Two motors and full traction, these are Yamaha's new proposals

Yamaha is shaking up the e-bike market with two new models. The Japanese have launched the Y-00Z MTB with power steering and the Y-01W AWD with two motors that give it total traction. The official presentation will be at the Japan Mobility Show, where the brand is expected to unveil these systems in detail.

Yamaha returns to the fore: Innovative technology for two models to shake up the market

Yamaha's interest in cycling - especially electric bikes - is undisputed. Unlike other brands in the motor world that have only recently discovered the possibilities offered by this sector, Yamaha has been involved in e-bikes for more than 30 years. In addition to the special edition YDX-MORO 07, launched to commemorate their three decades in the business, this year they also introduced the Booster and Booster Easy models.

Now, the Japanese firm has launched two innovative e-bike concepts. Technology is at the heart of both models, which are aimed at riders with different needs.

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The Y-00Z MTB is a full suspension e-MTB with a conventional, uncluttered design. Yamaha incorporates the familiar EPS electric power steering motor in the head tube to give the bike greater manoeuvrability and stability.

Without further details being officially released, the system could - in line with the brand's use of this technology in the past - use a magnetostrictive torque sensor to act in two situations: at low speeds to provide steering assistance and at high speeds to better exploit the damping and steering capabilities.

The Y-01W AWD comes with a groundbreaking design that promises to be halfway between a gravel bike and an MTB. The most important feature of this model are the two motors. Yamaha thus offers a central drive unit combined with another one located on the front hub.

The aim is for each of these motors to drive one wheel, thus achieving total traction. The brand claims that performance is excellent thanks to the coordinated electronic control of both motors, as well as the two 500Wh batteries for long distance driving.

The model also features KYB front suspension, LED lights and various handlebar options. Yamaha has chosen Pirelli Scorpion Enduro tyres, i.e. aggressive tyres that are suited to challenging situations - such as mud or loose, dry dirt - thanks to their "high profile and widely spaced tread pattern", according to the manufacturer.

Further details are not known at this stage. Yamaha has decided to omit much of the information in its press release, as the official presentation is scheduled to take place at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, which opens on October 25.