The base Wabash is a Class 1 e-bike with SRAM Apex components and Yamaha's PW Series SE motor. The Wabash RT is Class 3, runs Shimano GRX instead, and uses the PW Series ST motor.
Yamaha Wabash E-Bike Review
Written by: Tom Fortune | August 19, 2026 | Time to read 5 min
Wabash comes in two versions under one name, with different motors, groupsets, and speed classes, so knowing which one you’re looking at matters a lot before you buy.
More about the Author: Tom Fortune
Tom is a Brit living in the French Alps. When he's not creating written and video content for various brands, he's either pedalling or snowboarding around his local mountains. E-Bikes have unlocked the potential for Tom to explore Alpine terrain and get away from the crowded bike parks. He is only too keen to share his knowledge and experience with other riders.
The Yamaha Wabash is the brand’s take on a gravel e-Bike, and it splits into two versions instead of just trim levels on the same bike. The base Wabash and the Wabash RT use the same frame but have different motors, drivetrains, and top assisted speeds.
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Yamaha Wabash Specs
| Spec | Wabash | Wabash RT |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | PW Series SE, 70Nm | PW Series ST, 70Nm |
| Class | Class 1, 20mph, no throttle | Class 3, 28mph |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Apex, 11-speed | Shimano GRX, 11-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Apex hydraulic disc | Shimano GRX hydraulic disc |
| Battery | 500Wh | 500Wh |
| Frame | Hydroformed aluminum | Hydroformed aluminum |
| Extras | Dropper post mounts, rack and fender mounts | Dropper post included, rack and fender mounts |
Wabash vs Wabash RT
The difference between these two comes down to how fast and how hard you want to ride. The base Wabash is a Class 1 bike, with a top-assisted speed of 20 mph, no throttle, and SRAM’s Apex groupset with an 11-42t cassette and a 48t chainring, which is great when you want to keep pushing when the motor stops helping you.
If you want a Class 3 electric bike, you need to check out the Wabash RT, which gives you a top assisted speed of 28mph, a full Shimano GRX groupset, and Yamaha’s PW Series ST motor instead of the SE unit. Both use the same 500Wh battery and hydroformed aluminum frame, so the differences lie in the drivetrain, brakes, and motor tune.
How It Rides
A cool feature is the Auto Assist mode, which reads pedal effort and terrain on its own and adjusts power accordingly, so you don’t have to switch modes manually every time the terrain changes. This is handy on gravel, where conditions are often variable, which is less important on a road bike.
70Nm of torque handles most gravel and paved climbs, and gives you a natural feeling through the pedals on flatter sections. The wide, flared drop bars add stability at speed and give more control on loose surfaces than a standard road bar would. Both versions can take a dropper post, and the RT comes with one already installed.
Motor and Battery
The SE mid-drive motor on the base Wabash and the ST on the RT both put out 70Nm, but Yamaha tuned each one differently for its own drivetrain and speed class. Both read torque, cadence, and speed to determine how much assist to give. The 500Wh battery is the same on both versions and sits in the downtube.
Things to Know Before You Buy
The fork uses a custom tapered steerer tube, which makes swapping in an aftermarket suspension fork later difficult, if not impossible. This is worth knowing if a suspension fork is something you’d want down the line.
Yamaha backs the Wabash with a 3-year warranty covering the motor, battery, and frame, in line with the rest of its e-Bike lineup.
Who Should Buy the Yamaha Wabash?
- Riders who want a Class 1 gravel e-Bike with no throttle and a wide, well-suited gear range for both climbing and higher-speed pedaling should look at the base Wabash.
- Riders who want Class 3 speed and prefer Shimano’s GRX ecosystem over SRAM should consider the Wabash RT, though it costs more than the base build.
Alternatives Worth Considering
The Yamaha CrossCore RC uses the same PW Series ST motor in a flat-bar commuter frame rather than a drop-bar gravel bike, making it worth a look if you want Yamaha’s motor without the gravel-specific geometry.
Find a Yamaha Wabash on Upway
A gravel e-Bike like the Yamaha Wabash is used on mixed terrain and can take heavy wear over time, so finding a good used one that you can trust can be tricky. Every e-Bike on Upway goes through a 50-point inspection covering the motor, battery, and electrical system before it’s ever listed.
Browse the current electric bike selection on Upway or check the sale collection to compare current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Yamaha Wabash and Wabash RT?
Does the Yamaha Wabash have a throttle?
No. The base Wabash is Class 1, pedal assist only, with no throttle. The Wabash RT is Class 3 and also pedal-assist only.
Can I put a suspension fork on the Yamaha Wabash?
It's difficult. The stock fork uses a custom tapered steerer tube that isn't compatible with most standard aftermarket suspension forks.
Key Takeaways
- The Wabash and Wabash RT are distinctly different builds under one name, different motor, drivetrain, and speed class, not just trim levels on identical hardware.
- Both share a 500Wh battery and hydroformed aluminum frame, but the RT's Shimano GRX groupset and Class 3 speed come at a higher price than the SRAM-equipped base Wabash.
- The custom tapered fork steerer limits future suspension fork upgrades, which is worth knowing before buying if that's something you might want later.
