Remote X 2025

The Kona Remote X 2025 is the long-travel version of Kona's aluminium full-power eMTB platform, built around the Shimano EP8 motor (DU-EP800, 85 Nm torque, 250 W rated, 500 W manufacturer-claimed peak, 2.6 kg motor weight) and a 612 Wh Darfon battery. Travel is properly aggressive at 180 mm front and 178 mm rear, on an alloy single pivot chassis with a 63.5 degree head angle, 440 mm chainstays flat, and reach progressing 430 mm (SM), 455 mm (MD), 480 mm (LG), and 515 mm (XL). Single base trim at £5,999. The community read in one line: a properly slack, big-travel alloy enduro that punches above its price, hampered slightly by the older EP8 motor and a battery that's small compared to the competition.

Drive system and range. The Shimano EP8 (DU-EP800) is the older Shimano motor architecture, predating the EP801 (which got the wiring harness updates). 85 Nm of torque is mid-pack for full-power motors. The motor is well-supported by the Shimano E-TUBE PROJECT app and is generally reliable, though it lacks the latest tuning options of the EP801 and isn't as quiet as the new Bosch CX Gen 5. The 612 Wh Darfon battery is on the small side — most rivals run 720 to 800 Wh — and is removable. Real-world range in mixed terrain will sit in the 30 to 45 km territory on Trail/Boost mode, with extreme cases pushing further on Eco. @Perryqhill confirmed the Remote ships with Maxxis DHF MaxxTerra front and DHR MaxxTerra rear tyres — proper aggressive rubber.

Geometry and handling. The standout of the platform. 63.5 degree head angle is properly slack — firmly enduro/super-enduro territory, not trail. Reach is generous: 430 mm (SM), 455 mm (MD), 480 mm (LG), 515 mm (XL). Wheelbase ranges from 1225 mm (SM) to a stretched 1320 mm (XL), giving genuine stability at speed. 440 mm chainstays are tight by 2025 standards and give the bike a more playful feel than its travel numbers would suggest. The single pivot suspension layout is unconventional at 178 mm rear travel — most rivals run four-bar or Horst Link — but Kona's well-developed kinematic delivers honest, predictable big-hit absorption.

Build and value. Single base trim at £5,999. At this price you should expect RockShox Zeb or Fox 38 Performance suspension at 180 mm front, a coil or air shock at 178 mm rear, Shimano 4-piston brakes with 203 mm rotors front and rear, and a Shimano XT/SLX 12-speed drivetrain. £5,999 for a 180/178 mm alloy enduro with the Shimano EP8 ecosystem is competitive value — most rivals at this travel come in over £7,000.

Caveats and known gripes.

• 612 Wh battery is small. 800 Wh rivals will give you 30 to 50% more range in the same trail conditions.
• Shimano EP8 motor is the older architecture. EP801 has wiring harness updates that improved reliability, and the newer DJI/Bosch motors are now lighter and more powerful per kg.
• Single pivot suspension at 178 mm rear is unconventional. Some riders will prefer the more progressive feel of a four-bar layout at this travel.
• Single trim limits buyer choice. No higher-spec option with upgraded suspension or wireless drivetrain at this canonical entry.

Verdict. The Kona Remote X 2025 is one of the best value-orientated aggressive aluminium enduro eMTB platforms on the market — properly slack head angle, generous reach progression and aggressive Maxxis DHF/DHR tyres from the factory. It suits riders who prioritise descending capability over light weight, who want a proper 180 mm enduro at under £6,000, and who don't mind running the older Shimano EP8 motor. Look elsewhere if you want maximum range, the latest motor tech (Bosch CX Gen 5, DJI Avinox M2S), or a wider trim selection. Production status: current, single base trim, four sizes.