, ECO, ECO
PW-X Series
The P-X not only brings the fastest motor response technology to the table but does it so well you forget you’re riding an e-bike. With 70 Nm of torque, PW-X is the most powerful drive unit made by Yamaha and is super smooth with its natural assist. When conditions demand more, the PW-X takes it up a notch and provides up to 80Nm of torque.
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Rated Nominal Power: 250 W
- Max Torque: 70 Nm (HIGH/STD/ECO/ECO) 80 Nm (EXPW mode)
- Max Support Speed: 20 MPH
- Max Support Mode %: EXPW- 320%, High-280%, Standard-190%, ECO-100%, ECO/50%
PW-X2 Series
The X2 takes everything the PW-X made famous and brings a top-of-the-line feel to it. The “Pure Ride” concept is again realized with the powerful and quick pedaling response, plus increasing power support within the higher cadence range.
The new Automatic, MTB, and Push support modes make this Yamaha’s most powerful drive system. The 80Nm of torque coupled with cadence support up to 170 rpm will satisfy even the most demanding riders’ needs.
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 3.1 kg
- Rated Power: 250 W
- Max Torque: 70 Nm (HIGH/STD/ECO) 80 Nm (EXPW/MTB)
- Max Support Speed: 20 MPH
- Max Support Mode %: EXPW- 360%, MTB-360%, High-280%, Standard-170%, ECO-50%, Automatic (High/STD/ECO)
PW-X3 Series
The lighter, smaller, and higher torque output makes the X3 a beast. This is Yamaha’s high-end sports motor, with plenty of power with the 85 Nm. This drive unit still meets the toughest demands through a wide cadence range, even with the reduced size and weight.
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 2.75 kg
- Rated Power: 250 W
- Max Torque: 85 Nm
- Max Support Speed: 15 MPH
- Assist Modes: EXPW, High, Standard, ECO, ECO
PW-X2 45
Packing the highest rated output of all Yamaha motors at 500W, the X2 45 brings a lot in its small 3.1 kg package. Along with the power comes the torque, and the X2 45 isn’t lacking there either, with a beefy 80 Nm of torque and five assist modes. You won’t be disappointed!
- Drive Unit: Center mount
- Weight: 3.1 kg
- Rated Power: 500 W
- Max Torque: 80 Nm
- Max Support Speed: 28 MPH
- Assist Modes: EXPW, High, Standard, ECO, ECO
What E-bike Brands Use Yamaha Motors?
Besides Yamaha’s own line of electric bikes, these brands use their motors:
Final Verdict: Are Yamaha Motors Good to Use?
Yamaha Motor Company has been a major player in the small engine industry for over 65 years. A company with its reputation and experience should make anyone comfortable buying a well-reviewed e-bike with a Yamaha motor.
Yamaha motors are strong at low cadences and have excellent climbing assist–steep hills will never be a problem! And you won’t suddenly lose power while at high cadences. We love the Bluetooth-compatible cyclometers (with select drives).
We like and recommend Yamaha e-bike motors.
SOSIOHUMANIKA: Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan (Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Education). This journal, with ISSN 1979-0112 (print) and ISSN 2622-6855 (online), was firstly published on May 20, 2008, in the context to commemorate the National Awakening Day in Indonesia. The SOSIOHUMANIKA journal had been managed and organized by the Lecturers of FISIP UNSYIAH (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Syiah Kuala University) in Banda Aceh, since 2020 to 2025; and be published by Minda Masagi Suci Foundation and ASPENSI (International Association for Historians and History Educators) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
The SOSIOHUMANIKA journal is published every May and November. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about the Humanities and Social Sciences Educational studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Educational studies in general.
The SOSIOHUMANIKA journal is devoted, but not limited to, Social Sciences education, Humanities education, and any new development and advancement in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences education. The scope of our journal includes: (1) Language and literature education; (2) Social sciences education; (3) Sports and health education; (4) Economy and business education; (5) Science, Technology and Society in education; (6) Political and Social Engineering in education; and (7) Visual arts, dance, music, and design education.
For Indonesian scholars, it is important to note here that the SOSIOHUMANIKA journal has been accredited by Ditjendikti Kemdikbud RI (Directorate-General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia) for period 2013 to 2018. The articles published in SOSIOHUMANIKA journal are able to be written in English as well as in Indonesian and Malay languages.
