Yamaha Wabash RT

[Smaug]

Pretty sweet deal, at the moment. Can't wait for mine to arrive.

1729266852818.png

• Smaug
• Oct 18, 2024

Retail price is $4200, which is reasonable given the specs. The promotion is $2520 discount. Shipped free to a "local" Yamaha dealer. Direct shipping was "not available in my area". My "local" dealer is ~54 miles away, so it's going to be a hike to pick it up, but it's worth the drive to save that kind of scratch. Also, the dealer will assemble it, so if any special tools are needed or if there's a problem, I'm not on the hook.

You guys know I like to analyze the hell out of things, and my bike club's sponsor is a local Trek dealer, so of course I compared it with Domane+ endurance "all road" bike. Trek doesn't have an electric gravel bike line-up yet, but they're saying Domane can be a gravel bike too. (as long as you're OK with max. 38 mm wide tires) I suspect an electric variant of their CheckPoint or CheckMate gravel bike lines is in the works.

Trek has a Domane+ Al (one model) which retails for $3500. It's Class 1 with a hub motor, aluminum frame and carbon fork.
They also have a Domane+ SLR line, which start at $7k and goes up to $13k.

Let's compare the Yamaha Wabash RT vs. Trek Domane+ Al

Domane+ Pros: ($3500)

• More size options can result in a better bike fit, which is more important in drop bar bikes
• Better integration of cables/hoses
• Better integration of electronics
• Nicer groupset (Shimano 105)
• Carbon fiber fork (Wabash has aluminum, which will be harsher)
• Lighter. 31 lbs. vs. 46 lbs. of the Wabash RT, so it'll be the better bike unpowered
• More local support

Wabash RT Pros: ($1700 promotional price until early November 2024, $4200 retail price)

• Mid drive
• Class 3 (Domane+ Al is Class 1)
• 500 Wh capacity (Domane+ Al is 250) for double the advertise electric range. Domane+ has an available battery extender to keep parity, but then you lose one set of water bottle bosses.
• Almost double the torque from the motor (70 Nm vs. 40 of the Domane+)
• (Probably) better electronics
• Price

More when I get the bike!

 

[Dirthog]

I think you will like the Wabash if you are looking for a true gravel bike. I don't consider the Domane to be a true gravel bike with the 38mm tire limit. The GRX components are better for gravel than 105 imho
. I just picked up a Moro 7 and it is a solid bike although you will probably find some Yamaha quirks. I also have a Diamondback Current which is very similar to the Wabash . The fork is a little harsh on rough gravel. I would recommend a suspension stem and going tubeless.

 

[Smaug]

I think you will like the Wabash if you are looking for a true gravel bike. I don't consider the Domane to be a true gravel bike with the 38mm tire limit.

Yeah, Domane with 38 mm would be fine for groomed gravel or pressed into service on chunkier gravel. It really depends on the local gravel. I took my gravel bike with 40 mm tires @ 40 psi on a gravel race up in northern WI and it was harsh. Most people were running 45-50.

The GRX components are better for gravel than 105 imho

Never had GRX before. How does it differ from other Shimano groupsets?

. I just picked up a Moro 7 and it is a solid bike although you will probably find some Yamaha quirks.

What are the Yamaha quirks you're thinking of?

I also have a Diamondback Current which is very similar to the Wabash . The fork is a little harsh on rough gravel. I would recommend a suspension stem and going tubeless.

Yeah, one benefit of this being an eBike is that I don't have to worry so much about the weight; I can add comfort-boosting hardware, set it to the lowest assist, and (hopefully) that will just offset the extra weight and make it feel like a lighter bike.

I'm thinking of adding:

• Selle Anatomica X-2 saddle; I love it on my Domane
• Remove the dropper hardware and put in a Suntour NCX seatpost
• RedShift suspension stem
• Topeak MTX rack
• Full fenders

I'm expecting a challenge to figure out where to mount lights and GPS, as there's not much real estate after the display/control is clipped onto the bar...

Thanks for your comments!

 

[Dirthog]

Yeah, Domane with 38 mm would be fine for groomed gravel or pressed into service on chunkier gravel. It really depends on the local gravel. I took my gravel bike with 40 mm tires @ 40 psi on a gravel race up in northern WI and it was harsh. Most people were running 45-50.



Never had GRX before. How does it differ from other Shimano groupsets?


What are the Yamaha quirks you're thinking of?


Yeah, one benefit of this being an eBike is that I don't have to worry so much about the weight; I can add comfort-boosting hardware, set it to the lowest assist, and (hopefully) that will just offset the extra weight and make it feel like a lighter bike.

I'm thinking of adding:

• Selle Anatomica X-2 saddle; I love it on my Domane
• Remove the dropper hardware and put in a Suntour NCX seatpost
• RedShift suspension stem
• Topeak MTX rack
• Full fenders

I'm expecting a challenge to figure out where to mount lights and GPS, as there's not much real estate after the display/control is clipped onto the bar...

Thanks for your comments!

 

[Dirthog]

Never had GRX before. How does it differ from other Shimano groupsets?

