Kona Remote 160 and Remote X: E-MTBs with a Bosch motor, 800 Wh battery and plenty of suspension travel

Conclusion: Two Konas for the tough stuff

Kona is further refining its Remote platform. The Remote 160 is designed for versatile trail and enduro riding, whilst the Remote X, with 180 mm of travel, moves even closer to downhill and might even appeal to freeriders. Both bikes combine the Bosch Performance Line CX with an 800 Wh PowerTube battery, offering plenty of range for tackling significant elevation gains.

The technical specification is uncompromising: robust aluminium frames, SRAM Eagle drivetrains, powerful four-piston brakes and heavy Maxxis tyres clearly prioritise control over lightweight construction. Added to this is the Flip-Chip, which switches between 29-inch and mixed-wheel set-ups depending on the ride.

However, with prices of €6,999 for the Remote 160 and €7,499 for the Remote X, Kona is setting ambitious prices in the aluminium segment. In return, both bikes come with a spec that makes no compromises, even on rough trails.

Kona Remote 160 and Remote X: Key facts

• Engine: Bosch Performance Line CX
• Torque: up to 120 Nm
• Peak performance: up to 750 watts
• Battery: Bosch PowerTube with 800 Wh
• Range Extender: Optional 250 Wh PowerMore
• Maximum capacity: up to 1050 Wh
• Remote 160: 160 mm rear suspension travel
• Remote X: 180 mm rear suspension travel
• Wheels: 29-inch or mixed-wheel via flip-chip
• Frame: Kona 6061 butted aluminium
• Circuit: SRAM Eagle drivetrain, 12-speed
• Tyres: Maxxis Assegai and DHR II with DoubleDown casing
• Remote 160: RockShox ZEB Select and Super Deluxe Select+
• Remote X: Fox 38 Performance Elite and Float X Performance Elite
• Prices: €6,999 for the Remote 160, €7,499 for the Remote X

The Bosch Performance Line CX provides the drive system

Kona has opted for the Bosch Performance Line CX on both models. The drive delivers up to 120 Nm of torque and achieves a peak power output of 750 watts. Weighing in at 2.8 kilograms, the system isn’t exactly a lightweight, but it does provide plenty of power on steep climbs and boasts the best service network.

Control is handled by a system controller with a mini remote. Five buttons and LED indicators provide access to the key functions right on the handlebars. The Bosch Flow app can be used to further customise the drive system. Riders can use it to fine-tune assistance levels and maximum torque, or create their own riding modes.

The app also enhances the system with navigation, route planning and ride data. Turn-by-turn navigation, 3D maps and automatic route recalculation are also included. Integration with Strava, Apple Health and Komoot rounds off the digital package.

800 Wh in the down tube – and even greater range

For the battery, Kona has opted for the Bosch PowerTube 800. This large energy storage unit is fully integrated into the down tube. The fully integrated design keeps the centre of gravity as low as possible and enhances the frame’s stiffness.

If you want to travel even further, you can add the Bosch PowerMore Range Extender (250 Wh) to the battery. This increases the total capacity to 1,050 Wh. The Range Extender can, in principle, power the bike on its own, but this reduces the available power.

A 4-A charger is included in the scope of delivery. A swivelling cover protects the charging port from dirt and moisture.

Remote 160: A trail bike with enduro potential

The Remote 160 combines 160 mm of travel with a RockShox ZEB Select and a Super Deluxe Select+. Anyone wishing to retrofit a coil shock can do so with confidence. Kona has approved the bike for this modification. For the brakes on this model, Kona has opted for SRAM Maven Base with 200 mm discs at the front and rear. The combination of large rotors and powerful four-piston calipers suits the bike’s downhill-oriented design.

Remote X: Even more travel, even more enduro

The Remote X takes things up a notch. A Fox 38 Performance Elite with 180 mm of travel is fitted at the front, whilst at the rear there’s a Fox Float X Performance Elite, which also offers 180 mm of travel. TRP EVO PRO brakes, with a 220 mm rotor at the front and a 203 mm disc at the rear, keep this powerhouse under control even on steep terrain.

Flip-Chip introduces two impeller designs

Kona has incorporated a flip-chip into the suspension system. This allows riders to switch between a classic 29er setup and mixed-wheel set-up.

On the Remote 160, size S comes as standard with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. Sizes M to XL come with 29/29. The Remote X is initially available in all sizes as a ‘mullet’ with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel.

The geometry follows the modern enduro formula: a shallow head angle, long reach and comparatively compact chainstays. On the Remote 160, the head angle measures 63.5 degrees and the seat angle 78.2 to 78.4 degrees. The reach ranges from 430 millimetres in size S to 515 millimetres in size XL.

The Remote X is slightly flatter at 63.1 degrees. The reach ranges from 426 to 511 millimetres. The chainstays measure 442 millimetres; for the Remote 160, the spec sheet lists 445 millimetres.

SRAM Eagle drivetrain and sturdy wheels

When it comes to the drivetrain, Kona consistently relies on SRAM’s robust transmission technology featuring a Full-Mount rear derailleur. Both models combine the Eagle 90 rear derailleur with an Eagle 70 shifter. The 12-speed cassette ranges from 10 to 52 teeth. A short 155mm crankset with a 34-tooth chainring transfers the power.

Formula hubs with Boost standards are paired with WTB HTZ Trail i30 rims. When it comes to tyres, Kona has also opted for a no-nonsense approach: at the front is a Maxxis Assegai 29 x 2.5-inch with a DoubleDown carcass and MaxxGrip compound. At the rear is a Maxxis DHR II with DoubleDown and MaxxTerra compound.

Prices, colours and warranty

The The Kona Remote 160 costs 6,999 euros, the Remote X €7,499. Kona sells both bikes exclusively as complete bikes.

The Remote 160 is finished in Gloss Reef Blue with Atlantic Blue decals. The Remote X comes in Gloss Metallic Dark Faux Raw with Mimosa decals.

Kona offers the original owner a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and a lifetime crash replacement policy. Separate Bosch warranty terms apply to the battery and electronics.

Editorial commentary

The new Kona Remote 160 and Remote X offer the promise of wild downhill action. The suspension, geometry, brakes and robust components speak for themselves: these bikes are built to really push the pace on descents and won’t shy away from rough terrain. However, only a thorough test will reveal just how well the concept actually works. After all, riding characteristics can only be inferred to a limited extent from a spec sheet.

The design, on the other hand, is striking. Compared to the numerous new Avinox e-MTBs, with their increasingly slender and lighter-looking frames, the new Konas appear comparatively chunky. The bulky frame is strongly reminiscent of the older generation of e-MTBs, whilst many current models integrate their drive systems much more elegantly into the silhouette.

This is by no means intended to cast doubt on the riding qualities of the two Remotes. Rather, it shows just how quickly the design of modern e-MTBs is changing. Technically speaking, with the Bosch CX, an 800 Wh battery, high-quality suspension components and robust parts, Kona is certainly not standing still. When it comes to frame design, however, the brand appears less progressive than some of its current competitors.

All in all, the Remote 160 and Remote X look very promising for riders looking for a stable, downhill-oriented e-MTB with plenty in reserve. Only the test will reveal whether the bikes really do perform so confidently on the trail.