Do you consider yourself a Blu Cru rider? Do you like YZ’s and YZ-F’s? Well, so do the guys at Electro & Co, and that’s why they developed the Yamaha YZ-EMX, an electric conversion kit that transforms the classic Yamaha YZ chassis into a powerful, high-performance electric dirt bike. This kit is designed for those who love the durability, handling, and feel of the Yamaha chassis but want the quiet performance of an electric powertrain.
You’ve seen Yamaha conversions on ECR before, specifically when we met with XEMX and their XE4 model, but that bike still isn’t available as a ready-to-purchase product. On the flip side, this Electro & Co YZ-EMX kit is something you can purchase now.
The Concept Behind the YZ-EMX
Electro & Co’s YZ-EMX kit is a plug-and-play electric conversion designed for the Yamaha YZF chassis (2018 and newer). It retains the essential characteristics of a Yamaha bike: the aluminum chassis, KYB suspension, and Nissin brakes. This means you’re still riding a Yamaha, but with the electric power and innovation integrated, courtesy of Electro & Co.
The YZ-EMX conversion kit includes a choice between two battery options: a 76V 75Ah or a 76V 60Ah battery. Both batteries are designed with the same dimensions and weight, differing only in the type of cells used. This allows riders to select the battery capacity that best fits their riding style and range (or wallet) needs, without affecting the overall weight or balance of the bike. Plus, these batteries are easily swappable, so if you’re willing to fork over the cash for another battery, you’ll be able to keep the ride going longer than some other bikes in this category.
The YZ-EMX kit currently comes equipped with the powerful EM-260S controller, capable of delivering 28kW of output. Electro & Co has also announced plans for an upgrade to their highly anticipated TRUMOTO™ ZAPPER controller, which will be capable of boosting power levels to over 50 horsepower with its 35kW output.
Additionally, the kit includes the highly sought-after QS138 V3 motor, a gear-reduced brushless motor that has gained its reputation for being able to handle big power with solid durability, and an easy fit on conversion builds. The QS138 V3 can take a beating with big power levels and won’t overheat or lag on performance, making it a perfect candidate for a DIY build, or in this case, the YZ-EMX kit.
This kit fits like factory equipment, keeping Yamaha’s original weight balance and distribution intact, with 47% front and 53% rear weight split, making it feel just the way that Yamaha intended.
Electro & Co crafted this kit to maintain the YZF’s structural integrity. The kit’s mounts are designed with 5052 and 6061 aluminum to ensure proper rigidity and flexibility, and the end result is a total weight of just 242 lbs.
Riding Impressions on the Track
At Riverfront Motocross track, contributing editor Bayo Olukotun took the YZ-EMX for a full moto. With experience on his own personal 2015 YZ250F gasser as well as his DIY 2015 electric Yamaha conversion, Bayo brings deep familiarity with the Yamaha YZF chassis and a unique perspective on electric conversions. His impressions? The YZ-EMX is solidly built and performed as smoothly as any production bike he’s ridden—no unexpected noises, rattling, or clunky shifting, which are common quirks in many DIY conversions.
The power and responsiveness were consistent throughout his ride. After 20 minutes of medium to hard laps at Riverfront, he noted the YZ-EMX still had 70% battery remaining and full performance, a significant difference from his DIY conversion, which often shows a notable drop in power by the 20-minute mark. Recharging was quick too; in less than half an hour, it was nearly back to full charge.
On the track, Bayo noted that while the current controller (EM-260S) provided plenty of power, it briefly plateaued about three-quarters down Riverfront’s longest straight. Even so, the bike made up for it with incredible low-end acceleration out of corners, making it a contender on a typical MX track. He expects that with the upcoming TRUMOTO™ Zapper controller upgrade, which promises to raise output closer to 50 horsepower, the YZ-EMX would hang comfortably with a 450cc on this track.
Handling was another highlight. Bayo pointed out that the current Yamaha YZF bikes tend to understeer slightly, especially in tighter corners—a design trait synonymous with Yamaha’s of this era. To point out, this is not a knock at Yamaha, this is just the nature in which they designed this bike. The byproduct, of course, is a super stable and planted chassis.
At speed and under heavy braking, the YZ-EMX held a straight line effortlessly, with no head shake, making it easy to trust and handle.
Performance in the Mountains
Although the bike had suspension tuned for the MX track, the YZ-EMX felt right at home in the mountain. Even though I haven’t spent as much time as Bayo on the newer Yamaha YZF chassis, I immediately felt comfortable on this bike. As soon as I hit the throttle, I was impressed—this thing rips! I kept it in mid-power mode, and it still had plenty of pull, powering through rocky sections and climbing steep inclines with ease.
The big standout for me was the bike’s nimble, lightweight feel in comparison to the gas counterpart of this machine. The YZ-EMX made it effortless to maneuver around rocks and roots and weave through tighter spots.
I’m admittedly used to the quicker-turning feel of bikes like KTMs and Suzukis, and while the Yamaha’s front end tends to push a bit more, it wasn’t a problem at all. The YZ-EMX still felt precise and responsive.
Electro & Co Yamaha YZ-EMX Key Specifications
- Motor: QS138 V3 gear-reduced brushless motor delivering peak power of 35,000W (45hp).
- Battery: Choose between a 76V 75Ah or 76V 60Ah lithium battery, delivering up to 60 miles of range on a single charge.
- Chassis Compatibility: Compatible with the 2018-2022 YZ450F and 2019-2023 YZ250F, with plans to support earlier models soon.
- Charging: Standard charging overnight, with an optional 220V fast charge bringing it back to life in about two hours.
- Controller Options: TruMoto™ Zapper tuned to 35kW, or EM260S tuned to 28kW, allowing customization based on riding preferences.
- Display: Volt meter and TruMoto™ app display compatibility for real-time data on power levels, battery status, and more.
YZ-EMX Price
The price of the YZ-EMX conversion kit may vary, but there is a bit of flexibility when configuring your kit, depending on your budget and desired specs. For the latest information on pricing and lead times, check the Electro & Co YZ-EMX Kit here.
The Verdict: Yamaha YZ-EMX in a Class of Its Own
The YZ-EMX from Electro & Co is a high-quality transformation of a proven motocross platform with major R&D into an electric powerhouse. With its impressive power output, balance, and seamless integration with the Yamaha YZF chassis, the YZ-EMX is an absolute weapon for Blu Cru fans and those who want something more unique than a showroom-model electric dirt bike.