The main difference that I know of is the GRX derailleur has a clutch which can be switched on or off to reduce chain slap on rougher terrain.

What are the Yamaha quirks you're thinking of?

The battery removal involves removing two tiny hex bolts with tiny washers and metal sleeves to remove the battery cover. Then you have to loosen a hex bolt to drop out the battery. So it takes two tools and the hex bolt pieces are so small they are hard to find if you drop one (ask me how I know). No room for a water bottle cage. The speed sensor is mounted on the rear axle so there may or may not be issues if want to change to a different wheelset. No phone app although the controller does synch and gives you move detailed battery and range info on my garmin.

I am not sure how many of these issues are Moro specific.

Sounds like you are going to have a nice build. I have the redshift suspension stem and it makes a big difference for me. I would agree that a suspension seatpost would be more useful on a gravel bike than a dropper post. I don't have either currently but I might try a suspension seatpost at some point.

 

[Smaug]

The main difference that I know of is the GRX derailleur has a clutch which can be switched on or off to reduce chain slap on rougher terrain.

Good to know; I'll look for that.

The battery removal involves removing two tiny hex bolts with tiny washers and metal sleeves to remove the battery cover. Then you have to loosen a hex bolt to drop out the battery. So it takes two tools and the hex bolt pieces are so small they are hard to find if you drop one (ask me how I know).

That looks to be the case on the Wabash RT also. User-removable, but you wouldn't want to do it daily for charging inside an apartment or something. Would be OK to bring it in annually for the winter.

No room for a water bottle cage.

I don't think this will be an issue:

The speed sensor is mounted on the rear axle so there may or may not be issues if want to change to a different wheelset.

Good to know for the future. I do remember reading that they're proud of their axle-mounted speed sensor.

No phone app although the controller does synch and gives you move detailed battery and range info on my garmin.

Syncs with Garmin? By Bluetooth?

Sounds like you are going to have a nice build. I have the redshift suspension stem and it makes a big difference for me.

These are expensive IIRC, so I'll have to definitely give that some thought.

I would agree that a suspension seatpost would be more useful on a gravel bike than a dropper post. I don't have either currently but I might try a suspension seatpost at some point.

Try the Suntour NCX, if if's offered in the right size. It has the cantilever arrangement that you see on the fancy $300 ones, but the spring is inside the seatpost, preload-adjustable from the bottom with an allen wrench.

 

[Dirthog]

I will probably leave the battery on the bike for local ride transporting and garage storage during mild weather. I am not comfortable leaving the battery on the bike for longer trips (especially in rainy weather) and during very hot or cold weather in the garage. Yamaha recommends battery storage at 59 to 77 degrees. I am going to buy some spare bolts, washers and sleeves and try to come up with an efficient way to remove the battery perhaps with the bike upside down or when it is up off the ground on the vehicle rack. The small bolt heads and the downtube positioning requires me to get down on my hands and knees if the bike is upright on the ground.

Yes it syncs automatically with my garmin. The manual calls it bluetooth low power which I believe is the same as ANT+. I believe only certain displays have this option.

I have a couple of rides on the bike now including some black diamond technical trails. The Bike is very capable. The power delivery is very smooth, very similar to my bosch powered bike.

 

[Smaug]

I just got the ship notification yesterday. Order to bill & ship 3 business days isn't bad for this kind of deal.

I'll be looking anxiously for the "Received at dealer" notification and then "assembled and ready for pick-up" notification afterwards.

Then, accessory shopping.

I looked on Yamaha's website and their rack/fender set is over $300 and out of stock, so we'll see what else will fit. Hopefully Planet Bike full fenders and a Topeak MTX rack to start. I just got the MTX shopping basket, but the suspension seatpost on my Aventon lets the seat hit it when I hit bumps, so maybe that'll be The Thing for the Wabash.

 

[KirkUS1]

Yamaha Bikes Owners Manual - PDF

 

[Nesquik]

I will probably leave the battery on the bike for local ride transporting and garage storage during mild weather. I am not comfortable leaving the battery on the bike for longer trips (especially in rainy weather) and during very hot or cold weather in the garage. Yamaha recommends battery storage at 59 to 77 degrees. I am going to buy some spare bolts, washers and sleeves and try to come up with an efficient way to remove the battery perhaps with the bike upside down or when it is up off the ground on the vehicle rack. The small bolt heads and the downtube positioning requires me to get down on my hands and knees if the bike is upright on the ground.

I made an account just to ask you about this

I just got my Wabash RT and do not have any bolts to remove to get the battery out; the owners manual also describes the process.

All I need to do is turn the key, pivot the housing down, and slide it out.

 

[Nesquik]

Good to know; I'll look for that.


That looks to be the case on the Wabash RT also. User-removable, but you wouldn't want to do it daily for charging inside an apartment or something. Would be OK to bring it in annually for the winter.


Try the Suntour NCX, if if's offered in the right size. It has the cantilever arrangement that you see on the fancy $300 ones, but the spring is inside the seatpost, preload-adjustable from the bottom with an allen wrench.

The Wabash RT does not required you to mess with any bolts or tools to get your battery out; only the key.

