Focus Jam² 2025 Review

Lighter, faster, better. That’s the mantra of many eMTB manufacturers. With the new Jam², Focus steps out of the rat race of development departments and focuses on different values.

With 160 mm of travel in the fork and 150 mm in the rear, the Jam² stays true to the popular All Mountain category. This makes the bike a jack-of-all-trades, which, just like its predecessor, doesn’t shy away from rough trails.

The total weight of just under 25 kilos is normal for a full-power aluminum bike. However, one must face the reality in this aspect. There are lighter bikes with a 600-watt hour battery at comparable prices. Focus sets its priorities differently.

The new Jam² scores with a truly robust frame. An indication that this frame can withstand a lot is the manufacturer’s 10-year warranty. Focus offers 4 years less warranty on carbon models. They are being generous with the new Jam².

The design makes it clear: no corners were cut here. The large tube diameters and the wide rear triangle bearings instill a lot of confidence. A voluminous tube, like in the head tube area, doesn’t flex on the trail. Even when you lean the bike hard into a turn, brake on the front wheel, or carry a few extra pounds.

To reduce stress, Focus has significantly simplified the frame. While the Jam² SL still features an adjustable chainstay and head angle, this model forgoes any frame adjustment options. The necessary flip chips in the rear triangle and loose headset cups for an adjustable head angle are omitted. This not only saves components but also minimizes contact points that could begin to creak during extended use. By forgoing customization options, this risk is significantly reduced.

For aesthetics, Focus uses smooth welding seams in visible areas. The result: in the seat tube and head tube areas, the bike has the look of a carbon frame. The process is very labor-intensive and is therefore only carried out in highly visible areas. On the rear triangle or around the motor area, the welding beads are clearly visible.

Bosch lovingly calls this piece of equipment the BDU384Y. I think it’s easier to refer to it as the Bosch CX Generation 5. And with this update, the folks from Bosch haven’t just focused on the motor but have gone through every aspect of their ecosystem. So, there are also new batteries and displays. But let’s start with the motor.

The spec sheet looks very similar to the previous version. 85 Nm of torque. 600 watts of peak power, 100 grams lighter. And indeed, if you’re expecting a completely new riding experience on the trail with the new motor, we have to disappoint you. The motor feels very similar to its predecessor.

When sufficient input power is applied, the motor feels significantly stronger than the specified 600 watts. This was also the case with the predecessor. Especially in Turbo mode, the motor puts its power front and center. However, it is slightly more dependent on cadence.

It still offers strong support from around 70 revolutions per minute. But those pedaling at 80, 90, or even 100 revolutions per minute will feel that the motor releases a bit more power.

Anyone looking to climb the steepest trails off-road is still best served by the slightly more sensitive EMTB mode. In this mode, the power is smoothed out and not delivered quite as explosively as in Turbo mode. The motor continues to provide noticeable power when you stop pedaling.

The big difference compared to its predecessor is actually the sound. Under load uphill, the motor is now significantly quieter than its predecessor. And downhill, it is now even completely silent. Finally, Bosch has gotten a handle on the annoying gearbox noise that we have criticized in so many EMTBs time and again. This puts Shimano under pressure to follow suit.

Combined with reliability and a truly excellent service structure, the Bosch motor now has arguments up its sleeve that clearly set it apart from the Shimano EP801. When it comes to displays and controls, however, they remain conservative. There is a new Purion 400 display, but it is not a revolution. Focus relies on the tried and tested Kiox 300 for the Jam² anyway.

Bosch has also completely revamped its battery concept, offering more options than ever. You can equip the bike with a 600 battery or an 800 battery. Both batteries have the same length and therefore fit into the same down tubes. However, a slightly bulkier cover is needed for the 800 battery. Additionally, you have the option to connect a Powermore Range Extender with 250 watts.

Bosch has not only introduced new battery sizes but also worked on the weight. This is made possible by a new cell. The 800 battery now weighs 3960 grams. By comparison, the 750 battery previously weighed around 4300 grams. The new 600 battery now weighs just over 3000 grams.

With the removable battery, you truly have all the options. If you want, you can pump the bike with up to 1050 Wh of energy. Frequent riders will tend to prefer the exchangeable battery. It is cheaper and lighter per watt-hour, and you have not just 250 but 600 or 800 Wh more available. This allows you to shred party laps in the bike park until you drop.

One should not expect the nimble handling of the Jam² SL with this bike. The nearly 25 kilograms are undeniable when it comes to handling. Jumping or quick direction changes require some heft with bikes in this weight class.

Once you get used to it, the handling becomes intuitive. It pays off that Focus doesn’t dive into extremes with the geometry but stays on the tried and true side with a 65-degree head angle. Despite the long reach, you sit very upright on the bike. The high front end provides a comfortable feel in the saddle.

The suspension truly excels on the descents. It sticks to the ground and, combined with the 2.6-inch wide radial tires from Schwalbe, provides top-notch grip. Even on rough terrain, you stay in control with the Jam².

How efficient is the new Bosch CX motor? With the full 600 Wh battery, we achieved just under 1500 meters of elevation gain in our test. We were always in Turbo mode and had a rider weight of 75 kilograms. In addition to many gravel roads, we also included a few uphill trails.

The Schwalbe Radial tires have a hefty rolling resistance. Our exemplary field test indicates that this motor is on a similar level to its predecessor. With Shimano’s EP8, we managed to get about 100 meters more elevation gain from a 600 Wh battery on a different bike and a different test track.

Focus invests its budget wisely when it comes to components. Instead of increasing the bling factor on the derailleur, Focus opts for robust DT Swiss wheels with thicker spokes and a stronger freewheel designed specifically for eMTB use.

The choice of the high-quality Rock Shox Lyrik fork pays off in terms of ride enjoyment. SRAM’s GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain is tailored for eMTB use as it reliably shifts gears even in turbo mode. The energy for this comes from the main battery of the e-drive system.

Except for the top model, every Jam² is available with either an 800 or 600 battery. The cheapest model retails for 4999 €. The top model is available in a limited edition only.