We go for a ride on Yamaha Bicycle’s CrossCore RC—a Class 3 pedal-assist ebike all-arounder. (Joseph Agustin/)

New from Yamaha Bicycles is the CrossCore RC pedal-assist bicycle, a Class 3 urban all-rounder. The CrossCore is designed for folks who want a fun and easy pedal-assist bicycle to ride to work, around town, running errands, or basically anywhere anyone would need a general-purpose electric bike.

Editor’s note: We reviewed Yamaha’s ebikes during the 2022 Yamaha CrossCore RC and Wabash RT Review article and video. We’ve also reported on these ebikes in the 2022 Yamaha Wabash RT Electric Bicycle First Look and 2022 Yamaha CrossCore RC Electric Bicycle First Look articles.

Although Yamaha Bicycles is new in the electrical bicycle segment, joining the fray in ‘18 in the United States, Yamaha’s been manufacturing pedal assist bicycles in Japan since 1993.

At the heart of its 52-pound CrossCore is a compact electric motor producing up to 59 lb.-ft. of torque and providing support up to 28 mph, powered by a 500-watt battery integrated into the main aluminum frame. The battery is charged by a household-style power adapter; with a full charge, the range is around 100 miles on the lowest power setting.

A clean-looking LCD-style meter keeps tabs on vehicle measurables like speed, distance, and so on, and is where the rider controls the level of pedal assist. After maximum power, everyone’s favorite setting, there’s also standard power, eco, and an eco-plus mode. An automatic setting cycles through the power modes to ensure proper propulsion help regardless of incline or other terrain-related variables. For 2022, Yamaha has added an extra cog inside the rear cassette, taking it from eight to nine speeds. Additionally, the big sprockets have been made bigger, which is better for climbing steep grades.

The CrossCore has 27.5-inch spoked wheels and rolls on wide, meaty tires, and could absolutely be ridden off-pavement. There is no suspension aside from this hydraulic fork, which can be locked into a fixed setting if the rider doesn’t desire suspension travel. Capable hydraulic disc brakes by Shimano keep speed in check, and a standard finger-operated bell lets passersby know you are coming. Rounding out the $3,099 package is a nifty LED headlight.

The torque assist from the Yamaha PW-generation motor makes quick work of any hill. The whole idea, after all, is that the rider doesn’t have to be in top physical condition to operate this bike as if they are, so this bike is great for someone who likes their carbs but still wants to tour the countryside or cityscape. And with fuel prices still high, a pedal-assist bicycle makes a lot of sense for those living in urban areas. And at this MSRP, relatively low for a pedal-assist bike, it’s easy to imagine having two CrossCore RCs in the garage and having friends over for fun, low-effort bike rides.

Although a tad heavy, Yamaha’s CrossCore RC is a suitable ride for those seeking easy round-town transportation and a bit of exercise. (Joseph Agustin/)

The CrossCore RC is well suited to urban rides with a motor that delivers pleasing propulsion and up to 100 miles of range in its lowest power setting. (Joseph Agustin/)

The CrossCore RC sees a significant bump in price from its predecessor, but for that price, riders get improved componentry, more power, and a heavy-duty drivetrain. (Joseph Agustin/)

The star of the show is Yamaha’s PW series motor, good for nearly 59 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s more than some street motorcycles. (Joseph Agustin/)

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com