Yamaha has been producing e-bikes for almost 30 years. As early as 1989, the Japanese developed the first electric pedal assist motor and in 1993 presented the Yamaha PAS ("Power Assist System"), the world's first mass-produced e-bike, intended for use on commutes and shopping trips. When full-suspension e-mountain bikes first hit the market, Bosch, Panasonic, and Yamaha were the dominant motor manufacturers. Primarily, Yamaha motors were used in the e-MTBs of Haibike, Lapierre, and Giant - there were no Yamaha e-MTBs for a long time.
Two years ago, Yamaha finally presented their first full-suspension e-MTB with the YDX-MORO. However, in Europe, we had to wait until 2023 for the current variant. This model is named Yamaha MORO 07 and has the same frame and battery as the original MORO, but has been refined with the latest Shimano and suspension components as well as a sharper paint job.
After NoPain was allowed to try out the Yamaha MORO 07 already last year at the presentation in Spain (click here for his practical impressions), we entrusted the final production bike to the YouTuber and e-mountain biker Mr. EIT for an intensive review.
But, who the Fuck is Mr. EIT?
About Mr. EIT
Mr. EIT makes weekly YouTube videos, is a technologist, coffee drinker, super model, e-mountain biker, and everything in between.
Mr. EIT YouTube Channel
Mr. EIT Online Shop
Mr. EIT Instagram
But before you order any "awesome cool stuff", or get lost in one of his many review videos, check out his piece on the Yamaha MORO 07 now. Entertaining, honest, and uncompromising.
100% Digital Content Produced In-House.
YouTuber Mr. EITMORO 07
The MORO 07 is an e-mountain bike that is designed for both SUV rides and challenging terrain, integrating the powerful Yamaha PW-X3 motor with a maximum torque of 85 Nm. Its unique selling point is the unique and highly polarizing "Dual-Twin-Frame" with split top and down tube. This houses the battery and the shock absorber openly and centrally, which should allow for high stiffness, good feedback, and precise handling.
In combination with the compact drive system, a distinctive and slim design is achieved, which, with the good ground clearance and a compact wheelbase, allows for playful handling. The MORO 07 is available in three frame sizes (S, M, L) and in two colors (Icon Blue, Raven/Silver) in this country.
Equipment
The MORO 07 offers a suspension travel of 160 mm with a RockShox Lyrik suspension fork at the front and 150 mm with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock at the rear. Yamaha opts for an agile 27.5-inch wheel setup to maximize agility. The sturdy aluminum rims are equipped with 2.6″ thick Maxxis tires, while Magura MT5 disc brakes provide the braking power. Shifting is done with a 12-speed Shimano XT.
Tech Specs
Frame | Moro, Aluminum, Dual Twin, 160 mm travel | Seatpost | Variable seatpost with 30.9 mm diameter. (S/M) 125 mm travel, (L) 150 mm travel |
Sizes | S/M/L | Chain | KMC e12 Turbo |
Drive | Yamaha PWSeries X3, 85Nm | Wheels | 27.5+ Aluminum, Tubeless, 40 mm internal |
Battery | Yamaha Multi-Location 500 Wh 36 V Lithium-Ion | Tires | Maxxis 27.5 X 2.6 Minion DHF (f) Maxxis 27.5 X 2.6 REKON (r) |
Display | Yamaha Interface X | Headset | Tapered, with 30 mm spacers |
Fork | RockShox Lyric Select MY23 160 mm Boost | Stem | 4-screw faceplate made of aluminum, Ø 35.0, length 40 mm |
Shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+ 210 x 55, 160 mm travel | Grips | Dual Core locking |
Crank | Praxis, 165 mm | Saddle | Non-slip with rear handle |
Handlebars | Aluminum, 30 mm rise, 35.0 Ø, 780 mm wide | Cassette | Shimano CS-M8100-12 |
Front brake | Magura MT5 with 203 mm Storm CL brake discs, 4-piston | Rear brake | Magura MT5 with 203 mm Storm CL brake discs, 2-piston |
Shift lever | Shimano XT 12-speed | Weight* | 23.3 kg measured without pedals |
Rear derailleur | Shimano XT 12-speed | Price | € 4,699 |
* Manufacturer's specification 24.3 kg
In frame size L and with the 500 Wh battery, the measured weight is 23.3 kg. The battery can optionally be removed for charging. In addition to the three support modes and a special E-MTB mode, beginners can look forward to an extremely well-functioning automatic mode. This further improves the response of the powerful Yamaha PW-X3 motor off-road.
Interface X with Smartphone Connectivity
The Yamaha Interface X, mounted next to the stem, creates a tidy cockpit. It features ergonomic buttons for selecting assistance levels and a color-coded display for the support mode and the charge level of the integrated 500-Wh battery. The Interface X is compatible with many smartphone apps and bike computers of various brands via Bluetooth.
