New 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL on review – A new lightweight e-bike motor?

With the Instinct Powerplay SL, Rocky Mountain are finally joining the light eMTB party – or at least, that’s what the name suggests! Rocky Mountain’s all-mountain eMTB features the Canadian manufacturer’s proprietary Dyname motor, which drives the rear wheel through an additional sprocket. But can the innovative drive and smaller battery deliver on the trail, or is the concept just a heavy compromise? Let’s find out.

Rocky Mountain are based in Vancouver, BC, which is known as the birthplace of mountain biking. The Canadian brand has been building mountain bikes since 1981 and ventured into the e-bike market in 2017 with the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay. Unlike many, they didn’t follow the mainstream but developed a unique, powerful motor concept in close collaboration with Dyname.

Now, with the Instinct Powerplay SL, they took a different approach and revamped the whole concept, using a smaller, integrated yet removable battery, and a lighter motor,the Dyname S4 Lite. While this delivers less power than its bigger sibling, it still packs a punch compared to most light e-mountain bike drives, churning out 65 Nm of torque – at least 5 Nm more than most conventional lightweight motors. But does this justify the “SL” name suffix, and is the bike worth its € 9,700 price tag? Let’s dig in.

The new motor system of the 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL – Dyname S4 Lite

At the heart of the new Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL is the all-new Dyname S4 Lite e-bike motor. With up to 65 Nm of torque and 550 W peak power, it has more torque than its “lightweight competitors”, the Bosch Performance Line SX and FAZUA Ride 60 sitting right between them in terms of peak power. In our riding impressions,we’ll tell you how this translates to the pedal feel and power delivery. Given the motor’s key data, Rocky Mountain are deliberately marketing the Instinct Powerplay as a “mid-support” eMTB. Specs aside, what truly sets this motor apart is its power transmission system: instead of driving directly through a large chainring, the motor relies on a small auxiliary drive sprocket above the chainring to ensure extra tension on the chain. Above all, this unique approach impacts the internal motor gearing and offers more flexibility in designing the rear suspension.

The 480 Wh battery is removable though this requires tools: you need to loosen two bolts before sliding the battery out towards the bottom bracket. To make this step easier, it’s best to lay the bike on its side or turn it upside down altogether. The advantage of this design is that it allows for a sleek, tidy design, especially around the downtube. And if 480 Wh isn’t enough, you can expand the battery with the Overtime Pack 2.0 range extender, which boosts the capacity by a very reasonable 314 Wh.

When it comes to system integration, Rocky Mountain keep things simple: no app, no extra hassle – that’s the slogan. The motor can be controlled via the integrated display on the top tube, which gives you access to the four riding modes, from Eco up to the powerful Ludicrous mode. While the streamlined approach keeps things simple, a companion app could have been a nice addition, allowing you to tweak the motor settings via a smartphone. Instead, you have to use the discreet, user-friendly remote to switch between the four modes (Eco, Trail, Trail+, Ludicrous) and navigate through different display views. The motor characteristics can be adjusted on board changing the Boost parameter, which controls how much the pedal pressure is amplified. Additionally, the maximum power output can be adjusted in percenteage across the four different ride-modes.

The new 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL in detail

For a light e-mountain bike, the motor integration on the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL is anything but subtle. While the downtube is relatively slim, the bottom bracket area clearly gives away the bike’s electric nature: the motor is positioned notably forward and upward within the frame, creating a bulky section above the bottom bracket. This position is partly due to the battery removal system – while the battery is neatly integrated into the frame, it can be removed from the bottom of the downtube once you undo the two bolts with a tool. The charging port sits on the non-drive side just above the bb, and is protected against muck and water by a rubberised cover.

