2022 Yamaha Bicycles Wabash RT Gravel Bike Review
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
A test ride review of Yamaha Bicycles 2022 Wabash RT pedal-assist gravel bike.
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Introduced earlier in the year is Yamaha Bicycles’ new and improved 2022 Wabash RT gravel bike ($4,199). This is a dual sport-style pedal-assist 700c wheel equipped electric bike from the Tuning Fork brand. This bike is designed for riders who want a road bike that they can ride on pavement and off-highway, on light-duty trails.
It is powered by Yamaha’s proprietary PW generation electric motor. This motor is good for right around 59 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s more than gasoline-powered new motorcycles like Yamaha’s MT-07 and YZF-R7 duo.
The Wabash RT has the same series of modifications as its sister bike, the CrossCore RC (do-it-all, urban pedal-assist bicycle) which we tested during the 2022 Yamaha CrossCore RC MC Commute Review. This particular bike is endowed with a set of flared drop bars, oversize 700c Maxxis tires, and a handy dropper seat which also serves as a type of suspension. For example, say you traverse a big bump. The seat automatically gives a bit of suspension cushion.
For this test we operated a large (60cm) Wabash RT, which has added length in terms of its dropper post height versus size small (54cm) frames. For the majority of our test ride we rode in the Automatic power setting. This automatically adjusts the power level based on cadence, load, and terrain incline/decline. It removes the worry of being in the right power mode based on terrain or the environment you are operating in.
The neat thing about these Yamaha pedal-assist bicycles is that they are relatively affordable and easy to ride. You get to experience the thrill and excitement of cycling outdoors, but don’t have to be in top physical condition. You can still haul butt but without having to worry about your lungs exploding or leg muscles feeling like they are on fire. No doubt cycling purists could call you a weakling for operating this type of vehicle. Realistically, however, if you are a good cyclist, this bike will allow you to travel even farther.
In its lowest power setting, the RT has a range of right around 100 miles. The battery is charged via Yamaha’s proprietary charging adapter. It takes four hours to charge the battery from zero percent.
For this 2022 MY, Yamaha has fitted a larger 11-speed cassette (one speed up from the previous design). The awesome thing about this gravel bike is you can ride it in all sorts of terrain. The only caveat is you can’t really ride these things on super-gnarly terrain, because they don’t have the suspension travel nor the optimum wheel setup. But you can certainly ride off the beaten path and explore your neighborhood beyond where the pavement lies.
We certainly value the extra width and extra sidewall of these Maxxis tires. They’re almost like a trials motorcycle tire, which typically employs a gummy compound. The tread knobs are fine, like a fine-toothed comb. This affords surprising grip over loose, dry terrain. These shoes make precarious terrain more passable. We like how seamlessly it transitions on and off pavement.
In typical form, the Wabash RT employs more aggressive road-bike-style ergonomics. We like it because it keeps our back nice and straight, but still, it could be an unusual position for some. It also pedals nicely without a lot of mechanical drag through the cranks. Still, at 46.7 pounds (size large) it isn’t light. It isn’t nearly as heavy as the CrossCore RC, and it pedals well even with the power off in a straight line.
The Wabash RT has a top speed of 28 mph with pedal assist. Above that speed the vehicle operates like a traditional pedal bike. We recorded a 38 mph top speed. The hydraulic disc brakes do a marvelous job of shedding speed with pleasing lever feel.
If you couldn’t tell, we had a good time riding Yamaha Bicycles Wabash RT pedal-assist gravel bike. It’s the dual sport equivalent of a road bike. You can cover some serious mileage on or off-road, and see the sights and sounds of your town in a really fun way. It’s definitely a good addition to the garage for the avid powersport enthusiast.
Full story here: www.motorcyclistonline.com/st...
Photography: Joseph Agustin
Video: Adam Waheed
Pedal-Assist Cycling Gear Worn
Helmet: Bell Bicycling
Jersey: Alpinestars Freeride
Gloves: Alpinestars Ridge Plus Short Finger
Under Short: Alpinestars Tech Shorts
Short: Alpinestars X-Country
Socks: Alpinestars Summer Socks
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Пікірлер: 48
I like the idea of an e-roadie. Gets a beginner / older rider up the mountain so they can enjoy the descents. Opens up more routes to more riders.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Hi Neel, nice man. Yep, that's the right idea.