Since early 2018, the website of SOSIOHUMANIKA journal has migrated to webside based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/sosiohumanika. However, the conventional e-mails address for sending the articles is still able to: sosiohumanika@gmail.com and mindamas.journals@gmail.com
EDUCARE
EDUCARE: International Journal for Educational Studies. This journal, with ISSN 1979-7877 (print) and ISSN 2621-587X (online), was firstly published on August 17, 2008, in the context to commemorate the Independence Day in Indonesia. The EDUCARE journal was managed and organized by the Lecturers of FKIP UMP (Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Muhammadiyah University of Purwokerto) in Central Java, Indonesia, since Edition of February 2009 to Edition of February 2016; and published by Minda Masagi Suci; ASPENSI (International Association for Historians and History Educators) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia; and BRIMAN (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia Academic Network) Institute in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, since issue of February 2018 to date.
The EDUCARE journal is published every February and August. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about educational studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the World who care and share related to the educational studies in general.
The EDUCARE journal is devoted, but not limited to, primary education, secondary education, higher education, teacher education, special education, adult education, non-formal education, and any new development and advancement in the field of education. The scope of our journal includes: (1) Language and literature education; (2) Social science education; (3) Sports and health education; (4) Economy and business education; (5) Math and natural science education; (6) Vocational and engineering education; and (7) Visual arts, dance, music, and design education.
Since 2018, the website of EDUCARE journal has been migrated from web based on WP (Word Press) program towards the web based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/educare. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: ijes.educare@gmail.com and mindamas.journals@gmail.com
TAWARIKH
TAWARIKH: Journal of Historical Studies. This journal, with print-ISSN 2085-0980 and online-ISSN 2685-2284. was firstly published on October 28, 2009, in the context to commemorate the Youth Pledge Day in Indonesia. The TAWARIKH journal was organized by the Lecturers of Faculty of Adab and Humanities UIN SGD (State Islamic University, Sunan Gunung Djati) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, since issue of April 2016 to October 2017; and published by Minda Masagi Suci and ASPENSI (International Association for Historians and History Educators) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
The TAWARIKH journal is published every April and October. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about History Education and Historical Studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the History Education and Historical Studies in general.
The TAWARIKH journal is devoted, but not limited to, history education, historical studies, and any new development and advancement in the field of history education and historical studies. The scope of our journal includes: (1) History Education and National Character Building; (2) Political, Social, Cultural and Educational History; (3) Education, History, and Social Awareness; (4) Economic History and Welfare State; (5) Science, Technology and Society in Historical Perspectives; (6) Religion and Philosophy in Historical Perspectives; and (7) Visual Arts, Dance, Music, and Design in Historical Perspectives.
For Indonesian scholars, it is important to note here that the TAWARIKH journal has been accredited by Ditjendikti Kemdikbud RI (Directorate-General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia) for period 2012 to 2017; and also indexed by Google Scholar as well as SINTA (Science and Technology Indexing) Level 2 owned by Kemenristekdikti (Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia) in Jakarta.
Since early 2016, the website of TAWARIKH journal has migrated to website based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/tawarikh. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: tawarikh.journal2009@gmail.com and mindamas.journals@gmail.com
INSANCITA
INSANCITA: Journal of Islamic Studies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. This journal, with e-ISSN 2657-0491 and p-ISSN 2443-2776, was firstly published on February 5, 2016, in the context to commemorate the anniversary of HMI (Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam or Association of Islamic College’s Students) in Indonesia. The INSANCITA journal has been organized by the Alumni of HMI who work as Lecturers at the HEIs (Higher Education Istitutions) in Indonesia, since issue of February 2016 to date; and published by Minda Masagi Suci, a publishing house owned by ASPENSI (the Association of Indonesian Scholars of History Education) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
The articles published in INSANCITA journal are able to be written in English as well as in Indonesian and Malay languages. The INSANCITA journal is published every February and August. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about Islamic studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the World who care and share related to the Islamic studies in general.
The INSANCITA journal is devoted, but not limited to, Islamic studies and any new development and advancement in the field of Islamic society. The scope of our journal includes: (1) Language and Literature in Islam; (2) Social Science and Humanities in Islam; (3) History and Philosophy of Education in Islam; (4) Economy and Business in Islam; (5) Science, Technology and Society in Islam; (6) Political, Cultural and Social Engineering in Islam; and (7) Visual Arts, Dance, Music, and Design in Islam.