The motor relies on an additional idler pulley to transfer the power, which allows for a slightly higher pivot point in the rear suspension – Rocky Mountain call it the Mid-High-Pivot Smoothlink Suspension. The chain routing through the motor eliminates kickback, and the system works a bit like a high-pivot suspension. A generously sized, ribbed chainstay protector ensures a quiet ride,even on rough trails. The cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame through clamped cable ports right behind the head tube. Not only does this ensure a tidy look, but also makes it easier to service the bike. A bonus: there’s enough room on the downtube for either a bottle cage or the optional 314 Wh range extender,which both come in handy on long rides ;). Unfortunately, the Instinct POwerplay doesn’t feature any mounting points or storage solutions?

The specs of our 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 70 test bike

The Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 70 is the mid-range model of the carbon lineup, and comes equipped with a solid mix of high-quality components. A FOX Float X Performance shock manages 145 mm of travel, and features externally adjustable compression and rebound stages, as well as a climb switch for long climbs. Up front, a FOX 36 Grip X Performance Elite fork generates 150 mm of travel. The new Grip X damper has adjustable low and high speed circuits on both the rebound and compression circuit, and delivers nearly the same performance as its top-tier Grip X counterpart. FOX also supply the new Transfer Performance Elite dropper post, which offers 180 mm of travel in size L. In our opinion, the 210 mm version would be a better match for this bike, as it would ensure better freedom of movement on the bike, especially with taller riders.

Shifting and braking is taken care of by a SRAM groupset consisting of SRAM Code Silver Stealth brakes, and a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain. The brakes are paired with 200 mm rotors front and rear, providing powerful, reliable deceleration. The levers of the Code Silver line feature tool-free reach and bite-point adjustments. The 200 mm rotors are a good match for an e-bike in this travel class. The SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain ensures smooth shifting, even when the motor is putting significant tension on the chain.

The Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 70 rollson a RaceFace ARC 30 alloy wheelset and MAXXIS tire combo, with a Minion DHF at the front and DHR II at the rear, both in the harder MaxxTerra compound. The front tire features the thinnest EXO casing, while the rear wheel gets a slightly more robust EXO+ casing, which is tough enough for flowing trails but doesn’t offer enough puncture protection on rougher terrain. When the first tire change is due, we recommend upgrading to a more durable casing like MAXXIS DoubleDown – at least on the rear. The Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 70 retails at a hefty € 9,700.

Tuning Tip: when the first tire change is due, consider upgrading to a softer rubber compound like MAXXIS’ MaxxGrip at the front and their robust DoubleDown casing at the rear for better performance and durability.

All other spec variants of the 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL

Alongside our Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 70 test bike, Rocky Mountain offers two more carbon variants and three alloy models, which come all equipped with the new Dyname S4 Lite motor and 480 Wh battery. Except for the BC edition, which comes standard with Cush Core inserts, all variants feature MAXXIS Minion DHF and DHR II tires in the puncture-prone EXO and EXO+ casings – so they could do with an upgrade.

The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 90 is the flagship model in the Instinct Powerplay SL range, sitting a tier above our test bike with a significant price jump to € 12,500. This variant comes equipped with a full FOX Kashima suspension setup, including the dropper post. The FOX 36 Grip X2 Factory performs slightly better on the trail but also weighs more than the Grip X variant. The FOX Float X Factory shock has the same external adjustments as the one on our test bike, and comes with a fancy Kashima coating. The FOX Transfer Factory dropper post offers a whopping 210 mm of travel in frame size L, providing even more freedom of movement. The Carbon 90 rolls on a Race Face ERA carbon wheelset, which brings down the system weight to 19.5 kg in size L. However, saving weight by using a lighter tire casing can be an expensive mistake in combination with a carbon wheelset, because the flimsy EXO+ casing at the rear could easily lead to costly breakdowns.

The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Carbon 50 is the most affordable carbon variant, though at € 7,700, it’s still far from cheap. It features a 150 mm RockShox Lyrik Select fork with the basic Charger RC damper, which only offers externally adjustable low-speed compression and rebound settings. The fork is paired with a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock with piggyback reservoir, which offers easy rebound adjustment and includes a climb switch for more efficient uphill rides. An X-Fusion Manic dropper post with 170 mm of travel in size L aims to provide ample freedom of movement. The WTB KOM aluminium wheelset strikes a good price/performance ratio. If € 7,700 is still too steep for your liking, it might be worth taking a closer look at the aluminium models of the Powerplay SL.

