160E 2023

The Yeti 160E 2023 is the US boutique brand's halo enduro flagship: a T1 TURQ Series carbon chassis with Yeti's Sixfinity 6-bar linkage, 170 mm of fork travel paired with 160 mm of rear, the Shimano EP8 (DU-EP800) motor at 85 Nm of torque and 500 W peak, and a removable 630 Wh Shimano BT-E8036 battery. At a claimed 23.5 kg and £11,899 base price, this was firmly halo territory and built a passionate forum following. Production status is gold-listed as discontinued — Yeti has since launched a Bosch CX Gen 5-powered replacement per @Ou812. The 160E remains highly regarded in the used market.

Drive system and range. Shimano EP8 (DU-EP800) delivers 85 Nm of torque, 500 W peak and a 2.6 kg unit weight. It is now superseded by EP801, Bosch CX Gen 5 (120 Nm) and DJI Avinox (105–150 Nm) on headline numbers, but remains a refined and natural-feeling motor. The 630 Wh removable battery is small for a halo enduro by 2026 standards. @Singletrackmind directly identifies the 630 Wh as "limiting compared to 700/750/800 Wh competitors." @Gavalar reports his 160E with Shimano EP800 ran 2,360 miles over 2 years with no issues — strong long-term reliability data. @Lightme bought at close to 50% off and found the EP801 motor "more underwhelming than expected" but praised the suspension.

Geometry and handling. A 64.5 degree head angle is bang in the modern enduro sweet spot. Reach progresses cleanly: 430 mm (SM), 460 mm (MD), 480 mm (LG), 505 mm (XL). The 446 mm chainstay is held constant across sizes. Wheelbase grows 1,208 mm to 1,292 mm. @Gavalar reports the Large fits a 180 cm rider well with 50 mm stem and PNW Loam Bars with 38 mm rise. @Rob Rides EMTB measures the 160E's BB height at 350–355 mm — about 20 mm higher than the Reign E+, consistent with the bike's enduro/park rather than aggressive-trail bias. The Sixfinity 6-bar linkage is Yeti's signature: a complex, highly tunable kinematic with strong descending performance.

Build and value. Only the £11,899 T1 trim at 23.5 kg is gold-listed. @Singletrackmind documents the full spec: T1 TURQ Carbon, Sixfinity suspension, FOX Factory Float X2 rear shock, FOX Factory 38 GRIP 2 170mm E-Tune fork (with custom Yeti decals), Shimano XT shifters/derailleur/cassette and Shimano EM900 cranks. This was halo-spec engineering at halo-spec pricing.

Community-verified strengths. Suspension performance is the standout. @Singletrackmind calls Push Industries suspension transformative and describes the Yeti as "an absolute beast that wants to ride fast — best stock suspension on any ebike." @Singletrackmind directly compares Yeti to Specialized Levo S-Works and prefers Yeti hands-down on riding characteristics. @Evolkenevol describes the Yeti 160E MTE rear suspension as "amazing — handles rough terrain incredibly well." @Gavalar praises Shimano Linkglide drivetrain compatibility for the 160E platform.

Caveats and known gripes. Pricing controversy is the recurring forum theme. @Hob Nob calls out "£12k on a bike with an off-the-shelf EP8 system when you can buy an almost identical specification bike from another brand for literally half the price" and notes "Yeti's legendary abysmal customer service" from personal experience. @Gary mocks Yeti's marketing line "while everyone else was racing to make an e-MTB, we were making an e-MTB for racing" then putting a Shimano motor in it. @Singletrackmind notes the carbon frame can flex and creak after 2,000+ miles — a long-term wear concern. @MarkE192 moved away from the 160E (and Pivot Shuttle LT) for a Gen 4 Levo, citing motor reasons. The 630 Wh battery limit, EP8 motor now-dated against Bosch CX Gen 5, and Yeti's service-network reputation are all consideration points.

Verdict. The Yeti 160E was a strong-performing halo carbon enduro with class-leading suspension performance via the Sixfinity 6-bar linkage and 23.5 kg claimed weight. With the gold-listed discontinued status, this is now a used-market purchase (or end-of-line clearance at meaningful discount per @Lightme's ~50% off experience). It will suit affluent buyers who prioritise suspension performance and ride character over outright motor power and modern battery capacity, and who can absorb Yeti's premium pricing and known service-network frustrations. Anyone wanting fresh Bosch CX Gen 5 power, 800 Wh battery, established UK dealer support and current production status should look at the Trek Rail+ Gen 5, Cube One77 SLX or new Bosch-powered Yeti replacement. Production status: discontinued.