Since early 2016, the website of INSANCITA journal has migrated to website based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/insancita. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: insancita.journal@gmail.com and mindamas.journals@gmail.com
ATIKAN
ATIKAN: Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan (Journal of Educational Studies). This journal, with e-ISSN 2714-6243 and p-ISSN 2088-1290, was firstly published on June 1, 2011, in the context to commemorate the Birthday of Pancasila’s Name in Indonesia. Since issue of June 2012 to December 2014, the ATIKAN journal was organized by the Lecturers of FKIP UNSUR (Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Suryakancana University) in Cianjur; and, since issue of December 2014 to June 2015, by the Lecturers of FPOK UPI (Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Indonesia University of Education) in Bandung; and published by Minda Masagi Suci as a publisher owned by ASPENSI (the Association of Indonesian Scholars of History Education) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
The articles published in ATIKAN journal are able to be written in English as well as in Indonesian and Malay languages. This journal is published twice a year i.e. every June and December. The ATIKAN journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about educational studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the educational studies in general.
The ATIKAN journal is devoted, but not limited to, primary education, secondary education, higher education, teacher education, special education, adult education, non-formal education, and any new development and advancement in the field of education. The scope of our journal includes: (1) Language and literature education; (2) Social science education; (3) Sports and health education; (4) Economy and business education; (5) Math and natural science education; (6) Vocational and engineering education; and (7) Visual arts, dance, music, and design education.
Since early 2016, the website of ATIKAN journal has been migrated towards the web based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/atikan. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: atikan.jurnal@gmail.com and mindamas.journals@gmail.com
SUSURGALUR
The articles published in SUSURGALUR journal are able to be written in English as well as in Indonesian and Malay languages. The SUSURGALUR journal is published every March and September. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about History Education and Historical Studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the History Education and Historical Studies in general.
The SUSURGALUR journal is devoted, but not limited to, history education, historical studies, and any new development and advancement in the field of history education and historical studies. The scope of our journal includes: (1) History Education and National Character Building; (2) Political, Social, Cultural and Educational History; (3) Education, History, and Social Awareness; (4) Economic History and Welfare State; (5) Science, Technology and Society in Historical Perspectives; (6) Religion and Philosophy in Historical Perspectives; and (7) Visual Arts, Dance, Music, and Design in Historical Perspectives.
Since early 2016, the website of SUSURGALUR journal has been migrated from web based on WP (Word Press) program towards the web based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/susurgalur. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: susurgalur.jurnal2013@gmail.com and midamas.journals@gmail.com
SIPATAHOENAN
SIPATAHOENAN: South-East Asian Journal for Youth, Sports Health Education. This journal, with ISSN 2407-7348, was firstly published on April 21, 2015, in the context to commemorate the Kartini (Women Figure)’s Day in Indonesia. Since issue of April 2015 to October 2015, the SIPATAHOENAN journal was organized by the Central Executive Board of APAKSI (Association of All Indonesian Sports’ Experts and Practitioners) in Bandung; and supported by KEMENPORA RI (Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia) in Jakarta. Since issue of April 2016 to date, the SIPATAHOENAN journal has been managed and published by Minda Masagi Suci, a publishing house owned by ASPENSI (the Association of Indonesian Scholars of History Education) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
The articles published in SIPATAHOENAN journal are able to be written in English as well as in Indonesian and Malay languages. The SIPATAHOENAN journal is published every April and October. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about the youth, sports, health, and educational studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the youth, sports, health, and educational studies in general.
The SIPATAHOENAN journal is devoted, but not limited to, youth education, sports education, health education, and any new development and advancement in the field of youth, sports, and health education. The scope of our journal includes: (1) Youth and Nation-State Development; (2) Sports and National Character Building; (3) Health and Human Resources Quality; (4) Youth Education and Nation-State in the Future; (5) Sports Education and Fighting Spirit of the Nation-State; (6) Health Education and Nation-State Tenacity; and (7) Youth, Sports, and Helath Education in the Context of Welfare State Development.
Since early 2016, the website of SIPATAHOENAN journal has been migrated to OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/sipatahoenan. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: sipatahoenan.journal@gmail.com and mindamas.journals@gmail.com
HONAI
The HONAI journal is published every May and November. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the above theme in general.
The HONAI journal is devoted, but not limited to, educational, social, political, and cultural matters, and any new development and advancement in the field of those matters. The scope of our journal includes: (1) Education and National Character Building; (2) Political, Social, and Cultural Matters; (3) History of Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Matters; (4) Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Development in the Context of Welfare Nation-State; (5) Science, Technology and Society in the Context of Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Development; and (6) Religion and Philosophy in the Perspectives of Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Context.