Also despite not being described on the website; my Wabash RT arrived with a suspension/dropper seat post combo

 

[Dirthog]

It is interesting how the battery cover for the Moro and the Wabash look very similar but battery removal is very different. My Moro manual says remove 2 bolts, washers, and sleeves, then remove battery cover. Loosen the battery bolt until it is loose enough to turn the battery collar 180 degrees to release the battery.

I just checked out the component parts on the Yamaha website where you can order replacement parts. It is very comprehensive but the parts are very expensive so I wish they would have just given us the part specifications to make it easier for us to find other sources when available. A couple of examples, one set of disk brake pads is 111.99 and rim tape for one wheel is 92.99.

 

[Annieolnie]

It is interesting how the battery cover for the Moro and the Wabash look very similar but battery removal is very different. My Moro manual says remove 2 bolts, washers, and sleeves, then remove battery cover. Loosen the battery bolt until it is loose enough to turn the battery collar 180 degrees to release the battery.

I just checked out the component parts on the Yamaha website where you can order replacement parts. It is very comprehensive but the parts are very expensive so I wish they would have just given us the part specifications to make it easier for us to find other sources when available. A couple of examples, one set of disk brake pads is 111.99 and rim tape for one wheel is 92.99.

I'm afraid upscale ebikes are like upscale cars. You need a new purge valve? Mopar will sell you one for $70.00. They are not going to tell you that standard has one for $24.00. They are also not going to tell you that standard makes their valve. By the way, Aliexpress has the Wabash derailleur hanger for around $8.00. You might want to pick one up and brake pads should run you between $13.00 and $20.00.

 

[Smaug]

Well that's disappointing, re. the parts. When someone asks "what's the catch?" the catch is they try to rape you on parts cost after the sale.
I'm also seeing that the specs are not consistent. I think it is that they didn't update their website with new specs or photos because they may have some bikes still in the system with the old specs.

I've also seen where some newer Wabashes come with lights, but their site doesn't show it.

This is all disappointing, from a company like Yamaha. I hope I didn't make a mistake here.

 

[HumanPerson]

Well that's disappointing, re. the parts. When someone asks "what's the catch?" the catch is they try to rape you on parts cost after the sale.
I'm also seeing that the specs are not consistent. I think it is that they didn't update their website with new specs or photos because they may have some bikes still in the system with the old specs.

I've also seen where some newer Wabashes come with lights, but their site doesn't show it.

This is all disappointing, from a company like Yamaha. I hope I didn't make a mistake here.

Keep us posted!

 

[HumanPerson]

Also you can go here https://www.discobrakes.com/?s=1&t=0&f=viewtopic.php?t=4398__a__amp;

for brake pads if ya cannot find them anywhere else, which leads to here: https://www.discobrakes.com/pdf/DiscoBrakes.Com_Brake_Pad_Identifier_v11.pdf

 

[Dirthog]

I am still happy overall with my purchase of the Moro 7 after a couple of rides including some technical singletrack. I never had the expectations that it would ride like a $6400 bike but I still don't see anything comparable at $2500. The motor is very smooth and very similar to my bosch powered bike. The Moro is very capable in technical terrain but the handling is not perfect which I already knew from the dozen or so reviews on YouTube. I don't have the suspension or tire pressure dialed in so there is certainly room for improvement. With the 5 year warranty and local bike shop support, hopefully we will get decent after purchase support.

 

[Smaug]

It's been two weeks since I ordered, and almost two weeks since I got the order confirmation email saying that I'd get further updates. I expected at least a ship notification by now.

I just called Yamaha with my Order #, through the number linked in the confirmation email. ((800) 962-7926) It took a few minutes to get through their phone menu, as they make so many products.

The customer service rep looked into it for me and found that it had been shipped (on the 23rd) but there was an unspecified shipping delay. (I wonder if US Customs is checking for certifications?) He says it's expected to be delivered by 11/4.

I said I expected to hear more by now based on the email saying they'd send updates. (UPS has spoiled us here...) He said the only emails they send are order confirmation and then one when it's delivered. Then a call from the dealer after it's built and ready for pick-up. So, late next week, I guess.

I can't complain, as they didn't make any turn-around time (TAT) guarantees, but I did expect more updates and maybe 1 week TAT instead of 3.

 

[Dirthog]

I ordered my Moro on 9/11 through a LBS. The LBS owner thought they would get the bike in within a week as it would be shipped from the Yamaha regional warehouse which is only a few miles from the LBS. I received the bike 5 weeks later with the LBS owner claiming that Yamaha got overwhelmed with all the e-bike orders. The LBS claimed they were receiving 20 to 30 e-bikes per week from Yamaha.

 

[Smaug]

I ordered my Moro on 9/11 through a LBS. The LBS owner thought they would get the bike in within a week as it would be shipped from the Yamaha regional warehouse which is only a few miles from the LBS. I received the bike 5 weeks later with the LBS owner claiming that Yamaha got overwhelmed with all the e-bike orders. The LBS claimed they were receiving 20 to 30 e-bikes per week from Yamaha.

That was a month prior to my order, hopefully they're just whelmed now, rather than overwhelmed.