Remote 160 2025

The Kona Remote 160 2025 is an aluminium all-mountain eMTB built around the proven Shimano EP801 motor and a budget-conscious 504 Wh battery, pitched at the value end of the long-travel segment. Headline numbers: 85 Nm of torque, 160 mm of travel front and rear, a 64.5 to 65.0 degree head angle, 25.1 kg claimed and a remarkable £2,199 base price. Community feedback is positive on motor reliability and motor-character but mixed on battery range and display.

Drive system and range. The Shimano EP801 is one of the most-tested and most-respected full-power motors in production: 85 Nm of torque, 600 W manufacturer-claimed peak, 2.7 kg motor weight. lightning reports "4,500 miles faultless operation" on the older Shimano E8000 variant of the Remote 160, and lightning reports another 2,400 mile run with only an early headset creak as the issue. The 504 Wh battery is the headline compromise — modest for a 25 kg full-power 160 mm chassis, and well below the 720 to 800 Wh class norm. Notsopromtber measured "80 km on ECO mode; 50 km rides using mostly ECO on flats/descent, Trail mode on cross country, Boost on punchy climbs" with the 504 Wh battery — adequate for shorter rides but limiting for full-day or long-route days.

Geometry and handling. The Remote 160 comes in four nominal sizes (SM, MD, LG, XL) each with two geometry variants (eight sizes total). Reach progresses from 425 mm to 515 mm. The head angle floats between 64.5 and 65.0 degrees, the chainstay sits at 435 to 440 mm, and wheelbase stretches from 1,196 mm (SM) to 1,301 mm (XL). The 435 to 440 mm chainstay is properly short for the segment, which biases the bike towards lively, playful handling. The Horst Link suspension layout is well-proven for traction and small-bump compliance.

Build and value. Two trims are on file: the base at £2,199 and the DL variant. The base price is genuinely exceptional for a carbon — sorry, alloy — 160 mm full-power eMTB with the Shimano EP801. The trade-off is the 504 Wh battery (not the 720 Wh class norm), SRAM DB8 brakes (basic for a 160 mm platform) and the microSHIFT Advent X 1x10 drivetrain (well below the 12-speed standard on rivals). Notsopromtber lists the full spec including 53 lb (24.0 kg) actual weight and 200/180 mm rotors.

Community-verified strengths. First, motor reliability: lightning reports faultless 4,500 miles on the Shimano E8000 predecessor. Second, value pricing: at £2,199 base, this is one of the cheapest routes into a 160 mm full-power eMTB anywhere in the UK market. Third, lively geometry from the short 435 to 440 mm chainstays.

Caveats and known gripes. First, battery capacity: the 504 Wh pack is the segment's headline compromise, limiting full-day range. Second, motor noise: Sherman reports "Shimano motor noisier than Specialized Levo; display button is small/awkward and reverts to speed display after time period". Third, basic spec at the entry trim — riders should budget for brake, drivetrain and wheel upgrades over time.

Verdict. The Kona Remote 160 2025 makes most sense for buyers who want the most affordable possible 160 mm full-power eMTB with the proven Shimano EP801 motor and modern geometry, and who can accept the 504 Wh battery and budget-component spec as the value trade-off. Less suitable for buyers who need full-day battery capacity, high-end stock components, or the latest motor systems. Production status: current.