Yamaha Motor have updated their flagship PW-X2 and sportive PW-ST motors for 2020, and promise to enhance your ride experience on all Yamaha drive systems with their new Quad Sensor System and Automatic Support Mode technologies.
e-mtb mid motor shootout" Bosch vs Yamaha vs Shimano vs Brose
Like their motorcross motors two decades ago, Yamaha have focussed on better 'drivability” for their updated e-bike motors, and the mid-drive options have improved power output and more stamina under intense riding circumstances, so they say. The PW-ST is recommended for general trekking and mountain biking, while the new top model PW-X2 is touted for high-end e-MTBs. The updated PW-X2 promises to give more power and natural support on the trails, offering 80Nm in “Extra Power” mode and 70Nm torque in High, STD, Eco +Eco mode.
Yamaha's new Quad Sensor System uses an angle sensor to detect the bike's angle of climb or descent, in addition to the existing ride speed, crank rotation, and pedalling torque sensors. It's been fine-tuned along with the Automatic Support Mode technologies – first introduced in 2019 in the MY2019 PW-TE drive system – according to the intended riding concept of each drive system in the line-up. Yamaha say the motor will be appreciated by e-mtb'ers because when they're turning the cranks at a higher cadence, the motor will support their pedal forces. With the help of the now integrated angle sensor and Automatic Support Mode, the responsiveness of the drive system is said to be further improved, resulting in a more natural ride experience.
The new Yamaha motors will also offer a new ‘Multi Location 400’ option, basically a cheaper replacement battery or range extender with a claimed capacity of 410Wh.
The PW ST is the new name for the previous PW SE. It benefits from the tech in the PW-X2, and features the Quad Sensor System so that it can deliver optimized assist levels for all conditions despite weighing 100g less than the previous model. The unit also offers a broader assist range that can accommodate high-cadence pedalling, and Automatic Support Mode - the ASM for the PW ST selects the right amount of assist power based on riding conditions.
Yamaha also claim to offer smoother hill starts, with the system modulating its support in High Mode during the initial pedal strokes. This can prevent wheelies or rear wheel spin outs when starting on loose ground in steep terrain.
Head over to Yamaha's website for more info.
