Bicycles

Yamaha hits the dirt with Wabash e-bike

Yamaha hits the dirt with Wabash e-bike
The Yamaha Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike is built for rolling roads or dirt trails
The Yamaha Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike is built for rolling roads or dirt trails
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The Yamaha Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike is built for rolling roads or dirt trails
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The Yamaha Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike is built for rolling roads or dirt trails
The Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike provides power assist up to 20 mph
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The Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike provides power assist up to 20 mph
The Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike's 36 V/500 Wh Li-ion battery unit sits on the outside of the aluminum frames down tube
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The Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike's 36 V/500 Wh Li-ion battery unit sits on the outside of the aluminum frames down tube
The Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike rides on 700x33c EXO Maxxis Speed Terraine tires
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The Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike rides on 700x33c EXO Maxxis Speed Terraine tires
The 700x33c EXO Maxxis Speed Terraine tires come in just the one color option, the appropriately-named latte
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The 700x33c EXO Maxxis Speed Terraine tires come in just the one color option, the appropriately-named latte
View gallery - 5 images

Yamaha has been in the e-bike business since 1993, and has since sold more than 2 million power assist bicycles and produce more than 4 million drive units. The company's latest release is the Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike, which has the look of last year's Urban Rush e-bike, that we first clocked at Interbike in 2017, but with some important tweaks for tackling hard surfaces or loose dirt.

The 2018 Urban Rush model was designed for road use and featured Yamaha's PW Series SE motor, a 36 V/500 Wh battery, a 10-speed Shimano Tiagra groupset, and hydraulic disc brakes. The Wabash Adventure Gravel Class 1 power assist bicycle has been created for both road and dirt.

"The gravel category is growing because of the performance and versatility built into these bikes, and Yamaha really keyed in on these areas for the new Wabash," said Yamaha's Drew Engelmann. "The Wabash is fun to ride, and it's made for adventures right out of the garage no matter the terrain."

The 42.3 lb (19 kg) Wabash with aluminum frame and fork includes Yamaha's Triple Sensor System for the measurement of rider power generation, bike rolling speed and pedal revs per minute. The zero cadence assist feature of the rear hub sensor detects any forward pedaling immediately and activates the power support system, which provides pedal assist up to 20 mph (32 km/h).

The 700x33c EXO Maxxis Speed Terraine tires come in just the one color option, the appropriately-named latte
The 700x33c EXO Maxxis Speed Terraine tires come in just the one color option, the appropriately-named latte

Four power levels are available from the company's mid-mounted PW Series SE motor – rated at 250 W (nominal), 500 W (max) – with up to 70 Nm (51.6 lb.ft) of torque on tap, while the 36 V/500 Wh Li-ion battery unit graces the outside of the down tube. The SRAM Apex 1x11 drivetrain with SRAM X-Sync chainring configuration is reported to help keep the chain secure while on bumpy rides, and allows for precision shifting on rough terrain.

Yamaha says that the Wabash benefits from 12 mm thru axle on the front and rear hubs for increased control in the corners. There's a wide flare handlebar drop offers better stability, too, and stopping power is provided by SRAM Apex hydraulic disc brakes. The Wabash rides on 700x33c EXO Maxxis Speed Terraine tires.

A trip computer with speedo, odo, range and cadence information displayed onscreen, an LED headlight, and hidden rack mounts for attaching the company's rack and fender kit round out the specs.

The Wabash Adventure Gravel e-bike is available in small, medium or large frames and carries a suggested ticket price of US$3,499. It's being shipped to bike shops across the US now.

Product page: Yamaha

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4 comments
4 comments
guzmanchinky
Love the Yamaha drives in my Giant ebikes. But unless the battery is integrated into the frame where you can't really tell it's an ebike you get yelled at a lot by the "purists"...
exodous
For this price it should have a gear box That would be cool, a e-bike with a gear box.
E-bikes ranges are getting really close for them to be worth it for touring. I haven't seen any where I have toured but I'm betting they'll become common in the next few years.
Doodah
I can't understand why anyone would buy an ebike with those specs for that money. Massive ripoff! There are many many cheaper more powerful options out there.
toyhouse
I want one - but still too much. For what it's worth, I think the reason they're setting this price-point is that they think their well-known name carries extra value. It does. Many brands are of unknown origin, usually chinese, but this company has a long history with motorcycles, on and off road. And considering that some high-end bikes of this kind cost even more with no e-drive,.. places them somewhere in the middle of the current ebike market I guess. But I'll agree,... the price needs to come down for market acceptance on these things. That's so folks aren't getting yelled at by the purists, hahaha. I've heard it all from that crowd. I would think products like this cost a fraction to make compared to a motorcycle. Just guessing.