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About Yamaha
Yamaha Motor Company was founded in 1955 in Hamamatsu, Japan, as a spinoff from Nippon Gakki, the company now known as Yamaha Corporation for its musical instruments and electronics. The two Yamaha entities share a name and logo but operate as separate businesses. Yamaha Motor built its global identity in motorcycles, marine engines, and power sports before entering the bicycle market.
Yamaha’s entry into electric bikes predates the category’s mainstream existence. The company demonstrated an e-bike prototype in 1989 and launched the Power Assist System (PAS) commercially in Japan in 1993, making it one of the first manufacturers anywhere to bring a pedal-assist system to market. The PAS architecture, using a torque sensor to calibrate motor output to the rider’s effort, became a foundational model for how pedal-assist systems work globally.
Yamaha has supplied drive units to other bicycle manufacturers in addition to building its own complete bikes. The PWseries mid-drive motors power the Yamaha-branded lineup as well as models from OEM partners. After selling over two million e-bikes predominantly in Japan, Yamaha entered the North American market in 2019 with commuter, gravel, and mountain models built around that decades-deep motor technology.
Most popular Yamaha models
The CrossCore is Yamaha’s core urban commuter, built around a PWseries mid-drive motor with an integrated battery and a frame designed for everyday city use. The CrossCore RC adds a removable battery for easier apartment charging. The CrossConnect is the step-through option for riders who prioritize ease of mounting and dismounting. The Civante rounds out the urban lineup as an upright step-through city e-bike with integrated lights and fenders for daily transport.
Gravel riding is handled by the Wabash and Wabash RT, both running drop bars and wide tire clearance for mixed-surface terrain. Both models use a Yamaha mid-drive motor tuned for the variable effort demands of long gravel and adventure rides. The Urban Rush is a flat-bar alternative for riders who want the speed of a fitness e-bike in an upright position.
The YDX lineup covers e-mountain biking across three models. The YDX-Torc is an aluminum hardtail powered by Yamaha’s PW-SE mid-drive system, built for trail climbing and all-terrain riding. The YDX-Moro is the full-suspension model, with front and rear travel suited to technical singletrack. The YDX-Moro Pro adds upgraded suspension and higher specification for demanding terrain. Riders who invest in these bikes protect their build with dedicated mountain bike insurance from Velosurance, covering full replacement value against theft, crash damage, and transit loss.
Punching well above its weight in the city e-bike category, it is Yamaha’s lowest-cost, entry-level bike. Equipped with a mix of Shimano Sora drivetrain and brakes with some in-house components, the 160-mm mechanical brakes could be better. The integrated multi-function computer is nearly perfect and a bright headlight will make late-nite commutes a pleasure.
This commuter bike that’s capable of going off road and has enough range in it’s 500 Wh battery for a long day on the trails. Equipped with an additional angle sensor and an automatic assist mode, it seamlessly adjusts assist levels.
A sleek computer equipped with a smooth PW SE motor and sensors for cadence, torque and rear wheel speed has a very organic ride feel. The stopping power is provided by hydraulic disc and front and rear LED lights come stock.
The mix of utility and fun, this gravel bike has flared bars, can accept front and rear racks, making it a great option for bikepacking. A dropper post gets the seat out of the way on technical terrain.
An electric commuter and road bike with a 250W mid-mounted geared motor powered by a 500Wh battery, resulting in up to 80 miles of range. Equipped with Shimano Tiagra drivetrain including hydraulic brakes with 160mm rotors.
This well-equipped gravel e-bike features a 500W motor, 11 speed SRAM Apex drivetrain with hydraulic disc brakes, and knobby Maxxis Speed Terrane tubeless tires. The aluminum frame is highly compliant, making it a very comfortable ride.
Designed for daily commuters, fitness riders, and weekend adventurers, this class 3 bike is equipped with a 500W motor and can put down 70 Nm of torque. The 500 Wh battery can be recharged to 80% in about an hour.
A hardtail e-mtb built on an aluminum frame with XC-style geometry, Torc rolls on 27.5 x 2.25 tires, has a 120mm RockShox Recon RL fork and is equipped with PW-X motor rated at 250W nominal and 500W max power and 80Nm (59 lb-ft) of torque.
This e-mtb that knows when you are riding uphill and adjusts power accordingly. The PW-X2 500 motor produces 80Nm of torque, and is powered by a 500Wh battery. The quad sensor system detects trail tilt, pedal cadence and torque and the rolling speed and provides the optimal amount of power to keep you rolling.
An up-spec full-suspension all-mountain e-bike rolling on 27.5” wheels with a geometry that’s between the modern cross-country and enduro. The PW-X2 motor has 500W of power and produces 80Nm of torque, powered by a 500Wh battery. The suspension is 160 mm in the front and 150 mm in the rear.
Why Velosurance is best for your Yamaha
Velosurance is a stand-alone policy that covers theft and accidental damage and can be optioned to create a comprehensive umbrella of protection for your cycling lifestyle.
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