The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is calling on riders everywhere to keep learning and stay safe with the help of online information, most of it available for free.
“The MSF has a wide variety of digital content that can help motorcyclists while many training sites and RiderCoaches are unavailable during this pandemic,” said Robert Gladden, MSF vice president of training operations. “Many riders are still on the road, getting where they need to go, and we want them, and all motorists, to be as safe as possible.”
Riders can visit the MSF’s online library to find educational materials from downloadable booklets to videos and quick tips, plus fun “tests” like the Rider Perception Challenge.
On the MSF’s YouTube channel, also free, motorcyclists can take a dozen virtual street rides with Dr. Ray Ochs, MSF vice president of training systems, as he talks about real-world traffic while two-wheeling around Southern California.
Beginning and veteran riders can purchase the MSF Basic eCourse, an interactive, three-hour, online introduction to motorcycling. It was designed as a key component of the hands-on MSF Basic RiderCourse, but taking the eCourse alone can help someone decide if motorcycling is right for them. It can also be beneficial for those who intend to take a hands-on course not using MSF curriculum. And the eCourse is strongly recommended for riders who have been away from motorcycling for some time.
For currently active and experienced riders, the MSF Street Strategies eCourse is an option. It focuses on all of the street strategies sections that are found in the Basic eCourse.
“Our phone lines are up, our email is up, and we are keeping our spirits up,” Gladden said. “We are sharing best practices, participating in video conferences, sometimes just being there for our friends in the safety community, lending a sympathetic ear. We are determined that we will ride it out, together.”
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.
The MSF is a not-for-profit organization endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BMW Motorrad USA; BRP, Inc.; Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.; Indian Motorcycle; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; KTM North America, Inc.; Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.; Triumph Motorcycles America; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in an MSF Basic RiderCourse near you, or to learn more about the many other MSF course offerings, visit MSF-USA.org or call (800) 446-9227.
Yamaha’s YDX Torc e-mountain bike has a quick, nimble XC feel and a powerful battery/motor combo that will leave you feeling like a hero. Photos by Mark Tuttle.
As motorcyclists, we probably know Yamaha best as a manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles powered by the good old ICE (internal combustion engine), but the tuning fork company was also a pioneer in the development of another form of two-wheeled transportation: electric-assist bicycles, or e-bikes. It created its first prototype e-bike in 1989, and has sold more than 2.5 million electric bicycles since then. As one of the few manufacturers of the electric drive motors themselves, Yamaha also supplies other bicycle makers with powertrains (including Giant, the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer – read our review of its Liv Thrive e-bike here), with 4.5 million and counting Yamaha-built drive units sold worldwide so far.
While the rest of the world (mainly Asia and Europe) have been riding the e-bike wave for a while now, Americans are only just recently figuring out how much fun they are, and in 2018 Yamaha began selling e-bikes in the States. Today it offers five e-bike models, one of which is the hardtail mountain bike dubbed the YDX Torc.
The Torc has five power assist settings, ranging from the barely-there ECO+ to “holy cow, I’m a superhero” EXPW.
Jenny’s Gear Helmet: Liv Infinita SX MIPS Jersey: Marmot Gloves: Fly Racing Shorts: Troy Lee Designs Shoes: Five Ten Knee Armor: G-Force
As e-MTBs go, the Torc bears more resemblance to a standard mountain bike than some other competitors. It has a Yamaha designed and built aluminum frame with a low stand-over height, the 500Wh battery clipped onto the bottom tube rather than fully integrated, and it rolls on 27.5-inch wheels with rather standard 2.25-inch-wide tires (as opposed to the fat 2.6-inchers found on many competitors’ e-MTBs). In fact, as a 20-plus-year mountain biker my first impression upon hitting the trails on the Torc was how much it felt like a regular bicycle. With its 120mm Rock Shox Recon RL fork and XC-style geometry it felt quick and nimble, especially on smooth, tight single-track, where I could flick it through transitions before powering out with as much electronic assist as I wanted.
The Torc is equipped with Yamaha’s new PW-X motor, which is rated at 250W of nominal power (500W max) and 80Nm (59 lb-ft) of torque, assisting up to a cadence of 120 rpm. As a Class 1 e-bike, the motor provides assist up to a maximum of 20 mph. Yamaha says the battery and motor together account for 13.4 pounds of the Torc’s 46.7-pound total, which supports my seat-of-the-pants assessment; subtracting the battery/motor weight puts the Torc solidly in regular MTB territory weight-wise. There are five levels of assist (plus off): ECO+, ECO, STD, HIGH and EXPW, controlled by two large buttons on the left grip that are easy to use even with full-fingered MTB gloves on. A small LCD indicates the selected mode, battery life remaining, real-time motor assist and switchable info like speed, tripmeter and cadence. Components are quality Shimano SLX, including the 180mm front and rear hydraulic disc brakes.
