YT Decoy MX Core 4 on test: Full-throttle versender enduro - now more than ever?

Shortly after its release, it seemed that the new Decoy was already over. This was because YT Industries had run into financial difficulties and had to file for insolvency. But now that the German distributor has restarted, one thing is clear: the Decoy with Bosch motor will continue to be available. And it is one of the hottest candidates when it comes to downhill e-bikes. Even the original Decoy impressed with its dream handling and super suspension. But enduro fans had to wait a long time before the Decoy got a real update.

A lot has been done for the new edition. The tried-and-tested Bosch Performance CX provides propulsion, while the large 800-series battery is permanently installed in the down tube. This gives you plenty of range, but no option for a quick battery change or external charging of the battery. Caution: The Bosch range extender does not fit into the frame triangle due to the design. Kinematics had top priority during development. We already know this from the previous Decoy generations, where the space for the water bottle was also minimalist.

YT has retained its pricing. At 9000 euros, the bike is really expensive. But at least it comes with the very finest equipment. A look at other brands shows that this is not a given at this price. In addition to the Fox Factory suspension, the top model tested, the Decoy Core 4, also has carbon wheels and carbon handlebars on board. The entry-level model with Marzocchi suspension costs 5999 euros.

Give me more!

The developers have not skimped on suspension travel. 180/170 millimetres equip the bike for the toughest off-road missions. Is the Decoy Core 4 MX still enduro or already freeride? The generous suspension travel of this e-bike is immediately noticeable off-road. Even small bumps and roots are readily absorbed by the shock and fork. Self-confidence inevitably builds up in your chest. Give me more, the bike seems to demand. More rocks, more steps, more speed. As a real ego booster, the Decoy seems to take the fear out of difficult trails and hairy descents. The low, integrated riding position also contributes to this. You feel safe behind the high front end. Whether it's rock gardens, high drops or high speeds - the YT Decoy remains composed.

All gold?

The other side of the coin: if the terrain has little to offer, i.e. on flat or tame trails, the Decoy quickly feels underchallenged. The plush suspension, the generous travel and the high front end don't exactly encourage sprinting and the bike doesn't feel ultimately light-footed. But don't worry. The Decoy is not one of those E-Enduros that only wants to be ridden straight ahead with both tyres on the ground. As soon as gravity gives the bike momentum and small obstacles invite you to play, it willingly turns out of the berm on the rear wheel or takes to the air on the root edge. That's definitely freeride character! The new Decoy also masters jumplines in the bike park or big drops with flying colours.

And what about big mountain adventures? With the large tank, tours can be longer, of course. The more classic riding position doesn't speak against it either. However, the YT e-bike is not a real climber. Even if the Bosch motor offers enough power and top modulation. Despite the nominally very steep seat angle, the bike has to be actively kept in check on steps and steep ramps. Although the suspension has a lot of traction, it is not as high in its travel as would be necessary for ideal climbing performance.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Enormous driving safety
• Suspension that is easy to swallow
• High driving pleasure

Weaknesses

• Permanently installed battery
• No room for range extenders

This test was created as part of a comparison of several high-end enduro bikes. All articles in the series can be found here in the links:

>> Santa Cruz, Giant or YT - who builds the best E-Enduro?

>> The Giant Reign Advanced E+1 on test

>> The Santa Cruz Bullit GX AXS on test