D
Deleted member 4210
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The drives will be different than what is on other OEM ebikes with Yamaha's motor, and tuned specifically for each model. One big key is not only the 'smooth' performance often associated with mid drives, but a much more natural response, as close as you can get to a regular bike in terms of responding to the human input. The specs on the other components seem 'higher end' without going crazy, and the competitive price points are rather remarkable for a mid drive. They are filling a fairly significant void between the price points of $2000 and low $3000's, where mid drives on a nice quality ebike frequently start in the mid $3000's and go way up from there. (at least before the 'fire sales' on some of the other mid drive brands we have been seeing more of lately in the market place). I suspect there will be a lot of early 'critics' who own other brands, defending their choices, but Yamaha building this ebike new from top to bottom, appropriately sized frames and step changes, and ebike specific components such as stronger chains, ebike rated tires, etc should be able to give a lot of brands a run for their money. 
Whats interesting about their pricing, is if someone has a hub drive and ridden it for a few years, mostly as a road bike, and were longing for that 'smoothness' of a mid drive, these new models by Yamaha offer a 'step up' to the mid drive they might have wanted within the past few years, but either perhaps felt they 'couldn't afford it' or at that time weren't even ready to take the risk of spending that much money for any ebike. (i.e. until they learned they ride way more than they ever did, and the ebike has now become more of a lifestyle change for them.)
My perspective is this is going to be very healthy for the overall growth of the ebike market. There will likely be a LOT of market re-positioning by a number of players in response to the Yamaha launch, though only time will tell. It'll also be interesting to hear Court's eventual reviews of these models.
P.S. One would be wise to ignore most of the prior articles on the Yamaha's until they are really out on the streets and in the hands of end customers. JMHO.
Whats interesting about their pricing, is if someone has a hub drive and ridden it for a few years, mostly as a road bike, and were longing for that 'smoothness' of a mid drive, these new models by Yamaha offer a 'step up' to the mid drive they might have wanted within the past few years, but either perhaps felt they 'couldn't afford it' or at that time weren't even ready to take the risk of spending that much money for any ebike. (i.e. until they learned they ride way more than they ever did, and the ebike has now become more of a lifestyle change for them.)
My perspective is this is going to be very healthy for the overall growth of the ebike market. There will likely be a LOT of market re-positioning by a number of players in response to the Yamaha launch, though only time will tell. It'll also be interesting to hear Court's eventual reviews of these models.
P.S. One would be wise to ignore most of the prior articles on the Yamaha's until they are really out on the streets and in the hands of end customers. JMHO.