@neelsahay5227
Жыл бұрын
@@AdamWaheed any bike that shows more riders the joys of two wheels is a good bike to me :) and I’m saying that as a sportbike / roadie snob, lol.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@neelsahay5227 Yeah man, well said.
We appreciate the thorough review and invite your community to ask questions if they have them.
adam - you're getting better at these "let's ride!" style reviews, it shows!! Thanks for an informative and fun video, your passion shines through when you are hands on.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Thanks man!
Great review and thank you for putting the bike through its paces. Deffo considering this bike.
What’s that ticking noise when from handlebar when it goes over bumps ?
Looks cool!
I like Bicycle review👍
Adam you were great at reviewing and breaking down features bit by bit about motor bikes, and this is equally good review ebike review . To me you’re the Jeremy Clarkson of Motorcycle reviewers, the one and only Adam Waheed🙏🏻. One suggestion could you at the end share if you would buy the product for your own collection and really if you want to buy it like right now.
Awesome & Thanks :)
I miss the motorcyclist magazine from the 90s to mid 00s.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Yeah man. Print's not dead!
@KREllis-vr1ix
Жыл бұрын
@@AdamWaheed I was subscribed to MM back in the mid to late 90s (was still in high school). I had zero budget for bikes and rode a small 100cc Honda dirt bike around town (illegally). The content in the magazine was SOOOO good and so much better than the competition. It's what got me interested in Motorcycling and I still have a few copies hanging around today.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@KREllis-vr1ix Nice man! Thanks for sharing. We are glad you are still with us!
Happy to see E-Bikes included - now ride the competition and compare ------
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Hi Mister D, thanks for the message. Fair enough and we'll see...
Nice!
It was super interesting to see what a motorcycle expert had to say, very refreshing after been exposed to bicycle specialist only.
How large is the charger for this bike? I am thinking multi-day bike packing... is it small enough to easily pack so can charge the bike at end of each day?
The main man
Are there heavy duty spokes and rims. I'd keep it onroad, those skinny tires looks like you'd fall down alot
@neelsahay5227
Жыл бұрын
Pretty much all modern bicycle wheel builds are built to be strong enough to hit cobbles at 40+ miles an hour. I mean, if they weren’t, who would buy them? Ya know what I mean? I wouldn’t worry one bit, and even if you do damage the wheel it’ll still most likely be able to get you home.
FRAME RATTLES! Why such glowing review and no mention of the noise? Is this a Paid ad for Yamaha? Big rattle even when on pavement at the end of the video.
There are many e-grav bikes out there, and this is certainly one of them.
It looks fun. I'm getting older and fatter and I don't want to Pedal as much as I used to. The price is a little steep but I guess you get what you pay for. Just one question will you buy one?
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Hi Carlos, lol. Same. I was riding my e-bike after work this evening and I was thinking the same thing, lol. Yeah, it is what it is. There are many non-motorized gravel bikes that cost more than this model.
Come on that’s a amazing
❤❤❤
Whoa, did they really name a bike after the Wabash Valley/river? Fucking obscure.
Interesting bike! Would be better in a hybrid formate with better suspensions. If you are listening Yamaha…. Make is and I will interested in buying a hybrid version just as I am interested in one day owning a Yamaha Tenere 700 motorcycle.
brand new bike & it rattles? sounds like its coming from the stem or fork? I wouldn't buy 1!
Do a review of surfboards, tube socks, coffee makers next. That's the kind of motorcycle content we all subscribe for.
@Bizbinski
Жыл бұрын
How about tricycles, Uni cycles, and skate boards?!
@Steverinomeister
Жыл бұрын
Do a trumpet review Yamaha makes them too.
@KREllis-vr1ix
Жыл бұрын
I want some retro video game reviews too
@mikemerrill175
Жыл бұрын
Apparently Yamaha is writing some checks. I have a Trek E-bike. They are a good cross training tool.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@Steverinomeister Ha ha. Nice one. Maybe we will leave this one up to you! (J-K). Nice comment and good joke.
Drop the MOTOR from y'all reviews. This is insulting.
One more of these videos and I will cancel...If you want ebikes, form another channel.