Since the firstly issued, the HONAI journal is based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/honai. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: mindamas.journals@gmail.com
HISTORIA
HISTORIA: Jurnal Kajian Sejarah di Nusantara dan Dunia (Journal of Historical Studies in Indonesian/Malay Archipelago and the World). This journal, with print-ISSN 2621-8011 and online-ISSN 2621-802X, will firstly be published on December 27, 2018. The HISTORIA journal has been managed and published by Minda Masagi Suci, a publishing house owned by ASPENSI (the Association of Indonesian Scholars of History Education) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
The HISTORIA journal is published every December and June. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about the Historical Studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the above theme in general.
The HISTORIA journal is devoted, but not limited to, history of educational, social, political, and cultural matters, and any new development and advancement in the field of those matters. The scope of our journal includes: (1) History of National-State and its Character Building; (2) History of Political, Social, and Cultural Matters; (3) History of Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Matters; (4) History of Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Development in the Context of Welfare Nation-State; (5) History of Science, Technology and Society in the Context of Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Development; and (6) History Religion and Philosophy in the Perspectives of Educational, Social, Political, and Cultural Context.
Since the firstly issued, the HISTORIA journal is based on OJS (Open Journal System) program at: www.journals.mindamas.com/index.php/historia. However, the conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is still able to: atriwusidna@gmail.com
MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN
MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN: Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan (Indonesian Journal for Educational Studies). This journal, with print-ISSN 2527-3868 and online-ISSN 2503-457X, was firstly be published on March 11, 2016, and issued every March and September. The MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN is a new version journal from the old journal with the similar name that was published since 1995 to 2005. This journal is dedicated not only for Indonesian scholars who concern about educational studies, but also welcome to the scholars of Southeast Asian countries and around the world who care and share related to the educational studies in general.
The MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN journal is organized by the Lecturers of UPI (Indonesia University of Education)’s Journal Developer Team; and published by UPI Press in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. The articles published in MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN journal are able to be written in English as well as in Indonesian and Malay languages.
The MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN journal is devoted, but not limited to, primary education, secondary education, higher education, teacher education, special education, adult education, non-formal education, and any new development and advancement in the field of education. The scope of our journal includes: (1) Language and literature education; (2) Social sciences and humanities education; (3) Sports and health education; (4) Economy and business education; (5) Math and natural science education; (6) Vocational and engineering education; and (7) Visual arts, dance, music, and design education.
Conventional e-mail address for sending the articles is: suciandi@upi.edu and mindamas.journals@gmail.com
Details for electric NEO’s to come in the weeks ahead
Yamaha Motor Europe outlined its plans for electric two-wheelers, revealing a range of scooters, bicycles and a moped. The announcement confirmed our report last week that it would include an electric scooter called the “NEO’s”, but the 50cc-equivalent model was only scratching the surface.
The presentation provided a general outline of Yamaha’s approach to electrification, though it did leave us wanting more. While electric motorcycle brands like Zero and Energica offer a range of models and Harley-Davidson‘s LiveWire spin-off is preparing to offer its second model in a few months, Yamaha is much more conservative about electrification.
Of the models mentioned, the NEO’s is the only one that go into production this year. The NEO’s name (pronounced “Nay-OSS”) has been around since 1997 as a 50cc gas-fueled scooter, and it will continue to exist as an electric model, offering a similar level of performance. As we reported, the new NEO’s will be based on the E02 concept shown at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.

The 50cc scooter class used to be more popular in Europe, but as Paolo Pavesio, marketing and motorsport director for Yamaha Motor Europe, explains, tougher emissions controls and the prevalence of more powerful 125cc scooters has eaten away at the class. There’s still a place for vehicles of this level of performance, however, and Yamaha sees it as a a logical target for electrification. Yamaha will release further details about the NEO’s in the weeks ahead, but it did confirm the NEO’s will use removable batteries.
The second electric scooter, a 125cc-equivalent model, will be a much longer time coming. Based on the E01 concept also shown in 2019, the as-yet-unnamed model (“E-Max” seems the obvious choice, but Yamaha’s branding seems to FOCUS on incorporating a stylized “O” somewhere, so we’ll stick with the concept name for now) will be introduced in a European city as a vehicle-sharing fleet model. Yamaha will use the vehicle sharing as a proof of concept, and to gather data for a consumer launch in two to three years.