LCD is on the small side and can be tough to read in direct sunlight, but you’ll probably be too focused on the trail ahead to worry about it.Power assist settings are controlled with two large buttons that are easy to use with gloves on. Remote fork lockout switch sits just below.
The Torc uses a proprietary speed sensor that’s integrated into the rear hub, rather than the conventional magnet system used by competitors, for instantaneous response and a seamless feel from the motor. I spent most of my time in ECO or STD modes, as I ride for the workout as much as for the fun, and while it’s very clear the motor is helping I never experienced any annoying surging that might interfere with a technical climb. That said, as a hardtail the Torc is prone to bouncing around a bit over rocky terrain, and I derived the most enjoyment out of it when flying along smooth, flowing single-track and whipping through transitions, the edges of the fairly aggressive Maxxis Ardent tires biting confidently into the dirt. The fork has a remote lockout at the left grip to increase efficiency on pavement, for example when cruising around town or, if you’re lucky enough to live close to some trails, when pedaling to the trailhead.
After spending more than a month with the Torc, my impression is that it will appeal to those new to mountain biking, but also to those who have experience on regular MTBs, especially hardtails, and who are ready to dip a toe into the wonderful world of e-bikes. And with the Yamaha name backing it up – along with a 3-year warranty on the frame, motor and battery – buyers can rest assured they’ve got a ride that will go the distance.
Hammering smooth, flowy single-track is where the Torc shines.
Yamaha YDX Torc Specs
Base Price: $3,499 Website:yamahabicycles.com Motor: Yamaha PW-X Battery: Yamaha 500Wh, 36V lithium-ion Sensors: Triple Sensor System with integrated speed sensor in rear hub Display: LCD with LED power assist level indicator, remote control Charger: 4-hour charger
Components
Handlebar: Alloy 20mm riser, 31.8 x 730mm Stem: Yamaha Alloy, 31.8 x 60mm Seatpost: Alloy Saddle: Yamaha Plus Cro-Mo Rails
Frame: Yamaha Hydroformed aluminum Fork: Rock Shox Recon RL, 120mm travel, remote lockout Wheels: Yamaha Hubs: TA front/Shimano rear Tires: Maxxis Ardent 27.5 x 2.25 Colors: Quicksliver/Team Yamaha Blue, Flat Black
Warranty
Frame: 3 years Electrical Equipment: 3 years
Unlike most competitors, Yamaha engineers its e-bikes as a complete package (rather than competitors which must purchase a motor and battery, then design the frame around them).
The Thrive E+ EX Pro is part of Giant’s Liv brand, the only major industry brand to cater specifically to women. An identically-equipped men’s version of this bike called the Fastroad E+ EX Pro is also available. Photo by Mark Tuttle.
Electric-assist bicycles, or e-bikes, are hot right now. They’re like regular bicycles, but more fun: a small electric motor kicks in when you pedal, providing an extra boost to your efforts. They’re also a natural crossover point between bicycles and motorcycles, which is why we’re starting to see some familiar names — Yamaha, BMW, KTM and Kawasaki, for starters — eyeing the market, eager to take advantage of explosive e-bike growth in the face of stagnant motorcycle sales.
From the other direction, bicycle manufacturers are already ahead of the game, with nearly every major player offering its own lineup of e-bikes. This includes Giant, the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, which built its first e-bike way back in 1999 and has been perfecting the technology ever since. Giant is no stranger to our side of the two-wheeled life — it’s partnered with well-known riders like four-time 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Eddie Lawson and motocross champion and multiple-time X-Game gold medalist Travis Pastrana as brand ambassadors — and, for the first time ever, it’s exhibiting its e-bike lineup at all of the 2019-2020 Progressive International Motorcycle Shows. It’s a smart move on Giant’s part, and a fortuitous one for us.
Given e-bikes’ crossover appeal and potential to bridge the gap for beginning motorcycle riders — it’s easier to handle an electric-assist bicycle than a 400-plus-pound motorcycle — we figured the time is right to do our first Road Test Review of an e-bike. We chose the new-for-2020 Thrive E+ EX Pro, built by Giant and sold under its Liv brand (which happens to be the industry’s only major brand dedicated to female riders); a men’s version called the Fastroad E+ EX Pro is also available. This sleek machine is bicycling’s version of something like a Ducati Multistrada or BMW S 1000 XR: it’s fast — as a Class 3 e-bike its motor provides assistance up to 28 mph — it rolls on road-oriented but ready-for-anything tires, and it has built-in front and rear fenders to control rain splash and pebbles, a headlight and taillight and a rear luggage rack that’s ready to accept optional panniers. For someone looking for a first experience on (semi) powered two wheels, or who’s looking to replace a car trip or three, the Thrive and Fastroad are game changers.
