Setting sights on the 2018 FIM Trial-E Cup races in France and Belgium, the Yamaha Factory Racing chaps have worked out of Yamaha’s ‘Evolving R & D’ unit to get on with the rad looking TY-E concept. This is their entry into the electric motorcycle bandwagon. But their entry into electric two-wheelers happened way back in 1993 when Yamaha “launched the world’s first electrically power-assisted bicycle”.

Now, the Japanese Blue Team is launching a new breed of cycles powered by electric motors. With decent performance ratings, Yamaha has taken this foray into smaller powered “motorcycles” quite seriously. 500 Watt-hour batteries and 60 lb-ft of torque says a lot about these cycles.

Since 1993, Yamaha has sold over 2 Million Yamaha e-bikes in Japan, and over 4 Million of such Drive units have been used worldwide. For 2018, the brand is introducing four all-new genres of e-bikes including the CrossConnect, a completely accessorized commuter/utility bike, the CrossCore, a high style efficient fitness bike, the UrbanRush, a drop-bar do everything road bike, and YDX-TORC, a performance hardtail e-mountain bike.

Having 25 years of experience in building e-bikes, Yamaha seems to have perfected the compromise between comfort, handling, and performance. They have made sure the rider is allowed a natural and confidence inspiring feel with the bike increasing comfort and riding experience. With three sizing options, Yamaha has an answer to all sizes and shapes.

The UrbanRush, CrossCore and CrossConnect e-Bikes are powered by the PWSeries SE motor that comes with four riding modes that plays around with the healthy 50 lb-ft of torque. The YDX-TORC e-mountain bike runs on the award-winning PW-X motor that develops 60 lb-ft of torque that can be tapped with an additional EXPW riding mode.

With the Triple Sensor System, the e-bikes can provide the rider with “the purest, most natural assist feel”. The system measures the rider’s pedal inputs thousands of times per second and provides the optimum assistance for any terrain. A 500-watt battery acts as the source which can be charged in 4 hours.

The CrossConnect comes with front and rear fenders, rear rack, and a headlight that maximize the versatility and functional reliability. Synonymous to all the e-bikes, it comes with an air sleeve suspension fork with adjustable compression. The CrossConnect will be available at $2,999 MSRP.

For the fitness freak out there, the CrossCore comes equipped with mounts for a water bottle cage, fenders, and rear rack, while also pre-wired for a rear rack light as standard essentials to keep the rider’s focus on the workout. The Yamaha CrossCore will be available starting at $2,399 MSRP.

For the urban commuters, the UrbanRush will feature drop handlebar styling for optimal control and efficiency. Stylish convenience features include recessed fender mounts, front headlight, and pre-wiring for Yamaha’s rear rack with integrated tail light. The Yamaha UrbanRush will be available starting at $3,299 MSRP.

Finally, Yamaha has made the YDX-TORC for those who love the off-beaten path. Powered by the award-winning Yamaha PW-X center drive motor system, this YDX is the bike for the woods. The motor’s low center-of-gravity supports optimized handling and cornering on tight switchbacks, and quick acceleration out of the saddle. The Yamaha YDX-TORC will be available starting at $3,499 MSRP.