YT Decoy Gen2 Review
More travel, new motor, surprisingly low weight: YT has completely revamped its full-power Decoy and is using a Bosch CX for the first time. Does the new Decoy ride as awesome as its specs suggest? We’ve tested it.



Weight under 24 kg – with 800-Wh battery!
All versions of the new YT Decoy weigh under 24 kilograms. It may sound unimpressive, but it’s actually a statement: Achieving a weight under 24 kg with an 800-Wh battery is currently something only very few manufacturers can manage. The Santa Cruz Vala or the Bulls EDR might weigh less, but they only feature 600-Wh batteries. YT takes a different approach – and scores with both range and weight. The price for this: a fixed battery that can only be removed by dismantling the motor.
What does this mean in detail?
- No charging option outside the frame
- No range extender possible
- Pros: massive weight savings (800 - 1000 g)



Fine details & robust craftsmanship
YT once was the cool direct seller with top-notch looks and aggressive pricing. Now the company from Franconia is a serious developer with genuine detailed solutions.
The new battery mount is decoupled from the frame to keep stress peaks away from the power pack. Cables run neatly through full-length housings—rattle-free and easy to maintain. The charging flap was also independently developed. In short: There’s solid ingenuity here. This significantly elevates the bike’s quality. The factory-applied protective films for the frame also show: YT knows what bikers want.








Ride Impression: Gravity Genes with Playful Instinct
Despite its 180 mm of travel, the Decoy doesn’t ride like a sluggish beast. The MX setup with a smaller rear wheel makes it nimble, and the low bottom bracket provides confident cornering. In tight berms, technical sections, or on flow trails, it becomes clear: the new Decoy isn’t just about speed—it can also be precise.
Unlike usual, we kept this bike in the “High” setting with the flip chip. The geometry is already low enough in this setting, so the bike remains agile in handling despite the ample travel.

YT relies on the proven 4-bar linkage for the rear suspension, which is also used on the downhill bikes of Vali Höll and Andi Kolb. And YT shows finesse in tuning. The high progression at the beginning of the travel makes the massive suspension travel manageable on flowy trails. Toward the end, the progression decreases, which ensures that the ride remains stable, especially when things get serious and you’re deep in the travel.
We tested the Decoy with both an air suspension and an Öhlins coil shock. Personally, we preferred the air suspension because it allows for more precise tuning. However, the rear suspension worked excellently with both setups. Additionally, it is very stable with wide supports, a short linkage, and voluminous tubing. This inspires confidence for gravity-oriented riding.


Components & Variants
In the top model for €8,999, you get Fox suspension, AXS drivetrain, SRAM Maven brakes, and carbon wheels – leaving nothing to be desired. But: The Core 3 model for €6,999 is also impressive. It weighs only 300 grams more, and with RockShox Select+ suspension and TRP brakes, it rides almost as smoothly – just without the AXS wireless shifting. However, Sram’s mechanical transmission drivetrain works perfectly. For us, it would be the go-to model. It’s still €1,000 cheaper than the Core 2 model with Öhlins suspension, but its performance on the trail remains absolutely on par.
For those looking to save another €1,000, the Core 1 offers a solid overall package but requires compromises in the drivetrain and shock absorber. Nonetheless, the competitive price is likely to appeal to many.
Overview of All New YT Decoy Variants:
Model | Price | Weight | Equipment | Feature |
Core 4 | 8.999 € | 23.6 kilograms | Fox Factory / AXS / SRAM-Maven | Top weight + carbon wheels |
Core 3 | 7.999 € | 23.8 kilograms | Öhlins suspension / AXS transmission / TRP brakes | Coil shock |
Core 2 | 6.999 € | 23.8 kg | RockShox Select+ / TRP brakes / mechanical drivetrain | Price-Performance Killer |
Core 1 | 5.999 € | 24 Kilo | Shimano 1x12 drivetrain/ Marzocchi suspension / base setup | good price, compromises in the specs |

Bosch motor & range
YT is using Bosch for the first time on the Decoy – and it was the right decision. The new Performance CX is quiet, powerful, precisely controllable – and seamlessly integrated with the Bosch app. The 800 Wh battery capacity is enough for 2,000+ meters of elevation gain in EMTB mode – making long days in the saddle possible.

You may have slightly less power than with a DJI Bike, but you’re top-notch when it comes to service. No other motor manufacturer has such service structures and such a strong reputation for durability as Bosch. Our test of the Bosch CX motor also makes it clear that with 700 watts, you’re still more than well-equipped. Especially since the motor management is excellent.

Bosch Kiox 400 C display integrated in the frame
With the Bosch Kiox 400 C display, Bosch finally has a sensible solution for hardcore MTB use. This way, the necessary info is transmitted without the risk of damage from an exposed display. A clear drawback: The display lacks a touch function. Gamechanger: Those who pair the bike with the Bosch app can play GPS tracks on the display. This allows you to navigate solely with the display and eliminates the need for a GPS speedometer. That’s how it’s supposed to be in 2025!

Pro:
- Very good weight despite large battery
- Consistent spec across all models
- Top handling despite 180 mm of travel
- Clever detail solutions (battery mounting, cable routing)
- realistic prices
Contra:
- Battery not removable
- Bottle cage only compatible with YT bottle

Conclusion: Gravity, but smart
With the new Decoy, YT is launching an EMTB that can do much more than its travel would suggest. Despite 180 mm, the bike remains nimble and precise, and despite the large battery, surprisingly light. The new Bosch motor makes the Decoy future-proof, and the Core-2 variant hits a real sweet spot. If you’re looking for enduro vibes with range and a high-end factor, this bike is hard to pass up.