The Thrive E+ EX Pro comes with nearly everything you need to crush a commute or replace errands in your car: a headlight, taillight, front and rear fenders and a rear luggage rack. Photo by Mark Tuttle.
The appeal of an e-bike over a standard bicycle lies chiefly in the way it opens up opportunities — you’ll get less tired, which means you can ride farther and are not a sweaty mess when you get to where you’re going, and it’s impossible to overstate how much fun it is to ride. When people ask me what it feels like, I say that it’s like a normal bicycle, but with an invisible hand gently pushing you along. Or a monstrous and perpetual tailwind that doesn’t blow dust into your eyes and never surprises you with a gusty crosswind.
The Tech
The Thrive E+ EX Pro looks like a regular, modern bicycle at first glance, and cyclists amongst our readership will recognize its quality components: Shimano Tiagra shifters, GRX RX400 rear derailleur and BR-MT200 hydraulically-actuated disc brakes, and Kenda Kwick Seven.5 tires with reflective taping on the sidewalls that gives a cool “Tron” effect and increases nighttime visibility. The frame and fork are Giant’s ALUXX SL aluminum, designed specifically for female body geometry. (The Fastroad E+ EX Pro is identically equipped, but with a men’s frame.)
Providing the electric boost is a Yamaha-powered Giant SyncDrive Pro motor that generates an impressive 59 lb-ft of torque, with a 375Wh EnergyPak lithium-ion battery cleverly integrated into the downtube so as to be nearly invisible. The battery can be charged either on or off the bike via the included 6A Smart Charger, which can achieve 80% charge in just 1.4 hours and doubles as a battery maintainer for storage.
The SyncDrive Pro electric motor is a large part of what sets the Thrive apart from lesser competitors. It’s not only smooth, quiet and powerful, but Giant’s proprietary PedalPlus software gives it a fluid, intuitive feeling that won’t intrude on your pedaling experience. Plus, it’s built by a name we know we can trust: Yamaha. Photo by Mark Tuttle.
The SyncDrive Pro is Giant’s most powerful and sophisticated motor, with tunable support ratios (how much assistance the motor is giving you in each mode) up to a maximum of 170 rpm — in human, not ICE terms, that’s fast, more than two pedal revolutions per second. The brain behind this is Giant’s PedalPlus 6-sensor Smart Assist technology — think of it like the IMUs in our motorcycles that use input from various sensors to provide optimal ABS, traction control, throttle response, wheelie control, etc. The PedalPlus uses six measurements: torque (pedaling input), bike speed, pedal cadence, slope (i.e. pitch; how steep of a hill you’re climbing), acceleration/deceleration and lastly, the internal rotation and operation of the motor itself, to deliver smooth, optimum power. Response is instantaneous and fluid, a noticeable improvement even from the PowerPlus 4-equipped Giant e-mountain bike I borrowed for a Woman Rider story in 2018. It feels like riding a regular bike, but with more “oomph” and all of the grins.
Just like a motorcycle, the Thrive E+ EX Pro sports a backlit LCD instrument called RideControl EVO that displays battery charge, ride mode and speed, and switchable odometer, tripmeter, range to “empty” and cadence. It’s controlled by switchgear on the left grip, where two large arrow buttons run you through ride modes: Eco, Basic, Active, Sport and Power, plus an Auto mode that automatically selects the ideal mode using the six PedalPlus sensors, and Off. The display can be dimmed for night riding and the head/taillights turned off, and there is even a “walk mode” that propels the bike alongside you while walk — useful for pushing it up ramps or into the bed of a truck should the need arise.
The RideControl EVO display shows battery level, speed, ride mode and switchable tripmeter, odometer, cadence and range. Notice I still had 45 miles to go with nearly three-quarters remaining on the battery. Photo by Mark Tuttle.The display is controlled by left switchgear; the two arrows move you through the ride modes, and the power button is also located on this switch. The bike will turn off automatically after sitting still for a while to conserve the battery. Photo by Mark Tuttle.
Also, just like a motorcycle, the display isn’t just for riding data anymore. RideControl EVO allows the rider to connect an ANT+/Bluetooth heart rate monitor, and the system will automatically adjust pedal support to reach and maintain a desired heart rate. It also connects to your phone via Bluetooth and Giant’s RideControl app, enabling turn-by-turn on-screen directions via bike-friendly routes; allows you to tune and customize pedal support settings for each mode; and displays incoming messages, calls and emails. Lastly, the app ties into the heart rate monitor function for tracking and maximizing fitness goals and viewing post-ride stats.
