Is the Yamaha YDX Moro the best value Electric Mountain Bike?

Originally at $4799, and NOW AT $1919, the Yamaha YDX Moro offers fantastic value that is hard to beat when compared to the competition. Unlike many other eMTBs in this price range, the Moro wasn’t just designed to be an entry level eMTB for the beginner rider. While it is a great eMTB for someone just starting out, a more skilled rider isn’t going to feel as hindered in the bikes capability like they might with other similarly priced models. What exactly do we mean by this? Well, most riders associate price with capability, which means if you’re a more skilled rider, you should be looking at a more expensive eMTB to fit your riding style. While this can be true to some extent, this is not the case with Yamaha! 
 

For suspension, you’ll be seeing a 160mm Rockshox Revelation RC Boost fork paired with a Rockshox Deluxe Select + shock. At $1919, this is a refreshing site! Similarly priced eMTBs and even some models north of $5500 see a lesser spec Rockshox 35 fork alongside a Deluxe Select shock. We know riders love the ability to firm up their rear shock with a compression switch and that feature can be found on the Moro’s Deluxe Select +, but not on lower tier Deluxe Select shocks. 

Looking at the frame is where things get interesting. Yamaha’s own Dual Twin frame is designed around the concept of centralized mass. Both the top and bottom tube are split allowing the rear shock and battery to sit nicely in between. This is noticeable while riding as the 500Wh battery sits lower in between the downtube allowing for an incredibly balanced, stuck to the trail feel. The 27.5 wheelset with plus size 2.8 tires add to the Moro’s confidence inspiring, yet nimble ride. Now, you might be saying, only a 500Wh battery? The short answer is yes. However, the Yamaha PW-X2 motor pairs well with the smaller battery and together are astonishingly efficient. During the filming of our review, we logged 9 miles with 2,100ft of elevation gain while riding in the highest level of assist and only used 50% of the battery. This would leave potential for nearly a 20 mile ride with around 4000ft of climbing in the highest assist level and that is a lot! See the ride here. Our test rider Austen is 6”2, 185lbs and was riding a size large. In shorter terms, there is not a big need to worry about the 500Wh battery capacity!  

Overall, we hold the Yamaha Moro in very high regards, especially with everything it brings to the table for only $1919. It’s a great starter eMTB for someone just getting into the sport while also being ready for a more experienced rider to put it through its paces. For a full list of specs and geometry, click HERE.  Don't forget to check out the full breakdown video review at the top of this page to see Austen run this bike through it's paces.