Particularly striking is the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Alloy 70 BC Edition model. The “British Columbia Edition” embodies the brand’s origins, with a robust aluminium frame and extra travel, which make it the ideal choice for the tough local trails. Equipped with a 160 mm RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork, it generates 10 mm more travel at the front than all other models, which makes it the optimal tool for technical trails in mountain biking’s heartland. The Select+ fork is almost identical to the top-tier Ultimate model and only forgoes Rockshox’s Buttercups, which reduce high-frequency vibrations transmitted through the bike. The fork is combined with aSuper Deluxe Select+ shock, which, at 150 mm, generates slightly more travel than the other models. Our test bike in size L comes with a 180mm OneUp V3 dropper post, which ensures smooth actuation and only requires little strength to operate the remote. On the BC Edition, the Race Face Arc 30 alloy wheels come standard with CushCore tire inserts, which allow you to run lower air pressures for more traction. Priced at € 7,800, it’s only € 100 more expensive than the cheapest carbon model, but features a more downhill-oriented spec. This well-equipped, rugged aluminium variant is built towards downhill performance and weighs in at a solid 22 kg.

The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Alloy 50 offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the entry-level carbon model, priced at € 6,500 with a solid spec list. It features the RockShox Lyrik Select fork with 150 mm of travel and the Charger RC damper, which is adjustable for compression and rebound. At the rear, the RockShox Super Deluxe Select shock lacks the climb switch of the Select+ version and is adjustable only in rebound. The 170 mm X-Fusion Manic dropper post (size L) is carried over from the Carbon 50 model, as are the WTB KOM alloy wheels

The entry-level model of the series, the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Alloy 30, is priced at € 5,500 and provides everything needed for a solid start in the trail e-bike world. It comes equipped with a RockShox Psylo Gold RC fork offering 150 mm of travel and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, forming a basic suspension setup. Both components are straightforward, offering minimal adjustment options without any frills. The X-Fusion Manic dropper post with 170 mm of travel (size L) is also included. Rounding off the package are WTB ST alloy rims, providing a reliable and tubeless-ready foundation. This setup offers great value for the price, making it especially appealing to newcomers to the e-MTB scene.

Geometry of the new Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL

The new Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL is available in five sizes, from XS to XL. The size XS version rolls entirely on 27.5” wheels and features shorter chainstays to match, but unlike some other e-bikes, it retains the same battery size even in the smallest size. The rest of the geometry is in line with what you’d expect from a state-of-the-art trail bike. The head angle sits at 63.5° in the slackest position, while the seat angle in the same Flip-Chip setting is 76.5°.

Rocky Mountain’s RIDE-4 System, which relies on a flip-chip in the shock mount, allows for countless adjustments of both the geometry and suspension kinematics, with four different positions to choose from. The system lets you change the head angle between 63.5°, 64°, and 64.2°, while the seat angle can be adjusted between 76.5° and 77.2°. At the same time, by changing the flip chip position, you can increase or decrease the rear suspension’s leverage ratio to match your desired ride feel. Our Instinct Powerplay SL test bike in size L has a moderate 475 mm reach in the slackest flip-chip position. Additionally, Rocky Mountain rely on size-specific shock tunes and chainstay lengths, which is meant to ensure consistent suspension performance and handling across the board – well done!