Yamaha refers to their display as an "interface" because it's not a display.
Mr. EITGeometry
The MORO 07 is available in three frame sizes. At a height of 175 cm, the size M felt comfortable for NoPain. Mr. EIT is a few centimeters taller and rode the bike in Large.
The frame geometry of the MORO 07 can be considered average for a normal trail bike. Although one might assume that the bike, with 160 mm of travel in the front and 150 mm in the back, is primarily designed for descents, it rode quite agilely thanks to the relatively short wheelbase and a reasonably steep steering angle of 66.2°. Even the rather long chainstays at 465 mm did not interfere, but instead gave the bike surprisingly good climbing capabilities.
Geometry
Small | Medium | Large | |
Wheel size | 27,5" | 27,5" | 27,5" |
Seat tube (mm) | 395 | 405 | 415 |
Top tube (mm) | 572 | 619 | 666 |
Chainstay (mm) | 465 | 465 | 465 |
Head angle | 66.3° | 66.2° | 66.2° |
Seat angle | 70.3° | 70.2° | 70.2° |
Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 23 | 23 | 23 |
Head tube length (mm) | 110 | 120 | 125 |
Reach (mm) | 392 | 436 | 482 |
Stack (mm) | 617 | 625 | 630 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 1,158 | 1,206 | 1,254 |
Standover height (mm) | 740 | 750 | 759 |
For discussions, the listed seat tube angle of 70.2°, which appears very flat on paper at least, caused some stir. It is likely that Yamaha specifies the "actual seat tube angle" and not the "effective seat tube angle", which is measured by a virtual line between the bottom bracket axle and the top of the seat tube. We assume that the effective angle is larger, as the bike effortlessly mastered even the steepest ascents.
Yamaha's Distribution Concept
Yamaha E-Bikes are primarily available through the Yamaha motorcycle dealer network or online via the Yamaha Webshop. In both cases, customers have the option to either pick up the bike at the dealer or have it delivered directly to their home. Since all E-Bikes are in stock in Europe, the delivery time usually should not exceed 5-7 days.
Overall, there are four ways to purchase a Yamaha eBike, involving only selected dealers. These dealers receive a sales commission for each contract concluded, support the customer during the handover, and are also available for repairs, warranty cases, or service. The E-Bikes can be test ridden at selected Yamaha motorcycle dealers. Yamaha is also planning to offer an intelligent dealer search function on their website, with which interested customers can research online which test bike is available at which dealer in what size and color.
Distribution is almost exclusively through Yamaha motorcycle dealers
and the Yamaha webshop.
Mr. EIT's Conclusion
Yamaha MORO 07 | |
---|---|
Model Year: | 2022/23 |
Review Duration: | 1 Month |
Price: | € 4,699,- RRP |
+ | PW-X 3 Motor (Power, Noise Level & Response) |
+ | Riding Fun |
+ | Value for Money |
o | Somewhat outdated but practical geometry for everyday use |
o | Motocross Design |
- | Wheels or rims |
- | No bottle holder |
- | Lacking battery options |
BB-Verdict: | Value for money hit for beginners with solid equipment and a great motor. |
The Yamaha PW-X3 motor is among my personal top 3 drives and is definitely the highlight of the entire bike. However, the Japanese would do well to orient the design of their future e-MTBs less on their motorcycles. Naturally, the look is a matter of taste, but the "motocross look" also brings tangible disadvantages for e-mountain bikers, such as the lack of a possibility to mount a water bottle. Another point of criticism are the wheels, or rather their exceptionally shallow rim beds, which make tire mounting a strenuous effort. Ambitious riders should consider replacing the wheels with a higher quality set. The 500 Wh battery is basically fine, but it is at the lower end of the spectrum. Unfortunately, a wider variety of battery options is missing. Other bike and motor manufacturers offer a much larger selection in this regard.
Yamaha has the potential to sell its e-MTB outside their core target group, the motorcyclists. The PW-X3 motor is powerful yet never really loud in any of the support modes. The riding behavior also speaks for itself: The bike masters climbs better than many competitors with significantly more modern geometries. Even on descents, the bike offers a lot of safety and reserves thanks to the factory-installed 2.6 tires. In direct comparison to the competition, the equipment is above average considering the price called (only the no-name wheels are a negative point).
Yamaha shows with this bike that e-MTBs can be conceived differently and thus also stands out visually from the crowd. If you can embrace the design, you get a fun bike that not everyone has.
About Mr. EIT |
MORO 07 |
Equipment |
Tech Specs |
Interface X with Smartphone Connectivity |
Geometry |
Geometry |
Yamaha's Distribution Concept |
Mr. EIT's Conclusion |
Links |