Valentino Rossi eMTB – VR 46 gives his name to the new e-MTB from MT Distribution

Valentino Rossi, aka “The Doctor”, is best known for his MotoGP successes and his surgical precision on MotoGP tracks. Now the racer and entrepreneur is introducing eMTBs that rely on the Bosch Performance Line CX motorand, with 160 mm of suspension travel, are built for going beyond the tarmac.

The most successful MotoGP rider of all time Valentino Rossi is switching to another bike. After 9 world championship titles and 115 Grand Prix victories across all classes riding for Aprilia, Honda and Yamaha, Valentino Rossi seems to getting bored with motorcycling. At the end of his career in autumn 2021, he will start working with MT Distribution, who have previously developed ebikes for Ducati. The most successful motorbike racer is now the inspiration for MT Distribution’s new eMTB: the VR 46. Does he simply want to expand his two-wheeled dominance or is there a true passion for eMTBs involved?

Fourth generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a standard charging cover on the seat tube and removable, lockable battery.

The recently introduced bike is designed to deliver fun with E-support away from the racetrack. The full suspension delivers 160 mm travel at the front and rear and the aluminium frame rolls on MX-style wheels i.e. a 29″ wheel at the front and 27.5″ wheel at the rear. The bike will be available in 2 versions, namely the Pro and a Limited Edition, both of which permit the geometry to be adjusted by 1° via a flip chip on the rear triangle. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor combined with the Bosch 750 Wh battery provides plenty of support. The Bosch Smart System with the Kiox 300 display ensure optimal usability and a clear overview of what’s going on. Find out more about the Bosch Smart System here.

Valentino remains loyal to two-wheelers.

The specs of the VR 46 E-MTB Pro and VR 46 E-MTB Limited

The Pro version of the VR 46 relies on RockShox suspension with a Super Deluxe Ultimate coil shock and Lyrik Ultimate fork. It uses a SRAM GX drivetrain and SRAM Guide RE brakes with 200/180 mm rotors front and rear. Both bikes roll on Pirelli tyres, no doubt inspired by the motorsports heritage.
The VR 46 Limited’s name is more than appropriate: it is limited to 46 units, all of which come with a certificate of authenticity and are signed by Valentino Rossi himself. In addition, all Limited Edition bikes are equipped with high-end components, such as the suspension elements from the motocross suspension experts at Öhlins. Crankbrothers provide the wheelset for the flagship model and MT Distribution spec the lightweight carbon rims with a Technomousse tire insert for protection – great! The dropper is a new, high-quality Crankbrothers item made from carbon and titanium with 170 mm travel. The Crankbrothers Highline 11 is still unknown on the accessories market, but this spec choice emphasises the exclusive character of the bike. On top of that, the FSA carbon cranks also feature a first: OCHAIN have provded their first ebike compatible crank spider for the VR 46 Limited, which is supposed to prevent pedal kickback caused by the compression of the suspension. You can find out more about how it works and its benefits in our OCHAIN review. The Limited is also specced with a wireless SRAM’s AXS drivetrain. Given its illustrious show of components the VR 46 Limited represents a prestige eSUV in a class of its own.

The Bosch LED Remote offers a charge level indicator, shows the colour-coded riding and, as such, gives you the option of making do without a display.

FSA provide the oil slick stem and the Gradient carbon handlebar, which accommodates the Bosch Kiox 300 display.

Always a welcome sight: the VR 46 also uses the SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger.

OCHAIN celebrate their premiere on the stage of ebikes with the VR 46, fitting their active spider designed to reduce the feedback to the pedals from the suspension.

Prices and availability of the VR 46 Pro and VR 46 Limited

Prices for the new VR 46 Pro or Limited are not yet available but we will keep you updated. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website. Both builds should be available from 2022 onwards, though if you want the limited edition, you’ll have to be quick!

VR 46 Pro and VR 46 Limited conclusion

For those who celebrate MotoGP and Valentino Rossi, the new limited edition VR 46 will be an inspirational eSUV. The bike uses the latest Bosch ebike expertise paired with innovative parts and exclusive availability. The only question that remains is whether Rossi’s performance-oriented racing genes have made it into the bike or whether the MotoGP pro was just the inspiration for the name?

For more information visit VR46e-mtb.com

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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Manufacturer