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	540 mm	566 mm	598 mm	626 mm	658 mm
Seat tube	355 mm	365 mm	410 mm	440 mm	470 mm
Head tube	105 mm	105 mm	110 mm	125 mm	135 mm
Head angle	64°	64°	64°	64°	64°
Seat angle	77°	77,5°	77°	77°	77°
Chainstays	430 mm	440 mm	440 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	17 mm	32 mm	32 mm	32 mm	32 mm
Wheelbase	1.154 mm	1.203 mm	1.230 mm	1.272 mm	1.306 mm
Reach	405 mm	430 mm	455 mm	480 mm	510 mm
Stack	586 mm	614 mm	618 mm	632 mm	641 mm

New 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL 2025 on test

Riding uphill, the new Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL places you in a comfortable, well-balanced pedalling position, which isn’t overly stretched, and therefore doesn’t put too much pressure on your hands. At the same time, there’s still enough weight over the front wheel to prevent it from lifting off the ground on steep climbs. Overall, the weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, which makes it easy to tackle steep, technical climbs. The motor, too, delivers when it really matters, delivering its power smooth and in a very natural way and without feeling abrupt. The support matches your pedal input precisely and kicks in even at very low cadences. The motor pushes you to the trailhead steadily, just like a four-wheel-drive G-class crowls its way up a sand dune –though the Powerplay lacks a punch on level ground terrain and at higher speeds. The motor reaches its peak power fairly quickly, feeling strongest when riding at a moderate pace. Even when you push harder or increase your cadence, you don’t feel a sudden power surge like you might with a Bosch SX motor – but the support remains consistent even at higher revs.

While letting the motor do the hard work, you might notice a slight rattling in the chain, which is caused by the small additional drive sprocket that transmits the power to the chain. This gives the drivetrain a slightly rough feel. However, the motor’s support remains steady, providing reliable assistance on climbs. The Dyname S4 Lite feels like a middle ground between a FAZUA and a Bosch SX motor – though it lacks the extra boost at higher cadences that the Bosch offers. Instead, it reaches peak power earlier and maintains it for longer. When tackling highly technical climbs, it can get tricky: the motor has minimal overrun, meaning it doesn’t continue to push much once you stop pedalling. However, on fire roads and consistently steep climbs without technical sections, the support is more than adequate, offering a sporty feel that still requires a fair amount of effort to maintain speed.

Once you reach the trailhead and drop back down into the valley, the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL makes you feel at ease from the get go, impressing above all with its low centre of gravity, which can be fine-tuned using the RIDE-4 system. In position 3 (neutral), the Powerplay SL is agile and nimble, which makes it easy to thread your way through trees, and to carve through tight turns and hairpin switchbacks. The relatively low front end ensures enough weight on the front wheel, preventing unexpected understeer.

The suspension also shines on rough descents, providing a balanced mix of traction and pop. As a result, the Rocky Mountain is both responsive and grippy on rough terrain, while at the same time making it easy to gap tricky root sections and obstacles when needed. In other words, you don’t feel glued to the ground, and even the smallest kicker encourages you to get some airtime. Towards the end of the stroke, the Instinct Powerplay SL provides enough support to bail you out with botched landings and heavy compressions – no need to worry about harsh bottom-outs! For a bike with 145 mm of rear travel, it’s remarkably capable of absorbing hits.

Who should take a closer look at the new 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL?

The new Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL is aimed primarily at sporty riders. Uphill, the new Dyname S4 Lite motor delivers smooth and consistent assistance, even at low cadences, which makes it ideal for riders who want to be shuttled up moderate climbs – though there are more powerful motors available out there! But the real reward for the effort on the climbs is its impressive downhill performance. Despite its relatively high system weight, the Instinct Powerplay SL is freakishly similar to a non-electric bike downhill. It’s agile and firm, generating plenty of traction and maintaining speed without feeling sluggish. For those looking for even more bike for their money, the British Columbia Edition is definitely worth a closer look.

Conclusions about the new 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL

The new Instinct Powerplay SL is a sporty eMTB that perfectly embodies Rocky Mountain’s DNA. Uphill, the motor delivers plenty of power even at low cadences, though it tends to run out of steam on steeper climbs – and that’s despite the impressive specs on paper. On the other hand, it really comes to life on the descents, with a finely tuned suspension that will appeal to sporty riders willing to put in some effort on the climbs to unlock its full downhill potential. It’s a well-rounded overall package that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

For more information, visit bikes.com

---

Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Peter Walker