Yamaha also presented three ebike prototypes, a mountain bike, a touring bike and an urban model, all powered by Yamaha’s electric drive units. Specifications for the three bicycles will be released in the summer, with a target launch of late 2022.
The presentation concluded with a moped model called the B01. The B01 was designed in collaboration with Fantic Motors, and very closely resembles its Issimo Fun. The Issimo Fun is equipped with a 250 watt motor producing a claimed 59 lb-ft. of torque, with power supplied by a 630Wh 36 volt lithium-ion battery.
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Yamaha is doing the minimum to keep the money generating, err environmental agencies, off of their backs. On the other hand, they are doing everything they can to keep the ICE alive and for that I applaud them.

Yamaha TY-E 2.0 Electric Trials Motorcycle Prototype First Look Video
The Yamaha Factory Racing Team will be campaigning its new electric trials bike at a few rounds of the 2022 FIM Trial World Championship Series. Dubbed the TY-E 2.0, the battery-powered motorcycle is part of the Yamaha Motor Group Environmental Plan 2050 and FUN x EV development concept. Development rider Kenichi Kuroyama will be riding the TY-E 2.0 in the world rounds. Kuroyama was number 3 in world trials in 1997 and 1998.
The centerpiece of the Yamaha TY-E 2.0 is a new battery that is claimed to have 2.5 times the capacity of the battery used in the first TY-E in 2018, yet weighs just 20 percent more. According to a Yamaha insider, the lithium-ion battery’s performance and weight improvements came after “a review of cell selection, layout, and components used.”
Yamaha has employed a composite-laminate monocoque frame with x-shaped ribs to reduce weight and optimize rigidity. Yamaha is a bit vague about the weight of the TY-E 2.0, only claiming that it hits the scales at more than 154 pounds—the FIM minimum for world trial competition. Additionally, Yamaha lowered the center of gravity by repositioning the motor and battery.
The motorcycle’s wheelbase is 51.6 inches, and it has 13.4 inches of ground clearance. No seat height is quoted for the Yamaha TY-E 2.0, as it has no seat. Familiar components include Dunlop D803GP rubber, Tech fork, D.I.D. chain, and S3 chain guide.
Although it is a one-speed, the electric motor is mated to a hydraulically actuated wet multiple clutch and flywheel, giving the rider more control over the power delivery. The electronic controller is also optimized for the unique requirement of world trials competition, which favors torque over brute horsepower.
Yamaha will be publicly displaying the TY-E 2.0 for the first time at the Yamaha Motor booth at the 49th Tokyo Motorcycle Show from March 25 to 27.
With 50 years of riding experience, Don Williams is a fan of all kinds of motorcycles. He enjoys sport bikes, cruisers, dirt bikes, touring bikes, adventure bikes, dual sport bikes, and rideable customs. Ask Don what his favorite bike is and he will tell you, Whatever bike I’m on.
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Have you seen the Sport Heritage range of Yamahas? They are the classically styled performance motorcycles taking the US by storm. I’ve been riding the gorgeous-looking Yamaha XSR900 and its great looks are more than backed up by its phenomenal performance. Visit YamahaMotorsports.com to find out more about the exciting Heritage line, or check it out for yourself at your local dealer today.
Editor Don Williams is a dirt-bike nut. He rode competitive Trials for over 30 years, and he and his wife ride every weekend—and sometimes more—on every type of off-road machine they can lay their hands on. Interestingly, he’s never had the chance to ride a Grand National Cross Country off-road race course, but recently he finally had the chance to do so. As a guest of KTM, Don was able to sample the range of KTM Cross Country XC models, and in this first segment he tells us about the differences he found, as well as the thrill of riding a full GNCC course for the first time.
In our second segment, Teejay Adams chats with a couple of adventure-seeking Aussies. Stu and Janell and their three dogs, have been riding all over the world for the last ten years—and visited 108 countries—aboard their two BMW 650 GS adventure motorcycles. Calling themselves “The Pack Track” their adventures are chronicled on their blog. Teejay gets the lowdown on some of their experiences—good and bad—and the challenge of crossing borders with canines along for the ride. Actually, they will be touring the USA from June to October this year, starting in Sacramento, California, before making their way across to the North East part of the US, and then finishing back in Dallas, Texas where they first started. On the tour they will be giving free presentations at a number of motorcycle dealerships, so check out their schedule and hopefully get along to meet them in person.
So, from everyone here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode.