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Raymon Tarok Ultra on the test benchThe first bike with ZF CentriX motor on test

Jan Timmermann

 · 05.02.2025

The brand-new Raymon Tarok houses the new ZF CentriX engine and cuts an excellent figure in the historic centre of Finalborgo.
Photo: Max Fuchs
The Raymon Tarok Ultra is the first production bike with the new, ultra-compact ZF CentriX motor. The German manufacturer packs it into a classy E-Enduro with a carbon frame. We were very excited to see how the Raymon Tarok with ZF motor would perform in the lab and in practice.
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Never heard of the Raymon Tarok? Even though the company was only reorganised in record time in 2024, there are some very experienced minds in the e-MTB scene behind Raymon. So it should come as no surprise that the very first production bike with the new ZF motor comes from the Schweinfurters. The ZF unit promises 600 watts of peak power and a maximum of 90 Newton metres of torque. In view of the small, circular size and the light engine weight of just 2.53 kilos, these are impressive values and we were very excited to test the new Raymon in detail. The models of the enduro flagship Tarok start from 5899 euros with a carbon frame. The lockable battery in the down tube can be folded out in the classic way or replaced with a smaller 504 Wh version to save weight. Speaking of which: although the energy storage system is quite bulky, Raymon has managed to integrate it in a visually clean way. But is there more to the Raymon Tarok with ZF CentriX than its attractive appearance? We found out in laboratory and practical tests. You can find the detailed test of the new ZF CentriX motor here.

We were able to test the Raymon Tarok Ultra and the new ZF CentriX not only in the lab, but also on appropriate enduro trails in Finale Ligure.Photo: Max FuchsWe were able to test the Raymon Tarok Ultra and the new ZF CentriX not only in the lab, but also on appropriate enduro trails in Finale Ligure.

Facts about the Raymon Tarok Ultra 2025

  • Area of application: Enduro
  • Suspension travel: 160 / 160 mm
  • Wheel size: 29"
  • Price: 10,499 euros
  • Weight: 23.2 kg (BIKE measurement)
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Engine system: ZF CentriX
  • Battery capacity: 756 Wh
  • Max. System weight: 130 kg
  • Guarantee: for life
  • Special features: first production bike with ZF CentriX
Circular and strikingly small, the new ZF CentriX motor forms the centrepiece of the Raymon Tarok.Photo: Max FuchsCircular and strikingly small, the new ZF CentriX motor forms the centrepiece of the Raymon Tarok.

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Equipment

  • Fork: Fox Float 38 Factory
  • Shock absorber: X2 Factory
  • Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission
  • Brakes: Sram Maven SLVR, 220/200 mm
  • Wheels: Newmen Phase 30 Carbon
  • Tyres: Continental Kryptoptal-F Enduro SuperSoft, 29 x 2.40 / Kryptotal-R Downhill Soft, 27.5 x 2.40
  • Seatpost / Stroke: Raymon Dropper / 170 mm

>> Incidentally, one of Germany's best-known racers, Johannes Fischbach, recently made the Raymon Tarok Ultra his workhorse for 2025.

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The Raymon Tarok is led by a powerful Fox 38 with 160 millimetres of travel. For more reserves, a 170 mm would also suit the bike.Photo: Max FuchsThe Raymon Tarok is led by a powerful Fox 38 with 160 millimetres of travel. For more reserves, a 170 mm would also suit the bike.

Geometry

BIKE measurement of the Raymon Tarok 2025 in frame size L.Photo: BIKE-MagazinBIKE measurement of the Raymon Tarok 2025 in frame size L.The rear end of the Raymon Tarok features a Fox X2 Factory air shock with all kinds of adjustment options. 160 millimetres of travel are availablePhoto: Max FuchsThe rear end of the Raymon Tarok features a Fox X2 Factory air shock with all kinds of adjustment options. 160 millimetres of travel are available

Practical test of the Raymon Tarok with ZF CentriX

The Raymon Tarok scores a lot of points on the first climb of the test. Thanks to the steep seat angle and the short stem, the Raymon places its rider in a modern upright position in the saddle. A flat handlebar provides additional weight on the front wheel. As a result, the bike pulls over steep ramps with a lot of pressure on the front. Once you get used to the monotonous but powerful thrust of the loud motor, the Tarok is a very capable climber. Despite the full-power concept, it is also agile in tight spots. The lightweight carbon wheels are easy to set up and position precisely. This makes the bike feel even lighter than it actually is.

The new enduro bike from Raymon makes a convincing impression on the climbs.Photo: Max FuchsThe new enduro bike from Raymon makes a convincing impression on the climbs.

The 23.2 kg live weight of the Raymon Tarok Ultra is absolutely top considering the heavy battery and thick, robust equipment. In keeping with this, the rear triangle offers defined, stable support and solid, unobtrusive traction. The secure stance on the bike makes you want to take on technical challenges. Experienced riders will immediately get racing fever with a commitment to the racing line.

High-grip Continental tyres meet lightweight Newmen carbon wheels on the Raymon Tarok Ultra. It could hardly be better!Photo: Max FuchsHigh-grip Continental tyres meet lightweight Newmen carbon wheels on the Raymon Tarok Ultra. It could hardly be better!
The Raymon Tarok is a place to feel good. The seating position is modern but not extreme.Photo: BIKE-MagazinThe Raymon Tarok is a place to feel good. The seating position is modern but not extreme.Full control: Display on the stem and control panel in the top tube provide information on all important riding data, such as support level or battery status.Photo: Max FuchsFull control: Display on the stem and control panel in the top tube provide information on all important riding data, such as support level or battery status.

The Raymon Tarok doesn't hesitate to show off its sporty, uncomplicated character on the downhill either. The geometry strikes a successful balance between manoeuvrability and smoothness. Without extremes, it creates a balanced riding position and encourages all kinds of trail play. The Raymon takes to the air on kickers with ease and can be skilfully surfed through waves for a full-grown E-Enduro.

The Sram Maven brake is particularly powerful on large, thick brake discs.Photo: Max FuchsThe Sram Maven brake is particularly powerful on large, thick brake discs.

The Raymon Tarok's playful instinct is also supported by the superior suspension support. Thanks to a strong suspension fork, powerful brakes and grippy tyres, the bike cuts a very good figure on the trail. With a moderate reach and steering angle, the passive riding safety is nevertheless slightly below that of many enduro bike colleagues. The rear suspension comfort is also rather below average in this suspension travel class.

Test editor Adrian-Kaether is particularly pleased: "The Raymon Tarok Ultra is a wonderfully quiet e-bike.Photo: Max FuchsTest editor Adrian-Kaether is particularly pleased: "The Raymon Tarok Ultra is a wonderfully quiet e-bike.

If it gets very steep, we would have liked the Raymon Tarok Ultra to have a slightly higher front end. As a result, the bike tends to be a little tiring to ride on rough terrain. The bike really blossoms in capable hands, as the firm suspension and reactive geo reward an active riding style with speed and riding fun. Experienced trail bikers will love the Tarok.

The Raymon Tarok Ultra has a balanced strength profile with a small dip in range.Photo: BIKE-MagazinThe Raymon Tarok Ultra has a balanced strength profile with a small dip in range.A mud flap protects the rear-end hardware of the Raymon Enduro bike.Photo: Max FuchsA mud flap protects the rear-end hardware of the Raymon Enduro bike.

Measurement data for Raymon Tarok

  • Total weight: 23.22 kg without pedals
  • Battery weight: 4374
  • Weight of wheels: 4920 g

BIKE measured values: Battery weight, including cover if applicable. Wheel weight per set with tyres, cassette, brake discs.

A charging port is located behind a spring-loaded flap in the frame of the Raymon Tarok. This allows the battery to be charged even when it is installed.Photo: Max FuchsA charging port is located behind a spring-loaded flap in the frame of the Raymon Tarok. This allows the battery to be charged even when it is installed.In our standardised altitude test, the Raymon Tarok managed 1560 metres in altitude. An unsatisfactory performance considering the large battery.Photo: BIKE-MagazinIn our standardised altitude test, the Raymon Tarok managed 1560 metres in altitude. An unsatisfactory performance considering the large battery.The cables for the rear brake and dropper post run through the headset on the Raymon Tarok. Unfortunately, the latter is too short on our test bike.Photo: Max FuchsThe cables for the rear brake and dropper post run through the headset on the Raymon Tarok. Unfortunately, the latter is too short on our test bike.In terms of service friendliness, the Raymon Tarok is in the good midfield.Photo: BIKE-MagazinIn terms of service friendliness, the Raymon Tarok is in the good midfield.Discreetly integrated, the Raymon Tarok Ultra has a kickstand mount on the carbon chainstay.Photo: Max FuchsDiscreetly integrated, the Raymon Tarok Ultra has a kickstand mount on the carbon chainstay.

Conclusion from BIKE editor Jan Timmermann

The Raymon skilfully harmonises uphill and downhill qualities. Relatively light-footed and balanced, it has less of the airs and graces of an extreme enduro bike and more of the sporty mentality of a classy all-mountain bike. The handling and chassis harbour potential for fun, but need to be exploited to the full with the right riding technique. Comfort is not the Tarok's strong point. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Pro

  • Balanced, fun handling
  • athletic climber
  • Active chassis
  • Very good equipment

Contra

  • Little natural motor feel
  • Drive noise
  • Moderate range
BIKE editor Jan TimmermannPhoto: Georg GrieshaberBIKE editor Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann is a true mountain biker. His interests cover almost everything from marathon to trail bikes and from street to gravel. True to the motto "life is too short for boring bikes", the technical editor's heart lies above all in bikes with charisma. Jan also runs the fitness centre for our cycling brands.

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