New 2025 GHOST E-Riot LTD on test – A powerhouse with the new Bosch CX motor

The new GHOST E-RIOT impresses with a sporty, elegant look and is described by the manufacturer as a ‘bike for the extreme.’ The key specs – 170/160 mm of travel, the new Bosch CX motor, and 800 Wh battery – are already promising. But can the E-RIOT deliver on the trail?

The GHOST E-Riot 2025, which is the third generation of the German eMTB, stays visually true to its predecessor, but looks more modern and sporty. It combines a mullet wheel setup and 170/160 mm of travel, generating 10 mm more of travel than its predecessor at the front. The proven Tractionlink 2.0 suspension system connects a one-pìece swingarm to the main frame via two short links. We tested the LTD flagship model, which retails at € 10,000 and tips the scales at 24.1 kg.

What sets the 2025 GHOST E-RIOT LTD apart from the competition?

The 2025 GHOST E-Riot relies on a new, sleek design language with sharp lines, which makes it look significantly more elegant and sporty than its predecessor. The cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame through clamped cable ports behind the headset, which prevents them from rattling on the trail. The E-Riot relies on a 85 Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor that delivers 600 watts peak power and draws its power from a removable 800Wh Bosch PowerTube battery. However, during the test, we had some issues with the battery cover, as the pins snapped off at the bottom, preventing it from staying in place properly.

The motor is paired with a wireless Mini Remote on the handlebars, and since the control unit, the Bosch System Controller, is mounted under the top tube, GHOST were able to integrate the Kiox 300 display into the top tube. This is something you don’t see often, but it gives the E-Riot a beautifully clean cockpit.

The 2025 GHOST E-Riot comes equipped with a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork and RockShox Vivid Ultimate air shock, both of which offer countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail. GHOST rely on a Knock Block to protect the frame in the event of a crash, which limits the steering angle. The GHOST Alpha 1 dropper post offers 200 mm of travel, providing plenty of freedom of movement, and combined with the KindShock remote, it delivers good ergonomics. The electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain relies on a direct mount rear derailleur, which delivers precise gear shifts even under load.

The 800 mm Truvativ Descendant carbon handlebars and DT Swiss HXC 1501 carbon wheelset round off the package. SRAM MAVEN Ultimate brakes with 220 mm rotors front and rear deliver impressive stopping power, which is exactly what a downhill-focused eMTB requires. The Continental tires are a perfect match: GHOST rely on a Kryptotal Fr in the Enduro casing and Super Soft compound at the front and a Kryptotal Re in Downhill casing and Soft compound at the rear. The perfect combination of grip up front and puncture protection at the rear – awesome!

Tuning tip: Secure the battery cover properly

Other spec options of the 2025 GHOST E-RIOT

The 2025 GHOST E-Riot is available in four different versions: Advanced, Pro, Full Party, and LTD. All models feature a carbon frame, the same robust Continental Kryptotal tires, and a Bosch Performance Line CX motor with an 800 Wh battery. The entry-level Advanced model, which retails at € 6,999, comes equipped with a SRAM NX drivetrain, entry-level RockShox suspension, and SRAM DB8 brakes. This setup is aimed at riders looking for a solid configuration at an attractive price. The € 8,000 Pro version offers a significant upgrade with a Shimano XT drivetrain, Deore brakes, and FOX Performance suspension. For € 9,000, you can get the Full Party model, which comes with FOX Factory suspension, SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes, and the new SRAM S1000 Transmission drivetrain – our clear value-for-money recommendation! The top-of-the-line LTD model we tested is priced at € 10,000.

The geometry of the 2025 GHOST E-RIOT

The 2025 GHOST E-Riot is available in four sizes S, M, L, and XL. In size L, it has 490 mm reach, which is relatively long for a modern eMTB. The chainstays don’t grow with the frame size, measuring 445 mm across the board.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	572 mm	604 mm	632 mm	660 mm
Seat tube	384,5 mm	409,5 mm	424,5 mm	474,5 mm
Head tube	90 mm	100 mm	115 mm	130 mm
Head angle	64°	64°	64°	64°
Seat angle	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°	77.5°
Chainstay	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm	445 mm
BB Drop	10 mm	10 mm	10 mm	10 mm
Wheelbase	1,216 mm	1,251 mm	1,282 mm	1,314 mm
Reach	435 mm	465 mm	490 mm	515 mm
Stack	618 mm	627 mm	640 mm	654 mm

The new 2025 GHOST E-RIOT LTD on the trail

As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the GHOST E-Riot places you in a comfortable, central pedalling position, making you feel at ease from the get go and ensuring efficient power transfer. The riding position is neither too sporty nor too front-heavy, and even with maximum motor support in Turbo mode, the front wheel remains planted firmly on the ground. The new Bosch Performance Line CX motor delivers strong power and is extremely quiet in the process – a noticeable upgrade from the previous Bosch motor.

Even when riding downhill, the motor is pleasantly quiet – no rattling or other annoying noises to be heard, awesome! With its heavy system weight and generous suspension travel, it feels like a rally car, effortlessly absorbing bumps and obstacles while keeping you comfortably centred between the wheels. This inspires huge amounts of confidence and encourages you to set new speed records. However, tight corners and twisty trails expose the dark side of the GHOST’s composed character: the bike feels a bit sluggish and requires greater physical effort to swing around tight berms. That said, it’s not overly cumbersome and can be handled with ease. The strong suspension plays a big role in this, providing good support and allowing you to move around the bike, pump through rollers, and pop off edges. At the same time, it’s sensitive enough to generate good traction, and still provides plenty of reserves with bigger impacts. The smaller rear wheel adds extra agility, especially when leaning into corners, letting you really push the rear end in. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, making you feel at ease from the get go, while the intuitive handling allows you to roll back down into the valley safely once you’ve drained the big 800 Wh battery after a long day in the saddle.

Who should take a closer look at the 2025 GHOST E-RIOT LTD?

If you’re looking for a stylish bike to confidently smash down the trails without relying on the last bit of agility, the 2025 GHOST E-Riot is the perfect choice. With its big 800 Wh battery, it allows you to embark on long rides without getting range anxiety. The bike not only delivers strong downhill performance but also has enough power and capacity for extended all-day adventures.

Conclusions about the 2025 GHOST E-RIOT LTD

The 2025 GHOST E-Riot lives up to its promise, providing a robust eMTB for challenging trails. With its strong components, well-thought-out details, and modern look, it inspires confidence on rough terrain without being too sluggish. The solid suspension provides excellent support and control, even though it’s not the most agile bike. The new Bosch motor and 800 Wh battery make it perfect for long rides, with no concerns about range.

For more information, visit Ghost’s website.

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker