YAMAHA TDX MORO PRO

In the beginning (not The Actual Beginning), there were bicycles. Soon came the notion that bicycling was hard because roads, as we know them, did not exist. In no time man decided it was a good idea to have external, then internal combustion devices supported in the cradle of the tube frames to add propulsion. Such propulsion would be generated by releasing the potential energy stored in chemically formulated fuel (kerosene or whale oil, then gasoline). Such fuel was prone to a low ignition temperature when mixed with the proper amount of air (stoichiometric ratio). The little explosion within the combustion chamber pushed a slider down and created torque around a crankshaft. After 150 years or so of re nement we now have pretty much perfected the internal combustion engine. While this was happening, bicycles were going through there own evolution. In recent years there has been a major resurgence both in road and mountain bicycles. This past year bicycle sales soared to record levels with many local shops running out of inventory.

Mountain biking in particular remains very popular especially here in the Northeast. If your old, it’s still popular, just not that easy. Enter the electric bicycle. Pedal assist bikes are not for purists. But they can be great for anyone who isn’t 20, or 30 or even 40 anymore. Especially for mountain biking where tight technical trails and steep grades present physical challenges much different than on road. E-bikes however still require a great deal of physical effort. You’re just able to cover more ground. After a year of pedaling off road the hard way, I stumbled across an e-bike that I had my eye on for some time - the Yamaha’s YDX Moro and Moro Pro. Both are the latest in e-mountain bike technology from the good people at the tuning fork company. Yamaha has a history of making bicycles. It’s their motorcycle innovations that Backroads readers are most familiar with. Both versions share an innovative Dual Twin frame design with a split double down tube and back bone. The split down tube allows for the battery to be neatly tucked in and protected rather than simply being attached inside the frame. The split backbone allows a near horizontal rear shock to be nestled in front of the seat post rather than in a vertical position. If you are of a certain age and remember when Yamaha introduced the rst mono-shock YZ Motocrossers in the mid 1970’s, the Moro and Moro Pro rear suspension may look very familiar. The result is a great handling bicycle with low center of gravity. The difference between the models lies in the suspension and wheels. The Moro Pro has upgraded forks, shocks, shifting components and alloy wheels.

Both the Moro and Moro Pro have a 500 watt-hour battery, Yamaha PW-X2 motor producing 250 to 500 watts and 80 Nm of torque. The

Moro Pro has all types of high-tech features such as has 5 ride modes that vary the amount of assist. It has a push mode that provides maximum torque when applying pressure to the pedals to get you going, like if your stuck on an uphill and are experiencing something similar to cardiac arrest. Push the pedal and the motor provides a surge of torque so you can get going. It sounds trivial, but on a single-track hill strewn with rocks it’s a great feature. The ride computer includes ve modes of power-level control plus an auto support mode that switches between modes while riding. The on board LCD screen has a stop watch, odometer, trip odometer, multicolor LED indicating the various power modes and push assist button that will push the bike while walking alongside. The rear wheel hub is equipped with Yamaha’s Speed sensor, which regulates power input based on speed. The result is a much smoother assist from the motor providing a more natural feel when pedaling.

The bike is fully suspended front and rear and the RockShox Yari RC 160mm forks and Super Deluxe 150mm travel rear shock absorber. Both ends are fully adjustable for air preload, rebound and compression. The wheels are 27.5” tubeless capable alloy wheels. Tires are Maxis High Roller and tted with inner tubes from the factory. Gear changes are made via Shimano XT long cage derailleur and 11-speed cassette on the rear wheel. Brakes are Magura MT30 203mm Storm CL rotors and 4-piston calipers. The seat is standard fare, comfortable but comes with a dropper post allowing for quick saddle height changes on the y. All in all Yamaha built a bike with very high quality components. The whole package weighs just over 53 pounds so it’s no lightweight compared to pedal only bikes. On the trail, the YDX is an absolute blast to ride. The gearing is ideal for all conditions and the ride modes provide as much or as little assist as you could want. The frame design and low center of gravity gives the bike a planted feel. Riding at speed on single track you notice the weight but it’s hardly a liability. The handling is con dence inspiring and fun. As suspected the pedal assist allows you to extend the range of a mountain bike ride and opens up more terrain to tackle. The claimed range is about 40 miles depending on the amount of assist used. ECO mode reduces the amount of assist and extends battery life. So far the rides have used anywhere from 30% to 60% of the battery capacity in about an hour and a half of use (roughly 8 to 10 miles) on very hilly and rocky terrain. Charging the battery to full capacity takes approximately 2-3 hours.

The Moro frame color is Desert Yellow and the Moro Pro is a two-tone Podium Blue/Titanium color and is very true to the Yamaha Team colors. E-bicycles are a solid alternative to a full-on dirt bike for woods riding and the best part is they still offer a great workout.

Pricing starts at $4,499. You can nd out more at yamahabicycles.com or your nearest Yamaha dealer. , ~ Tony Lisanti