The Thrive’s riding position is comfortably upright and neutral, and doesn’t place a lot of weight on the rider’s hands. Photo by Mark Tuttle.
The Ride
Fitness is a happy byproduct of e-biking for me; I wanted to test the Thrive E+ EX Pro primarily as a commuter and errand-runner. I live in a city with numerous bike lanes and paths, and since the majority of my in-town car (or motorcycle) trips are less than five miles I was able to replace nearly all of my driving with e-biking.
Giant loaned me a set of removable panniers ($79) that snapped easily onto/off the Thrive’s rack, and each side easily held a large bag of groceries or my gym bag. The panniers have a semi-rigid structure that holds its shape and makes it easy to load/unload, and each side has a special hook-and-loop strap to hold a spare EnergyPak battery. I also used the Thrive to commute to work, leaving our 2020 Suzuki Katana tester looking rather forlorn in my garage. Commuting by e-bike obviously takes a bit longer than using a car or motorcycle, but the fresh air felt quite nice, and I quickly learned to find the balance with the bike’s power modes that gave me just a bit of exercise without walking into the office feeling sweaty.
The water-resistant Giant panniers were large enough to easily swallow bags of groceries and my gym bag. Photo by the author.
The vast majority of my riding time was spent in Eco mode (the lowest), which in stock configuration delivers 100% of your pedal input (doubles your power), and I found it to be more than enough for cruising around mostly-flat Camarillo. When approaching a hill, I’d downshift a gear or two and bump it into the next-higher mode, grinning as the invisible hand pressed against my back to help me up the incline. Only when climbing the long, steep hill to my driveway would I use the third mode, and even then only if I was tired. In the highest two, it almost would’ve felt too easy! The SyncDrive Pro’s instantaneous power delivery meant I could launch from traffic lights with enough speed to keep up with the car next to me until we were both through the intersection, and it was nice knowing that power was there if I needed it.
Given my size, riding style and terrain, I was able to get a lot from the Thrive’s battery in terms of range. Giant claims a maximum range of about 68 miles, which is a lot of 5-mile trips for me! The nice thing about an e-bike (as opposed to an e-motorcycle) is that, as long as you can carry the charger with you (which I did, in the Thrive’s panniers), charging it is just a matter of pulling the battery, taking it inside with you and plugging it in. Alternatively, you can leave the battery installed and plug into the bike itself, as long as it’s close enough to an outlet. It’s also possible to carry extra batteries, as noted above, or to upgrade with an EnergyPak Plus to extend your range.
The Thrive is equipped with a headlight and taillight, greatly increasing visibility. In fact, in my city it is technically illegal to ride in on-street bike lanes without lights. Photo by Mark Tuttle.
Everything else about the Thrive was top-notch. Shifting action through the 10 Shimano gears was smooth and positive, and the hydraulic disc brakes provided strong stopping power with just one finger on each lever without a hint of grabbiness. Fit and finish overall is outstanding, down to the satin paint finish and the smooth frame welds. It cruises at speed with stability, the wide Kenda tires helping to absorb some of the bumps transmitted through the stiff aluminum frame, and the occasional dirt or gravel road is no problem. The frame geometry and flat handlebar put me in a neutral riding position that gave me a commanding view and allowed for easy weight transfer back and forth during longer rides. The installation of an aftermarket rearview mirror into the end of the left grip was all I needed to make the Thrive E+ EX Pro a darn-near perfect urban warrior.
I added a bar-end mirror ($15 at my local bike shop) for increased situational awareness on the road, but otherwise the Thrive is commute-ready right off the showroom floor. Photo by the author.
Don’t worry, I’m not giving up motorcycles, but I have to admit that thanks to my two weeks with the Thrive I might be developing an alternate two-wheeled addiction. It’s fun, it’s good for me (and the environment), it reduces traffic congestion, it’s a great way to crosstrain as a motorcyclist and it’s another way to enjoy two wheels. Consider me an e-bike believer.
2020 Liv Thrive E+ EX Pro/Giant Fastroad E+ EX Pro Specs
Base Price: $3,500 Website:liv-cycling.com/us/ and giant-bicycles.com/us/ Motor: SyncDrive Pro (built by Yamaha) Battery: EnergyPak 375, 36V lithium-ion Sensors: PedalPlus 6 Display: RideControl EVO, remote button Charger: EnergyPak 6A Fast Charger
Components
Handlebar: Giant Connect XC Riser 31.8 x 640mm Stem: Giant Contact Seatpost: Giant D-Shape, aluminum Saddle: Liv Sport
